Page 101 of Crossing the Brooklyn Briggs
“That’s why I called. I know you’re hanging out with Houston tonight, which he really needs, by the way, but I didn’t want you to think I forgot you. Well, I did forget you, but…” He groans, and I do everything I can not to let my heart sink into my stomach. “That’s not what I meant. I meant I got stuck on a single-minded track again. There was a whole thing with Houston last night, and then I had several consultations today with prospective clients, and I didn’t realize what time it was.”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m not making excuses, and it’s killing me that I’ve already let you down.”
“You didn’t let me down.”
“Please don’t lie to me, Queens. I never want to hurt you, but I need to know when I do. You are more important to me than anything.” He groans again. “And this is the kind of conversation we should have in person, not over the phone. I’m worried your technology curse will somehow interfere with what I’m trying to say.”
He doesn’t have to worry about technology making it difficult to understand him; my tears are doing that just fine on their own. I sniffle, wishing I hadn’t forgotten to replace my tissues when they ran out the other day. I keep a box by the couch because I have a bad habit of crying during emotional movies.
“Brooklyn?” Worry colors Jordan’s voice.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t sound fine.”
“No one has ever told me I’m important before.” I almost laugh at how pathetic that sounds. “You just caught me off guard.”
“Now I really wish I was there instead of on the phone. Youareimportant, Queens.” He says this with utter sincerity in his voice, and I clutch my blanket tighter around me as he keeps talking. “You’ve always been important to me, from the day you smiled at me when Houston introduced us. I didn’t know it then, but I needed you in my life. My track record the last few days hasn’t been great, and I know you deserve better. Will you give me some time to work on it? I don’t want to let you go just because my idiot brain overtakes my heart. You’re too special to give up.”
Who needs a blanket when they’ve got Jordan Torres to surround them with the most meaningful compliments I’ve ever heard.Important, needed, special. Things no guy has ever tied to me and meant it as deeply as Jordan seems to mean it.
I’m probably grinning like an idiot as I press my phone harder against my ear, as if that might make Jordan feel closer. “Remind me again why I’m hanging out with Houston instead of you tonight?”
Jordan laughs. “Because you love your brother.”
“Yeah, well, I love you more.” I drop my phone as soon as those words register in my mind, and in the process of trying to catch it, I accidentally end the call, leaving my home screen staring up at me and my heart pounding an erratic rhythm that is sure to end my life because no one can survive this kind of arrhythmia.
“Did I just tell Jordan that I love him?” I ask my empty basement, as if someone might be there to respond. “Over thephone?”
I wait in horror for Jordan to call back, but the call doesn’t come. What does that mean? There are too many scenarios, most of which involve him being too stunned to react, which could be good or bad. I should probably call him and explain, but I don’t feel confident in his side of things to know what to say, so I’ll wait for him to make the first move.
But he doesn’t do it. Maybe he doesn’t feel the same way. Maybe hedoes. Maybe he doesn’t think I meant it. Maybe he is in his truck, driving over here even though Houston is showing up any second because he can’t go another minute without telling me that he loves me too and he’s the type of guy who would want to say that in person so he can say it with a kiss.
I get so caught up in that last fantasy that when I open the door after someone knocks, I am genuinely disappointed to see Houston standing on the other side.
He, on the other hand, grins wide and wraps me in a huge bear hug. “Blondie!”
I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm, instantly feeling guilty about my disappointment. I can go one night without seeing Jordan—okay, two—when I haven’t seen my twin in over a month. “Nice of you to finally stop by,” I tell him.
“Uh, you know exactly where I live, you dork. And you’re the one who picked tonight.”
I can’t argue that. “Did you eat yet?” I’m already hungry again despite eating a giant bowl of cereal, which is something I will never tell Jordan or he’ll gloat about being right. Or maybe Ishouldtell him so he’ll cook me dinner more often.
Houston laughs and heads for the couch. “I already have Mexican on the way. I wasn’t about to risk my dinner on the hopes that your technology curse is taking the night off.” He flops into his usual spot, which happens to be the side of the couch Jordan has spent a lot of time on recently. My stomach churns a little. Do I tell him that I might be in love with his best friend?
There’s nomight. My admission to Jordan may have caught me off guard, but I meant it. I love him. Outside of my family, he knows me better than anyone, and there are even things he knows that my family doesn’t. I trust him more than I’ve ever trusted anyone in my life, especially after his phone call today.
We both have things to work through, like his workaholic tendencies and my insecurities, but we can deal with those together and be stronger.
As I head to the fridge to grab a couple bottles of water, my phone buzzes in my hand.
Jordan: I’m guessing that brother of yours showed up.
Me: He has I’ve timing
Me: *face palm emoji* impeccable timing
Jordan: I guess keyboards can’t fix everything. *laughing emoji*
