Chapter 16
brAD
“You’ve been moping for the last three days, and I’m done.”
I ignore my sister and turn up the volume on the television. This is the best part. The reveal. My brain can’t handle much more than this. An exasperated sound comes from her, and she steps in front of me.
“Hey. I’m trying to watch this.”
“You’re moping. Normally, the TV isn’t even on unless I’m watching my shows. And, Brad, I can only take so much HGTV. Please, do something.”
“What do you want from me? I go to work every day. Nothing wrong with a little downtime.” I don’t mention going to Charlie’s office. Or the number of times I’ve called. He won’t see me. Even Raja is sick of me. I’ve earned my moping privileges.
“Downtime? Your downtime usually consists of you living in your workshop, making things. Or volunteering.”
I sink into the couch and pull my blanket up to my neck.
It reminds me of Charlie. On the nights we didn’t spend together, he’d send selfies of himself all snuggled up in his blanket.
God, I fucking miss him. My sister huffs, and I close my eyes.
I just want to wallow in peace. Is that too much to ask? “Go away, Harper.”
“Not happening, bro. Talk to me.”
“Talking is overrated.”
“Ha.” She plops down next to me and takes the remote. “I’ll remember that the next time you pull out the ‘I’m worried about you, Harper’ speech.”
I laugh. And it’s so unexpected that it turns into a sob. I shake my head. Once I have my emotions locked away, I smile at her. “You’re right. It’s your turn to listen to me whine about my life.”
That gets me a light smack. “Hey, asshole. I don’t whine.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “But go on. I’m listening.”
How much do I tell her? “Charlie still isn’t talking to me.”
“He’ll come around. He always does. Remember that time when he was in college and—” She stops and sits up, studying me. “This time is different, isn’t it?”
“Give me the remote back. I’d like to see the renovations on that home.”
“I thought something was up. It’s obvious Charlie has a crush on you. That boy can’t lie worth shit. I figured you were being your usual oblivious self—but that’s not it. Holy shit. You and Charlie? No wonder you wouldn’t help find him a guy. You already found him a guy.”
I shake my head, ready to deny it, but my mouth gets ahead of me. “I love him.” Then, in a stronger voice because I’m not ashamed of it, “I’m in love with Charlie.”
“Does he know?”
I sink back into my cocoon. “He’s not talking to me right now. Did you miss that part?”
She scrambles off the couch. “I heard you. What happened to the Coach Rathborn who yells at his team to never give up? Who harps on his sister that actions speak louder than words? Does love make you stupid?”
I laugh. “It really does.” But she’s right. I need to tell Charlie how I feel and beg him to forgive me. Standing, I discard the blanket and hug my sister. “Thanks, Harper.”
“Don’t worry, bro. He’ll forgive you.” She pats my back reassuringly. “It’s not like you robbed someone. And then maxed out their credit cards and left them penniless.”
I pull back to look at her. “That’s not funny, Harper.”
“It’s a little funny.” She holds out her fingers.
“That guy was an asshole.” We don’t say his name. Ever.
“That guy isn’t the point. The only person keeping you from achieving your dreams is you.”
I stare at her.
She shrugs. “According to my therapist.”
“You have a therapist?”
“That info is on a need-to-know basis.” She grins. “Now, let’s talk strategy. How are you getting your man back?”
“No—” The ringing of my phone saves me. Charlie. My heart leaps at his name and profile picture on my phone, hijacking my brain. “Charlie? I mean, Chas. Thank God. I’m so sorry—”
“Stop. I—” He takes a few breaths. “I can’t get everything done for Mom and Dad’s party by myself. I need your help.”
“Yes. Of course. Just tell me what to do.” I almost break down and beg him to take me back. I miss him so much.
His voice wavers. “I can’t handle more than that right now, okay?”
“Whatever you need, Chas.”
Harper’s grinning at me, but I’m not sure it’s time to celebrate. This isn’t Charlie forgiving me. But it’s a start.