Page 4 of Where We Belong

“But there’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t be who she needs.”

Piper’s expression softens. “This could be a chance for closure so you can move on. If not for you, for your daughter. I’m not saying rush to find someone new. Just find happiness outside of Cory.”

I glance at her, considering her advice and wondering if it could be that easy. She didn’t just start to date, Cory stopped coming around and talking to me. She sends my calls to voicemail and barely responds to my texts.

“But what if—”

“There are no ifs, just like there’s no try. Do it, and also find a therapist,” she advises, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat. “Your relationship with your parents shouldn’t be what stops you from being happy. And carrying old wounds isn’t healthy for your daughter. Have you heard of generational trauma?”

Just then, Finn, the second spouse in my brother’s ménage à trois, appears, holding their eighteen-month-old daughter, Rhea.

“Ma,” Rhea shouts gleefully, extending her arms toward Piper. Her bright purple eyes mirror her mother’s just like her smile.

“Hey, baby,” Piper coos, opening her arms. Finn gives her a peck on the lips as he hands over their toddler. “I take it it’s time for our nap?”

Finn nods, a tired smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, she loved the pony rides but she’s exhausted. How are you feeling?”

Piper lets out a soft yawn, her energy waning. “I probably need a nap too. Why don’t you stay with Mr. Grumpy? He’s planning on rebuilding the hotel. You’re the best person to help him.”

Finn glances my way, gray eyes studying me intently before slowly shaking his head. “Even though I could have everyone in place to start the construction tomorrow, he’s not ready for that yet.”

“How do you know?” I question, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “Wait, have you three been talking about the hotel?”

Finn pats me on the shoulder. “Derek is concerned about you. I’m happy to help with anything you need, but as I keep telling D and Piper,” he tilts his head toward his wife, “I’ll help when you’re ready, not a minute before.”

I close my eyes for a moment, contemplating Finn’s words. Am I truly ready?

All I want is what Derek has. Love, a family… Not once did I imagine that I would feel jealous of my brother’s life and happiness. In the past, I harbored resentment toward him, just like I did with the rest of my siblings. Our parents never encouraged a bond between us. Instead, they fostered animosity among us.

I used to believe I was better than all of them, but he changed my perception by showing up all the time. Now, I’m starting to feel jealousy toward him.

What the hell happened to me? When did I become so jaded? I shake my head, unable to comprehend how I’ve changed so much. I wasn’t an envious person before, and I genuinely rejoiced in everyone’s happiness.

Rhea and Piper yawn in unison. Finn gives my shoulder a supportive squeeze. “I have to get my girls back into the house, but if you need us, we’re here for you—all of us. We’re your family, Ben.”

Piper nods earnestly. “We just want you to be happy.”

“Appy,” Rhea chimes in, her tiny voice echoing the sentiment as she smiles at me before her dad scoops her into his arms.

“Time for a nap, jelly-bug,” Finn says.

Rhea rests her little chin on his shoulder, her eyes drooping with sleep. As I watch them leave, a deep longing settles within me. That’s exactly what I want—a small family.

Someone to love and who’ll love Bernie and me unconditionally. But how can I find that for us if Cory owns my heart?

Chapter Two

Cory

The Paris city lights glitter below as I lean against the balcony railing of Bodhi’s apartment. “Bodhi Wainwright is the definition of the perfect boyfriend,” I say, trying to convince Atzi, or maybe myself, that dating him is the best thing that has happened to me in the past year.

“Sure, but you skipped Bernie’s birthday party,” Atzi points out, a note of accusation in her voice.

“I sent a present,” I argue defensively, knowing how feeble it sounds.

“That’s the coldest thing I’ve ever heard you say in your entire life.”

I sigh heavily, closing my eyes for a second as I try to respond without sounding bitter, but I can’t come up with the right words. “What do you want me to do, Atz? She’s not my child. Ben is just my brother’s friend.”

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