“You don’t know?” What the hell did that mean?
“He’s clearly in love with you.”
Cash was a good actor. He did exactly as I asked.
“He couldn’t stop touching you. And he didn’t keep his attraction to you PG.”
PG? What?
“I just didn’t realize you were ready for another relationship.”
“Well, I am.”
“Well, that makes me happy.”
And that’s exactly what I wanted. My brother harbored every pain I felt, but that only made me feel worse. His compassion and selflessness drowned me. “I am happy. You don’t need to worry about me, Jeremy. Cash will take care of me.”
“What does that mean?” He gave me a hard stare, the movie forgotten.
“Nothing. I just don’t want you to be concerned.”
“Do you love him?”
I wouldn’t love anyone for the rest of my life, but I did feel something significant for Cash. He was the only comfort I had. With him, I could be myself. He respected my wishes and didn’t push me. He was perfect—perfect for me. “I do.”
“Then, are you going to stay at the end of the summer?”
This is the direction I knew this conversation would take. And I planned it. “I think so.”
Jeremy took a deep breath. “You’re going to move here?”
“Yeah.”
His eyes darted from left to right, the emotion hiding behind them. I knew my brother well, and I understood how he would react. He’d be devastated about me staying, but he’d be happy for me. He would hide his pain. “Is that what you want?”
I had to leave London. My dad kept trying to reconnect with me, my mom was a mess, and Isaac continued to haunt me. All my friends pitied me for what happened. I had a label I couldn’t get rid of. I needed to move on, and I loved LA. Jobs were plentiful and I was in a city where I could be discovered—eventually. “Yeah.”
“Pru, I know you think you love this guy, but is it a little too soon?” My brother was always pragmatic about everything.
“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll move home. Problem solved.” Except I never would.
“It sounds like you have it figured out.”
I was excited to move on with my life, but my brother would always hold a soft spot in my heart. I was devastated I wouldn’t see him everyday. But I couldn’t stay in London just for him. There would always be holidays and birthdays, plenty of reasons for me to visit. But it wouldn’t be the same—never again. “I think so.”
He took another deep breath. “Then you have my support. This is probably the best place for you to be for your career anyway.”
There he goes, putting me first. He was such a great guy.
He hugged me tightly. “I’m happy for you. You deserve the world, Pru. I’m sorry I couldn’t give it to you, but I’m glad Cash can.”
Awe. Why did he have to be so sweet? “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
♫
When I called Scott to pick me up at three in the morning, he arrived within five minutes like Cash said. My brother gave me a big hug before I opened the door.
“I didn’t realize this would be the last time I saw you.” His voice was quiet and reserved. But a flood of pain was behind it.
“It’s not the last time, Jeremy.”
“But it won’t be the same.” He pulled away and looked me in the eye. “I’ll probably visit frequently for business trips. But I would love it if you came home as often as you can.”
“Of course.” My eyes softened.
“What do I tell Mom?”
“I’ll call her…”
“Will you really?” He knew I didn’t have a lot of respect for her.
“Yes.”
“And Dad?”
“I’m not calling Jim.” I still didn’t call him Dad. He may be my biological creator but he didn’t deserve that title. Jeremy was my father as far as I was concerned.
“Well, I guess I’ll break it to him.”
“Not that he’ll care.”
Jeremy eyed me. “I admit Dad was a coward for the past twenty years, but his attempt to connect with us seems genuine. He did spend a hundred grand on our educations.”
“And that makes everything better?” I asked incredulously.
“He’s not that bad. You should give him a chance.”
“He had twenty years to get his chance. He had twenty years to get to know me. He didn’t want to then and I don’t want to now.”
Jeremy sighed. I knew he gave up.
“I don’t mean to be cold.”
“No, I understand.” Jeremy rubbed my shoulder then opened the door.
When I saw Cash on the other side, I did a double take. Why was he here at three in the morning? The fucking psychopath. He didn’t look like he just rolled out of bed to pick me up. He wore his suit, wrinkle free, and seemed wide awake. He appraised me while I stood in the doorway.
“If you want to make sure a job is done right, you have to do it yourself.” His hands were in his pockets and he seemed calm, confident. Even though I was annoyed with him, he looked damn fine. I imagined his naked body underneath his clothes. Not having Cash for three days was starting to wear me down. I didn’t realize how obsessed I was with him until I didn’t have him, and now he looked so fuckable. I wondered if he did it on purpose.
“You came all the way here just to take me home?”
Cash smirked. “We live in a good area, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bad people. I’ll get a good night’s rest after I know you’re safe.”
Was this an act for my brother? I couldn’t tell anymore.
Jeremy extended his hand. “I’m glad my sister is in good hands.”
Cash shook it. “You never have to worry about that.” He turned back to me. “Are you ready, baby?”
I gave my brother one last hug. “I’ll see you soon.”
He did something I never expected. He kissed me on my forehead. “I hope so.” He stepped away then let me walk out the door.
After the door was shut, I felt the depression sink in. I had no idea when I’d see my brother again—the only family I had. Was I making a huge mistake? Was I being selfish? But I couldn’t go back home. It was just too hard.