Page 122 of Three Pucking Ex's Brothers

“And if he says…no?” I carefully ask, not wanting to admit what we’re talking about here, because if I do…if I admit I’m consideringsharingNora with my brothers—who seem to love her as much as I do—I think I might pass out.

“If he says no, then that’s his choice. It’s not going to stop me from being with her if that’s what she wants. Just like you won’t stop me either.”

Russell stands his ground firmly, and I have to admire him for that. Because right now, it feels like the earth is being pulled out from under me.

I saunter behind him as he approaches Tommy and Nora, curled together on the bleachers. Her arms are wrapped around his waist, and his arm around her. I have to admit, they look good together.

Russell flanks her other side and she doesn’t move. He looks at Tommy.

“You okay?” he asks.

Tommy shakes his head. “No.”

I sigh as Nora tightens her grip.

“I knew about you and Nora,” Tommy says carefully, looking at Russ.

“You knew?” Nora asks, looking up at him.

Tommy nods. “I saw you the night you two—” He coughs, his cheeks turning pink. “So I knewsomethingwas going on with you two, and it didn’t bother me. I mean, I didn’t think it bothered me, considering I watched you two—” He stiffens. “Never mind.”

Russell lets out a laugh. “Oh, shit.”

We all stare at him as he continues laughing like a lunatic.

“Anyway…” Tommy continues, “I…didn’t freak out at that. I knew it was happening, and I pushed myself anyway, because I thought…” He looks at Nora. “I thought I had a chance, you know?”

“You do,” she says calmly.

Tommy looks at me. “I just didn’t know you had feelings for her too.”

My shoulders loosen. “It’s…”

“Complicated?” Nora asks.

I nod, running a hand over my head. “I meant what I said. Russell…Tommy…” I look between my brothers. “They are better for you. I’m…I’m never going to run right, Nora. I’m damaged. But…”

I look at her and at my brothers. “I told you once, whatever you want, I would give it to you. That wasn’t a lie.”

Tommy looks at me with tears in his eyes.

“Question is, Nora, what doyouwant?” Russell asks.

It’s quiet as we sit there, surrounding our girl. Because I know that’s what she is. Ours.

We all want the best for her. We all love her. We all want her to pick us.

But maybe she doesn’t have to. Maybe what Russell said…maybe it could work? If we put Nora first, above our own needs, just maybe…

“You,” she says through tears as she looks at Tommy. “You make me feel like I’m living in the middle of some teenage fever dream. Like the song. Everything’s so bright and new and warm…” He smiles and then she looks at Russ.

“You,” she whispers. “You stoke this fire in me, Russ, and every time I’m with you I feel thisrushof confidence. Like I can do anything…” Russell smirks at her. Then she turns her gaze to me.

“You…Freddie…” She reaches for my hand, and I don’t miss how Tommy watches or how Russ glances at me.

I carefully take her hand, running my thumb over the back, over her knuckles.

“You think you aren’t worth the love you give, but you are. You make me feel cared for and loved, and appreciated, and it has nothing to do with what you buy me. It’s just…you. I love you too, Freddie, and I just want the chance to make you feel the things you make me feel.”