Page 47 of Yours, Unexpectedly

We also have the same coffee order, so he takes a sip of one of the black coffees in front of us and asks, “How are you?” Forever straightforward and to the point.

I nod slowly. “I’m good,” is my brilliant reply.

His eyebrow quirks up but he doesn’t say anything, just waits me out until I’m ready to spill, knowing that I will eventually. Even if it isn’t today.

I continue on, nodding dumbly. “Classes are good. I am really enjoying my practicum at the advocacy center. It’s really difficult but also fuels me in a way that I didn’t know was possible. I really feel like I’m making a difference.”

I think my family was surprised when I decided to major in social work. My dad, Gabe, and Ben all work in finance, but numbers aren’t my favorite thing. I knew I wanted to do something that would feel fulfilling at the end of the day, even if I couldn’t make the same salary that you can make at a financial firm.

“I’m glad you’re liking your field work. It’s an important job.” He slowly sips his coffee and I know he has more to say. I can see the wheels turning as he decides how to phrase his next question. “How’s your class with Anders?”

The question takes me by surprise, but I should have seen it coming. Jules tends to fade into the background, which means he sees more than you think he does. I know he wants me to open up to him about what is happening with Anders, but I’m still not even sure I know what’s happening with Anders.

I love seeing him in class. Who knew Intro to Acting would become my favorite part of the week?

He still gets there early and leaves a to-go cup of black coffee by my chair. We don’t talk about class outside of it, but I can tell how much passion Anders has for acting, and I recognize the same fire burning in me when I get to talk to someone about my major and future career. He loves telling people’s stories and it’s fascinating to watch. I’d love to see more of that side of Anders, but I don’t want to cross a line when it’s already impossibly blurry.

I realize I’ve been silently contemplating my answer for too long when Jules interjects, “Or should I call him Professor Olsson?”

My jaw drops as my grumpy brother breaks into a wide grin, barely containing a full on laugh. “Really didn’t peg you for the type that had a thing for authority figures,” he continues.

My face feels red hot as I bury it in my hands. “Oh. My. God. I can’t believe those words just came out of your mouth. I do not have a ‘thing for authority figures,’ you creep,” I correct, unable to make eye contact with him.

“Then please do explain what the hell is going on with you and our eldest brother’s best friend. And don’t even think about saying ‘nothing,’” he chides.

I roll my eyes and lean my head back on a loud sigh. “But it is nothing, Jules. We’re friends. We see each other in class… and sometimes outside of class.” I chance a glance at Jules’ face but his eyes just look all-knowing. He’s always seen right through me.

“Oh sure, outside of class. Like when you hang out at Gabe’s apartment? Or at Sunday dinner?” he questions.

“Those places, mhmm.” I sip my coffee. “And maybe a few others.”

Jules just stares at me.

“Fuck,” I murmur. “Are we really doing this?”

He continues to stare at me.

“Fine!” I slam my coffee down hard enough for a few drops to slosh over the rim. “I like him, okay? I have for, I don’t know, ever, and he has feelings for me too but that freaked me the fuck out so I told him we couldn’t be more than friends with, erm, benefits.” I wince as I say these words to my brother. There are entirely too many Bardots that know the details of my sex life right now.

Jules, thank God, just gives me a “continue” gesture.

“I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Anders and—”

“We know.”

“—I’ve never acted on it obviously. Wait. You know?”

He has the audacity to outright laugh at this. “You aren’t exactly subtle, Bex. I’d wager a guess that our entire family, save maybe Gabriel because he has rose colored best friend glasses on when it comes to Anders, knows that you’ve had a crush on the guy since you were in high school.” He makes a circular motion around his face. “You read like one of your dirty books.”

I groan. “Oh God, why me?!”

“Is that rhetorical?”

I wad my napkin up and toss it at him. “Yes, it’s rhetorical you dingbat. Dammit. I don’t know what to do. Apparently this has been obvious to everyone, and I definitely don’t know what to do with that. I don’t like being oblivious and I don’t like being the butt of everyone’s jokes.”

Jules’ hand reaches across to mine. “Hey, slow down. No jokes here—we just care about you. And I actually think you and Anders would be really good together. He’s always brought out a side of you that you keep hidden from most people. I see the way you two banter with each other.”

I put my other hand on top of his, forming a Jules hand sandwich before laying my head down on the table. He just puts his other hand on top of mine until we look like a little league team getting ready to take the field.

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