She’d told him she would not become his girlfriend, which, in light of his inability to commit, was amazingly convenient. A relief. So why was his brain taking him down wild tunnels of thought that all ended in things he wanted to do for her? Give her gifts. Take her places. Lift some of the weight of caring for her brother. Do whatever was necessary to ensure that she got her PhD.

He stopped in his foyer and shoved both hands through his hair with a sound of irritation. Get ahold of yourself.

As usual with her, his reaction was too much. He’d gone out with her one time.

Get ahold of yourself.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

At two o’clock the following day, Sebastian approached the Colemans’ house carrying a wrapped birthday present.

All year long, he received a steady stream of reminder texts from CeCe and Ben’s sisters. Don’t forget to send flowers for Great-Aunt Clarice’s funeral, poor dear. Just don’t send roses. She hated roses, remember. Or Cousin Drew got a promotion at work so you might want to shoot him a congratulations text. We’re trying to give him lots of positive reinforcement because we all feared he’d never amount to anything.

Almost every week the Colemans gathered to celebrate someone’s birthday, anniversary, or accomplishment. It was more than he could keep up with. He attended only when he was in town and when they were meeting for a reason he cared about even slightly.

He cared more than slightly about today’s party, which was in honor of Hadley Jane’s fourth birthday.

Ben’s dad greeted Sebastian with a hug. “Love you, man. Glad you’re here.”

“Is that you, Sebastian?” CeCe yelled from the direction of the dining room.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Get in here right now. We’re about to sing.”

He set his present on a coffee table full of gifts, then he and Hersh jammed themselves into the dining room. The family welcomed him with an assortment of hugs, fist bumps, and smiles. Ben, seated across the table from him, gave Sebastian a friendly nod.

Guilt pulled at him.

Sebastian had been making an extra effort to communicate with Ben in their usual ways. Even so, their friendship wasn’t normal right now. Again this morning, he’d asked Ben if it really was okay with him if Sebastian went out with Leah. Ben had said that it was, but then he’d said, “Can you do me a favor, man, and not talk to me about her for a while?”