Justin sat in his apartment and listened to the second hand click across the clock on the wall. He’d gone to work, watched the cards fall, smiled unwillingly, then returned home and sat in an overstuffed chair for the better part of three days. Rory came and went, but mostly, he occupied the sofa his thoughts beseeching Justin to speak to him.
Too much time had passed since he’d left Jess standing alone in her backyard. She’d arrived at some half-cocked conclusion they didn’t belong together. He hadn’t intended to fall in love with her, or confuse matters by allowing a ridiculous human sentiment cloud his judgment. It was done now, he was conflicted, but she really had no choice, he was going to carry through with the promise he’d made her guardians.
He hadn’t spoken to Rory for fear he’d lose control and punish his brother for his own stupid behavior. Dutifully, Rory waited him out and stifled his need to question and comfort.
“I’m an idiot.” Justin announced, finally allowing his eyes to lock on Rory’s and opening himself to the infiltration of his every thought.
A light broke inside causing Rory’s cheeks to blush. “Yeah. So, what happened?”
Justin didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulled on the frayed edges of the fabric on the arm of his chair thoughtfully, and then said, “When we met first her and my common sense went on holiday, why didn’t you stop me?”
“Because, for the first time in years you weren’t brooding, moody, and working my nerves. So, she broke it off, huh?” Rory stood and moved the drapes pretending to be interested in something in the backyard, no doubt, a ploy to keep Justin from reading his real thoughts on the matter.
Justin hated him sometimes. He couldn’t possibly be as transparent as Rory made him feel. Was it too much to ask that he pretend Justin puzzled him? “Yeah, she said she has a life…or something like that.”
Rory chuckled and touched his shoulder. Justin didn’t find any humor in the situation, and Rory’s touch didn’t relieve his anguish. He wanted to hit something and Rory stood much too close. He popped his knuckles and tightly held his fist in his palm.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. She just needs time to square away what she’s been through. She is human, or did you forget?”
“As if I could forget. She reminds me of her humanity every time she opens her mouth.” Justin dug himself from the chair and stood next to his brother, peering out at the clouds forming overhead. “I did screw up. I was supposed to look after her, and the best way I could have done that was by keeping my distance. I was acting like one of them.”
“Yeah, and it was remarkably enjoyable.” Rory had a way of making everything seem less tragic, a gift on which Justin strongly relied. In all of eternity, he’d had the ability to bring Justin back to reason. “You’re not upset because you failed to protect her. You’re hurt, because you care about her.”
Justin's rolled his eyes. Rory could also be counted on to over simplify things. Justin opened the door and stepped outside. The rain was coming; the smell of electricity and salt water assaulted his senses. “I’m not in love with her. Why is it you can’t make small-talk like a normal person?”
“Not normal.” Rory shook his head grinning. “Look regardless, you still have a job to do. She’ll be back; just let her do whatever it is chicks do to get over their issues.”
“I can’t let her leave the City. Dawson is chomping at the bit to get to her, and the guardians will kill me. What am I supposed to do?” Justin placed his hand on his brother’s chest and shoved him. Rory was hovering again, and despite the push, Justin was glad.
“She has you so twisted. It’s just funny. Stop worrying, Vi will keep an eye on her.” Rory opened the gate and waved to a blonde who’d just moved into a condo across the way.
Justin tried to ignore that his other drew such enjoyment from his discomfort. “I’m not in love with a human, brother.”
“That’s what you said.” Rory said, his gaze fixed now on the sky.
His sunny disposition was irritating Justin immeasurably when Blake and Lathan joined them. But Rory was loyal if nothing else. He didn’t use his knowledge to further disgrace Justin. Eventually, the banter ran dry, and they headed to Dez’s while Justin tried not to wonder if Jess had left the City.