“Yes.”
“That time we were drunk. We didn’t have that excuse last night.” I brace myself for a look of disapproval that never comes.
“Do you need an excuse other than being into each other? You are into him, right?”
“Yes.”
“And he’s into you. So what’s the problem?”
“He’s my ex-husband’s twin.”
“So? Like I told Jimmy, the keyword isex-husband. You and Billy are history. He doesn’t get a say in who you’re with now.”
I blow out a breath. “I wish it were that simple.”
“It is.”
The light in the copse is dappled as it strains to reach us through the canopy above. Branches sway and creak in the breeze, birds twitter, and insects buzz. Somewhere ahead, getting closer with every step we take, water babbles over stones.
I shove my hands into my pockets. “I can’t act like Billy won’t be upset.”
“I’m not sure he has a right to be.”
I stare at Angus. “Jimmy is his brother. Wouldn’t you be upset?”
“Hey, I’m an only child, so take my advice with a pinch of salt, but this is how I see it: you and Billy aren’t together anymore. You and Jimmy like each other. Billy is just going to have to act like an adult and deal with it. You don’t owe him anything anymore, especially not your happiness.”
“I don’t want to get between him and Jimmy.” Except they’re not on speaking terms, which is my fault.
We reach a small brook, winding through the trees. The water is clear.
Angus crouches, picks up a water-polished stone, and skims it across the surface of the water. “Why do you like Jimmy?”
I blink. “What do you mean?”
“Tell me why you think he’s great.”
“He’s Jimmy.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“All right. He’s kind, caring, and funny. He—” I falter, my voice dying in my throat.
“What? Unless it’s T.M.I.”
I chuckle. “It’s not. He takes care of me.”
Angus folds his arms over his splayed thighs. “You say that like Billy didn’t.”
“What? No. I didn’t mean it to come across like that. I—” I shake my head.
“Did he?” He picks up another stone and skims it.
“Yes, of course.” He did, didn’t he?
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
