The Silent Confession

Chapter Eight

Frank grasped his tie lightly, shifting it into place. The convention hosted an exquisite dinner at the hotel each night. The last night would include traveling to a nice restaurant to exchange a formal farewell.

Frank and Joe had received a message from Mr. Richardson about an hour ago, reminding them not only of the dinner party, but also of the attack on Mr. Smithers. Although the digital message was an attempt at explaining the situation and reassuring guests that the danger had passed, it sounded as though he had little information.

"We should keep on our toes," Frank said to Joe as his brother came out of the bathroom, in a suit of his own. "Mr. Richardson might not have said it outright, but it seems like he thinks it's possible that the attacker might still be in the building."

"I'm just glad the convention isn't being postponed or anything," Joe replied, shifting his weight in front of the mirror and cocking his head. "I can't believe you're the one who got a date tonight..."

Frank threw a pillow at his brother, who caught it midair. "Don't mess up my hair!" Joe laughed. "What's the big deal anyway? Oh, I think I might have a clue. You wish you could go on a date, but not with Kelsey."

Frustration began to rise in Frank. "Will you cut it out, Joe?" He suddenly yelled. "I told you, it's not going to happen! What do you want me to say? That I love Nancy? That I've loved her for years but have kept my distance for her sake?"

Franks eyes widened as his words sunk in, a blush rising into his cheeks.

Joe smiled softly. "I'm just glad you finally admitted it. It was kind of depressing watching you push away your feelings."

Sitting down on the bed, Frank sighed. "Of course I was pushing them away. She's with someone else. It wouldn't be right to do anything other than be a... good friend to her." He stared absently forward. "I just want her to be happy."

Joe paused before approaching his brother, patting him on the shoulder as he sat beside him. "That's why you're such a good guy, Frank. However, even if that's what you want, it's still up to the girl to decide. It's only going to hurt you if you keep going on like this. If she chooses someone else, then you can finally move on."

Frank pondered over the words. "You think I should tell her?"

"I'm just saying that you've had a thing for this girl for years, and I don't think you can just keep pretending like this forever. Nancy will always be in a part of our lives, and you are going to have to live with that no matter what your relationship to her is. If you tell her how you feel, she has a choice, and you can finally learn what she is thinking. You'll have an answer, good or bad, and you can learn to live with that answer."

Frank stayed silent as Joe stood, looking towards the window. "You deserve to be happy too, you know?"

The words hit Frank one at a time. The idea of confessing what he had been trying to hide for so long felt terrifying. However, Joe was right. He would always feel this way until he knew for sure how Nancy felt. He could let her decide, and live with the choice she made.

He looked at his brother with a small smile. "Thank you, Joe."

Joe moved his fingers through his hair, slightly embarrassed. "Don't mention it."

Although Joe usually portrayed a bubbly personality, Frank knew how observant Joe was under the surface, and how much he cared for those around him. It's what made him such a great detective. Joe was able to put people at ease and lighten a dire situation, putting it into a new perspective.

Frank always admired that about his brother.

The two joked about which brother looked the most handsome before heading out to meet Nancy for dinner.