All the arguments Farzan had been formulating fell apart in his head.
Navid wantedhimas his best man?
For some reason, the urge to cry hit him, so hard and fast it felt like he’d been swept underwater by the wave pool at Oceans of Fun.
“Really?”
“You’re my brother,” Navid said simply, finally meeting Farzan’s eyes.
“Yeah, but…”
Navid had so many friends, from work and school and life. Plus Gina had brothers, too.
“You’re sure?”
“Of course. You really think I’d ask someone else?”
Honestly? A little bit.
But Navid hadn’t. He’d asked Farzan.
Farzan set down his tea and pulled Navid into a hug. Navid hugged him back tightly, more tightly than he had in a long time. It took Farzan back to their childhood, to games played in the backyard, movies watched curled up on the ugly orange sofa his parents used to own, to LEGO cities and Transformers battles.
“It would be my honor,” Farzan said, giving his brother another squeeze before releasing him.
“Good. Good.” Navid’s shoulders relaxed.
“Why were you so nervous? Did you really think I’d say no?”
“Not really.” Navid shrugged. “I don’t know. This whole thing is just emotional.”
Farzan’s eyes cut sideways to Ramin, who was grinning silently and sipping his tea.
“You’re invited too, by the way,” Navid said. “Just so you know.”
Ramin laughed. “Thanks. I can’t wait.”
“Okay. Well.” Navid took a deep breath. “I’ve still got more errands to run. Gina’s parents are coming into town, and we need groceries. Hey, you need anything from Costco?”
It was Alavi family tradition—maybe all Iranians did it, honestly—to always check before a Costco run.
“I’m good,” Farzan said. “Unless they have that wine with the owl on the label?”
“Gotcha.” Navid gave Farzan another quick hug, clasped Ramin’s hand, pulled up his hood, and headed back out, letting a gust of rain-cooled air into the kitchen.
“And don’t tell Mom and Dad!” Farzan reminded Navid as the door swung shut.
It was hard enough explaining his and David’s deal to himself, let alone his parents.
He turned back to find Ramin giving him a wide, dimply smile, though his eyes were a little moist. Ramin was an only child, so he’d always treated Navid like a little brother, too. No doubt he was remembering little Navid chasing after them when they were kids. And now he was all grown up and getting married.
“So,” Ramin said. “Best man, huh?”
Farzan shook his head. Him, best man.
At his little brother’s wedding.
His little brother was getting married, and Farzan would likely be single again by the time it rolled around.
