Love Survives(13)

“You’re leaving because of her aren’t you?” He held up his hand. “Before you deny it, hear me out. For years I’ve watched you around Katy. It’s not like I could avoid it. Her living under the same roof makes it hard to ignore. Your brother may walk around with blinders on, but it’s pretty obvious to me.”

“Dad, don’t do this. Nothing can change my decision. It’s set in stone.”

“That’s not why I’m asking.”

I didn’t understand why he wanted me to admit my feelings for Kat, not when it wouldn’t make any bit of a difference. I’d never be with Kat. She’d made her choice, and as much as it crushed me, I knew I had to move on. “You already know the answer.”

“You know, Brooks, some things aren’t so set in stone.”

“What’s that supposed to imply, Dad? Everything is set in stone. Look, I appreciate whatever you’re trying to do, but Kat’s with Branch. He’ll be good to her. They’ll have a great life together. I’m sure they’ll marry and have a couple kids. Maybe eventually I’ll be okay with it.”

My dad shook his head and looked out the window at the party going on. “There are things I think you should know about your brother, Brooks.”

This time I was the one putting up my hand. “It doesn’t matter. It will change nothing. I’ve done and said things I can’t take back. Spending time away is what we all need.”

After the talk with my father, I retreated to my room. I couldn’t stand around communicating with the family while pretending I didn’t care what the girl of my dreams was doing with my brother.

A little while later I heard someone knocking on the door before coming into my room. I was still in my swimming trunks without a shirt, and it was clear that was the first thing she noticed. “Hey, I brought you food.”

I leaned up to face her. “Thanks. I wasn’t that hungry.” She sat down beside me and put the tray to the side. “I like when you don’t hide your face.”

Kat looked away, but I could tell she was blushing. “I’m going to miss you, Brooks. Promise you’ll visit?”

I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. There was something about the moment, or perhaps it was the fact that we were completely alone in the house. “Yeah. I’ll come see you.” I didn’t know when, but I knew I couldn’t stay away forever.

“I better get back downstairs.”

I took her hand before she could get up. Her body came down against mine, and all I could see was how close her lips were. With one hand I stroked her cheek. “Don’t slap me, Kat. Please, just let me have a few seconds of this.” Then I kissed her, softly on the lips.

When she didn’t pull away or freak out, I took it upon myself to add some tongue. Far be it from me to deny her my skills. After at least a minute of full-blown making out, she pulled away and covered her mouth, as if she was ashamed.

“I’m sorry. I need to go back downstairs.”

It only took me a second to see the truth across her face. For so long I’d felt terrible for wishing for it. Now it all made sense. “Does he know you’re in love with me?”

She couldn’t look at me. “Please don’t do this, Brooks.”

I had to laugh. I’d been a fool for too long. My own conscience had prevented me from seeing what was right in front of me the whole time, and now I didn’t know what to do. “Kat, have you asked yourself how long you’re going to go on with my brother before you realize you picked the wrong guy?”

She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Don’t go there. You know I love Branch.”

I sat on my knees, staring directly into her eyes. My hands were trembling, but this was important. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. “When I’m on that bus tomorrow and you’re done waving goodbye to me, I want you to do me one favor.”

“What?” She asked in a whisper.

“I want you to think about being without Branch for a few months. Then switch it around and think about being without me. When you have your answer, you’ll know why I had to leave.”

Her tear-filled eyes allowed me to see that I’d gotten to her. “That makes no sense. You already know I’ll miss you.”

I cackled and plopped backwards on my mattress. “Kat, this ain’t even about missing me. This is about you living with a lie. It’s about my brother getting everything he wants and never considering that you were never his to have.”

Kat stood and turned her back to me. The moment was too intense. Maybe I shouldn’t have come on so strong.