“Don’t let Tori, Elouise, and Cherie hear that.” I try to smile at him, but it’s halfhearted because I’m tired and I don’t know how he feels about me right now. He’s probably as pissed off with me as I am with myself for hurting his brother, but I had to do it. If I let it go any longer, then it would have been harder to walk away.

But in the meantime, I need to fix this.

Stepping out from behind my desk, I walk toward him. “I’m sorry, Flynn, you probably hate me right now. I tried to tell him this would happen, but he just ignored me. And I know it’s going to be hard with me living in your home, so I appreciate your kindness right now.” I’m trying to hold back tears that have been hovering just under the surface all day.

“Harper, yes, I’m pissed off, but not at you. Both of you are as stubborn as the other, and I just want to smack your heads together and hope like hell the brains rattling around will reset themselves. But while I can’t do that, I’m still your friend and you are important to me. So, whatever you need, I’m here, okay?” His face is full of empathy, and that makes it even harder to hold myself together.

“Thank you. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are the better brother.” I shrug my shoulders, and he bursts out laughing at me.

“We both know you don’t mean that, but I’ll take it while I can.” Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he pulls me to his side in the half hug that I have come to allow from him. It’s short but firm and tells me he cares at a time I need to hear it.

“Can you do me a favor, though? Can we not talk about him? I know I sound like a bitch, but I’d prefer to pretend he isn’t your brother and that I can just be in your home and not have to hear how quickly he is moving on.” I step back to shut down my computer and collect my things, but Flynn laughs behind me.

“Oh, he’s never moving on, I can guarantee that. But sure, I can do that for you. Now let’s get out of here, I’m starving because I missed lunch today.” Flynn moves toward the door and holds it open for me.

“Same but don’t tell your brother that.” I stop and look up at Flynn, slapping my forehead. Force of habit that I need to break in time.

“Doubt that will be a problem right now.” And I keep walking as he locks the door behind me. Flynn’s answer is a little weird, but I don’t have the energy to think any more about it.