Busted
CLYVE
THIRTY MINUTES later, I knew a few things about Austen. He seemed to be a cool bloke and didn’t have habits other than painting.
“So, you’ve graduated from Uni with a major in English, minor in Arts, but you didn’t have a job other than a dog walker?” It sounded like an insult, and I felt like an arsehole.
He swallowed hard and looked away.
Oh, shit! At least, I’m not alone with a life full of drama.
“Why a dog walker though?” I held the steaming mug tighter, and let the aroma fill my lungs. “Look, I am not judging you, mate. I just wanna know a little bit about you. I want to trust you if we have to work together.” Because lately, it’s harder to pretend that you know someone, yet you awfully know nothing at all.
“My girlfriend died five months ago from a car accident. She was walking home when the two cars collided. Then it ended up crashing into her. She died on the spot,” he said monotonously.
“I’m sorry for your loss, mate. I lost my dad as well, and I know how you exactly feel.”
“Her dog, Cronus was my last gift on her birthday, and it’s the only living thing she left for me.” He paused. “While I walked Cronus in the park, he barked at the other dogs, and I thought he was lonely. So I started posting-”
Suddenly, we were interrupted by the chiming of the door, then she walked in with a white blouse, tight trousers, and a crossbody purse. Again, Westley took my breath away because she was wearing a radiant smile on her face.
Despite the pain growing in my chest, it was quickly compensated with excitement and longing as our gazes met. I couldn’t say I was surprised that my feelings for her had never completely vanished.
“Linton.” She pulled me into a hug, squeezing me tight.
I couldn’t remember how did I stand up from my seat-as if I was expecting this to happen. Her embrace was warm and inviting, and I could sense that she missed me as well. I wrapped my arms around her and inhaled her scent-the same smell that I used to love. The word used tightened my chest.
“Good to see you again.” That was the only thing I could say-it was so daft, but she rendered me so damn speechless.
She instantly pulled herself away and looked at me in the eyes.
“Really?” There was a hint of sarcasm, but before she could throw another, her gaze found the man in front of me. “Austen? Ohmygod!”
Austen threw himself into her like they had not seen each other for a long time. Well, literally, yes. Their embrace could only tell one thing-they were siblings.
“I-I t-thought you’re dead.” Austen’s voice cracked in the end, squeezing her more into a hug.
“Well, I’m alive, ain’t I?” she chuckled.
“Where the hell have you been?”
“Hiding?” There was amusement in her voice that I found myself chuckling.
“Not funny.” Austen cupped her face, inspected her, and kissed her forehead. “Jesus Christ! it’s real! You’re real! You’re alive.”
If I had not known he was her brother, I already ripped his hands off of her face.
Okay, mate. Let’s clear things out first. First, you don’t have the right to do that. Second, that’s her half-brother, and she’s married, so shut that archaic act out of your system because it doesn’t suit you. And lastly, you invited her to come over, remember?
“Let’s have a seat.” Westley took a seat beside me and smiled at Austen. “I can’t believe you grow up into a monster.” She was even wrinkling her nose, and I found it cute. “What’s with the hair and scruff?”
“Oh, come on, it looks cool on me, right?” So, they’re close. He was even waggling his brows, still smiling at her while I was still gobsmacked in my seat.
She laughed freely. Westley seemed to be a different person right now. “You look like a rock star.”
“Harry, I’m actually on a job interview with Mr. Linton.”
Westley turned her head, eyes searching on my face. “Oh, sorry for interrupting. He’s applying for what position exactly?”
“I need fresh artists in the studio. I saw his works, and they’re amazing. I thought I’d like him to work with me.”
“So, does it mean I’m hired?”
I raised my finger. “Not so fast, mate. Bring your painting to the studio tomorrow, and I’ll review your resume tonight. You need to paint for me on the spot.”
“Sure, man. Thanks!” he said excitedly. “I’ll be there.”
“Great.”
“By the way, how did you two meet?”
“It’s a long story,” Westley answered shortly.
“Would you like something to drink, Westley? And I think you two have a lot of things to catch up on.”
“Why are you calling her Westley?” Austen asked with curiosity or more likely demanding an answer.
“It’s a long story,” we chorused. Well, she has actually many names, and I don’t know which one is real, mate.
“A long story, huh? That’s the second time in like two minutes. Interesting.” Austen looked more puzzled, shifting his gaze from me then back to Westley. “Huh! You two are sleeping together, aren’t you?”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“Wow!” He leaned against the chair, crossed his arms over his chest, and scowled at us. “Mr. Linton said yes, and you, Harry said no? Which one of you is telling the truth the fact that I can literally cut the tension with a knife since she arrived?”
“I don’t think it’s any of your business, Austen,” Westley said defensively, looking at him as if telling him to stop prying.
Okay, this is getting awkward. I shouldn’t have invited her to come over. This was a job interview for Christ’s sake!
“Of course, you’re an adult, but I’m still your little brother. The last time I heard you’re dead, and now you’re in front of me. So freaking alive! So, cut me some slack because I wanna know why did you disappear and pretended to be dead?”
“I’m sorry-” Westley muttered, averting her gaze outside the glass window.
“Let me guess, it’s another long story, huh?” Austen took a deep breath, seemingly regret his outburst. “Look, I just missed you. I’m actually mad at you right now. You’re alive and you’re back, but you still did not reach out to me. Why?”
“I’m planning to meet you. I thought you’re still in L. A. I just needed a little time to get my life back. A lot of things happened in the past three years, and I don’t think this is the right time for us to catch up since you came here for a job interview.”
“I’m glad you’re okay though. And I am more than glad to see you right here, right now. I mourned for you, don’t you know that? But something deep inside me believed that you’re still alive since you were declared as Death in absentia.” He reached out to Westley and squeezed her hand. “I don’t care if I’m not gonna get this job, but is he treating you right?”
I cleared my throat, my cheeks burning. “I shouldn’t have told her to come if I am not treating her right, ain’t I?”
“Something doesn’t add up, man. Shouldn’t you be holding her hand or kissing her when she arrived?”
“Austen,” Westley warned and looked at me. “Sorry, I don’t know he never changed. He’s a little bit nosy and observant.”
“A little bit?” I cocked a brow. “But, It’s alright.” For a beautiful woman like you, I would do the same if you happened to be my sister. And thank god, you’re not.
“It’s been years, Harry. The last time I saw you, you were different and I was barely eighteen.” Pain flashed across his face. “I can’t believe this.”
“I know.”
When I looked at Austen he eyed me intensely. “What?”
“You’re in love with her.”