“Like what?”
“I found you and Dad again, and fell in love with Christopher.”
“You two are revolting.” She smiled and stood up. “He’s good for you, and I’m glad you’re finally happy.”
We hugged.
Christopher and I went home after my conversation with Meghan. On the way, I thought about the other conversation that I needed to have.
Tuesday, I left work early and drove to Brandon’s. I’d sent him a message asking to meet.
When I knocked, he answered after the first tap of my knuckles. Perhaps he was curious about what I had to say.
He looked better than he had the week before. More settled. Plus, he’d showered and combed his hair.
“What do you want?” he said. “I asked Christopher for time and space. That meant from you too. I’m not impressed he started dating you so soon after you and I broke up. He knew I didn’t think it was permanent.”
“I know,” I said. “But I have a story to tell you. You might not believe me, but I want to explain more about what happened.”
“Fine,” he said, opening the door wider so I could come in. He stepped back and sat on the couch. I sat on the opposite end, facing him.
I told him everything, starting with my first dinner with Christopher in 2022 and his plea for help. I talked about Eric in both times and how I’d lost my voice. Christopher’s mind reading was the only thing that I left out. I told Brandon about the time travel and what I’d thought was my purpose: saving his life.
Throughout it all, he said nothing until I stopped with Eric’s arrest last week.
“So, I broke up with you almost six years ago,” he said, “Not eight months.”
I nodded.
“I remember that dinner last spring,” he said. “When you didn’t speak. I didn’t feel like talking to you. I was punishing you. It sounds petty, but I was mad you were late again. It seemed like time with me wasn’t important to you if you were always late.”
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t personal. Until recently, I was late for everything. While that isn’t a good excuse, it is the truth.”
He shrugged. “It was annoying, but I should have realized you were different. It’s clear now.”
“That was my first day back in 2017. I had bought a brand-new dress and new shoes, clearing out my bank account. I planned to change your future and make sure you didn’t waste away in the hospital and die.”
“Thank you for not giving up on me,” he said. “Contrary to what you and Christopher might think, I’m upset, but I’m not mad at my brother. He went through a lot to get me back and you did, too. I’m just jealous that you two are so perfect together.”
“We stayed apart for months after you showed him the ring. He tried to walk away.”
I doubted Christopher had shared that information.
“You’re together now.” Brandon attempted a smile.
“Saving you brought us back together. Fighting for you turned into fighting for us.”
“Christopher was interested in you before I ever asked you out, so if anyone broke the bro code, it was me. He’d mentioned that he was going to ask you out. I called you the next day so I would be first.”
Christopher had never mentioned the timing.
“I was an ass. You deserve better. I’m sorry I didn’t treat you like you’re special and get to know you better. You should be with Christopher. He’s the better brother.”
I was surprised at Brandon’s words, but relieved. He believed in time travel with so few questions. Perhaps his work to change human evolution and create super soldiers who didn’t feel pain meant he had an open mind. We don’t always know what’s possible, and what’s not, until it happens.
Epilogue
“Hold the elevator,” came the call from across the lobby.
