Antonio walks into the apartment while staring at Evan.
“We good here?” security says, clearly amused.
“Yeah, all good.” Evan nods as he shoots me a look.
“Evan, can you grab your own mug, I’ll carry mine and Antonio’s.”
“What fucking twilight zone did I walk into?” Antonio asks while his eyes bounce back and forth between Evan and me.
I sit at the head of the dining table, with Evan on my right, and Antonio on my left.
Evan beats me to it before I’ve fully settled into my seat. “Antonio, I’m in love with your sister. I’m sorry I kept this information from you, but we’ve been trying to figure out our feelings before we started telling people.” Evan holds my hand over the table, and Antonio looks at where our hands touch in disgust.
“Telling people? You can’t be serious. How long has this been going on?” he spits out.
When it comes to Antonio, I usually let a lot of shit slide when he plays the overprotective big brother role. And I’ve given him even more leeway ever since mom died. But seeing the way he’s reacting to my happiness snaps something inside me.
I shoot up out of my seat, sending the chair flying behind me. Startling both men. “Mira Antonio. I’m going to let your initial reaction slide, because I know this is surprising. But I need you to pull your head out of your ass for a second and listen to what we’re fucking saying. We’re in love with each other. Do you know what that means? It means we make each other happy. If you give a shit about me or my happiness, then these feelings should matter more than whatever bro code that prohibits Evan from touching me,” I scold.
Antonio crosses his arms over his chest and looks down at the table, but I don’t relent. “What would mom say about your reaction right now?”
Antonio slumps lower in his chair, but stays silent.
I pick up my chair and take back my place at the table. “Antonio, I know this sounds stupid, but I think mom had a hand in getting Evan and I together.” I take Evan’s hand back in mine and smile at him.
“That snowstorm named Anna. It came out of nowhere. It forced Evan and I to talk about our feelings for one another. This isn’t something we’re doing on a whim, and we’re not going to stop loving each other because you’re upset, but I would love it if my big brother would give us a chance and get on board.”
Antonio’s eyes finally meet mine, and he lets out a sigh. “So, you’re saying that you’re happy?”
My eyes soften. “Yes, I am.” I say, squeezing Evan’s hand in mine, and Evan lifts it to kiss it. Antonio watches this interaction with less disdain.
“I guess I can skip the part where I threaten to kill you if you hurt her?” Antonio deadpans to Evan.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, man.” Evan holds eye contact with Antonio, and Antonio nods.
“Alright then. Guess that’s that. But please no kissing or PDA until I leave. Give me a grace period. This is too weird for me right now,” he murmurs.
I jump up and wrap my arms around him. He keeps his arms crossed over his chest and rolls his eyes, but there is a hint of a smile in there. “Have I told you you’re the best brother ever?” I squeeze him harder.
“Yeah, yeah. You guys gonna feed me or something? I came here for breakfast, not this lovefest.
“Actually, you and Evan have some other pressing matter to talk about, I can order some food so you can discuss over bagels.”
Evan shoots me a warning look, and I give him one right back.
“Do you guys already have a secret language? God, I didn’t know I would need a drink this early in the day.” Antonio complains.
“Evan, I know you come with baggage, but so do I,” I say pointing to my brother. “And my baggage happens to be an NYPD officer, so we aren’t keeping any more secrets.”
“Amelia—” Evan starts.
“No. More. Secrets.” I stare at Evan, not leaving room for discussion. He waves at Antonio, letting me know he concedes, then proceeds to run my brother through the whole story.
“Wait, what the fuck are you talking about? You’re in the crossfire of a drug dealer, Amelia?” Antonio shoots forward in his seat.
“Well technically I think Evan called him a drug lord last night. Anyways, we’ll probably need your help.”
“What the fuck have you’ve gotten my sister involved with Evan?” Antonio snaps at Evan.
