I look away and be part of within the dialog with my different brothers to keep away from Drew’s stare any longer. Simply as I hoped, he joins in, as if the silent alternate between us didn’t even occur.

• • •

To my shock, Drew and I’ve been alone in his Jeep for not less than fifteen minutes, and he has but to carry up the truth that he’s caught me looking at Abbey greater than as soon as extra. We’ve talked about every thing underneath the solar besides that matter. I do know my brother, although. He hasn’t forgotten. He’s simply biding his time, ready for the fitting second. Ready for the second when he feels he’ll get the solutions he’s on the lookout for from me.

“Rosie stated her mother and pa are insisting on paying for our honeymoon, too,” Drew tells me. “Are you able to imagine that?”

Shaking my head, I reply, “That’s loopy however fairly superior of them.”

“Yeah, that’s what I advised Rosie. She is adamant they won’t concede, and we have to simply give into to them,” Drew explains. “I suppose, regardless of how uncomfortable it makes me really feel, I’ve to allow them to.”

I attain over and squeeze Drew’s shoulder, “Look, bro, it’s a present. It’s okay to allow them to do that, and under no circumstances does it point out you may’t pay for it your self. It’s old skool, and because you guys refused to allow them to pay for the marriage, you might want to give them one thing.”

Drew pulls into my driveway, shutting the automotive off. “You’re proper,” he says as he unbuckles his seat belt and will get out. Unbuckling my very own seat belt, I observe him. As quickly as I get out and am strolling as much as the home, I hear Gizmo barking. She is aware of I’m dwelling. I can hear her pleasure, and I brace myself for her exuberant greeting I’ll obtain as I open the entrance door.

“Whoa! Whoa, woman!” I inform her, pushing her again gently as she tries leaping into my arms. “Relax…I’m joyful to see you, too. And Uncle Drew got here in to see you.” She sits, wagging her tail, and I can inform it takes each ounce of management she has to remain in a single place.

Drew laughs, “Hey, Gizmo, my woman.” He reaches his hand out, giving her head a rub. Gizmo licks his hand fortunately.

I make my technique to the again of the home, “Let’s go, woman, time to exit.” I hear her massive ft trotting behind me. Once I open the again door, she darts out fortunately. Turning again towards Drew, I discover him leaning towards the kitchen counter, legs crossed on the ankles and arms crossed over his chest. His gaze is locked on me. I cease mid-stride and stare again at him, figuring out what’s coming subsequent and nonetheless undecided I’m ready to offer him solutions. Neither of us says a phrase for a while earlier than Drew lastly breaks the silence. “I used to be actually hoping you’ll carry up no matter is occurring between you and Abbey.”

I need to say,I don’t know what you imply. Deny it. Or possibly even,there’s nothing occurring. However I can’t as a result of that will be a lie, and I can’t deceive Drew. I can’t even look him within the eye, so I concentrate on the wooden ground of the kitchen. I say the one fact I’ve for him proper now, “I don’t know what is occurring between Abbey and me.” I don’t elaborate. I attempt to finish it proper there.

Drew straightens and strikes his arms to his hips. “So, there’s something occurring?”

Rattling it, I ought to have identified we weren’t completed with this dialog, however a man can hope. Operating my fingers via my hair, I hold my head, gathering my ideas. Trying up at my brother, I nod, “Yeah, there’s something.” I launch a sigh as I hear Drew whisper, “Fuck,” underneath his breath. “I’m sorry, man. It occurred earlier than we even knew our reference to you and Rosie.” I begin pacing. “We tried…I attempted to remain away. However…” Drew places his hand as much as cease me.

“Parker, you may’t damage her,” Drew states merely.

His tone makes me really feel somewhat defensive. I cease and stare at him, shaking my head. “Shit, Drew. Why the fuck do you suppose I’m going to harm her?” He eyeballs me, so I proceed. “Possibly I’m the one who’s going to get damage. Like I stated, we tried distancing ourselves. Pretended there wasn’t this unexplainable chemistry between us. We anxious about messing issues up and inflicting points with you and Rosie.” I begin pacing once more. Drew nonetheless hasn’t moved or taken his eyes off me. “I don’t know learn how to clarify it, Drew, however I don’t suppose I can deny no matter I’m feeling both.”

My again is to him, however I hear Drew get nearer to me. Quickly his hand is resting on my shoulder. “Parker, I’m sorry I insinuated you’ll be the one to harm Abbey. Actually, I do know Abbey effectively sufficient to know she would by no means let herself shut sufficient to get damage. Parks, she doesn’t do relationships.”

“Drew, I don’t do relationships both,” I remind him. “I’m going loopy over this woman, although. I’m fascinated by greater than what she may give me in a single evening. As a substitute, I’m fascinated by what I may give her. What we might be collectively.”

“I’ve seen this coming. I’ve seen it for a while now. The way in which your eyes linger somewhat longer than regular if you guys suppose nobody is wanting. The occasional unease.” Drew walks over to my small kitchen desk and sits down. “Shit. That first day I launched you guys and Mother. You already knew one another. That should have been the explanation you each acquired all bizarre.” Trying over at me, Drew asks, “The place is Abbey with all of this?”

Shrugging, I be part of him on the desk earlier than answering. “She says that is not possible,” I inform him. “Abbey has a tricky armor to penetrate. I don’t suppose she trusts me.” It’s the primary time I’ve really stated it out loud, and it hurts proper within the heart of my chest. The actual fact she doesn’t belief me bothers me greater than something.

“Abbey doesn’t simply belief anybody, Parks,” Drew says.

Sighing, I reveal, “Drew, I don’t know what the fitting factor is to do?”

“Parker, I can’t let you know what is correct. I solely know Rosie and I really like each you and Abbey. We solely need you each to be joyful.”

“I do know, and that’s what makes all of it a lot more durable,” I inform him.

Drew stands up and appears down at me. “The one piece of recommendation I’ve for you earlier than you do something is to make certain. Be completely certain what you need from and with Abbey. Be sure to don’t damage her, however you even have to guard your self. As a result of not solely do you might want to make certain about how you’re feeling, however you additionally have to be certain how Abbey feels, too.” I stand as much as stroll Drew out. “I’m not going to say something to Rosie for now. It’s going to solely fear her. You understand how she is. She already worries sufficient about you and Abbey. To not point out all that’s on her plate with the marriage. I really like you, Parks.” Drew just isn’t solely my brother, however he’s my finest good friend. There’s loads at stake with regards to Abbey and me. No matter that is between us must be dealt with with care. There are too many individuals concerned within the end result.

After we attain the entrance door, Drew turns to me and wraps me in a brotherly hug. “Thanks for being a superb brother,” I utter affectionately.

Drew pulls again and smiles, “You’re a superb brother, too.” Opening the door, Drew walks out to his Jeep, hops in, and drives off, waving as he pulls away.

I’ve some actual selections to make, and it must be sooner reasonably than later. The one downside is that my resolution about learn how to transfer ahead with Abbey isn’t solely mine to make.

Sixteen

ABBEY

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