“Best big brother ever!” Monica downs the rest of her drink as the movie starts.

He’s back just in time for Sarah Jessica Parker’s character to meet the family and Monica shakes her head. “She’s seriously the fucking worst. Could you imagine if James brought home some girl like that?” She scrunches her nose and turns to look at him, eyeing him over the rim of her fresh glass. “We’d eat her alive.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that. I could never be with someone like that.” He doesn’t look at me and for that I’m grateful because I’m not sure of the conversation that could pass between our eyes on this topic.

“What’s going on in your romantic life, anyway, J? I feel like I haven’t heard about anyone recently.” She’s not looking at either of us as she turns down the volume a little but lets it continue.

He hesitates and still avoids my gaze and I’m not sure if I should chime in. “Nothing I want to share right now,” he says and I’ll admit I’m impressed with his response. His eyes finally find mine but they don’t give anything away.

“So, there is something to share? Come on, spill!” she squeals. “Is it serious? Gabrielle, is it serious? I know you know.”

“I’m not talking about it right now.” James’ voice is stern and even and I’m hoping Monica just drops it and doesn’t notice that I’m going to ignore her question.

“Okay seriously? Between the three of us, Mom and Dad are never getting grandkids and they’re going to kill us all. Can someone meet someone already?” She sinks further into the couch and sighs.

“Why don’t you meet someone?” James asks. “Aren’t you working at the hub for eligible bachelors? Or at very least ones that appear to be even though they have wives at home?”

She pushes her glasses up with her knuckle. “There’s no one. Literally not a one. It’s not as sexy as one may think,” she says. “But whatever, we aren’t talking about me, we’re talking about you. And you, Gab, it might be nice if you at least gave Brandon a chance. Would a date kill you?”

Yes, James and I both.

“Gabrielle is not interested in that guy; why do you and Mom keep pressing it?” James interjects and I try my best to will him to relax and not get worked up over Brandon and get Monica asking questions.

“Why are you so against it? What’s it to you anyway? I get you’re protective, but give it a rest. She’s eighteen and you’re worse than her actual Dad.” She scoffs before taking another sip. “Why don’t you like Brandon, anyway?”