Page 29 of Inside Out

“Twenty minutes too long.”

My musician’s soul saw what my logical brain struggled to comprehend. Marc had found harmony in his life, even if it wasn’t what any of us had imagined for him.

“Mar! Mar!”

Marcus set Camilla down and turned in time to catch the toddler who ran by me as fast as his little legs could carry him. Manny had a head full of dark, black curls that bounced when Marc hoisted him in the air. I guessed he was two years old.

“How’s my little man today?” Marc asked. “Did you miss me as much as I missed you?”

“Mar! Mar!” It almost sounded like he said more instead of Mar.

Marcus kissed Manny’s forehead then lifted his head to look at me. I saw it then, his need for my approval. After we lost Dad, my role as his big brother shifted a bit. I felt even more pressure to set a good example for Marc. I tried to be the guy who never let my little brother down, and I asked myself what our father would do in any given situation. I didn’t have to think very hard that day in the diner; the answer was as obvious as the love in front of me.

I gave Marcus the smile I reserved for big moments in his life, the one that said I love you and I’m incredibly proud of you. He visibly relaxed then nestled Manny closer while slipping his free arm around Camilla.

“Jules, this is my best girl, Camilla,” he said. “Kitten, this is my big brother. He’s the best man I know. It’s past time I introduced the two of you. And this little guy is Manny.”

“I’m so happy to meet you, Camilla.” She was as tiny and delicate as a bird, so I tried not to crush her when I hugged her. “It’s good to see Marcus so happy.”

“I’m the happy one,” she said, smiling up at me. “Let me introduce you to my mother. We’ve heard so many stories about you from Marc. Mama,” Camilla said, waving her hand for her mother to come over. “This is Julius, Mama.” I smiled at the shy woman and extended my hand. “This is my mother, Isabella Álvarez.”

She took both my hands between hers. “Nice to meet you.” She rose on her tiptoes which was my cue to lower my head so she could kiss my cheek. “Marcus is a good boy.”

“The best,” I agreed. “Introduce me to your little man.”

“Manny, can you say hello to Julius?”

Manny turned and watched me with cautious eyes as I approached him. “Hello, Manny.”

“Hi.” Manny opened and closed his chubby fist in the toddler’s wave. “Manny,” he said, patting his chest.

“Julius,” I said, patting mine.

Instead of rushing off like I’d planned, I sat with Marcus for a while and got to know Mrs. Álvarez and Manny while Camilla finished her shift. She treated all of us with a piece of Marc’s favorite peanut butter pie. Well, Manny didn’t get his own piece, but he sure got plenty of Marcus’s, which told me just how much he loved the little boy. Marc didn’t share his peanut butter pie with anyone.

“I need to get home and get some things done,” I told them. “It was lovely meeting you all.” I ruffled Manny’s hair, making him laugh. “Especially you, cutie.” Manny giggled and buried his head in Marc’s neck. I hugged the ladies then turned to my brother. “Walk me out?”

“Sure.” He handed Manny to Mrs. Álvarez and followed me outside to my car. I caught Camilla’s nervous expression through the big window and winked to let her know everything was good.

“Marc,” I said, placing my hands on his shoulders, “I think you know what path you really want to choose for your future. There’s really not much of a decision to make, is there?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“You’ve already been accepted to some wonderful law schools, including the University of Cincinnati. It won’t be easy going to law school while working to support a young family, but you can do it. Camilla’s family is here, Gram and Gramps are close, and I’m only forty-five minutes away. You’re not alone. Chooseyourdreams, Marc. Followyourheart.”

“I love you, Jules,” Marc said, throwing his arms around me.

“I love you too, little brother. Now turn loose of me and get back in the diner so I can leave before we both become blubbering messes.”

“Okay,” Marc said, grinning broadly as he wiped tears from his eyes. “I’m going to ask you to follow your heart too, big brother. And don’t look at me like I’m clueless either. You want something then you go get it. Or should I say someone?” he asked, walking backwards. “Drive safe.”

“Always.”

My thoughts turned to Rome as soon as I drove away. I knew he had a family dinner in Columbus and wouldn’t be home for a few more hours, which gave me plenty of time to do laundry, grade papers, and maybe lure my silver fox over for a drink.

Once I got home, I typed out a text message to Rome.I miss your lips. How about a drink at my place when you get back to town?I felt dizzy and realized I’d been holding my breath while staring at my screen. My finger hovered over the send arrow. To send or not to send?Thatwas the question. I could analyze everything I knew about Rome and myself and try to determine whether a relationship could succeed between us, or I could just hit send and see what happened. The scientist in me wanted more data to make a decision, but the musician wanted more of the melody I heard when I’d held the man in my arms the previous night.

I took a deep breath and hit send.