My brother stared at me, and I stared back without blinking. Back in the old days when we were kids, I’d always look away first, but those days were long gone. I hadn’t gone through everything to stay the sweet shrinking violet I used to be.
I had a backbone now.
“I couldn’t come before, there was…”
“I hope the next words out of your mouth are that you were in rehab.”
Instantly, his eyes narrowed. His face became a mask of pure fury. “I do not have a drug problem, Sophia,” Gio snapped, and this time, there was real anger in his voice.
“The only problem I have…that we have…” he amended quickly, “is the one you're sharing a bed with.” His eyes swept around the place. “The man you are playing house with is our problem, Sophia, and I couldn’t come until I was sure we were alone.”
Pursing my lips, I studied him, and then with a sigh, fell into one of the chairs opposite him. I didn’t look at him, though. Instead, I looked out at the city. The city I loved, but that was not really home anymore.
“Nothing to say?” he prompted.
“I don’t know what you want me to say. You wanted me here and I came.”
“I want you to…”
“I am helping you, Gio.”
God, I was tired of this. All of these games were taking their toll on my mental health. I was strong, but even I had a limit.
“I know.”
I blinked at him in shock. Had he really just changed his tune?
“I mean it, Sophia.” Leaning over, he took my hand. “I know you are trying to help the family and that you don’t want to be here.”
There was a dark look in his eyes that I didn’t like at all.
“Mom and Dad would be so proud of you.”
“Don’t bring Mom and Dad into this,” I snapped before I could help myself. “If they were alive, then none of this would be happening.”
That was the truth.
“I know.”
Was it my imagination, or did my brother sound sad?
Wrapping my fingers around his, I squeezed them. I had to give him some slack. It was obvious he was struggling. He’d had to deal with all of this mess since they had passed all by himself.
“I am glad you’re here,” I whispered. “I’ve missed you all these years, Gio.”
“I know.”
We fell into talking. We spoke about light-hearted things, and not once did he mention Matteo, so I didn’t either. It was like old times. Back when I had idolized my older brother.
“Well, this looks cozy.” Matteo's voice cut through our laughter.
My head snapped up. How the hell hadn’t I missed the sound of the elevator? Maybe because we had been laughing so hard at an old story.
Jumping up, I went to greet him. “Matteo.” Launching myself into his arms, I reached up to kiss his lips. “You’re home.”
Half of me expected him to reject my kisses, but his lips werewarm and firm against mine. “I’ve missed you as well.” Slowly, he untangled himself from my arms and turned toward my brother. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
The tone of his voice said he was hoping he was.
