Page 106 of Break the Rule
“I don’t know,” Charlie admits. “He doesn’t do serious but?—”
“But you want to,” Alec finishes knowingly. “Youlikehim.”
“He’s beautiful and fierce and sarcastic and calls me on my shit, and he’s funny in a really deadpan way, and he…he makes me happy, Ally.”
Alec slams into Charlie, squeezing him tightly around the middle. Charlie returns the hug, taking comfort in his brother’s embrace, letting his big heart shoulder the burden of Charlie’s fears—fears that Alec will be hurt when he finds out the full truth, fears that Eden doesn’t feel the same.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me before, asshole.” Alec slaps his arm. “Does he have dietary preferences? I would’ve made his favorite side dish.”
“Whatever you made is going to be perfect.”
“I made it, so naturally it'll be delicious,” Alec laughs. “How long has this been going on?”
“A while,” Charlie answers evasively.
“Oh.”
One of the things Charlie has always loved about his brother is that he doesn’t hide anything. Alec’s always been so expressive, so open, which means the flicker of hurt he’s feeling is clear. Still Alec tries to hide it, slipping off the kitchen island to busy himself with one of the casseroles covered in plastic wrap.
“I’m really happy for you, Charlie.” He tries to peel the plastic wrap off, cursing.
“I know I told you if there was ever someone you’d be the first to know but…it was complicated.”
“That’s okay,” Alec insists, smiling despite the fact that Charlie knows he’s hurt Alec’s feelings. He always promisedif something changed, if he fell for someone, he would tell Alec immediately. He supposes he never expected it to actually happen.
“You told me now, that’s what counts.”
“You’re the best, you know that?”
“Of fucking course I know that,” Alec says, expression brightening. “You’re all so goddamn lucky to have me. Mom and Dad’s accidental pregnancy was the best thing to ever happen to this family. You’re welcome.”
Charlie laughs. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Alec grins. “So come on, tell me more?
“What are we talking about?” Andrew asks, appearing in the doorway with Birdie and Agnes sharp at his heels.
“Nothing,” Charlie says.
“Charlie has a boyfriend,” Alec answers at the same time.
“Oh, Eden.”
“You know about Eden?” Alec asks. “Who am I kidding, of course you know about Eden. You two probably don’t even take a shit without telling the other one.”
“I can absolutely take a shit without telling Andrew,” Charlie protests.
“You did text me from the bathroom last night,” Andrew reminds him.
“Shut up,” Charlie tells him.
“So uh…everything is okay?” Andrew asks, eying Charlie with obvious apprehension.
“Of course it’s okay,” Alec answers. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I thought you might be a little upset about the age gap,” Andrew says, “but I’m glad everything is good.
“Age gap,” Alec echoes, turning his gaze on Andrew. “What age gap?”
