Page 12 of Hold Me
“Your crush!” Mateo exclaims.
I press my lips together, annoyed. “He is not my crush.”
Mateo ignores what I just said. “See, even more reason to join the party,” he grins. “You can finally thank him in person.”
“It’s been a couple of years, I am sure he can’t remember,” I say. “I looked different back then, and it was just a moment.”
“Well, you remember him,” Ster points out. “So, why shouldn’t he?”
“Because it was a meaningful moment for me. A turning point. I am sure for him it was just a fleeting moment.”
“You never know.” Ster shrugs. “So, I assume you are joining us?”
I look at my suit, trying to play it cool. “I guess I have to, now.”
*ADEN*
Lynn and I go through all the details for the dinner party. Everything is already set, but it’s always good to take a last look at everything. We are almost done when my phone vibrates.
A message?
Hey little bro!
I frown.
Lynn tosses me a look. “Oliver?”
“No, Francis.”
I just met Oliver for a couple of cocktails. Why don’t you join us? We’d love to see you!
Francis works a corporate job; he is in finance and is doing very well. He and I are the only ones with more traditional jobs.
I curse myself for having read the message immediately. Now he knows I’ve seen it.
Can’t.I type back.I am at work.
That’s technically not a lie, though Lynn and I are about to wrap things up.
That sucks. But join us next time!
I don’t know what to answer, so I leave it at that. Shortly after, a new message from Francis comes through.
Oh, forgot to tell you: We saw the coverage of your opening exhibition. Congrats!
At this, my fingers almost twitch with wanting to send a reply. In my family, I am the only one with an interest in art, I always have been, and I know that the channels that covered the interviews about the last exhibit aren’t those they’d usually watch.
I stop myself from replying, deciding to leave things the way they are.
“Everything okay?” Lynn asks.
“Yes.”
“You don’t look okay, though.”
“No, it’s nothing. Just didn’t expect a message from Francis. He wanted me to join him and Oliver for a drink.”
“Why don’t you?”
