Page 92 of Actually Yours

“It’s hard to recall behaviour accurately from when you’re young,” Dad tells me like a wise old owl. “But it’s true. You had longed for a younger sibling, so when you got one, he was everything. To all of us, yes. But to you the most. And you’ve been babying him ever since.”

“You thinkIbaby him?”

They smirk at each other. “Whose house is he living in for free? Who cleans up all his messes? Who covers for him when he makes mistakes? It’s not us.”

“I thought it’s what you’d want me to do,” I splutter, floored by their account of our sibling relationship. “Didn’t you want me to look out for him?”

My mum shrugs. “Sure, but he also needs to grow up and learn from his mistakes. He’s not going to if you’re always his soft place to land.”

I look at Dad. “Do you both feel this way?”

“We’re grateful that you’re always there for your brother. It’s what family should do for each other. But it should never be to the detriment of your own feelings.”

I take a minute to absorb what they’re saying.Are they giving me permission to forgo Robby’s feelings about me and Amelia?

“So, you wouldn’t have a problem with me dating Amelia?” I hold my breath.

Mum smiles brightly. “Of course not. We love her!”

“She thought you hated her.”

“Oh no, I hated her with Robby. She deserved better. And now she has it.” Mum pats my hand and I sit back, taking a minute to digest it all.

This is brand-new information.

“What should I do about Robby?”

Dad puts his arm around my shoulder. “You’ve always had such a kind heart. Don’t worry about your brother, he’ll come around. He has no choice. And if he doesn’t…would it change how you feel? How you’ll move forward with Amelia?”

I shake my head so violently my neck cracks. I’m getting old. “No way. Now that I may have a chance with her, there’s nothing that will stand in my way.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Go get your girl!”

With my dad’s words ringing in my head, I hug them both goodbye, grateful for their support, and head out the door. Next stop, Love, Lilly café to make a plan to get my girl.

Finally, a plan I can get on board with.

*****

The bell above the door rings as I enter the café, having covertly checked inside to make sure Amelia isn’t there. I know that she’s working today—I stalker-ishly know her schedule—but I didn’t want to risk her accidentally showing up and ruining any surprise in the making.

“Jake?” Bella is frowning at me from the counter. “What are you doing here?”

My mouth fills with saliva as I look at the brownies proudly on display and lecture myself not to get distracted.Treats are for later, there are more important matters to focus on.

“Are you looking for Amelia?” Bella asks when I’ve been silent too long, waging my internal no-brownie battle.

“No, I came to talk to you. And Lilly, if you have some time?”

She looks rightfully confused. “Me?”

“Yes.”

“You sit with Jake,” Lilly says, coming out from the kitchen. “I’ll come over when things die down here.”

I send her a grateful smile and walk to a table by the window.

“OK, mister. Spill it.” Bella is giving me a stern look, and I wonder what Amelia has told her.

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