Page 103 of Burning Your Lies

With our treats safely inside a bag, we exit the shop, but instead of heading to the car, Huxley walks in the opposite direction.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

Hadley is the one that answers. “It’s a mandatory tradition that we get ice cream after buying cupcakes.”

I pull my jacket tighter. “But it’s freezing.”

“Traditions cannot be changed,” he calls out from ahead of us.

The desert shop is smaller than the bakery. There’s barely any room for us to move our arms in the tiny booth we’re ushered into. Neither Huxley nor Hadley look at the menu as I peruse it. The options are excessive for the small establishment.

“I’ll just share with you,” I say.

Huxley arches his brow. “Hell no. Get your own or you have nothing, but I am not sharing.”

After we place our order, Hadley tells me they used to come here almost every weekend. Living in a rural area, there aren’t many shops and restaurants about. It’s mainly her talking about their childhood, with Huxley adding a few details here and there. From the sounds of it, they had a wholesome childhood; one filled with nothing but happy memories.

“He’s always been the serious one,” she says, digging into her sundae. “The one that takes care of us all. You’d think he was the father, not the son.” Her tone is mocking, but I see how grateful she is.

“You were always clumsy. Someone had to patch you up after you fell.”

“My brother, the protector. How sweet.”

“I think it is sweet,” I add. “I always wished I had a sibling.”

“It’s not that great,” he grumbles.

I roll my eyes. “Stop pretending like you don’t love her.”

He falls silent, stirring his melting ice cream with a faraway look in his eyes. Just when I think he isn’t going to say anything, he says, “Of course I do. She’s the best sister one could ask for. While she can be an absolute pain in my ass, she’s also smart, witty and courageous.”

Hadley stops eating and studies her brother in surprise. She tries to sound indifferent, but her words are coated in the same adoration. “I think you’re speaking about yourself.”

He looks at her. “Don’t underestimate yourself, Hadley. You say I’m the protector, but who has been taking care of them for the last fifteen years? You’re the one that stayed home and made sure they were alright. You don’t need me to protect you anymore.”

Perhaps it’s the acknowledgement that she rarely gets, but something makes her cry. “I will always need you, Huxley. You’re my brother.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t do more. I’m sorry I wasn't better.”

The atmosphere at the table turns sombre. None of us say anything, silently eating our ice cream with a heavy weight on our chests. Without asking, I take Huxley’s hand in mine. He gives me a gentle squeeze and I understand what this visit was for.

The cupcakes didn’t make it to movie night. The box was cracked open after dinner with his whole family as we lounge around the living room. Hadley chews the cupcake, openmouthed, not forgetting to show Huxley the chewed dessert before swallowing it. Isabella tuts at her and reminds her to use her manners.

“It was a little cold for a walk around today,” Malcolm scolds.

“If any of you catch a cold…”

Huxley waves them off. “I wanted to take in the view. I miss home sometimes.”

Malcolm smiles at his son. “Maybe it’s time you moved back then.”

The suggestion makes Isabella perk up. “We have an empty room that would be perfect for a nursery.”

As always, my cheeks warm at the suggestive tone. “I would love to settle down here. Maybe one day.”

Huxley doesn’t match my smile. He stares at the flickering fireplace. “I like my life in London.”

His mum shakes her head. “I have never liked that you live so far away. A mother wants to keep her children close to her.”

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