Please Remember Me

Chapter 16

I was silently resting in bed watching the shadows dance along my walls from the flickering of the lit candle on my nightstand. The clock sitting next to the pine candle blinked 10:00 back at me. It had been about an hour since North and Silas had dropped me off back home. My thoughts were speeding through the highways of my mind at 100 mph, refusing to accept sleep. 

I had so many interactions during dinner, and they each needed their own processing time. I was confused about my observations; it was clear that some of the boys were more deeply involved than I originally thought. It was even more obvious that they were hiding their relationships from the other boys they called brothers. I couldn't understand how a family so close could be so fractured.

Four Hours Earlier

When we arrived at their house for dinner, Sean and Nathan disappeared up the stairs with their shopping bags. I ignored the flirty wink Sean shot over his shoulder, as Gabe ushered me to the living room. Sitting on the couch, watching a football game, were Silas, North, and Luke. They each greeted me with smiles and hello's before once again focusing on the game. 

Gabe took the seat next to Luke and they delved into a discussion. I was tempted to sit beside Silas, but movement in the kitchen beyond the room caught my attention. Quietly excusing myself, barely acknowledged by anyone other than Silas's gentle eyes and nod of his head, I made my way towards the kitchen. The smell of Italian seasonings and tomatoes made my mouth water.

There Owen and Kota were weaving around the room while cooking. Victor sat on one of the island chairs watching the two men with his laptop open in front of him. His attention never shifted from the pair of chefs, even when I took the seat next to him. Humming quietly, I turned my attention to the duo who hadn't seemed to notice my presence yet either. 

They flowed together perfectly, having an understanding that didn't require any verbal communication. It was interesting to watch, especially when I saw Owen's open palm softly brush against Kota's lower back as they switched positions. I tilted my head, and turned my eyes back to Victor. His whiskey eyes were full of adoration as he watched the two cook, the look so similar to the one's exchanged by Sean and Gabe throughout the day, it stunned me. 

Clearly he was harboring feelings for one of them, but who? Owen or Kota?

"They move in perfect tandem, don't they?" 

My quiet voice brought Victor's fiery gaze to mine, as he seemed to register my presence for the first time.

"Oh, Tulip, I didn't notice you there." I ignored the sting his words shot through me; his tone was not unkind, more so surprised.

I knew I faded into the background for most people; I just wished it didn't happen with them. Unfortunately, wishes didn't come true. Sending him a sad smile, ignoring the scrunch of his brows, I turned my attention back to Owen and Kota. 

Kota was busy stirring a pot of boiling red sauce. Owen handed him a can of seasoning before turning his attention back to the bowl of meat in front of him on the counter. Both of their backs were to us as they spoke softly to each other about something I couldn't hear. I guessed that we would be having spaghetti with meatballs from the look of it.

Owen finally turned towards the kitchen island, his gray eyes openly displaying emotion, and immediately landing on Victor. Owen's eyes were full of warmth and fondness, something I hadn't seen before in the stern man's expression. Maybe it was Owen and Victor who were together, I thought. Owen's gaze shifted to my form besides Victor, never losing that warmth, and a slight twitch of his lips hinted at a smile.