8. Chapter Eight #2
“Uh, sure.” So I took him through the story I’d given Zahir—how I’d found the investigator’s report after my mother died.
How I wasn’t entirely sure why she’d had our father investigated.
Or what she’d expected me to do with the knowledge.
“I can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead, although I suppose I should be.
” I shrugged. “I had more time with him than you did.”
Demetrius offered a soft smile. “That’s true.
And, like you, I had a fierce-and-determined mother—she wasn’t interested in the past. She kept me focused on the future—especially with two younger sisters to care for.
In truth, I don’t think about him very often.
I never have. He’s part of something I barely remember.
Instead, I focus on my sisters. You…don’t have that, do you? ”
I shook my head. “No. After Mom died—” I shrugged.
“I guess I figured it didn’t matter anymore, you know?
But then I found the report and something clicked.
Like this was a sign from the universe that I was supposed to reach out.
The family in Texas, as far as I can see, are Fundamentalist Christian.
How they allowed a bigamist amongst them is a whole other thing. ”
“They likely didn’t know.” Demetrius softly interjected.
“Right? So me showing up would’ve raised a whole lot of questions.
As I did with you.” I was quick to add that.
“But from what I saw…or what I could read between the lines…” I drew in a deep breath.
“You felt like the safer option. But that puts a lot of pressure on you.” Because I needed him to know I wasn’t unaware of the depth of my request. How unsettling it must’ve been for him to receive a text some random Saturday night from a guy claiming to be his half-brother.
“I’ve got broad shoulders.” Another smile. “Ask my husband. He complains—playfully—that I like to take on all the world’s problems. Not that you’re a problem—” He cut himself off.
“But…” I continued to scratch Daphne’s ears as I willed him to keep going.
“I think but is too strong of a word. Maybe and because might be better.”
I cocked my head.
“I’m happy you’re here and because you reached out to me first, I feel…obliged…to help. Or just listen. Or whatever it is that you need. I need you to tell me, though, because I’m sort of flying without a compass.”
Yeah, okay. I can see that. I get it. I took a deep breath. “It’s funny that I’m coming to you for information about our father—given that I had him longer and he was in my life more recently.”
“Ah.” Demetrius nodded. “You’re hoping I can explain why he went around marrying random women and fathering children then abandoning them.”
“When you put it like that—” I swallowed. “Maybe?”
“I don’t have all the answers. I wish I did. But I believe the explanation you’ve provided. Clearly, my father and your mother married. Even bigamously, that still makes you my brother.”
“The resemblance is remarkable.” Zahir spoke for the first time. “But I think, unless you’re standing next to each other, that the casual observer wouldn’t see it. I do—because I know to look for it. Jai will see it because he’s intuitive that way. As for others? Hard to say.”
“I haven’t told anyone about you.” Demetrius winced. “That sounds bad. I know. Jai knows. Our friends Foster, Arnav, Cody and Lorcan—”
“Lorcan?” The name burst out of me. “Lorcan knows you?”
Demetrius tilted his head. “He was with me when I got your text. Arnav—the lawyer—was the person who advised the most caution.”
“That’s Arnav.” Zahir chuckled softly.
After a moment, Demetrius squinted a little. “How do you know Lorcan? ”
“I met him this morning—while he was walking Mei. In Heritage Park.” I scratched my jaw. “I’d ask what the odds are, but I’m thinking this might be a small-town thing?”
Zahir laughed. “Yes, definitely a small-town thing. Although I suppose people in big cities meet random people as well, and there are weird connections.”
“I didn’t tell Lorcan who I am.” I cleared my throat again. “Well, I told him my name was Andre, but nothing more than that. He didn’t say anything about…that is…” I shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”
“Well, I can say that even if Lorcan made the leap, he’d never say anything to anyone. He’s an intensely private man.”
I squinted. “Well, if that’s private, I’d hate to see what a public person is like.”
“Huh?”
“Just…he was very chatty.”
Demetrius’s jaw dropped. “Lorcan? Really?” He glanced over to Zahir—as if seeking confirmation.
Zahir chuckled. “Don’t ask me. I wasn’t there. I suspect Andre was friendly to Mei—and that’s a guaranteed lovefest from Lorcan…”
“I was happy to see the dog.” I continued to pet Daphne. “Just like I’m happy to see her.”
“Did you have a dog growing up?” Demetrius’s gaze was intense.
I shook my head. “We, uh, didn’t have a lot of money.
And Dad was gone, obviously, and Mom worked.
I thought about getting one after she died, but they’re expensive and—” Crap.
Crap. Crap. I hadn’t wanted him to know money was an issue for me.
Zahir sort of knew—but I trusted he wouldn’t say anything to Demetrius .
My half-brother cocked his head again. “Yes, pets are very expensive. I’m lucky I make a good salary—because kids aren’t cheap either. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I fidgeted, forcing myself to hold still. “I’m not poor. I’ve got a job and an apartment and—”
Demetrius held up his hands. “No judgment here. City living can be super expensive. Hell, even country living these days isn’t cheap.
” He squinted. “I think what I’m trying to say is that, if you’re ever up for it, that I’d love to introduce you to my kids.
And my dogs. And my husband. But that’s a lot and, as you said, pressure.
Hell, I don’t even know how long you’re staying. ”
“I don’t know either.” Because that was the God’s honest truth.
“And I should invite you to stay with us. We have a pullout couch in the basement. It would be private—”
“Andre’s free to stay with me for as long as he likes.” Zahir caught—and held—my gaze.
I read the unspoken support. I appreciated it more than I could ever have expressed in that moment. “Let me think about meeting everyone? For now—”
Zahir nodded subtly.
“—I think I’m good here. Zahir’s been very kind. I know he doesn’t have to be so good to me but—”
“But he’s happy to help a friend. And that’s what you are, Andre. A friend. We just…met under unusual circumstances. That’s all.”
I appreciated his discretion. The last thing I needed was Demetrius finding out about the whole flying debacle—or that I liked to dress up like a puppy to get scritches and play ball. Nope. That was going way too far .
“Why don’t you two keep chatting while I grab some finger food? If that’s all right?” Zahir directed his attention between Demetrius and me.
“I’ll be okay.” I held his gaze, willing him to believe me.
He rose. “Yes, I believe you will.” With that, he headed to the kitchen.
Daphne leapt from my lap and trotted after him.
Demetrius laughed. “Yep, they are so predictable. My two are always following whoever is headed to the kitchen.”
“Do you…?” I swallowed. “Do you have a picture?”
“I have about a thousand. Even more of Keegan and Alaina.” He gestured to the seat beside me on the couch.
I patted it.
He joined me.
We were still poring over photographs when Zahir arrived a few minutes later with food.