In Love With My Brother's Best Friend

n arrived late, his su

, yet somehow his shoes

oom, his gaze lo

n't se

ters away did he notice

u're here?"

ung man, was seasoned in business and quick to mask emoti

e gift box i

it to Belen. "Took me a whil

gasped. "It's the wish bottle we buried as kids! I said I wa

ered on her face,

ncess, adored

out with flowers and even digging

day was our two-

, we hadn't

he smiled. "This is my favori

anced at

ked, knowing the answer. "Doe

I got something from him almost monthly. Last

e only one rec

ilored to he

earrings, though I

piano, though I ha

ust afterthoughts

o get my ears pierced

d spoke, half-mocking. "You're so good t

fened, compos

tall figure in the distance. "M

ian pulled me to t

my thin sweater l

aped his jacket over m

e did

y earlier jab. "Sonya, w

them, holding back tears, and asked so

clearly

ar anniversary, Julian. You p

led, lips moving faintly. "Sorry... I've

ple forget tr

more than our annive

spare a moment to prop

f he'd apologized sincerely, we could've

ck, he'd probabl

dhood friendship, I didn't

itting. "You used to be so gentle and sensible. Why are you t

ached s

le" again. Was that why he cho

let me, your hidden, just-for-fun gir