difference and their builds. His little brother’s hair is a few shades lighter than Roman’s, and his skin is a shade lighter. I can’t tell if that’s just genetics from his father or if he just isn’t getting enough sun in that place.
Once they’re a few feet away from the car, I throw open the door and get out. Surprise alights the young boy’s face. He glances up at his brother, both of them pausing before me.
“Hi, Ryder. I’m Olivia, your brother’s neighbor. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
To my surprise, a smile steals over his face. He glances up at his older brother, who is rolling his eyes.
“And you said you didn’t like her.” Ryder snickers under his breath.
Roman hides his grin. “Shut up.”
“Believe me, I didn’t like him much at first either. Your brother is a bit of an acquired taste. Definitely not for everyone.”
Ryder bursts out laughing, as he climbs into the back seat. I’m just about to get in the car, when my gaze snags on Roman’s. He’s watching me, a softness in his eyes that I’ve yet to witness. It has glitter bursting in my chest. The sensation is light and airy, and for once, I welcome it instead of tamping it down.
Roman and his little brother catch up on the way to go eat. Ryder said it’s a tradition for them to go out for pizza, then ice cream. I listen in on their conversation, enjoying their slight bickering. Even though they’re siblings, it’s easy to tell, just seeing how he interacts with Ryder, how he takes on the parental role with such ease. Sure, he acts like an older brother, but he also holds the weight on his shoulders, as though he’s a parent. And he practically is. He raised his little brother when his mother couldn’t. I can’t help but respect him. Both of them.
We settle into a booth at the restaurant. While Roman heads to the front to order for us, I hang back with Ryder.
“How long have you guys been hanging out?” he asks.
“Not long. Being the new neighbor and all, there were a few long weeks, where I’m sure your brother hated me.”
“He talked about you a lot. He doesn’t hate you.”
“Hate is such a strong word. Maybe severely dislike is better?”
Ryder laughs and shakes his head at me. “He likes you. He wouldn’t bring you here if he didn’t.”
My heart does a somersault. “What makes you say that?”
“You’re the first girl he’s ever brought around me.”
I scoff, brushing that off, trying not to let his words get to me. “I’m sure that’s not true. He’s probably just busy. He wants to spend his time with you.”
“I’m sure that’s true. But he purposely doesn’t date. I know my brother. Just like I know you mean something to him if you’re here.”
I’m stunned into silence over Ryder’s words. I shake it off when Roman comes back, not wanting to alert him that we were talking about him. For the rest of the meal, we laugh and talk, but I can’t get Ryder’s words out of my head. I shouldn’t get my hopes up over this. I shouldn’t find joy in this. But I do. God, I do.
Knowing what I know about Roman, it does something to my heart—the realization that maybe he feels something for me after all. Even if it’s just a minuscule thing.
But with all those good feelings comes the guilt. Guilt because I’m lying about myself. I’m keeping secrets from him, and after the life he’s had, he doesn’t need any more surprises. Not like the ones my news could potentially give him. Throughout the rest of the day, my cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling so much. I didn’t think I’d enjoy spending the day with a kid and a grown man, but I have. Sometimes, when he doesn’t think I am watching, I catch Roman staring or watching me with an odd look on his face. It is a mixture of confusion and something else I can’t quite name.
On the way home, a yawn rips from my chest. “Thank you for bringing me today. I had fun.”
“You’re good with him.”
“Ryder?” I smile and shrug. “He’s easy to be around. Well-mannered. I like him. Maybe even more than I like you.”
The corner of his mouth inches into a crooked grin. “Oh, I’m sure.”
“Any news from the social worker?”
“She said to expect a call this next week, so I guess we’ll find out then.”
Reaching over, I