Chapter Sixteen
Esme
“Are you going to use that extra syrup?” Mina asked, and I shook my head. AJ’s sister was adorable but feisty.
Everyone at the Hero Society was sitting in the kitchen area, eating a glorious breakfast that Janie had made. Echo had saved Janie when she was kidnapped because of her power to instantly remember things that she’d seen. It turned out okay, but she hadn’t wanted to go home. Instead she made herself comfy in one of the apartments above the restaurant and started using all that knowledge to try new hobbies. Cooking was the one she enjoyed the most, so she would cook everyone meals when we were around.
This morning happened to be such a day.
The crew was looking tired and slightly run-down.
I knew the feeling.
It was hard living in a city where everyone hated you. I wasn’t out about my powers, but I still felt their pain. This group was quickly growing from friends to family, and they’d welcomed me in with big, open arms.
Mina was chowing down on her extra sugary waffle, I had French toast and some eggs, and others were digging into their own delicious breakfasts that Janie had made to order.
“I don’t know how you always eat that much and stay so thin. Maybe you do have powers after all,” Leon commented, and Mina stuck out her tongue at him in a sisterly way.
“So, is anyone else going to address the elephant in the room?” Rose asked, and my fork paused midway to my mouth. Did I do something wrong?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Phillip grinned, and everyone else was looking in different directions like they weren’t ready to talk about what Rose was bringing up. Okay, this was weird.
“Uh-huh. So, there isn’t anything you want to…ya know, get out in the open?” She was egging him on, so at least now I knew it wasn’t about me.
“I’m boning your brother.”
All heads turned to Mina, who was sitting next to me in a long-sleeved purple shirt with a hoodie that had cat ears on the top of her head.
She continued eating like what she just said wasn’t a big deal.
“I knew it! My girl is tapping that!” Lilith clapped and smiled, clearly excited. Everyone else laughed, including Draco.
Rose shoulder-bumped her brother, and he just smiled at her sweetly, making my chest hurt a little. Being around Phillip and Rose reminded me so much of my brother, Eli. They had such a close relationship that one would think they shared that twin connection, like Eli and I had.
All but Draco and AJ—who I’m pretty sure was trying to block out this whole conversation— were congratulating the couple and busting their balls about trying to keep it a secret. Obviously, Phillip was okay with this all happening because he was the only one who had the means to know it was coming and do something differently.
Mina, being a woman who didn’t hold anything back, told us that Phillip had set it up to be this way all along. He found AJ, but knew AJ needed the time to grow into his own, and Mina to look for him. Mina was Phillip’s soul mate. He knew that by helping AJ, he’d also help the woman he was destined for. She was pissed at him in the beginning because he could have reunited them sooner but came around quickly. It’s hard to hold back when someone knows you are their future and will do anything for you.
Phillip must straddle the right path to make sure the best possible future happens for us. It must have been hard for him to stay away and not rush to the girl of his dreams as soon as he knew. He’d been in pain too, by staying away.
It was the type of love I’d always wanted, and while the two were completely different people, I could see how it would work. She was the queen to his king of the city. She would keep him on his toes, even with him being able to see the future.
“How’s the arm feeling?” Draco asked, and I smiled. He was kind and caring through that tough-looking mask he wore. Watching those he cared about die had taken a toll on him, but I could see he was really trying to let everyone in.
“It’s all right, just sore. I will survive.”
I moved my arm, testing the range of motion. It was fine. I was lucky I hadn’t been closer to the explosion.
He nodded.
“Before I forget, I’m heading to Magnolia to see my parents tomorrow, so no one get hurt for twenty-four hours, okay?” I looked them all in the eye, giving them my best nurse stare and a few of them laughed. I guess the look wasn’t as badass as I was trying to make it.
“I don’t foresee any trouble. We should manage a day without needing your services.” Phillip wasn’t smiling as he said those words. Was there something else he saw that he wasn’t saying aloud?
“Good.”
Everyone finished eating their food, then Leon and Lilith went up to their room with claims they wanted a nap. Everyone knew better. Rose and Draco settled themselves in the chill room on their chair while she read a book and Draco just enjoyed her company.
