Page 166 of Finance Bros

“It’s fine,” Miguel says. “He didn’t text first either. So. Engagement ring.”

I give him the abbreviated version of why I bought but never gave Kaylin the ring, and he listens attentively. Nathan reappears fully clothed and goes into the kitchen like nothing is amiss.

His skulking around would be sort of a power move if I were trying to seduce Miguel, but it comes off a little ridiculous, and the first thing I want to do is tell Ryan about it. Then Bailey. Because it’s quite obvious Nathan’s not the one in charge here, despite the impressive size difference. I don’t love continuing this talk in front of him, but he’s not giving me a choice.

“It’s a trust issue, I think,” I tell Miguel, trying not to name names or use pronouns. Not because I care if Nathan knows I’m gay, but because it’d be too obvious that I’m talking about Ryan, who—at least until the other day—wanted to keep our relationship quiet.

“I can understand that,” Miguel says, sliding a meaningful look Nathan’s way. Nathan who hooks up with women all the time. Including in the unisex with my mentor. There’s some definite subtext I’m picking up on, but since Miguel seems fine with whatever’s happening, I’ll save my questions about him and Nathan for later.

“How do we get past it?” I ask instead.

“Sounds like youbothhave trust issues.”

“But I’m a psycho,” I say. “Like batshit. Crazy in love—emphasis on crazy.”

Miguel laughs, and I think I hear Nathan making an amused noise, too.

“Ha ha, yeah, I know. It’s not attractive.”

“It’s adorable, Mal. In small doses.”

“Right, well…it’s kind of an all day every day thing with me. I feel like I need to let him breathe.”

Miguel gives me a dubious look. “Did he ask for that?”

“No. He said we ‘needed to talk,’” I say with air quotes.

“Sometimes that means exactly what it sounds like.”

“Itsounds likehe wants to tell me this has been fun and all, but his future’s with Norah in Seattle. Not on some stupid podcast with me.”

“Are you talking about Ryan?” Nathan asks.

Fuck.I glare at him. “I just saw you coming out of Miguel’s bedroom naked. As a reminder.”

“I noticed that,” he says. “I also feel like y’all are talking about me, too, so pardon me for taking an interest.”

Miguel cuts him a look, and Nathan raises his brows like he’s daring Miguel to tell him he’s wrong.

“So you think you’re smothering him or something?” Miguel asks me.

I do my best to ignore Nathan’s persistent presence. “Something. I have no chill when it comes to him. Norah was like—chill personified.”

Miguel drains his wine and nods. “Look. Here’s what I wanna say. Ryan is upfront. He says what he means, and from what I can tell, he means what he says. If he said it’s you—it’s you. And it sounds like he wanted to talk because he’s worried about you. Everybody was shocked in debrief when you weren’t there and Georgie broke the news. I don’t think he wants to break up with you. Not at all. I can’t even imagine that. In terms of what to do about the ex girlfriend? Just reassure him. That and time. Being consistent. Showing up. Trying not to broadcast all your crazy at once.”

Nathan looks like he’s taking mental notes while he goes through the motions of making a sandwich.

“That’s it?” I ask.

“Men aren’t that complicated,” Miguel says.

“So, in terms of breathing room?” I ask.

“Let me put it this way. Do you really want to let him sleep on this mess with that woman in town?”

I startle. “No,” I say. I definitely donotwant that.

Miguel sets his empty wineglass on the coffee table. “This is the one exception where you should just show up.”

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