Split Love

CHAPTER 27

THURSDAY, May 16, 2019.

- You didn't notice anything?

- Well, - Jamie laughed. - I noticed the permanent frown.

- Less than 40 and he already has a wrinkle.

- I don't have a permanent frown, - Micah said, his frown deepened for a second making Irina and Jamie laugh. Then he tried to relax the muscles in his face.

For a split second, Micah turned his face to look at Jamie and her eyes caught something different. On his left eyebrow was something that looked like a cut, but his movement had been so quick that she couldn't see it clearly. She took a deep breath and leaned her body forward gently pretending to look towards the restaurant door, but it was impossible. All Jamie could see was the right side of his face.

- Your stubbornness always surprised me, brother. But you'll get used to it in time, Jamie. This is his normal self. Once... -

As Irina spoke, Jasmine kept her eyes fixed on him. Micah, on the other hand, had his eyes on his chattering sister, a small relaxed grin on his face. In one hand he held a glass of red wine between his fingers, carefree; while the other was placed on Jasmine's thigh.

Her real desire was to hold his chin and pull his face so she could see if there really was any injury, but her reason spoke louder and she decided to ignore it for a while.

All Jamie heard until that moment was Irina praising her brother. Even when she complained about some of his oddities, she always followed up with a compliment. And knowing more about who he was, about their childhood, warmed her heart. Jamie wanted to know more about him, and in front of her was a person who knew Micah inside out. His quirks, his feelings, what made him happy, and what saddened him.

And certainly, what happened to his face.

- So, tell me about this little town. - Irina asked as soon as the waiter placed the chosen dishes in front of each one.

- Hmm...

- Irina.

- No, please don't get me wrong, I loved the city. - She tried to explain herself. - I understand that many people don't like living in urban centers, with big companies, many people, and different opportunities. But where do you shop?

- We have some stores around the city. - Jamie shrugged.

- What about a shopping mall?

- No.

- And where do you go if you wanna go on one?

- Probably in Hartford. - Jamie replied thinking about the big shopping malls and designer stores that Irina should visit in NY.

A sour smile appears on Irina's face.

- But you can always shop online. - Jamie smiled, trying to be positive about living in a small town. She was racking her brain to show Micah's sister options, but nothing she thought of would please the girl.

- I liked your blouse. Did you buy online?

Jamie lowered her gaze checking which blouse it was exactly and a flash of where she got it appeared in her mind.