Page 72 of F*ckboys

"Oh he did, did he?"

"Just something about a picnic. Said you guys had reconnected."

"Something like that," I say.

Of course, there's no problem with Aksel telling his sister stories about his life. They're close and always have been. Of course he'd mention me. I'm not sure why it makes me feelbetrayed somehow, but I do. I retreat into the shadows of my thoughts, a reminder of the complexities that lie within me, hidden beneath layers of pain and vengeance.

"Are you okay, Fallon? You're great as ever. I've always loved spending time with you. But you seem a little different today."

I clear my throat and blink, trying to clear my head. "Guess I was just surprised by your invite, but it was really nice to see you. I hope we can do it again sometime."

We hug and part ways. I'm sure Roxy is just as confused by my mood as I am.

The bond forged over lunch may be fragile, but it's at least a start. An unexpected connection, born from shared experiences and a mutual care for the enigmatic man who binds us together. The difference is, I'm the only one contemplating the ticket to his downfall.

Chapter 39

Aksel

The pulsating beat of punk music vibrates through my bones as Roxy and I slide into a corner booth at Mirabella. The trendy atmosphere wraps around us like an electric embrace, the walls adorned with abstract art that screams 'take a picture in front of me and slap me on Instagram'. Animated conversations fill the air, the vibrant energy of the bustling restaurant threatening to swallow me whole.

"Isn't Mirabella fabulous?" Roxy gushes, her pride at securing us a reservation at the newest 'it' spot evident in her wide grin. "It's the latest hot spot in town. All the movers and shakers dine here."

I raise an eyebrow, taking in the hipster crowd and chaotic ambience. I typically prefer quiet venues for our sibling meet-ups, but I can't help but crack a smile at her contagious enthusiasm. "You certainly know how to pick 'em, Roxy. I was thinking more along the lines of a cozy place, but I can see the appeal. It's fun in here."

Roxy's eyes twinkle with excitement, and she shrugs nonchalantly. "Come on, Aksel, live a little! We're in the heart of the city, and Mirabella is where everyone who's anyone hangs out. Plus, the food is supposed to be out of this world."

I chuckle, knowing full well that resistance is futile when it comes to Roxy's flair for the trendy. "Alright, I'm fine with staying here. But if I get lost in the sea of hipsters, you're navigating us out, little sister. I'll leave a trail of kale so we can remember our path."

As we peruse the eclectic menu, I can't help but feel a bit out of my element. Mirabella is a far cry from the low-key spots I'm used to, but Roxy's enthusiasm continues to propel me through the experience. The girl knows how to make a splash, and I can't deny the allure of stepping outside my comfort zone, especially with my baby sister who I adore.

"Hey, Aksel," she says, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You're not zoning out on me, are you? I know how you get when we're at home, but this is different."

I smirk, appreciating her keen perception. "Don't worry, Roxy. I'm present and accounted for." It's true—despite the sensory overload, I find myself more focused than ever, eager to make the most of our time together.

We order a couple of daring dishes, each with exotic ingredients that promise a culinary adventure. I can't help but feel a thrill as we dive into conversation, the punk music setting the perfect backdrop for our banter.

The sizzle of dishes being prepared in Mirabella's open kitchen fills my ears as I watch Roxy animatedly recount her lunchtime escapade. The scents of exotic spices and seared meats waftthrough the air, a tantalizing accompaniment to the restaurant's chic atmosphere.

"…and then Fallon just went all serious on me," Roxy says, spearing a bite of her quinoa salad. "Like, out of nowhere. Did I miss something?"

"She's been, um… preoccupied lately."

"Okay, so you're aware of this whole way she's acting? Tell me everything," Roxy says, leaning in conspiratorially. "What's going on with her? What kind of weird dark mission is she on?"

I pause, my fork hovering mid-air as I gather my thoughts. "I wish I knew, Roxy. All I can say is that she's become more…intense lately. Like she's got some unfinished business with certain people. Including me. It feels like there's a side of her I never knew existed, and it's unraveling right in front of me. When she'll take the time to meet with me, that is."

"Women, huh?" Roxy muses, taking a thoughtful bite of her quinoa salad. "Well, whatever it is, she's lucky to have you by her side. Just give her time. She'll open up when she's ready."

I nod, grateful for her vote of confidence. "You're right. I just hope she realizes she doesn't have to face whatever it is alone."

Roxy grins, sipping her artisanal sparkling water. "And that's where you come in, big brother. You’ve always been fixated on her and you always will be. It sounds like you’re becoming a couple even though you’re both in denial. I took her to Rubio's by the way," she grins.

"Oh my god, you take her to the best place in the city that is relaxed and the food is great and nobody is pretentious. And you bring mehere? Gee thanks!"

"This is what big brothers are for." Roxy beams, a knowing glint in her eye, and my sense of indignation immediately dissipates.

As Mirabella hums with activity, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to Fallon's story than meets the eye. Even my sister,who hasn't seen her for years, picked up on it over only one brief meeting. But one thing remains certain: I won't let her face the darkness alone. For better or worse, I'm in this with her, and together, we'll find our way through the tangled web.

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