He grins just a bit. “I am. Never been happier, actually. When I think back over my time with Whitney, I can see a difference. Not just in the relationship itself, but how I feel. I’d like to think a part of the demise in my first big relationship was the distance. I know it wasn’t easy on either of us. The miles and the separation took a toll. But that doesn’t warrant cheating. If you’re unhappy, then break up. I wouldn’t even have cared if it was in a fucking email, you know? But don’t go on with your life with someone else, all while stringing me along and letting me think we were still happily together.”
He wipes his mouth with a bar napkin. “Anyway, now, I just feel…settled. I guess that’s the only way to describe it. I’m relaxed, and you know that’s huge for me. I’m never relaxed,” he says with a snicker. “But everything with Lizzie feels right. Easy. Like we’ve been together for years, not months. She’s the best part of my day, man. The best part. I can’t wait to get back to town after a shift, and not because I’m anxious to get to bed. I can’t wait to see her, even if just for a bit.”
I find my own smile spread across my face. “I’m happy for you, Collin. Truly. I like Lizzie, and if you were to take the next step, I know our entire family would be behind you.”
“Thanks,” he says softly. “I don’t know if we’re there yet, but it feels like it’s moving in that direction. I stay with her upstairs on nights either of us work, and if we’re off, we’re at my place.”
“Sounds like you’re practically already living together,” I state, taking another slice of pizza.
“Pretty much, but I guess it’s considered unofficial. Making it official would be…big.”
“It would be,” I confirm. “But if anyone is ready for that next step, it’s you.”
He nods, seeming to consider my words. After a bit of silence, where we both turn our attention to the car show playing on the TV, he asks, “Did Wyatt call you about Saturday?”
“I got a text from him earlier this morning. Sounds like a good time.”
Collin nods.
“You gonna be able to go?”
“For a little bit. Lizzie and I are both working Saturday night, so we’ll go for a bit in the afternoon for the fish fry part. We’ll have to skip the bonfire.”
I nod. “I hope we’re done by noon this Saturday, but it might be midafternoon before I can get there.”
“Take the overtime while you can,” Collin says, and the conversation quickly turns to work.
Before I know it, the pizza’s gone and the owner of this fine establishment is returning from her little lunch and shopping soiree. “Hey,” she hollers when she enters through the back entrance and sees us both.
“Hey, baby,” my brother coos, his entire demeanor changing at the drop of a hat. He instantly smiles and moves toward her, taking the bag from her hand and pressing his lips to hers.
A ping of something I don’t like swirls in my gut.
I’ve never been a jealous man, but watching my brother—my twin—with Lizzie causes the ugly green monster to stir. Not because I want Lizzie, mind you. Because he has something special, something I’ve secretly longed for my entire life. Ever since I was old enough to notice the relationship my parents have. The kisses hello when he’d get home from work, the way he’d touch her hand when he was helping her in the kitchen, him watching her walk away with a hint of a smile on his lips, as if he still couldn’t believe she was his after all these years.
“Hi, Cade,” Lizzie says as she approaches, a warm smile on her face.
“Lizard. What’d you buy me?” I ask, referring to the large bag my brother sets on the bar.
“Books!” she proclaims, her green eyes sparkling with excitement and energy.
“Eww,” I grumble, fake shivering to punctuate my point.
She rolls her eyes and dives into the bag, pulling out book after book.
“Jeez, Lizard, did you leave any books at the store?”
“Nope,” she smarts off, placing them in stacks in front of her. “I got my top five TBRs in each of three categories I enjoy reading.”
I glance at my twin. “TBRs?” I mutter, earning a shrug from him.
“To be read. Stay with me, Cade. Anyway, I picked out my top five in contemporary romance, autobiography, and true crime.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “That’s quite the variety. Romance and true crime? Remind me to always stay on your good side.”
With a pointed look, she replies, “You’d do well to remember that, mister.”
“What did I miss?” Charli asks, slipping out of the restroom and joining us at the bar. “I had to pee so dang bad. Oh, I can’t wait to hear which one you read first.” She jumps from topic to topic so effortlessly, it’s hard to keep up with our sister at times.
