“Are you okay?” he asks me seriously.
“Sure,” I say, picking up my drink.
“You don’t sound sure.” He sighs and watches me, one of his fingers tapping the arm of his chair. “What’s going on? I know we don’t always talk about the deep stuff, but if you have something to share . . .” He leaves the offer hanging in the air, permeating the room like smoke.
“I’m leaving.” I take a breath, preparing for his anger.
“I figured.”
I look up at him. “What?”
“Let’s face it, Marcus. You never did this for yourself. And, yes, I was pissed about all the shit with Dad.” He sighs, and his blue eyes are watery when they rise to mine. “But after I thought about it, I realized you did it for us. You’ve always done it for us.”
Christ, he’s going to make me cry.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you?—”
“Marcus,” he raises his hand. “Let me talk.” I nod and swallow thickly. “You’ve always been there to take on our bullies, including Dad. You protected us from everything you could.”
“And look what happened,” I mutter.
Seb shakes his head. “Charlie and I are successful on our own now. Maybe Dad’s money helped a little, but what you and I did with the pub in Vancouver? What Charlie did with her book? That was us because ofyoursupport. Yes, Charlie and I are both talented as fuck, but support systems matter a whole helluva lot. Give yourself some credit. You deserve to be happy and live your life. Stop just being our big brother. Be yourself, Marcus.”
I look into my glass, avoiding his gaze as I slosh the liquid around. “I’m bi,” I say to him, my voice cracking a little. I raise my eyes to Seb’s. He doesn’t look surprised by that either, and Igive him a rueful look. “I should have told you before. I mean, I meant to . . .” I sigh. “I fucked up. Again.”
Seb raises his glass, and we clink them together. “Here’s to being queer.” He raises an eyebrow. “So, Jeremy, huh?” He gives me an appraising look. “Charlie and Trey adore him, though the jury’s still out with Lincoln.”
I huff a laugh. “Link doesn’t like anyone.” Then I shake my head. “But I messed it up with Jeremy. Royally.”
Seb gives me a somber look. “Charlie thinks you love him.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Charlie knows?”
“She suspects. I think Jeremy said something to her the night of the party in February.”
I swallow, emotions clogging my throat as I think about Jeremy. “I love him,” I say with quiet certainty. “But it’s over now.”
Seb looks like he wants to ask more, but I change the subject. “How’re Fiona and Brantley doing?”
Seb squints at me, but answers. “They seem okay.” He shrugs, running a hand through his tousled hair. “I think they’re both a little bummed they couldn’t come to this, but Fi just wasn’t ready to be around crowds of people yet.”
I nod in understanding before I polish off my drink, the alcohol warming my stomach pleasantly. Seb gives me an annoyed look, and I can practically hear his thoughts as our eyes meet across the desk.
I sigh. “You won’t let this go, huh? You think I should go after him?”
“I think you should do whatyouwant for once.”
“Right,” I mutter.
He stands and gives me a smile. “Tris is closing up. I’m going back to the condo to change. See you there?”
I nod and wave my empty glass at him as he leaves. I stare into space for a while, conflicting emotions warring in my chest. The box Grace gave me catches my eye. I pull the picturefrom the box, and a folded note flutters into my lap. Frowning, I pick it up and study the back. It reads, “Something True” in neat cursive. I open the note, smoothing it out on my thigh.
I hate the way you stalk me, and the way you like your beer.
I hate your angsty music and when you deny you’re queer.
I hate your stupid flannels, and that you’re grumpy all the time.
