A typing bubble appears.
I grip the phone tighter.
The bubble disappears.
Comes back.
Disappears again.
“Holy shit,” I whisper.
And then a message comes through.
Rowan: I can’t believe it’s you. We weren’t sure if you would ever want to reach out. Totally understand if you never wanted to. We didn’t want to come in and turn your life upside down, but we also didn’t want to go through life not knowing you either.
Tears fall down my cheeks.
Rowan: I still can’t believe you reached out. I was so excited, I didn’t even get a chance to stalk your socials.
This makes me smile.
Rowan: Usually, I am more prepared than that. I’m the practical brother, whereas Callum is … you’ll find out for yourself.
I laugh.
Rowan: I can’t believe you live in LA. I’m always in LA for work and stuff. Wow. I’m rambling. I’m not a rambler. I’m just so excited. Have you reached out to Callum too? He’s probably out and didn’t see your message, don’t worry, he’s hopeless at communicating.
Derrick: I’ve only reached out to you as you are closer.
Rowan: I’m so glad you have. Can we FaceTime?
I still.
Shit.
“What do I do?” I turn to ask Charlie.
“If you’re up to talking to him, do it. If you need more time, let him know. He seems very excited.”
“He does, doesn’t he?” I smile, staring at the message.
Rowan: Sorry, that might have been too much. We’ve had time to get used to the idea of another brother, and I never thought this day would happen. Please, take your time. We will wait.
“He seems nice,” Charlie adds.
He does. Fuck it. This guy seems so excited about me. I’m curious, and I’m going to have to do it at some point, might as well do it now.
I press call.
My heart is jumping out of my chest but fuck it. The call rings only once, and the handsomest male face fills the screen.
“It’s you.” He gasps then smiles widely, showing off perfect teeth. He has dark-styled hair, green eyes like mine, and iscleanly shaved. He’s wearing an expensive suit from a designer I know well, and I can see the skyscrapers of New York behind him. He looks to be at the office.Of course, he is, it is a workday.
“It’s me,” I answer. “Can see the good looks run in the family.”
This makes him laugh. “Whatever you do, never compliment Callum, his ego is out of control.” Rowan shakes his head. Hearing the Scottish accent is strange. “I can’t believe it’s really you.” He stares at me as if clocking our similarities and differences all at once. “I’m sorry about your parents,” he adds.
“I’m not. There’s a reason I changed my name when I turned eighteen and never looked back.”
