Page 104 of Dear Mr. Brody

“You’re in love with him.”

“Marcos.”

“Park.” He said my name and it was gentle. His usual snark was absent. “Iknowyou. And it takes you forever to realize shit. And that’s fine. Process your little heart out. But I see what I see. And I’m always right.”

“Always?” I asked, grinning when he lifted his hand to his heart.

“Always, motherfucker. Now listen. I’m not saying you need to go and declare anything. You’re right. It’s too fast, and you’re infatuated, and you may see this future, but love isn’t a race. It’s a steady climb.”

“A steady climb?Christ, did you just make that up?”

“No… I remembered it from my daily affirmations app.”

I dropped my head into my hands and laughed.

“Take it slow,hermano.You always rush through everything. It was true back in basic, and it’s true now.”

I raised my head and met his eyes. “I thought I was supposed to be the smart one.”

“Um… No, that’s me. You’re the… no… I’m the hot one too.”

I laughed, but then the silence stretched out between us.

“He sees me… you know.”

“I know.”

“It’s a lot,” I said. “I didn’t think I’d care about him this fast.”

Marcos draped his arm over my shoulder and smiled at me. “Just take it slow.”

“A steady climb… got it.”

“You never said if you were hanging with your man tonight.” He lowered his arm. “If not, Davis and Alex invited us over.”

“Thanks, but—”

He started to walk away, waving over his shoulder as he went. “Have fun at Van’s.”

I chuckled, turning toward the kitchen when my phone chirped.

I pulled it out of my pocket, and was glad Marcos wasn’t here to witness my reaction when I saw Van’s name on my screen. Fuck, I was smitten.

Van: I tried not to text you like five times. My sister says I have no game.

Cracking up, I typed out a reply.

Me: Text me as much as you want.

Van: I’m supposed to give you space.

Me: According to your sister?

Van: No, my brother. I’m over at my folks.

My pulse accelerated.

Me: And you’re talking about me?

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