Chapter 20
Sitting in the same spot as last time, Tom caught us in the living room. The silence was loud again. This time, I spoke first, trying to calm that little brat down.
"So, Tom, you've already met Jack. I just wanted to officially introduce him, he's my boyfriend."
Tom replied immediately.
"That I knew, you think I'm dumb? The real question is, why did he choose you?"
I stared at him, shocked and angry.
"What do you mean by that? Do you think nobody would like me?"
"Somebody, maybe. But not this kind," he said, gesturing toward Jack. "Did you even look at him? He's tall, handsome, and just by his shoes, I know he's rich. And he knows how to cook, trust me, guys his age don't learn that to survive, they learn it for pleasure. And then there's you, trying to reach his level with a new hairstyle and… that poor fashion sense you got going on now."
I stood up, ready to smack his stupid mouth. I started to argue with him like the annoying little brother he is, talking about me like I was some kind of pig in front of Jack.
Then we heard a soft laugh.
Jack had been holding it in, but he finally let it out. Somehow, we all ended up laughing together, and the tension melted away.
As time passed, Jack had to head out. I went to my room to grab my jacket, leaving them in the living room. When I came back, I overheard them talking.
Tom said, "You seem like a nice guy. If one day you wake up and realize my sister isn't it… I wouldn't blame you for leaving her."
I almost stormed in right then. That little brat was impossible.
But Jack answered him seriously.
"I don't think that will happen. Your sister shows me sides of her I've never seen before. And every one of them is so cute, I can't get enough. I am the one who is scared that she will leave me one day. She is special."
Tom made a dramatic gagging face.
"Ew! She's my sister. Don't talk about her like that. My soul almost left my body."
Then, more quietly, he added, "Just make sure she doesn't cry."
He went into his room after that.
When I stepped back into the living room, Tom opened his door again and yelled, "Don't let me catch you guys like that again. It was disgusting!" before slamming it shut.
Jack and I burst out laughing.
I felt lighter. More comfortable. Like everything was finally real now that my brother knew.
I walked Jack to the door, waved goodbye, and watched him leave.
It had been such a perfect day. I was so happy my stomach hurt, overwhelmed by a joy that just kept overflowing.