Page 20 of The Pact

I’m suddenly all too aware that we aren’t the only two at the table and I pull my hand free. I glance at Cole as he finishes his glass of wine. Resting my hand on his leg, I give a slight squeeze. “Did all of you meet in school? Cole told me you grew up together.”

Cole opens his mouth to speak, but Damian cuts in. “We were all born and raised here in Willow Hill. Went to the same elementary school. Once we met, we all just stuck together.” His voice holds no emotion as he leans back in his chair with his arms folded over his chest.

“You all must be really close to live here together.”

I catch Damian giving Cole a look. “We’re very close. What’s mine is his and what’s his is mine. None of us wants for anything,” Damian replies, his eyes shifting to me.

“That’s nice!” It’s a rare thing to stick with the people you’ve known since childhood. “I bet your parents love that you all stayed friends. Holidays and parties must be huge events.”

The men look between each other and this time, Cole answers. “No. Nothing that idyllic.” His words from our first date resurface. We grew up together and took care of each other when nobody cared enough to claim us most days. I assumed he meant the kids their age, although it’s becoming apparent it might have been their families that neglected them.

“Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t realize.” I remembered meeting Sutton’s parents a couple of times when they visited him in college. They were pleasant and kind. Maybe he was the exception.

Shifting the course of the conversation, Sutton says, “Out of all the places to end up, how’d you find yourself in Willow Hill, Thea?” He leans forward, waiting for my answer.

Sutton is the only one here who’s met Gavin. The only one who saw that relationship start. I can tell he wants to ask about it, and I can only ignore my past for so long.

“Clearly, Gavin and I are no longer together.” I motion to Cole. “We broke up about a year ago. My friend Cassie lives here. She convinced me to move so that we could start a photography business. Three months ago, I pulled the trigger and haven’t looked back.”

Sutton seems genuinely perplexed. “How have I not seen you around these past three months?”

“You and I both know that you’re a recluse. You’ve probably been holed up reading, forgetting that the world around you exists.” I give him a teasing grin.

Cole lets out an unexpected laugh. “She’s got you figured out, brother.”

“Hey, I’m a whole new man, Thea.” Sutton leans back, resting his hands behind his head. “I own a bookstore in town and interact with the public all day long.”

“Lies,” Damian says bluntly. “You hide away in your bookstore, cursing anyone who bothers you.”

Sutton abruptly sits straight, throwing his hands up defensively. “Fine, you’ve got me there. But at least I leave the house once in a while, Damian.” Cole and Sutton laugh while Damian scowls at them.

Warmth fills my heart at the playful interaction. Is this what it would have been like if I had siblings?

It’s easy to see why they call themselves brothers. I can imagine them younger and rough housing, getting into mischief, and covering for each other when they needed to. They may not look like family, however they chose one another over all others—to me, that’s stronger than any blood tie.

That’s something I had in common with them. I chose Cassie. She was more like family to me than my own parents ever were.

“So, a bookstore owner, a baker, and…” I study Damian, who’s been staring at me the entire night like some kind of serial killer. I wait for him to tell me what he does.

Damian waits a second before deciding to answer. “Tech.”

Whatever that means. I’m about to dig further when Cole speaks up.

“Have you heard from Cassie?”

I pause, trying to find the right words to tell him I want to stay the night. “Yes.” I glance at the time on the stove. He follows my gaze. “Would it be okay if I stayed? I can leave first thing in the morning.” Regret swells as soon as I ask.

My curiosity is piqued. Knowing that Sutton lives here and can vouch for Cole, I feel much safer. I want to know more about these brothers and I want to catch up with my old friend.

Cole smiles. “You sure?”

“Yeah,” I confirm as a yawn escapes.

His fingers intertwine with mine on his leg. “You can stay any time you want.” I hold Cole’s stare, although I can feel Damian and Sutton watching me.

We clear the table. After he walks me downstairs. “I’m going to finish cleaning. Then I’ll be in the room next to you if you need anything,” he assures me.

I’m leaning against my door and the only thing I want is him nearer to me. The short distance between us feels like miles and I know that he’s trying to be respectful—I appreciate the thought, but I need something else right now.

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