“I don’t know. I think maybe yes. We’ve had these moments, John. Nothing major. Just looks mostly. But there’s definitely a connection. It feels real.”

“So talk to him. If it’s one-sided, you can let it go and make a decision about Jamie and California without Simon as an outside influence. If it isn’t and he has feelings for you, well, then you factor that in when you’re making your choice.”

“Except it won’t matter if he has feelings for me. Simon would never betray his brother.”

“Even if you and Jamie break up? After some time, surely . . .”

“I don’t know. I seriously doubt it. And honestly, I don’t know if I’m willing to risk it. My relationship with Jamie is good. It feels foolish to even be voicing doubts.”

“I’m going to channel Mom for a minute, okay?”

I groaned. “Uggh. Fine.”

John raised his voice and mimicked our mother’s Puerto Rican dialect almost flawlessly. “It’s not like you don’t have some choice in the matter, young lady. Focus on the relationship you want, and dismiss the inconsequential feelings. Let your mind lead your heart, not the other way around.”

I couldn’t stop laughing. It was perfect. Perfect! “That was so awesome.”

“Thank you. I’ve been practicing.”

“She would die if she heard you.”

“And I thank you for keeping my talents hidden. But, Lane, it isn’t bad advice. Don’t let your doubts mess stuff up. If you’ve got a good thing with Jamie, focus on that. Especially since finding a new boyfriend before Thanksgiving might be tough, and you cannot come home unescorted.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Does Mom know about your man trouble?”

I shifted the phone from my left hand to my right, pulling my now-freezing left hand under the blanket. “Don’t call it trouble. That makes it sound way worse than it is. And no, Mom doesn’t know anything other than that I’m dating someone and it’s getting kind of serious. And I’d like to keep it that way, please and thank you. I’ll keep your secrets if you keep mine.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

I yawned. The late hour was finally catching up with me. “It’s late, John. I think I need to get some sleep.”

“You and me both,” he said. “I’ve got a date with the OR in just a few hours.”

“When are you ever going to stop working so much?”

“Never. I’m having too much fun.”

“Is that what doctors are calling it these days? Your patients are lucky to have you.”

“I’ll see you in a couple of weeks?”

I sniffed, my nose suddenly running from the cold. “Sounds good. Love you, John.”

I could hear the smile in his voice. “Love you too, little sister.”