Page 57 of A Matter of Fact

“It’s normal,” Beckett corrected, then he laughed softly, more of an exhale of breath. “You would hate my apartment.”

“Why do you think that?”

“It’s just…nothing like your apartment,” Beckett said.

“My condo is his condo.” Rhys waved a finger at Sebastian, who leaned against the closet door, noticeably listening but not looking.

“Are you going to live in your brother’s condo forever?” Beckett asked. “Or are you going to make it yours?”

“Rhys, you know you have…” Sebastian opened his mouth and started a conversation Rhys was in no way ready to have, least of all with Beckett.

“It works for now,” he interrupted, narrowing his eyes.

The threat of the email from their father still hung over his head. He didn’t know what would happen come Monday when he wasn’t back in Mallardsville, but he knew he wasn’t going back to Mallardsville. Sebastian gave him a warning look, but Rhys forced a smile and changed the subject.

“Beckett,” Sebastian gave him a glance, turning away from the closet. “I apologize.”

“For him?” Beckett tilted his head toward Rhys.

“What?”

Sebastian laughed. “No, sorry. He’s all him. I meant I’ve been remiss.” He stuck out his hand. “We’ve not properly met, but I do know about you so I forgot to introduce myself.”

Beckett shook free of Rhys’s grip and shook Sebastian’s outstretched hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Sebastian smirked, his stare dancing from Beckett to Rhys and back in a way that had Rhys feeling like his entire body was covered in ants.

“I hope Rhys hasn’t been complaining about me too much,” Beckett said.

“Quite the opposite.” Sebastian dropped Beckett’s hand and turned back to the closet. “Much more about himself.”

“Are you done?” Rhys snapped.

Sebastian pulled a blue wool suit out of the closet, the entire thing already put together on the hanger, shirt, vest, and all.

“I think this one would work.” Sebastian held the hanger out toward Beckett. “Do you want to try it on and make sure?”

“Sure.” Beckett held the hanger away from him like it was a venomous animal poised to attack.

“What size shoes do you wear?”

“Uhm, ten.”

Sebastian gestured toward the closet. “Have at it, then. But I’d suggest brown with that suit.”

“Brown,” Rhys agreed.

“We’ll be in the living room. Holler if you need help.” Sebastian placed his hand between Rhys’s shoulder blades and shoved him out into the hallway, closing the bedroom door behind them.

“What is wrong with you,” Rhys hissed, rolling his shoulder and getting away from his brother. Once in the living room, he turned and folded his arms across his chest, mouth turned downward in a tight frown.

“I just love this.”

“What?”

“You.” Sebastian flung himself onto the couch. “Being like this.”

“Whatever do you mean, brother?” Rhys knew exactly what Sebastian meant.