He shrugged and averted his eyes. Concern crashed into me. I’d only meant to casually inquire, but something wasn’t right.
“What is it, Aiden? You can tell me.”
“Nothing, just…” He picked at the label on his cup. “There was a guy. He was an asshole, though.”
I went rigid. “Did he hurt you?”
“No! Nothing like that. He just…didn’t understand what we’ve been through.”
That gave me pause. “We?”
“I know you went to prison, not me, but?—”
“No, no. You went through plenty. I’m not sure I understand. Did you tell him about me?” I lowered my voice. “About…”
“Yeah,” he whispered. “He didn’t understand. He said things that—” He shook his head. “I’m better off. Who has time for dating in med school, right?”
Oh, damn it. Would the consequences of my actions ever end? I could handle them when I paid the price, but not Aiden. He didn’t deserve that.
“I’m so sorry, man. You don’t have to tell people about me.”
His expression turned fierce. “Fuck that. You’re my brother. You’re my fucking hero.”
I cringed, shaking my head.
“You are,” he insisted. “Anyone who can’t see that has no place in my life.”
I smiled faintly. Aiden was so quiet and shy until you got him fired up. Then he could be a real spitfire. It was good to see that spark in him. I’d worried it might have been snuffed out.
“Sorry, Dr. Donovan. My mistake.”
“You’re damn right.”
The door chimed with the entry of a new group of people. I didn’t turn around. College kids had been coming and going while we caught up. Aiden’s eyes widened a fraction before a hand landed on my shoulder.
“Flynn?”
I looked up, shocked to see Bailey. “What are you doing here?”
“Me?” He flicked a glance at Aiden before turning back to me. “I go to school here, remember? This is kind of a long way for you to drive for a coffee date, though.”
Aiden frowned. “I’ve offered to drive to him, but he won’t let me.”
“Very chivalrous,” Bailey said.
A cute, spiky-haired girl came up beside Bailey. She was five foot nothing, but there was a presence to her that said she’d fuck you up if you put even a toe out of line. “What’s the holdup, Bails? I need my caffeine if I’m going to make it through the review.”
Bailey gave her a distracted look. “Order for me?” At her scowl, he fished out a twenty-dollar bill. “It’s on me.”
She brightened up, shooting us a curious look. “Yes! Free coffee.” She pointed at him. “Don’t think this means you can use my highlighters.”
“Never,” Bailey said solemnly.
“A girl doesn’t share her highlighters with just anyone.”
“You’re not that kind of girl,” Bailey said.
“Who are you calling a girl?”
