Cynthia knew something was wrong the moment Jason walked into her apartment smiling.
Not a normal smile.
A too-wide, self-satisfied, suspiciously cheerful smile.
She didn't even look up from her laptop. "
He dropped onto the couch dramatically.
Cynthia gave him Do-not-say-nonsense look
"Wow. That hurts. I haven't even spoken yet.
"You don't need to," she said. "I can feel the chaos."
Jason placed a hand over his chest. "I am deeply misunderstood in this family."
Cynthia finally looked at him. "Why are you glowing?"
"I met someone."
She stared.
Then she closed her laptop slowly, like a woman preparing for battle.
"Oh," she said.
Jason grinned. "You're welcome."
"She's great," Jason continued, stretching out like he owned the place. "Smart. Funny. Didn't immediately walk away."
"That's a strong endorsement," Cynthia said dryly. "What's her name?"
"Lily."
"Last name?"
"I'm not applying for a mortgage," he replied.
Cynthia crossed her arms. "Jason, you flirt with everyone."
"That's not true," he said. "I flirt selectively."
"You flirt with cashiers."
"They flirt back."
"No, they're being polite."
Jason waved her off. "This is different."
She raised an eyebrow. "You say that every time."
Jason sat up. "Okay, but this time, she called me out."
Cynthia blinked. "On what?"
"Everything," he admitted. "My confidence.
"And you liked that?"
"I loved that."
Cynthia sighed. "This is how it starts."
Jason leaned closer. "Why do you sound worried?"
"I'm not worried," Cynthia said quickly.
"You are," he insisted. "That's your worried voice."
"I just don't want you getting distracted," she said. "You're still figuring things out."
"So is she," he replied. "We have that in common."
Cynthia studied him carefully.
Jason noticed. "What?"
"You're serious," she said.
He shrugged. "Don't tell anyone."
"I won't," she said.
They sat in silence for a moment.
Then Jason smirked. "So… how's your romantic life?"
Cynthia stiffened. "Why?"
"No reason," he said innocently. "Just curious."
She picked up her mug. "There's nothing to tell."
Jason leaned back. "That's not what your face says."
"Jason."
"You know," he continued, "if this is about that very intense man you work for—"
"Do not finish that sentence."
Jason smiled. "Too late. I noticed."
"You noticed nothing."
"I noticed tension," he said. "And prolonged eye contact. And you suddenly caring about weekends."
Cynthia glared at him. "You are imagining things."
"Am I?" he asked. "Because I also noticed you didn't deny it."
She stood abruptly. "I'm not having this conversation."
Jason laughed. "Wow. Deflection. Impressive."
Her phone buzzed.
Alexander's name lit up the screen.
Jason's eyes widened. "Oh. My. God."
Cynthia grabbed the phone instantly. "Do not say a word."
Jason clutched his chest. "It's him."
She ignored him and answered. "Hello?"
Alexander's voice was calm. "Am I calling at a bad time?"
"No," she said too quickly. "I mean—no, you're fine."
Jason mouthed Who is it? exaggeratedly.
She turned her back to him.
"I wanted to confirm next weekend," Alexander said. "The beach."
"Yes," she replied. "I remember."
Jason froze.
Beach? he mouthed.
"I just wanted to make sure you're still comfortable," Alexander added.
"I am," she said. "Thank you for checking."
There was a brief pause.
"I'll send the details," Alexander said. "Enjoy your evening."
"You too," she replied softly.
The call ended.
Cynthia exhaled, as she turned around ans saw jason grining while standinh
"You're going to the beach," he said.
"It's work-related," she replied instantly.
"And friends," she said. "Professionally."
Jason laughed. "Professionally at the beach."
"Jason."
"This is amazing," he said. "You lecture me about dating and then casually accept beach invitations from powerful men."
"It's not like that," she said.
"Oh, it's exactly like that," he replied. "You like him."
"I respect him," she corrected.
"You like him," Jason insisted.
She hesitated.
Just for a second.
Jason gasped. "I knew it."
She pointed at him. "You are not telling Mom."
"I won't" he said. "She'd interrogate you."
"Good.", she said
"But," he added, "I might tease you"
She sighed. "That was inevitable."
Jason plopped back onto the couch. "So. Alexander. Intense. Quiet. Slightly terrifying."
"He's not terrifying," she said.
"That's how I know you're in trouble," Jason replied.
Cynthia sat beside him. "Just… be careful with Lily."
Jason nodded, surprisingly sincere. "I will."
She smiled faintly. "Good."
"And you?" he asked. "Be careful with Alexander."
She nodded slowly. "I am."
They sat together in comfortable silence, siblings sharing unspoken understanding.
Jason broke it first. "So… double date someday?"
Cynthia groaned. "Absolutely not."
Jason laughed.
Outside, the evening settled in.
Inside, Cynthia knew one thing for certain—
Between Jason's impulsive charm and her own carefully guarded heart, the Brooks siblings were both standing on unfamiliar ground.
And neither of them knew exactly where it would lead.