He sighs deeply. “Maybe soon. I’m not ready to face it yet.”
“Okay. I’m sorry you found out like this,” I confess. “Ivy wanted to tell you first.”
Finn’s shoulders rise. “It’s obvious now that I think about it. After the fair, and when you punched Tom, and the way you look at her, and those shots of her at the beach. When you described her to me when I asked what you’re looking for in a girlfriend. I’m not stupid, JJ. I know when my best friend is in love.”
I drag a hand down the back of my head. “Not so subtle, am I?”
“Nope,” he exhales, a ghost of a smile gracing his face. “I guess I just didn’t want to believe it. It’s going to take some time getting used to this.”
“And I totally respect that. We’re both here for you.”
His eyes shine against the light. “I’m starting to realise I don’t deserve either of you.”
I tug him into an embrace and slap a hand on his back. “Don’t let that negative shit get into your head, brother,” I say quietly. “We’re here because we both love you and want to see you get better. You need your loved ones around. I’ll be damned if we don’t see you through your journey. Okay?”
Finn swallows and pulls away, wiping his eyes as if he didn’t want me to see. “Okay.”
My chest heaves as I take a breath. It’s one step forward, but I pray it’s not a million back.
CHAPTER 51
IVY THOMPSON
JJ:
He knows.
I’m sorry.
He asked if we’re together and I couldn’t lie to him any longer.
I’ve practically chewed the entirety of my finger off after getting home and expecting Finn and JJ to be here. But they’re not, and the wait feels like agony.
I have no idea how Finn found out, although I bet I’m about to receive a lashing for it.
But he doesn’t get to dictate my relationship this time.
My stomach crashes with nausea the longer I wait. I’m sure I’ve permanently marked the flooring in our kitchen from where I’ve been pacing back and forth like a woman who has lost her head.
I lean over the counter and press my elbows into it. My hands cover my face as I try to regulate my breathing. I wish I was thereto listen to the conversation, to know exactly what is going to happen when they come home.
Whatever happens, I pray it doesn’t make Finn want to pick up a bottle and drink himself stupid.
As the front door swings open, I blink and push myself up from the counter. JJ and Finn emerge, neither of them covered in blood or bruises, so I presume no fists were involved.
“Hey,” I whisper.
Finn raises his eyes to me, and he looks like he’s been to hell and back.
JJ shuts the door behind him and follows us over to the kitchen. My heart flutters when he looks at me and offers me a supportive smile, especially now that Finn knows everything. I draw my gaze to my brother and watch as he presses his palms to the counter.
For a long moment, he’s silent, and I don’t know if that’s worse than him screaming at me. His gaze is low as he says, “I would like more answers.”
I gulp and look at JJ, who steps to my side, his fingers brushing my bare leg out of Finn’s eyesight.
“You okay?” he asks quietly.
My lips open, but I shut them and nod instead. Now is not the time to showcase our relationship in front of him. I twist my head and find Finn staring back at us, looking lost and startled.
