Page 65 of Frozen Flames

Either way, the fact that Henrik told me that he called her to see if she was coming to my appointment and it didn’t ring a bell for her was a pretty significant slap in the face.

My mom wasn’t impressed either, since my parents pitched in more financially than Gemma’s dad for the van, with the understanding that it would be used for my disabled needs and appointments.

Anyway, maybe she forgot. Maybe she did it on purpose.

My melancholy must’ve shown, since even McKleen asked me if I was okay during my session. He also delivered the amazing news that, because of my progress, he thinks I’ll be able to walk with or without crutches sooner than expected.

“What’s wrong?” Hen asks as we game in my room, gulping down burgers and fries.

“Nothing.” I shrug, not wanting to talk about it.

I feel horrible. It feels hard to breathe properly, peacefully. The shame is all-consuming because I can’t stop thinking about Claire while I’m wondering if Gemma will leave me.

“Clearly not. Spill. Is it because I told Claire to back off?”

I stare at him. “You shouldn’t have done that. It’s not your place, and she hadn’t done anything wrong.”

“Hadn’t? Meaning she has now?”

I shake my head, focusing intently on the screen. “None of this is her fault.”

“Okay.” My brother pauses the game. “What the fuck did you do?”

“Claire and I kissed. I told Gemma. She hasn’t been home since.”

“Can you blame her?”

“No, no, I can’t.” I don’t like where this is heading at all. He’s going to make me admit things, as Hen often does, and I’m not in the mood to be berated by him.

“Not many girls would’ve stuck around, Harv. I know youknowthat.”

I sigh. “Iknowthat. I can’t explain it. Gemma loved the man I used to be, but I don’t think she even likes who I am now. Claire does.”

Henrik weaves a hand through his hair, propping an elbow on his leg as he turns to me. “Brother…you can be the man you once were. It might just require a few changes—”

“That’s what nobody gets! That’s where you’rewrong. I’ll never be the man I used to be. He’s long gone.”

“Alright, Harvey, chill. You have to own up to what you did.”

“I’m not disputing that,” I agree with him. “I know I’ve hurt Gemma, and trust me, it’s the last thing I want to do.”

“But…” He grabs the rest of his burger and finishes it in one bite.

“Claire, with her…” I can’t even finish my sentence. I’m not sure how to put it into words.

“Bro.” He shakes his head, sighing. “I knew Claire was gonna come in and fuck things up. I had a bad feeling about this.”

“It doesn’t feel bad though,” I whisper, filled with guilt.

“Nonsense. It’s just her tits. Give Gemma some time and talk to her. I’m sure she’ll forgive you.”

He doesn’t get it.

I shouldn’t be surprised. I knew he’d have Gemma’s back as they’re all close friends—he, Gemma, and her sister, Gia. I don’t have the guts to tell him that she might be cheating on me too. I know how much he cares for her, and I don’t want to be the one responsible for ruining his image of her.

I hand him my fries, then we finish gaming in silence.

And somehow I feel even lonelier than I did before I told him.

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