His lack of a smile is the only confirmation I need. “Whatever you did, go back and fix it.”
“Why do you assume it’s me that did something wrong?”
“Are you seriously asking me that question?”
“Fair enough.”
He sighs. “Come on in. You look like you could use a person to talk to.”
I walk past him and enter his apartment. He keeps the place pristine, a complete opposite of what anyone would expect given his wreck of a personal life.
“Do you want a drink?”
“Water’s fine.”
Cal acts like a good host, bringing me a glass of water and a tumbler of my favorite whiskey. “Thought you could use both.”
“You don’t even like whiskey.”
“No, but I like my brother.Sometimes.” He grabs the bottle and places it down next to the tumbler just in case.
I pick up the water and leave the whiskey on the coffee table. Alcohol will only make matters worse, and I need a clear head.
“While I’m flattered you came here to seek out my advice, I’m not sure I’ll be able to help much.”
“Because?”
“Iris is my best friend. I’m not going to help you if it means hurting her.”
“I’m not trying to hurt her, dumbass. I’m trying to show her that I care about her,” I snap.
Cal’s eyes widen. “Holy shit.”
These are the moments I wish life had a rewind button.
“You care about her?Really?” The mystified look on his face reminds me of the day I told him Santa wasn’t real.
I press my lips together to avoid saying anything else.
He grabs my glass of whiskey, takes a sip, and unceremoniously spits it out, straight back into the same cup.
To think we are related.
“Well, this changes things.”
“How?”
“I thought you would make her fall in love with you, not the other way around.” His head drops back as he laughs, his voice hoarse.
“I never said anything about love.”
He only laughs.
My teeth grind together. “Are you done?”
“I’m sorry. It’s just too fucking good. You married her thinking she would make your life easier, only to realize you like her. A lot.”
Cal makes me feel like I’m the punchline of some joke.