“The wreckage was never found. Neither were their bodies.”
Jesus. I wish I were drinking bourbon instead of coffee. “I’m so sorry.”
Teya grabs the carafe from the counter, tops off my cup, and adds a splash to her own. “I’d offer you something stronger,” she says, like she’s read my mind, “but all I’ve got is wine.”
I raise my cup in a salute. “Just so happens I’m a coffee enthusiast.”
Which, honestly, isn’t far from the truth. I was actually quoted as saying those exact words in an interview forAgriculturally Soiled, a monthly journal featuring young entrepreneurs. The article spotlighted a gay couple from Philly who moved to Puerto Rico and launched a business selling locally sourced coffee.Café Bonitowas born, and it’s been growing ever since.
“Anyway,” she continues, snapping me back to the present. “It was a really hard time for both of us. Alex was Mom’s angel,” she adds with a soft, longing smile. “Our parents were flying overseas to adopt a little boy—Mom’sotherangel. God, he was so cute, Elijah. Floppy blond hair and the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. Just… adorable.”
She exhales a shaky breath, tucking her hair behind her ears.
“Alex was so excited about becoming a big brother. And let me tell you, he washell-benton going with them. Stubborn, that boy. But school was in session, and Mom wouldn’t let him miss it.”
Her fingers drift slowly around the rim of her mug. “I’ve always wondered what happened to that little boy?”
“Do you have a picture of him?” I ask.
“I did… but I’m not sure where it is now. Probably packed away with the rest of the old photos.” She sighs. “I assume he was adopted by another family. Still… I wish he were here. Alex would have loved having a little brother.”
“You can still look for him, you know?” I say gently. “It’s never too late.”
“I know,” she sighs, reaching into a drawer and pulling out an envelope. “But it might not be a good idea. It could be too much for Alex.”
She sets the envelope face down on the table, running her fingers across it, her eyes far away.
“Years later, my brother chose to attend high school in New York City. Our grandfather worked there as a garbageman. He had a small apartment on the outskirts of Manhattan—stayed there during the week to avoid the traffic. Alex lived with him during the school year, then they’d come home on weekends.”
Her hand stills on the envelope. “That’s where he met Meera. Beautiful girl. Incredibly talented artist. She was new at the school, kind of a loner… but for some reason, she took an instant liking to my brother.”
I don’t say a word. Just nod. No way in hell am I interrupting now. This is the closest I’ve come to understanding Alex’s past. I lean in slightly, catching the glint of a tear forming in the corner of her eye.
“He loved her, Elijah. So damn much. I know he was young—still in high school, first love and all—but they clicked. You know? She was good for him.” She blows on her coffee, then finally takes a sip. “Or so I thought.”
Okay. I know this isn’t the time to be thinking about getting railed, but Jesus Christ—my asshole is killing me. This isexactlywhy I don’t bottom.
I shift in my seat, doing my best to keep the discomfort off my face, and place a steadying hand over her fidgeting fingers.
“Alex told me Meera walked out on him and Emilee.”
“That’s right.” Her eyes lift from the envelope. “Can I, um… tell you something in confidence?”
“Of course.” I lean in, giving her my full attention. “Whatever you share with me stays between us. I promise.”
She sighs, tightening her grip on my hand. “So… here’s the thing. I may have solved Alex’s puzzle. Years ago.”
She blinks back a tear. My eyes flick to the clock on the wall: 4:30 a.m.
Ugh. Definitely too early for that glass of wine—but something tells me I’m going to need something a hell of a lot stronger than coffee.
“God, this sounds crazy, Elijah… but I think Meera might have had another child. And it’s not my brother’s.”
“What?!” I don’t even try to hide the shock in my voice. “And you never told Alex?”
“Well, that’s the thing. I, um… suspect he might know.”
She suddenly stands and turns to face the window. I’m so stunned by her admission, I can’t even speak... not right away, anyway. First, I need to pick my damn jaw up off the floor.
