Flicking her bangs out of her eyes, she turns to Francis with a frown. “What is it, Francie?”
He hates that nickname.
“Nothing, Annie… why?”
She narrows her eyes. “Thought I saw you shake your head, babe… Aren’t you happy Seb and Ian reconnected? I mean, Sebastian’s clearly been through a lot these past years.
Even if he did mess things up with Maddie, the idea that he figured out he was gay all on his own, without anyone to support him, it breaks my heart.”
Her voice cracks.
The giddy joy from moments ago vanishes, and Francis notices right away. He reaches out and brushes her cheek with the back of his hand, his tone suddenly soft, quiet, careful.
“Of course I’m happy they reconnected, love. I know how close you all were back then… I just think…”
He pauses, clearly trying to find the right words.
It’s strange, seeing him like this. I’ve known Francis forever, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this gentle. Usually, he’s all swagger and sarcasm. He must really love her.
“What I mean is… Seb already did something incredibly brave tonight, opening up like that. Maybe we should give him a bit of space. No need to pressure him. If he’s into Ian, he’ll show it.”
Something in Francis’s tone rubs me the wrong way, and I snap before I can stop myself.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
My voice comes out sharper than I intended. Francis meets my glare in the rear-view mirror with an unreadable look.
Anne turns to me, frowning, clearly confused,
but before I can come up with some clumsy excuse, Francis jumps in.
“Nothing, Remi. I just meant… Seb doesn’t exactly strike me as naïve.”
Anne scowls instantly. “What are you implying, Francis? That my friend’s easy? Don’t even go there. Just because he dresses a little sexy sometimes doesn’t give anyone the right to judge him. Seriously, I’m disappointed in you.”
“Exactly!” I cut in, heat rising in my chest.
“I didn’t expect that kind of narrow-minded crap from you, Fran. For the record, Seb’s been nothing but focused on school and home since he got here, and even if he weren’t, it’s none of your damn business!”
My voice rises at the end, but Francis holds up his hands, offering a sheepish grin to try and defuse the tension.
“Okay, okay, calm down! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not judging Sebastian, I swear. I just meant… he seems sharp. Totally capable of looking after himself. I like him, I really do. I get why you two want to protect him. He comes off as sweet and soft, but I think he’s way stronger than he looks.
And for the record? I think his style’s awesome.”
Anne softens immediately. She leans over and presses a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth.
“I knew you weren’t a prude. But I’m glad you clarified. You know how much I care about Seb... Now that he’s back in my life, I’m not letting him go again. And okay, sure, I know he’s stronger than he seems, but I still want to hug him every time I see him. You’re not jealous, are you, babe?”
Francis clenches his jaw slightly, brow furrowing.
“Cuddle him all you like. But his sexy look hasnothingto do with it, right?”
“I didn’t say that, Francie…”
Anne throws him a teasing smirk, eyes gleaming.
She’s clearly playing with fire, and loving every second of it. I burst out laughing. Honestly? It’s the first time all night I’ve felt something close to relaxed. For a few minutes, I even manage to forget about Seb and Ian in that other car.
