Chapter 4

Even though I knew I was testing my boundaries at this point, I put my arm around him. His side melted against mine, and he leaned so much against me, I thought he’d knock me over. But I sat stiff and strong. I would be his rock.

“How long?” Immediately I knew what he was asking.

“I think a part of me always has.”

“And you just put up with it? With me dating your brother?”

“What other choice did I have?”

“You could’ve said something,” he said, his voice tense. “All these years, and then all of a sudden, you spring this on me?”

“Are you mad at me?” Now was my turn to be quiet.

He sighed. “No. I just…I mean like I said earlier, I had no idea you liked men. You only ever dated girls.”