Page 28 of The Third Wheel
"Don't tease him. We're happy together," Colby said firmly. "The three of us — we fit."
Jay's brows shot up, but he said nothing. "And all this time, I thought I was the pansexual one."
I snorted. "I hooked up with a guy before you did."
"What? Who."
And shit, I'd backed myself into a corner with that one. I'd avoided telling my brother about this for way too long — eversince I'd learned that he was in love with a man I'd hooked up with. I swallowed hard, ducking my chin.
"Come on, you can say it," Wanda urged. "Dish the gossip!"
"Luke Crow."
Everyone but Colby went still. Wanda leaned in, frowning. "Luke Crow. Jay's crush, the one who claims he's straight?"
"Grandma," Jay hissed.
"That'd be him," I said. "It was ten years ago, and don't know what he is, but straight isn't the word I'd use."
Jay swallowed hard, staring at me with glassy eyes. "I'm not mad."
"You're a little mad. But it was before you had a thing for him, little brother. You know that."
"Why wouldn't you tell me?"
"I was worried you'd get your hopes up again," I said, sighing. "I want you to find love with someone who can love you with their whole heart. Luke is a grumpy asshole, damaged goods."
Jay examined me for a moment, then gave a firm nod, his jaw tightening. "Okay. I might need a moment to process this."
"You should forget about Luke Crow. I never understood why you thought he was into you," Wanda said.
Jay's lips tightened. "You probably don't want those details." Stiffly, he stood and set down his napkin. "Thanks for dinner."
Colby's eyes grew wide with worry. He extended his hand towards my brother, setting a hand on Jay's shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Jay smiled at Colby. "Thanks, man. I just need a little time, that's all."
Colby nodded, giving Jay's shoulder a comforting rub. "Well, if you need someone to talk to who isn't your asshole brother, I'm here, okay?" His kindness and humor in an awkward moment made me smile, and I watched my brother soften, just a little.
Jay glanced from me to Colby. "You don't think he's an asshole."
"Nah, not really. I'm sort of falling for him." Colby smiled, shaking his head, oblivious to the way his words made my chest tighten. "But I understand you may be feeling otherwise at the moment."
"Thanks, man." Jay reached out and gave Colby a hug. "Come on, Grandma, I'll drive you home."
"We are not stopping at that Luke Crow's bar!" Wanda said, standing up and throwing down her napkin. "Or I'll have to give him a piece of my mind."
"No worries, Grandma. But we need to get out of here, because Gunnar looks like he's about to jump Colby's bones."
I realized that I hadn't looked away from Colby during this entire exchange, and when his eyes slid my way, a blush rose to his cheeks. Seeing him in this light — tender with my family — stirred something within him. It was as if we were seeing each other anew, beyond just the sexual tension that crackled between us.
The moment the door clicked shut, I turned to Colby, my eyes pleading. "Fuck," I groaned. "That was awkward."
"You might have told him you'd fucked his one true love a little sooner. Like years ago," Colby said, laughing. "While you were panicking, we got a text from Mira. She and Nori are all packed up, and they'll be driving down from Portland tomorrow."
I tugged at my hair, sighing. "Good. I miss her. She would have enjoyed that dinner."
"She would have had a field day with that drama." Colby's eyes sparkled with humor.
