“Sorry, I got stuck in the hallway when the lights went down,” Nathaniel says, rushing back to my side. “Meeting the parents went pretty smoothly. Should we go say hi to your brother?”
I glance back at Andrew, still locked in conversation with Julian.Not particularly.But if I say no, it’ll only make me look suspicious.
“Sure.” I paste on a smile and link my arm with my date’s. It only takes a few strides across the room to reach them. Julian turnsto me as soon as I come into view, his usual cheery grin in place. It’s a mask he wears well. I know him better by now to tell when he’s putting on a show. Andrew looks up at me, his grin widening.
“Happy birthday, Andrew.”
His arms come around me, the obligatory hug lasting approximately point-five seconds before we pull away.
“This is Nathaniel.”
“Broke out of the convent for one night, I see.” He takes a casual sip from his beer, as if he doesn’t know full well how his words needle me.
“Dude.” Julian gives my brother an indignant look.
Andrew merely scoffs. “I’m kidding!” he says when Julian’s glower doesn’t let up. “She knows that. This is how we talk to each other, right, sis?” He doesn’t wait for my reply before continuing to defend himself. “You don’t have siblings, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Plus, if you think this is bad, just wait until I really get started.”
“Is this good teasing or bad teasing?” Nathaniel whispers, brows furrowed in concern.
I tug him away by the wrist, but not before I catch sight of Julian’s face. The concern shining in his eyes, the thin slant of his lips, the white-knuckled fists balled at his sides. I give a soft shake of my head, silently communicating for him to let it go. He says nothing, but his face says it all. Rage twists his expression when he turns back to Andrew, but luckily it only lasts for a moment before he pulls in a deep breath.
Nathaniel and I take advantage of the free couch space in the living room, but try as I might to be present in our conversation, he can sense something’s wrong.
“That wasn’t good teasing back there, was it?” he finally asks.
“Can we please pretend you didn’t hear that?”
I cover my hands with my face.
“It is his birthday, so I guess we can give him a pass for being a jerk,” he says. “How ’bout I get us some drinks?”
I nod at him, grateful for the reprieve.
As soon as he leaves, he’s replaced by Julian. He plops down beside me, the sides of our bodies crushed together. A shiver runs down my spine at the close contact, as is becoming a usual occurrence. Only, it’s getting a little ridiculous because we’re practically sharing a couch cushion. His arm is pressed against my back, his hand gripping the armrest at my other side, caging me in.
“Are you okay?”
I shut my eyes and let out a long breath that’s only half to do with his question. “Julian—”
“Is that how he always speaks to you?”
The anger in his tone is thinly veiled. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Julian this upset before.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve—”
“Done nothing,” I say. “This is just how it is between us. Every insult goes too far, and every apology is forgotten two seconds after its delivery. Leave it alone.Please.” I add the last part when his eyes darken.
He opens his mouth to argue, but thankfully Nathaniel returns with two beers. I thank him as he hands me one, resisting the urge to wrinkle my nose as I raise it to my lips.
“She hates beer.”
I gape at Julian, but he’s not looking at me. If he were, he’d notice the eyes bugging out of my head, silently telling him not to blow our cover. I don’t even remember telling him I hate beer.
“I can get you something else,” Nathaniel quickly offers, eyes widening.
“Not necessary,” I say, nudging Julian’s foot with mine so hard, he winces. “Beer is fine. Great.” I take a sip, willing myself to swallow the sour liquid without wincing.
“I’m Nathaniel.” He holds out a hand to Julian, who eyes the offered hand for a tense moment before taking it. “How do you know Leti?”
