Page 24 of My Brother's Alien Match
As expected, Taylor was a perfectly charming date. Just not the one that I wanted.
I could feel Robin moving around the room. His presence made me ache. I wanted to go to him, but I had promised to accompany his brother and I intended to do as I’d said I would.
“Oh my god,” Taylor suddenly breathed, his grip on my arm tightening. “It’s him.”
I glanced in the direction that he was looking, immediately seeing the man he was talking about, the one that he still loved. Neil was handsome and clean-cut, with short dark hair and a sharp gaze. He hadn’t noticed us watching him yet.
I was supposed to be Taylor’s tool for revenge, but when he saw the other man, he froze solid, not even able to look away. Even when Neil turned and saw us watching him, Taylor did not move. Neil’s expression fell for a moment when he saw me, and then a mask fell over his face. He stole a breath and then came toward us.
I could feel Taylor’s hand trembling on my arm.
“Neil,” he breathed once he was close enough to hear.
“Hi Taylor,” Neil said, smiling sadly. “You look nice.”
“You too,” Taylor choked.
Neil’s gaze turned to me. His smile became forced.
“This is Luno,” Taylor said.
I extended my hand and Neil shook it politely.
“W—where is your date?” Taylor asked, his voice small.
Neil fixed him with his sharp gaze.
“I didn’t bring one,” he said.
Taylor stared.
“But—I thought that Chris guy?—”
Neil’s jaw tightened.
“I told you Tay, I don’t care about him. I wish you wouldn’t take my parents to heart more than me.”
Taylor swallowed, his gaze dropping to the floor.
“I thought…”
Gently, I pulled my arm free.
Neil looked at me, as though suddenly remembering I was there. I smiled and pushed Taylor toward him.
Neil reached out, instinctively catching his arm.
“It looks like you two need to talk,” I said.
Neil nodded.
“Yes. I've been making excuses to come talk in person since we broke up. I'm not about to let you walk away this time without at least hearing me out.”
Taylor didn’t say anything, but I could feel happiness and fear emanating from him.
“And now that I have done my duty, it is finally my turn to have a conversation with the man thatIlove,” I stated.
That drew Taylor’s surprised gaze.
