Page 36 of Burning Obsession

“No, I’m freaking out about it.”

I sit down on the couch, take the phone off speaker and place it to my ear. No way do I need him showing up and hearing my loud ass sister. I mean he could have 20/20 hearing. Is that a thing? If it is, I'm sure he has it.

“It’s going to be fine. They’re going to love you. Or are you more worried about how he’s going to introduce you?”

“Both. I mean we’re technically not dating. We’re just talking.”

“Oh my silly, stupid, naive brother. Nobody takes someone they’re just talking with to a family wedding. If you’re there, it’s because he wants more with you.”

I pause. Could Nellie be right? Does he already know he wants more with me? I fucking know I do with him.

Then she says, far too casually, “You’re so screwed. The two of you both have it bad for each other. I can’t wait to see who cracks first.”

“Wow, Nellie, way to be supportive. Here I thought I was your favorite person. Clearly, I’m just someone who shares the same blood that you can laugh at. I’m here for your enjoyment.”

“I’m your sister. It’s in my job description.”

I bite the inside of my cheek so hard that I can taste blood.

“What if they hate me?” I ask her softly.

“They won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. I know you and I love you. There’s no way they won’t like you. It’s physically impossible.”

“That doesn't mean shit. Your opinion isn’t theirs.”

“You're charming, sweet, caring, and wonderful. That's what I know.”

“Whatever. You know how I ramble when I’m nervous. What if I say something stupid?”

“Stop. You’re being ridiculous. Are you sure we’re even related? I never obsess over shit this much. Everything is going to be amazing and when you come back, you’ll have a new shiny boyfriend.”

This is why I love her. Why I called her. Because somehow she can take the absolute panic twisting through my chest and turn it into something I can actually relax with. My nerves aren’t completely gone, but they don’t have my stomach twisting in knots, begging for a toilet.

“What if they ask where we met?”

“Tell them.”

“What if they ask—”

“Victor!”

“What?”

“Breathe.”

I inhale deeply, then slowly blow it out.

“You’re going to be fine.”

“I hope so.”

“You like him.”

My smile comes back before I can stop it.