“So, why string her along? Why cheat on her in front of her fucking face? You humiliated her, Connor. You don’t know how hurt she was that night after prom.”
His jaw ticks, and he shakes his head. “But you do, don’t you? How fast did you drive to get to her, huh? Who does that? Who steals his brother’s girlfriend?”
“She was myfriend. While you were out getting drunk and high, hanging out with the football team and fucking around with cheerleaders, I was at home getting to know your girlfriend, picking up the pieces you left behind. She was always there, loyal as hell, waiting for you to fucking notice.”
He drapes his elbows over his knees, picking at the damp label on his beer. “You’re right. I fucked up. There’s no excuse for what I did, but there’s something you should know.”
I motion for him to continue, waiting for whatever bullshit he’s going to try to spin this time.
“I loved Ruby, but not in a romantic way or even a sexual one—not in any way she deserved. Not the wayyoulove her.” He waits expectantly, as if giving me time to refute his claim. When I don’t, he smiles at me, brows raised. “Wow. You’re not denying it.”
I cast my gaze to the kitchen and nod. “Love her so damn much it hurts sometimes.”
“Does she know?”
She shimmies her hips to a beat only she can hear, using a spatula as a microphone. “Nah.”
“You should tell her.”
Relaxing back into the chair, I swirl my drink and take a sip. “I thought we were talking about you.”
“We were, but you’re a bit distracted, big brother.” He smirks. “Ruby’s even more beautiful than I remember. Themagazines and album covers don’t do her justice. She wears those bell-bottoms like a second skin.”
My nostrils flare, and I blow out a breath as my hand grips my glass tighter. Connor barks out a laugh. I bring the drink to my lips in an effort to calm the anger that’s bubbling up inside of me.
“Relax, Liam. I’m gay.”
I choke on my whiskey, coughing against the burning sensation. Clearing my throat, I grit out, “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I’m gay. I like men. So, you see, Ruby and I never would’ve worked out anyway.”
Rocked by Connor’s sudden declaration, I think back over years of interactions, searching for any signs I might’ve missed. Connor finishes his drink and places the empty bottle on the table.
“How long have you kept this from me?” There’s an edge of hostility in my voice, but it has nothing to do with his sexuality and everything to do with the thought that I suddenly don’t know my own brother—the only family I have left in the world.
“It wasn’t like a lightbulb that went off, and I magically started being attracted to guys. It’s something I’ve grappled with for as long as I can remember. I hadn’t really accepted it until a few years ago. That's why I moved away and sold the bar.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“I was scared. You’re my only family, and shit was already messy after what happened with Ruby. I didn’t want to risk making things worse.”
“You really thought it would matter to me? You should know me better than that by now.”
His tone sobers. “Look, I didn’t come here to fight. Ijust wasn’t ready to tell you at the time. I was still working through some things on my own.”
Fucking hell. I’m being a selfish prick. This isn’t about me, but I’m too busy making this into some personal slight to be the brother he needs right now. This can’t have been easy for him.
A wave of understanding washes over me, and I manage to rein in my pride. “I’ve loved you for twenty-eight years, Connor. I loved you when you broke my guitar. I loved you every time we fought. I even loved you when you were a little shit in high school. This doesn’t change anything.”
He swallows thickly, a crack forming in his usually placid exterior. “I’m sorry if I gave you hell growing up. I looked up to you, but you were all I had, and I think I took my anger and frustration out on you.” His eyes dart to the kitchen and back. “When I was with Ruby, I had all of these conflicting things going on inside my head. I always cared about her, but I knew something was missing. Instead of admitting the truth, I acted out. I hurt her, and that’s on me.”
“You need to tellherthat.”
“I will. I’m here to make things right with both of you.”
“You knew she was here?”
“No, but I wasn’t exactly surprised. She always had a soft spot for you. When I heard about the fire… fucking hell, Liam. I drove out of Lexington so goddamn fast. I replayed every unspoken apology and regret until I walked into that hospital room.”
