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The other guys are still playing ball and I think Emily’s trying to pretend like she’s sleeping. I smile a little bit as we bob up and down in the waves.
“Hey, Carter?” he says. “Let me ask you something.”
“Go ahead,” I say.
He hesitates a second. “Have the guys been… flirting with Emily?”
I look over at him. “Why are you asking?”
“I don’t know,” he says. He moves up off his back and watches me. “I’ve noticed some things, you know.”
I narrow my eyes at him. I honestly didn’t think he’d say anything, or really that he’d even seen it. Say what you will about Henry but he’s not the most observant person in the world.
“Why do you want to know, Henry?” I ask him finally.
“Because, what kind of older brother would I be if I didn’t care?” he asks me.
“She’s not a child anymore, you know.”
“I know,” he says, sighing. “It’s strange. I’m so much older than she is. I remember when she was born. I remember how angry I was. I think I hated her when I was younger. And then as I got older, I kept telling myself that I was going to get to know her, you know, become her brother. And it just never happened.”
“It’s not too late for that,” I tell him honestly. “You’re a good person, Henry. You just have to let yourself be.”
“Maybe. But I just don’t want her getting involved with you guys.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want to answer you.”
“I know you don’t. You’re loyal.”
“It’s more than that.”
He stares at me silently for a few second. “You?” he asks.
I can’t lie to him. I’ve known him for too long, gone through too much shit with him. I can’t pretend like it’s not true, I owe him better than that.
“I can’t deny it,” I say.
“Shit,” he says softly. “Et tu, Brute?”
“Come on, it’s not like that. Your sister, she’s smart and funny and interesting.”
“She’s my sister.” He gives me a look.
I stand up straight as a wave comes. “I know that.”
“Just promise you won’t do anything about it.”
“I can’t make that promise.”
“You asshole.” He sighs. I can tell he’s not angry, but he is definitely disappointed. That actually feels worse.
“Better a friend, right?” I ask him.
“No. Not at all.” He turns and swims back to shore, leaving me there alone in the water.
I watch him climb back up onto the sand. Daniel says something to him but he just shakes his head and wraps a towel around his shoulders. He retreats under an umbrella and sits down to sulk.
I sigh again and lay back in the water. What the hell is wrong with me? Why can’t I just leave the poor guy’s sister alone?
