Page 29 of Forever and Other Lies

“Kissed who?”

Kissed who? Only the one woman who was off-limits. She was number one on the untouchable list and topped the ‘don’t even think about it’ list. But he’d bunched up both lists and set them on fire. Derek destroyed not only the list but also the relationship with his twin.

It wasn’t just that one time. Everything that he touched he broke. He’d busted toys, pushed boundaries, and broken promises. And Tommy had always been the one who got them out of the messes that Derek caused.

“I kissed Leighton. The night of the harvest dance, the night before Tommy was taken captive.” Wow, it sounded even uglier spoken out loud than it did on constant replay in his head.

Ian’s mouth opened and closed. He’d caused his brother to be at a loss for words. His brother was never at a loss for words.

Clearing his throat, Ian finally spoke. “Well, that explains it.”

“Tommy spent three years locked away, hating me.”

“Can’t say I blame him.” Ian sat back in his chair. “But I can’t say that I’m surprised either. It was blatantly obvious that you had a thing for Leighton too.”

Derek’s brow creased. “I wouldn’t say blatant.”

Ian gave a head nod that somehow conveyed both acknowledgment and sarcasm simultaneously.

Derek sent his brother yet another eye roll. His younger brother Ben, who had perfected the eye roll, would be impressed. “I shouldn’t have acted on it, though.”

“That is true, but then you wouldn’t be you,” Ian stated.

“What the hell does that mean?” He stared at his brother.

“It means that you’re impulsive. It’s just who you are.” Ian shifted in his chair and sighed, continuing in a softer, less condescending voice. “Derek, you screwed up and made a mistake. You need to apologize to Tommy.”

“Yeah.” The word sorry was never easy for him to say. But Ian was right, it was time to fix his latest mess. “What if he doesn’t want to hear it? I have no idea what to say or how to say it.”

“Amazing! I can’t believe you’re an actual adult now who still can’t grasp the concept of a basic apology. It really isn’t rocket science, Derek,” Ian let out a heavy breath, his tone turning back to the lecturer. “Take responsibility for your actions. Be sincere. Tell him you screwed up, that you were wrong.”

Again, Ian was right. He needed to apologize. If only saying sorry didn’t leave such a bad taste in his mouth. “I’m not very good at admitting I was wrong.”

“Well, that’s a shocker,” Ian chuckled. “Derek, the daredevil, admitting he’s not infallible.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a shot. Thanks, Ian.”

“Just remember, actions speak louder than words. Show him you’re sincere through your behavior, not just your apology. In other words, don’t act like your normal asshole self.”

“I appreciate the advice, even if it’s coming from Mr. Responsible.” He shot his brother an annoyed glance. There was a smear of sauce on the side of Ian’s mouth, and he almost pointed it out. Almost, but then he decided to act like his asshole self and let Ian discover it on his own.

Ian grinned. “Someone needs to be the responsible one in this family. It’s clearly not going to be you.”

Ian turned to look at the big screen as cheers erupted behind him. A wicked smile lifted the corners of Derek’s mouth. He quickly switched their plates before Ian turned back around.

“Hurry up and finish your wings, Mr. Responsible.” Derek pointed at Ian’s plate. “Your not-so-responsible brother needs a ride home.”

Ian grabbed a wing off his plate and shoved it into his mouth. Derek could barely hide the laugh as he watched Ian’s eyes bug out.

“What the hell?” Ian grabbed the glass of water and chugged it. “Did you switch our wings?”

Derek merely lifted his eyebrows.

“You’re still the same snot-nosed, annoying brat you always were.”

“I’m not the one with the runny nose,” Derek laughed.

“No. You’re about to be the one with the bloody nose,” Ian threatened.

---