Ben’s posture shifts, spine straightening and mouth flattening. “What do you mean?”
I don’t divulge the reason I was in Warren’s room, choosing to stick to safer territory. “Anytime I try to talk to him about work, he freezes or dismisses the question. I don’t want to overstep but I get the impression he doesn’t like talking about it.”
He sighs, as if expecting my response. “Don’t take it personally. He’s convinced himself discussing any aspect of what he does isn’t right. It’s about helping people, end of story. He has somewhat of an inferiority complex. He’s fantastic at what he does, but the years have taken its toll on him, along with life.”
“Does he have someone to talk to if a call is traumatic or…fatal?”
Ben swallows. “He does.”
His tone tells me there’s more to say, but he doesn’t continue, and I don’t press. “Sorry, I know it’s not my place. I’ll see you downstairs.”
“He wasn’t always like this.” Ben steps closer, voice hushed. “Some see him as withdrawn and cold. He prefers it that way. He’s careful who he lets in, and him bringing you here this weekend speaks volumes, Harriet. I want you to know that.”
I circle my stomach. “Kinda gave him no choice.”
Ben’s head rocks sideways. “Agree to disagree. In the grand scheme of things, you’re a stranger in his world, and it might seem small, but this is big to him. My brother carries the world on his shoulders, no matter how heavy the burden. There are things I hope he’ll share with you one day that’ll help him make more sense. For now, trust me when I say, while this wasn’t planned, you coming into his life might be the best thing for him in a long time. Just do me a favor?”
I nod. “Anything.”
“Warren has a lot of love to give, but it doesn’t come easy to him. Not anymore.” Ben rests a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “Be patient with him. For all the people in the world to tie yourself to accidentally, you picked a good one. Trust me.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Warren: *picture of pomegranate in hand*
Warren: Did you know a pomegranate tree can live for over 200 years?
Harriet: Oh, cute! And I didn’t know that.
Warren: It’s also technically a berry.
Harriet: Someone has some spare time on their hands. Are you at home?
Warren: Yeah.
Harriet: Me too. About to get comfy on the sofa to watch Princess Diaries.
Warren: Never heard of it.
Harriet: Warren! It’s the 21st Century’s best coming of age film. How can you not have heard of it?
Warren: Maybe I’ll watch it with you. Whatchannel is it on?
*2 hours later*
Warren: Lily pissed me off! She’s a terrible friend.
Harriet: RIGHT?!
Harriet: I think I felt a kick!
Warren: Button is getting strong! What did it feel like?
Harriet: A little flutter. At first, I thought it was indigestion (sorry, TMI), but it’s happened four times in the last hour.
Harriet: Things are getting real!
Warren: They really are.
