Page 86 of Three Pucking Ex's Brothers

I let out a laugh as he grabs a fork and practically devours them.

“Rough night?” I ask as I set about to making my own plate.

Rush tenses. “Kind of.”

I debate if I should say something to him. About the fact that I saw him kiss Nora. Or maybe I should just let it go because he does look a little worse for wear this morning.

“Can I…help?”

Russ looks up at me, a soft smile pulling at his lips. “Don’t think so, kid, but I appreciate the offer.”

When I’m done flipping my pancakes, I sit with him to eat, noticing how he watches me.

“What?” I stab a pancake.

“I don’t know what crawled up your ass, but…” He gives me a smirk. “It’s nice. Seeing youhappyand not all mopey.”

“I do not mope,” I bite back.

He laughs. “You definitely mope, but it’s okay. All I’m saying is it’s nice see you excited and happy and whatever it is…” He twists his lips and shrugs. “Orwhoeverit is…”

I feel my cheeks blush, and he grins. “Ah…so itisa girl.”

I don’t know if I can admit to him that it’s Nora, all things considered, but I also know how good it felt to talk about things withher, so maybe…maybe talking to Rush could be helpful? I mean…he is a lot more well-versed in romancing women than I am.

Yeah, and he’s also romanced the woman you’re trying to romance.

Which is both good and bad.

“Maybe,” I admit with a shrug.

Russ smiles wide as he grabs my shoulder. “Yes! I knew it!” he says enthusiastically. “That’s awesome, Tommy. Seriously.” I give him a smile of my own as he says, “Tell me everything.”

I can’t help but feel a warmth in my chest. Part of me wants to tell him everything. But the other part isn’t ready to lay my cards out yet. There’s a big difference between bringing someone coffee anddatingthem. Asking them out.

“Nothing to tell yet,” I say honestly. “It’s kind of…new.”

There, that’s safe. Not a lie either. These feelings I have for Nora might not benew, but venturing out to see her…asking her out…on a date…that’s definitely new.

It’s been years since I asked a woman that wasn’t Chloe to hang out. And suddenly the nerves kick in.

“Hey…” Russ’s hand on my shoulder loosens its grip. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot, man…”

“It’s fine,” I say, tensing as I look up at him. “Just a little nervous.”

Russ gives me a warm smile. “Nerves are good. They keep you on your toes. But you don’t have anything to be nervous about, Tommy Boy. You’re a Sterling. Pussy runs in our blood. You got this.”

It’s the way he says it. Like it’s justeasy.Like all I have to do is just be…me. Thomas Edward Sterling.

Like that’senough.

Maybe it is enough. I guess I’ll never know until I try, right?

“Thanks, Russ,” I say as he lets go of me and finishes his pancakes, leaving me with a newfound confidence.

I’ve been to the HairtopiaSalon a few times with my mom, so I know the place opens early. And even though everyone thinks Idon’tlisten to conversations, I do. I know Nora works a setschedule and has for the last two years, so I know she’ll be in at ten. Since I’m off from school today, I have more than enough time to adequately prepare for what I want to do. I only pray that when I show up with this coffee and pastry, Russ is right.

Because I don’t know if I could take Nora shooting me down when I feel so good. That would suck for sure.