Zahir
The short drive to the Fulton household passed in a blur. As I drove up the steep hill, I cursed my ingrained training to keep two hands on the wheel at all times. I much would’ve rather been holding Andre’s hand. Or at least resting a hand on his jiggling knee.
He wore jeans and a button-down shirt.How did he get it wrinkle-free? Must’ve hung it in the bathroom and the steam helped.
Right, like that’s what you need to be focusing on.
I’d chosen a polo shirt in a stark white. I rarely wore this, because I always seemed to attract stains. Still, totally worth it for today to look fresh but not too dressed up. I wanted the focus to be on Andre—not me.
Demetrius and family lived in a cozy neighborhood in Mission City—very close to Cedar Street Elementary school where Alaina attended French Immersion. Grade seven? Eight? I couldn’t remember. Keegan attended Mission City Collegiate—just down the road.
Their house had a lovely porch with four comfortable-looking chairs. All the better to sit and enjoy this family-friendly neighborhood. Foster and Arnav lived just a few houses down. A lovely lesbian couple—Stephanie and Taryn—lived next door. They had newborn twins. I always loved sayinghelloto them.
I parked in front of Demetrius’s house and cut the engine. “You okay?”
Andre met my gaze. “I suppose? I have to be? It’ll all work out?”
Demetrius stepped out onto the porch.
“He’s eager to see you—take that as a good sign.”
“Yeah. Okay.”
I took a chance and grasped Andre’s hand.
He sighed. “Yeah. Okay.” He released my hand and opened his door.
I hustled as fast as I could to get out and round the hood so I’d be close when the brothers met again. I understood they were half-brothers, but the resemblance was so strong, I’d have sworn they were full blood kin.
Demetrius cleared his throat. “It’s good to see you again.”
Andre’s hands were shoved in his pants’ pockets, and he just nodded.
“Perhaps we can head inside? The sun’s hot today.” Demetrius gestured toward the open front door.
“Yeah. Okay.” Andre stepped forward.
“I’ll grab Daphne.” I opened the back door, unhooked her from her harness, attached her leash, and helped her out of the SUV.
She lunged for Demetrius who crouched to offer his hand for inspection.
“Gizmo and Gus not around?” Igrinned.
“In the basement with Jai and the kids. Jai took the day off, and Keegan came home from camp with him as well.” Demetrius faltered. “No pressure to meet them, okay?”
Andre nodded. “They’re here to support you?”
“Well…yes.”
“I like that you’ve got family to support you.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “I have someone as well.”
“That’s great.” Demetrius offered me a huge smile. “Special people are important in our lives. Uh, come this way.”
Andre stepped inside first, and I followed. The house was full of light but still a bit darker than the brilliant and dazzling light outside. I turned to Demetrius. “Shoes off?”
He chuckled as he closed the front door. “With two teenagers and two dogs? Nah, you’re good.” He gestured. “Why don’t you come into the living room? We don’t spend much time in here, but we do love the room.”
I headed into the space, which had a light-brown sofa, two high-backed gold-colored chairs, a beautiful wood coffee table, and several strategically placed lamps. Before I could decide what to do, Andre grasped my hand and pulled me over to the sofa where we sat.
