Page 115 of Break the Rule
More than once his attention wanders, but there’s no sight of Charlie. Eden can only hope his presence hasn’t put a strain on his relationship with Alec. For as much as Eden’s inclination is to say fuck you to anyone he doesn’t like, he’s mature enough to know that isn’t warranted or fair right now. If he were Alec, he’d be pissed at Charlie.
Edeniskind of pissed at Charlie for not telling Alec earlier. Given what he knows now, a sudden sense of dread pools in his stomach. Why hadn’t Charlie told his younger brother? If they’re so close, and Charlie really meant what he said about them being boyfriends, why wouldn’t he tell his family more about Eden?
Thoughts darkening, Eden is taken by surprise when Andrew touches his arm.
“It’s time to eat.”
Startled, Eden lifts his gaze from the grass, noticing he and Andrew are alone.
“Everyone went inside a few minutes ago,” Andrew offers at his blank look. “You looked pretty lost in thought. You alright? Was it too much? Our friends can be a lot, but they’re all good people.”
“It’s not that,” Eden shrugs, refusing to share his feelings, even with Andrew.
Suddenly, all he can think about is how tenuous this all is. Andrew is his friend, but only because of Charlie. He wouldn’t want to hear any worries or issues that Eden was having with him, would he? Surely he’d want to take Charlie’s side, or no side at all. And if things go wrong—well, Eden is sure he’ll lose Andrew’s friendship too.
“Are you hungry?”
“A little,” Eden says, his appetite from earlier substantially diminished.
“Is this about Alec?” Andrew asks.
“What makes you say that?”
“So yes then,” Andrew says in that matter of fact way of his. “Alec will get over it and love you the same way me and Charlie do. He’s a dramatic little shit, but he also had a really rough go of it last year, so I think he’s taking it all harder than he normally would. The thing about Alec is his emotions are big, and then he moves on. He doesn’t have the attention span or the heart to stay mad at anyone, especially Charlie.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you should feel welcome here, Eden. You’re a guest. But more importantly, you’re Charlie’s boyfriend and my friend. We want you here. I don’t want you to feel unwelcome becauseAlec is mad at Charlie. It might not feel like it, but it’s really not about you.”
“It kind of is,” Eden points out, rising from the chair when Andrew does.
“No, it’s about Alec feeling left in the dark. He doesn’t like being the last to know anything, and Charlie made some mistakes, but we’re family.”
“Family sucks,” Eden replies. “No offense.”
“Some, yeah. Not ours. I mean none of us are perfect, but our parents are great. They’re going to love you, too. And Alec and Jason will as well once they get to know you. This was probably a lot for your first time meeting everyone, but you fit in here, Eden. I’m glad you came, and I know Charlie is.”
“You don’t need to say shit to make me feel better,” Eden mumbles, struggling to imagine a scenario where he’d meet Charlie’s parents. The very idea makes him want to puke. Besides, it's not like they’re that kind of boyfriends.
They’re fucking. And okay, dating. But it’s notserious.
“Just wait until you see the feast Alec has cooked up. He’s been at it for days.”
“Alec cooked everything?” Eden asks, grateful for the change of subject as he follows Andrew back into the house.
“Yeah, he’s an incredible cook. Ourabuelataught him how to cook and?—”
“Andrew King, I see you haven’t changed.”
Andrew freezes beside him, his expression so unlike the easy one he wore outside with Eden before.
“Hi, Zach.” Andrew smiles, but it’s as tight as his shoulders. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“It was our little surprise,” Zach grins.
“Our?” Andrew repeats.
The man, Zach, moves towards Andrew. He’s maybe an inch shorter than Andrew but twice as broad with golden brown hairand a handsome face. He’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a deep green henley that’s pushed up to his elbows to reveal two arms filled with tattoos. “Yup, me and Charlie. He invited me, and we thought we’d have a little fun and surprise you. I know how much youlovesurprises.”
