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“I saw the schedule for the re up shifts left and right so your coworkers can take time off for the holidays”

“Well, yeah,” I said, “but they all have families, so—”

“You do, too I’ve heard you talk about your brother Just because you’re single doesn’t mean your time is less valuable than that of married people with kids”

I broke eye contact as I admitted, “My brother is actually the reason I want to keep busy this holiday season, him and my best friend”

When I glanced at Theo, he was studying me closely “Are they a couple?” I nodded, and he asked, “Is this a recent development?”

“They got together in October”

“And you’re jealous”

“It’s more complicated than that,” Itiether In fact, I’ve never seen two people more in love But now I’m the third wheel, and I feel like they don’t need me anymore”

He thought about that before asking, “That’s a big thing with you, isn’t it? Feeling needed? It’s probably why you chose your profession”

“I don’t know Maybe Like I said, the whole thing’s complicated And lately, I’ve found it’s easier to just burya bunch of ti the sorry for myself doesn’t mean I want to ruin my relationship with either of them Seth and Eden are two of the most important people in my life”

Theo nodded “It’s good you’re not letting this dae your relationship with your brother That’s an irreplaceable bond”

“Sounds like you have a brother, too”

The sudden flash of pain in his eyes was so intense that it startled me I’d clearly stumbled across an incredibly sensitive subject In the next moment, I could practically see the walls as he pulled them back up between us

He lowered his gaze and returned the lid to the takeout container Then he mur things for ht behind it Now if you’ll excuse ”