“What’s that about?” I whisper.
“I’m not sure yet.” Dec’s smile doesn’t match her nonchalant response.
“Are they,” I squint, taking in the way they step closer to one another, “dating?”
“No. Still just friends.”
“Are you sure?” I ask doubtfully as they continue up the walk toward us.
“Positive. Do you think Bryan and Nora should be more?” She leans against me.
“He’s different with her.” I want to see my cousin with someone who makes him happy. There’s nothing wrong with playing the field, but his conquests seem hollow lately.
We’re not getting any younger, and with everyone pairing up and settling down, he and I were the odd men out more often than not. Maybe he’s feeling lonely? I open the door to usher them inside. I watch, fascinated, as Bryan helps her out of her hat and coat.
Nora removes her gloves, and he tucks them into her hat before adding them to her coat sleeve. There’s a subtle intimacy about the procedure that leaves me wondering how much time they’ve spent together.
“I’m so glad you made it safe and sound.” Dec steps forward and sweeps Nora into a hug.
“I didn’t receive that same welcome,” Bryan teases.
Rolling her eyes, Dec steps away and hugs him. “You, too.”
“Let’s get you a cup of tea. We’ll bring you guys hot chocolate?” Dec, look at me.
“Sounds good,” I nod.
“With whipped cream, please. Nora, you know how I like it,” Bryan adds.
Nora nods and tucks her arm into Dec’s before they walk away from the entrance.
“You want to share with the class?” I ask the minute the women are out of earshot.
“No?” Bryan arches a brow.
“That was pretty touchy-feely.”
“Helping her out of her coat? You do the same for Dec all the time.” Bryan freezes. “Or do you have the corner on gentlemanly behavior?”
“That is not what I said.”
“No, but insinuated, wasn’t it?”
“You know me better than that, Bry. What the hell is going on?”
He closes his eyes. “Do you ever just feel stuck?”
“In what way?”
“Trapped by your past and people’s expectations.”
“I think we all feel that way occasionally. What happened?”
“Peter Pan decided he wanted to grow up and found the new future daunting.” He gives a self-depreciating chuckle. “Figures, doesn’t it?”
“You’ve always been light-hearted, but you’ve never been irresponsible or daft. Where is this coming from?”
“I want things I’m not worthy of, E.”