That was a wonderful sign for our eveningand the conversation that was about to happen…they just didn’t know it yet.
****
It was likewatching two socially awkward tigers circle each other. They wanted to betogether, but all they knew how to do was hurt one another.
Julian’s eyes narrowed as he took offenseto what Niall probably thought was a simple question. “If you spent more timewith Keegan and less time at work, maybe you’d know how he got the bump on hishead.”
Oh, I’d forgotten about that.
It’d honestly been my fault for not hangingthe picture right in the first place, but in my defense, I hadn’t realizedthose sticky things that hung everything up eventually became un-sticky.
Niall had only noticed the bruising whenI’d run my fingers through my hair and it’d shown for a moment. He had to havebeen watching me closely to even notice it at all, so I thought Julian shouldgive him a break…but Julian was worried and taking it out on Niall.
I jumped in before Niall could figure outhow to snarl back. He’d been surprised by Julian’s response, so he’d needed amoment to plan out the best way to attack. “It’s not bad. The frame justmanaged to hit me on the edge. It’s hardly noticeable.”
It’d bled like crazy, but it wasn’t the worstwound I’d ever given myself, so I hadn’t thought about it much. “Niall hascalled every night this week, even when he’s worked late.”
But I had a feeling he’d just called me,and not Julian.
Giving them both stern looks that hadJulian taking a deep breath, I turned to Niall, who was now on the defensive andconfused. Not a good look for my sexy, serious tiger. “I think it might be agood idea if you asked Julian why he’s so upset.”
They were both back to looking awkwardly ateach other, but at least Julian wasn’t sniping at Niall any longer.
Niall thought for a moment and then took adeep breath. “You’re right. Just calling isn’t enough, but I guess in my mindyou were there to take care of him, so I wasn’t worried. I knew you’d do a goodjob and that I’d see you both this weekend. I’m sorry.”
Then Niall glanced over at me, and when Inodded in Julian’s direction to keep him going, he sighed. “Um, I understandyou’re angry, but can you tell me why it’s so frustrating to you?”
Not bad.
Now to see if Julian knew why he was mad.
Julian stilled and I could see the anger inhim deflating, but it took several long moments of him pushing around the lastof his steak before he got the words out. “I apologize. There was no reason forme to attack you like that. I know Keegan liked having lunch with you earlierin the week and he hasn’t felt like you’ve been working too much.”
Niall almost let it go, accepting that asthe end of the problem, but then I could practically see the lightbulb goingoff over his head. “Thank you, but I think things would be a lot clearer for meif you also answered the question Keegan told me to ask.”
It seemed like I was some kind of teddybear he was holding up in front of him to save himself, but I didn’t mind.
Smiling at Julian, I reached over and pattedhis leg under the table. “I really appreciate how hard you’re both trying. Itmakes me feel very important.”
He huffed and narrowed his gaze at me.“You’re manipulating me.”
“Yes, and you’re going to let me, so answerhis question. Niall is really trying.” A little guilt went a long way even whenhe knew I was using it on him.
Julian huffed, but he leaned back againstthe bench seat and nodded. “You’re right.”
That didn’t mean he’d finish answering thequestion quickly, though.
After a moment, he took another breath andtried again. “I feel stupid saying this, but Keegan is right, I have to explainmy reaction.”
And again, we waited.
He was very good at procrastinating…it mademe wonder how I could show it visually. But thankfully he kept going before Igot too distracted. “You made an effort to talk to Keegan on a regular basisthis week but not me. I felt slighted and I should’ve said something.”
Niall let out a slow breath, like he wasdoing his best to imitate Julian’s level of procrastination. When he finallystarted to answer, it seemed to be very careful. “You’re right. I should havemade more of an effort to connect with you.”
He paused for a moment, leaving both of ushanging on his unsaid words as his gaze wandered over the table.
“I started to several times whenever Ithought about our last dates, but then I’d worry about what to say and what youwould think and I stopped.” His eyes came up so he was looking directly atJulian. “I shouldn’t have let that stop me. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
