Milo snorts out another laugh. “For some strange reason, she digs you.”
“You really think so?” I can’t believe how needy I sound, but that’s what she’s done to me.
“Everyone thinks so. We can’t for the life of us figure out why.”
“Very funny.”
“No, really. She’s a very sweet woman who’s had a rough time of it. You don’t seem like the kind of guy she’d be drawn to after that.”
Milo articulates all my greatest fears with one sentence that hits me in the chest like a fist. “Why do you say that?”
“I’d think she’d want someone low-key and easygoing. That’s not you.”
“No, that’s you, which is why I hated seeing you talking to her earlier.”
His friendly expression immediately hardens. “What the fuck? I wasn’t making a move. I know you like her. I’d never do that.”
“I know,” I say with a sigh. “But it bugged me anyway, because you’d be better for her than I’ll ever be.”
“That’s not true. You’ve got everything she needs. You just haven’t had to tap into that stuff before.”
“What stuff in particular?”
“Concern for someone other than yourself or your family.”
“Do you have to be so fucking blunt?”
“Do you want me to blow smoke up your ass or tell you the truth?”
“The truth. I guess.”
“The truth is, brother, you’re not exactly a prince among men when it comes to women. But that doesn’t mean you can’t change to meet the moment.”
“I want to be everything she needs.”
“That’s a good start. Bringing her here was the right move. She might not want you involved, but she needs the protection you and the rest of us can offer her.”
“She doesn’t have anyone, M. She and Mateo were going to spend Christmas alone.”
“You and I… We can’t imagine that with our huge family all around us.”
“Yeah, for sure. The family used to drive me mad when we were younger, always up in my business. But since Mom got sick, I have a whole new appreciation for how lucky we are.” Our extended family has rallied around us with love and food and comfort and anything we needed before we even knew we needed it. “I want her to know she’s not alone anymore.”
“You’re showing her that. Just give her time to get her head around it and don’t be overbearing. She’s used to taking care of herself and her son. She won’t take kindly to you telling her what to do.”
“That’s true.”
“You can be protective without being a dick.”
“How do you always know the right thing to do?”
Milo shrugs. “I pay attention to people.”
“Whereas I only pay attention to myself.”
“You said that, not me.”
“If you laugh, I’m gonna fucking punch you.”