37. Rhys

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Rhys

Everest’s incessant tapping is going to drive me crazy.

We’re sitting at the airport satellite lot, me behind the wheel of his Jeep, and him in the passenger side, freaking the fuck out. I turn up my wrist when I get a text from Elton saying that he’s landed. Knowing Miami International Airport, I give it a solid thirty minutes before Elton is anywhere near close to pick up.

“He’s here,” I say, cranking up the AC because it’s somehow still so fucking hot in here. Everest continues to relentlessly tap his foot as if he didn’t hear me. I sigh and wrap my hand around the back of his neck. “Baby, did you hear me?”

“Yeah, yeah,” he mutters, worrying the inside of his cheek as he looks out the window.

I sigh and unbuckle my seatbelt. Turning fully toward him, I rest one hand on his knee. “You’re still nervous.”

He shakes his head, but then nods when I raise an eyebrow. He lets out a puff of air and chuckles as he runs a shaky hand through his hair. “It’s just been a while since Elton and I talked.”

“When was the last time?” I ask, curious, because I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen him talk on the phone.

“Um, the day he left?” My eyes widen, and he flinches, looking like a combination of annoyed and sheepish. “You’re disappointed, aren’t you?”

I don’t think disappointed is the right word. Pity isn’t it either. I feel bad for both brothers. For Elton because of how badly he wants to reconnect with his little brother. For Everest because he might not admit it, but he misses his big brother too.

“You’re entitled to your own feelings. I have no judgment on your relationship with your brother, but I’m not going to lie and say that it’s awesome you two haven’t talked,” I say simply and honestly, not skirting around the bush or sugarcoating my words. “You know he just wants to be close to you, right? That’s all Elt’s ever wanted.”

“And you don’t think I know that?” he snaps, throwing his hands in the air out of frustration. “I already feel like a piece of shit. You don’t have to make it worse.”

“I’m not trying to,” I say gently as I pat his leg. Once again, honesty seems to be the best option, no matter how many unpleasant memories it’ll dredge up. “Do you know why I hated you so much a few months ago?”

“The list is long,” he snorts. “I don’t think we have enough time.”

I roll my eyes. “Smartass. One of the reasons was because of how you hurt Elton. All he’s ever wanted is to be your big brother, and it hurt him when you pulled away.”

His face falls, eyes averting to his lap as he picks at a loose thread on his tank top. “I know.”

“I’m not trying to guilt trip you.” Tipping his chin up to look at me, I want him to know I mean it. “I just think that it’s important that you two have a healthy relationship, but it’s at your own pace. If you’re not ready…”

“I don’t think I am,” he admits, shrugging one shoulder. “But I called a therapist.”

I gasp. “You what?”

“Yesterday,” he tells me, cheeks reddening a bit, almost like he’s embarrassed to admit it. “I made an appointment for next week.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I don’t know. It just felt like something I needed to do on my own. You might be right about me having anxiety or you might not, but it wouldn’t hurt to talk to someone about what’s been going on.”

I know this must have been tremendously hard for him to do. Taking that first step always is. I don’t personally have any experience with mental health issues that I know of, but I can empathize with his situation.

“I’m proud of you, baby,” I whisper, pecking his lips. “You’re so strong.”

“You’re not mad I didn’t say anything?” he questions, nervously nibbling his bottom lip.

“Not at all. It’s your journey. I’m just along for the ride as long as you let me.”

And I hope he lets me for as long as possible. I hope he keeps me the way I want to keep him. I wish with everything that I’ll never have to know a life without him. Without his sweetness, his passion, and his vulnerability.

He bats his eyelashes like a tease, and the mood lightens with his playfulness. “Mmm, you’ve grown on me. Maybe I’ll keep you.”

“You just love being a brat, don’t you?” I growl, nipping at his neck roughly, which causes him to burst into laughter.

“Y-You love that a-about me,” he stutters through a laugh.

Oh, fuck yes.

Once again, the love I have for him strikes me, but it’s not the right time. I don’t know if it’ll be soon, but I’ll recognize the moment when it’s here. For now, I settle with kissing him once again, inhaling his intoxicating sweetness, knowing this man is mine. “Yeah, I do.”

He breaks apart and licks his lips. His eyes are wide and glossy with nerves, but there’s a sort of hopeful youth in them that makes my heart sing. “Rhys, I need to tell you something. I?—”

My phone rings, cutting off what he was about to say. I pull it out of my pocket and the reminder of what we’re doing sinks in. “Shit, it’s Elt. We should probably head over to the pick-up lane.” I cock my head, brushing my thumb against his bottom lip. “What were you going to say?”

“Nothing,” he says quickly, his neck now red too. He turns away and gestures to the steering wheel. “Let’s go.”

I take a deep breath as I shift the car into drive. “You ready?”

“Yeah, I think so.” He doesn’t sound all too confident, but the mask he wears is convincing enough. But then he smiles like I’ve just given him the world, fucking heart eyes to the max that make me want to beat my chest with pride. “I have you, don’t I?”

“Of course, Ev.” I’ll love you forever. “Always.”