“I think you better sit down.” I told him, my tone low. I wasn’t sure how to tell him. I could barely wrap my head around it myself.

I’m still in shock as I write this. I feel like I belong on Jerry Simmer or something like that. I feel like someone or something thought it’d be funny in this world to make me love the son of the man who broke my Mom’s heart years ago.

I explained it to Joey, the best I could. He was shocked too. We both looked at each other awkwardly.

Until we had to laugh about it. I think it was the only way to deal with the news in the moment.

“Small world, eh? Pretty sure this story belongs on a primetime drama.” Joey said, shaking his head and chuckling.

“A very small world….” I said laughing softly.

We both grew quiet and decided to do what we had come outside onto the porch for in the first place. Watch the rain. It was peaceful.

“I think my brother likes you.” Joey said out of nowhere after.

I gasped slightly “Nah….” I said, dismissing the idea.

“I’m serious. He talks about you. A lot. He even told me you do this weird thing where you sniff cups and glasses before you’ll pour anything into them…”

“Excuse me, I have a good reason for that…” I started. I really do have a good reason for it.

“Yes, he told me. You were given a glass that wasn’t rinsed right one time and your milk tasted like soap. That’s a fair reason, for the record. But still kind of weird….” He said before shaking his head “My point is. He pays an awful lot of attention to what you say and do……just something to consider, Vera.” Joey said before rising from the bench. He walked closer to the railing on my porch.

I stood up, following after him. My mind was racing with what he said about Dakota. I think he’s wrong, but what if he isn’t? Not that it means you should like someone if they like you. That’s not how it works. I have found myself growing to like Dakota’s company. I don’t find him annoying like I used to.

“Thank you for talking to me, Vera. For not just kicking me out and washing your hands of me. You could have. But you aren’t that type of person.” He said before turning around to look at me. “I know this don’t matter now, but back in high school. I did like you.”

Well, he sure waited a long time to tell me that one. At least now I know it wasn’t all in my head back then.

“I had always wondered..what it would be like with you…I guess when I was drunk, it allowed me to finally find out. I just went about it all wrong.” He told me. He wasn’t joking this time. He was serious. “Again, I’m sorry I hurt you.” Joey said, stepping closer to me. “Please, don’t hit me.”

I was confused.