“Did I say something?” Tom notices his words have caused a strange reaction in Nicholas.

“Nothing,” Nicholas says shaking it off. “Actually it was she who asked me out,” Nicholas says smiling. Despite his outer calm and composed appearance, Nicholas was having an emotional crisis within.

“Wow! That’s strong of her,” Tom says.

“She is,” Nicholas says. “I think that’s what I appreciate about her. She’s just always so nice and sweet.”

“Yes, she is nice. Then again thinking about it, she is a psychologist and understands certain things better than others. I guess that’s why she sympathized with Ben despite him acting like an idiot,” Tom concludes.

“No,” Nicholas replies. “She’s just a nice person. The reason she’s helping him is because she believes she can make a difference. She is not a fool; she knows when she has to back out.”

“Someone cares,” Tom says sarcastically making Nicholas laugh. “I have only known you for over a year and you have never looked at a woman other than Anna. She must be really special to you.”

“It’s Ann, and yes. Is that so wrong?” Nicholas replies feeling uncomfortable. “What about you? Anyone special?”

“You know me, no one I keep around for too long.” Tom says sarcastically as Nicholas looks at him.

“What about Fiona?” Nicholas asks with a straight face startling Tom. “Ben doesn’t know does he?”

“Don’t you owe me a hoodie?” Tom says trying to change the subject as the two of them laugh. “No, he doesn’t know. And this thing for Fiona happened recently, it’s not serious. Just a crush I don’t plan on pursuing,” Tom says and after a moment of silence, he asks in a serious tone. “Is it that obvious?”

“To me, and anyone with eyes,” Nicholas says causing Tom to smile. “I have seen her come to your show, the way you are around her.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“She has someone else,” Tom says interrupting Nicholas.

“I know.”

“She never dates. The last time she did she was in high school and now,” Tom says sighing. “You know, the strange thing is when she told me she was dating, I was genuinely happy to see her happy. Yes, I was bit hurt but, it was like it was worth it.”

Nicholas smiles as Tom says these words and he says, “Not to mention she’s your best friends sister.”

“And yes, she is my best friend’s sister, so of course, she is off-limits,” Tom says smiling. “She is sweet, strong, and an amazing woman. Have you seen some of her work in engineering, it’s amazing. The woman is practically a genius. And she does it all by herself,” Tom says as Nicholas listens and notices something.

“Tom,” Nicholas says as he turns and looks back. “Does Fiona also like to go out drinking and getting drunk by herself?”

“I doubt it; she would never be that reckless. She will always have someone…” Tom is interrupted by Nicholas pointing across the room and as Tom turns around he sees Fiona. She is sitting at a table drunk and having another drink. “What in the?” Tom says as he and Nicholas stand up and approach Fiona.

“Oh hi, guys,” Fiona says as she gestures the two men to sit down.

“Fiona, what are you doing here?” Tom asks.

“I am drinking,” She replies swiftly. “What’s the matter boys, you can’t see as well as you used to?”

“I can see that,” Nicholas replies. “Are you here alone?”

“Yes,” Fiona replies. “My friend was with me but left. Said she had an emergency.”

“And she left you here by yourself?” Tom asks.

“No, she called Ben.” Fiona replies. “He’s supposed to be here now. I don’t know what’s taking him so long.”

“What time did she call Ben?” Nicholas asks.

“10:45” Fiona says as she puts her head on the table. Nicholas and Tom look at the time and find it's only 10:50. The two look at each other realizing Fiona is really drunk. As Fiona tries ordering another round of drinks, Tom decides to take Fiona home. With Nicholas’s help, Tom gets Fiona in his car and he drives her home. He calls Ben and tells him he’s bringing Fiona to his place. As he uses Fiona’s spare key to open Ben’s door and he takes her to the guest room. As he puts her on the bed to sleep she begins to cry.

“Fiona?” Tom asks.

“Why?” Fiona says. “Why did it have to be him? Why did I have to treat him that way?”

“Oscar?” Tom asks in a soft voice.

“I thought we would make it. I know he was just doing his job but, my brother,” Fiona says crying as Tom holds her, he looks at her and says.

“You can make it. Since Benjamin is innocent there’s nothing to worry about. He’s just doing his job,” Tom says smiling as he notices Fiona staring at him.

“Oscar…” Fiona says as she leans in to kiss him.