Unless he didn’t want to discuss his family business because it was shady. I honestly had no idea what my husband did for a living. Was his job the big secret between us?
“It’s okay,” I told Ethan, trying to keep things light, even as the tension in the room crept higher.
Ethan leaned back and relaxed again, letting out a breath. “So, what was your memory of me? I bet it was the time we broke into my father’s liquor cabinet and drank his vodka, replacing it with water.”
I blinked. “We did that?”
“Oh yeah. We were always breaking into his cabinet when we were younger. We once stole one of his guns and...”
“Ethan!” Aiden cut in, tone harsh and angry this time.
Ethan froze. His whole expression changed. “Shit,” he muttered. “I shouldn’t have said that, huh?”
“It’s time to say goodbye,” Aiden said, stepping closer.
But my thoughts were already unraveling that thread of information he’d let slip. If Ethan and I were getting into trouble like that when we were younger, then I hadn’t married into their world. I’d been in it for a long time.
“Wait!” Ethan said. “At least let her tell me what her memory was.”
Aiden hesitated, then looked at me. “You don’t have to share your memory if you don’t want to. There’s a chance it could be a false memory.”
I wanted to share it. I needed to know if it was real or not.
“Um... I remembered you cooking for me,” I said to Ethan.
He perked up instantly. “That makes sense. I’m the best cook in the family. You even said my cooking was better than Aiden’s.When Dad would kick me out, I’d crash at your place. You made me pay for staying there by cooking for you and...”
“Ethan!” Aiden snapped again.
Ethan raised both hands. “Fuck! Okay, okay. I won’t say more. I’m just glad I was your first memory, Noe. We’ve been friends longer than you and Aiden have been married. And that’s all I’m going to say.”
Aiden took the phone from me. “Don’t call back unless it’s an emergency,” he told his brother, then ended the call.
Just before the screen went dark, Ethan managed one last smile. “Feel better soon, Noe. And I’ll come visit you once you’re up to it.” And then he was gone.
Aiden slid his phone into his pocket and stared down at me.
“Your first memory was of my brother and not me. I’m jealous,” he admitted, but he didn’t look upset.
“It sounds like your brother and I are close,” I replied, watching his face for a reaction. “He looks fun.”
“Fun? More like troublesome.”
“Did I used to get into a lot of trouble with him?” I pressed, not hiding my curiosity.
“Not a lot. But, I admit that the two of you together, talking quietly, usually worried me.”
“Why?” I asked, hoping it didn’t involve cheating.
“Because it usually meant you two were planning something that would either force me to come save you or force me to spend money to clean up the mess you’d made.”
“Really? Was I that easily persuaded by your brother?”
Aiden chuckled. “It was my brother who was easily persuaded by you.”
My mouth dropped open. “Are you saying I’m the troublemaker, Aiden Park?”
His smile was back in full force, and that made me smile. It was sinful how handsome this man was.
