Page 102 of Tech Bros

“Your assistant?”

“They’re both coming over tonight. To talk.”

Jake turns my way and gives me wide eyes. “Talk, huh?”

“Here’s the thing.”

He laughs. “Yes. Do tell me the thing.”

“I think I’m in love with Evan.”

“No shit,” he says with a total lack of surprise.

“But I know—like I know deep down Deacon isright. For me. Maybe not forever—I’m not prepared to say that, but for right now—he’s exactly what I need to get past this thing with Evan.”

“And why do you need to get past it?”

“Because I’m not sure he wants that from me, but you want to know the kicker?”

“There’s a kicker?”

“Evanisinterested in Deacon.”

“Seriously? How did that happen?”

“Did I not mention they’re roommates?”

“Whoa. What? Roommates or boyfriends?”

“Roommates,” I say.

“So they’re not like—together.”

“Not that I know of.”

“Then it’s just a crush. Which, I should point out, is also what you’ve got on Evan. Didn’t anyone ever tell you love is a two-way street?”

I shake my head. “It’s absolutely possible to be in love with someone who doesn’t love you back.”

“I think you’d get over it pretty quick if you found the right person whodidreturn your feelings.”

“Sure, but I can’t just pick up those feelings from one person and transfer them onto someone else.”

“What are they coming over for?”

I sigh. “Clearing the air apparently.”

“And that has to happen in person?”

“Evan’s threatening to quit his job.” Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but he doesn’t want to be my assistant anymore, so it’s the same difference to me.

“No offense, bro, but he should have quit a long time ago. Or you should have transferred him.”

I nod, prepared to accept whatever harsh truths my brutally honest little brother has to offer. I can’t feel any worse today. “ I don’t want to lose him.”

“You know, he doesn’t cease to exist if he stops working for you. It might even make your situation better.”

“How?”