I perked up. “I’ve heard of that one. I’ve seen the guy on YouTube, I think. He seems cool.”
Madden smiled. “Yeah, I thought so too. Can we watch that?”
“Sure.” Then I held up a finger. “Except, if nobody is watching TV downstairs, it would totally look better there, right? On the bigger screen?”
His eyes lit up. “Yeah!” Then he looked at me more seriously. “Unless you want to just hang here?”
“I appreciate it, Mad, but I can do this. Besides, I want to see it, too.”
“Okay! Can you go check if anyone’s using the TV?” He gave me the puppy eyes.
I rolled mine. “Fine.”
Within fifteen minutes, we had the couches packed with guys, snacks, and Bucky who apparently needed to take part in the watch party.
Despite everything, it was a good evening, and I managed to forget about the phone until I went back to my room.
There was a message for me.
Hi, Rey. Yeah, I know who you are. I’m so sorry you’re hurting.
Tears flooded my eyes, and I instinctively looked at my bathroom door, even though I knew Jack wasn’t behind the wall anymore.
Thanks. How is he?
This time, even though she’d sent the initial message almost an hour ago, she replied immediately.
He’s hanging in there. Then, before I could figure out how to respond to that, she sent another one.He loves you very much, but it’s freaking him out as you probably know. I think this situation has made him realize he needs to get through some things before he’s going to be any good for you. Not that he’d put it in those words.
I felt surprised at her candor, but also kind of not. Her brother was so much like her that maybe I should’ve expected it.
No, he wouldn’t. Can you…keep an eye on him for me?”
Of course. I think he’s leaving for a job in Big Bear after New Year’s, but until then, I’ll make him stay here.
Thank you. I didn’t want to give myself time to chicken out, so I quickly typed,You really think he loves me?
Yes. Without a doubt. But you need to realize that he has much more history of just living. He’ll tell you everything one day I’m sure, but for now, this isn’t really about you, as much as it might feel like it is.
Logically I’d known that it wasn’t all about me, of our age difference, but it made me feel marginally better to hear it from someone who knew him so well.
Thank you for saying that.
He has his path in life, both present and in past, and he needs to figure out how to mix those two in a way that allows him a good future. With you. But…I think at this point, he’s waiting to hear that you’ve moved on so he can chicken out. In order to get him back there, you might need to figure out some tricks.
I could do that.I can do that.
Good. I’m glad. I’ll keep you posted. I’m going to take him out to dinner now before he starts to meld with my couch.
I chuckled despite feeling this pressure in my chest from just missing him so much.Make sure he eats dessert. It’s good for him.
I will. Talk to you later.
You too, Rhiannon. And thanks again.
She saw the message but didn’t reply to it.
* * * *
