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“Is it true?” he asks as soon as he opens the door.
“Depends on what? There are many things that are true. There are an equal number of false.”
“Don’t be smart with me,” he grumbles. He steps back and lets me enter his apartment. Jet lag visibly taking its toll. He’s been in America for the past month, working with an old friend of Elijah’s. An architect renowned for his work in sustainable, eco-friendly buildings.
“If you’re talking about Leah, I take it our mother has been gossiping?” I say, as I follow him into his kitchen.
Caleb moves to his wine cooler and grabs a bottle of beer for us both.
“It is true then?” Caleb stares at me as if trying to read my soul. “I always wondered,” he adds cryptically.
Directing us back into his main living space.
“Wondered what?”
“About your feelings for her.”
I drop onto his sofa, drawing down a large swallow of beer.
Feelings? I catch the word before I say it out loud. Caleb is too perceptive, not only as a person but also as my twin.
“What changed? I’ve only been gone a month,” he asks.
I sit back and stare at the bottle of beer in my hand. “That night, after Tristan’s,” I say, realising it isn’t a lie. That night changed everything between Leah and me, or at least started us on our current path. I saw Leah as more than someone who works for me. I saw her as a person. It also made me realise how distant I am from those working for me. Something I need to rectify.
Caleb stares, and I lock my muscles to prevent myself from fidgeting under the scrutiny of his gaze. He takes a swig of his beer before leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
“I’m going to say this, and I know you will not like it.”
I lock gazes with my brother. I know what’s coming. He’s always been protective, even when I’ve not wanted him to be.
“I like Leah. You know I do, but are you sure this isn’t too soon? She and Vince were together a long time.”
It’s my turn to lean forward. “Most people will think it is too soon.” I think back to Leah’s conversation with her mother. “We’ve discussed it. Leah’s relationship with Vince was over a long time ago.”
Caleb looks sceptical, and I can’t blame him. “She was pretty upset the night of Tristan’s opening for someone whose relationship was over.”
“She was, but then Vince’s girlfriend announced she was pregnant.”
Caleb’s eyes widen, and his head draws back. “I was not expecting that.”
“No, nor was Leah,” I say drily. “Vince had been putting off starting a family for years. That’s why Leah was so upset. It was the ultimate betrayal,” I add, hoping Leah forgives me for sharing this information with Caleb.
“I don’t get it. I don’t get Vince,” Caleb says, shaking his head, making me wonder whether my brother has, in fact, developed feelings for Leah over the years.
“After Leah moved into the apartment, we started spending time together, and our relationship changed,” I explain.
“I’m not surprised,” my brother says, smiling over at me. “It was always going to take someone like Leah to break down your walls. You were always going to need to get to know someone without any stigma or pressure.”
I stare open-mouthed at my brother.
“You forget how well I know you, Gabe,” he says.
Something I can’t deny, even if I want to. Caleb has always had an innate way of knowing what I need or how I’m feeling.
I close my mouth, pursing my lips. “Leah wants to keep it out of the office, at least for the moment,” I tell him.
“I’m not surprised. She’s never been big on gossip.” Caleb leans forward and taps the top of his bottle to mine. “I really am happy for you both.” I take that as his agreement not to come in, shouting his mouth off the next time he pops in.
