“You’re right. You don’t want to be that guy.”
“It would be easy to become him, especially since I just want her to be all right, and I don’t know how to make that happen.”
“You can’t hold the world in your hands. You can’t make her feel like she can do everything either. But you can stand by her side and help.”
“Is that what you say to Sierra?”
Aiden snorted. “I have never once been able to tell my wife what to do. I can guide her down the path, but then she shouts at me, pushes me off the path, and finds her own. And that’s why I love her. Because she takes no shit, no prisoners, and knows I will do the same.”
“I do love your wife.”
“Watch it.”
“Not like that, come on.”
Aiden just gave me a look. “So, what kind of dinner was this with her parents?”
“One where she was supposed to explain to them that she’s going to stick with the major she is paying for, to be a physical therapist, and that she wants nothing to do with being a doctor like they are.”
Aiden winced. “Oh, that’s going to go well.”
“Elise got scholarships and is pretty much paying her own way. Even if they were paying for her school, I don’t know if it’s okay for them to direct her in that way.”
“I think if you go into a partnership with your family where they pay for your school, there needs to be an understanding of what that means. In terms of actually passing classes and graduating, but not directing them down a path to a major they want nothing to do with.” Aiden gave me a pointed look.
“I know you guys would pay for my classes, but if I keep doing as well as I am, then I’ll get the full-ride for the rest of my years at this school.”
“And that would be fucking great,” Aiden said, finishing up another order. “But if, by chance, you don’t get that full scholarship and only keep with the partial, don’t get a loan. Not these days where interest rates are insane. Let us help.”
“You guys have kids to worry about.”
“And everything that Brendon touches turns to gold. Let him use his fancy money. Hell, let us help you. We may not be billionaires, but we’re not in debt either. We can help you. You’re not in an Ivy League school getting a degree in underwater basket weaving. You’re working towards something important. To help with the family. So, let the family help you.”
I winced. “I haven’t been good about seeing it that way.”
“No, you haven’t. But I figured I’d start here, and then let Violet and the girls get to you later.”
“They’re going to gang up on me, aren’t they?”
“You know it. The only reason we even let you work like you are is because it’s with and for the family. If we didn’t have a place of business where you could work with us, you wouldn’t be.”
“I need to make my own way, Aiden. Earn it.”
“And you do. You have.” There was a lot in that statement, and I stiffened.
“I know. Thanks.”
“Anyway, we like you, kid.”
“Thanks,” I said dryly.
“What? Now, work on this last order and then check on Brendon and Cameron. Brendon’s upstairs working on the books since it’s nearly tax time. And Cameron is behind the bar. If they’re good for the night, head home.”
I shook my head. “But it’s not the end of my shift.”
“Well, go check on your girl, then.”
“And that’s not being too possessive?”
Aiden shook his head. “It’s just checking on her. You told me she was having an emotional evening. Just make sure she’s okay. Or see if she’ll text you back. If you show up there with her favorite treat or drink, hand it off, say you were thinking of her, and then walk away. That’s not being too much. That’s just showing you care. Hell, we’re allowed to do that, you know? Guys don’t have to be gruff and in the corner hiding their feelings and shit all the time.”
I looked at Aiden, blinked a few times, and then threw my head back and laughed. “I can’t believe you of all people said that.”
Aiden flipped me off again. “Oh, fuck you, too. I am in touch with my feelings.”
“You are not. You’re a growly asshole who doesn’t know the meaning of showing emotion to anyone but your wife. And even that’s like pulling hairs.”
Aiden raised a brow. “Got a problem with it? At least, I’m married.”
“Are you saying you want me married at this age?” I asked, my heart doing that twisty thing in my chest, thinking about Elise. We were not even close to that, but hell, the thought of being with her for longer than a minute? I liked it. I liked it a lot.
What the hell was wrong with me?
My brother rolled his eyes. “Go take this order out, and don’t come back until you talk to your girl.”
“And not in a stalkery way.”
“Yes, don’t stalk her, asshole. You’re a romantic, one who reads all those books about what women want. You should know more than me.”
“When I was giving advice, I was just talking out of my ass because I had no idea what I was doing.”
Aiden just shook his head. “You know more than you think you do. Go talk to your girl. After you serve that table, of course.”
I nodded and picked up the plates. I headed out to the front of the brewery, where a couple of tables were still filled. One group was already eating. I had the food for the other. It looked as if it would be a smooth close for the evening, and for that, I was grateful. Sometimes, we were crowded right up to the time we needed to close the door, and I was exhausted on those days, even if my tips were excellent.
“Okay, guys, I
