Page 85 of Stone Temptation
Safe…
He is safety…
We continued our breakfast with some light talk. I told him about my penchant for swimming and mixology before we fell into a conversation about our favorite films. I gave him my top five.
“If you could only choose one of those movies, what would it be?” he asked.
I took a moment to ponder it before answering with, “Titanic.”
“I’ve never actually seen it.”
Truth be told, Finn loved it more than me. It only made my top five after his cursing. Before that, The Dark Crystal was my number one.
I watched Titanic several times a week now to feel closer to my brother, keeping his energy in the lighthouse. I always heard his voice regaling me with facts, trivia, all of it.
The history of the RMS Titanic fascinated Finn, his room filled with books on the subject. He’d sit talking about it for hours, a walking encyclopedia on the ill-fated vessel.
What I wouldn’t give to talk the night away with him about it again. On any subject, really. I just wanted to hear his voice and give him a massive hug and reset. Go back to our dreams, us against the world again.
Never giving up, Finn.
Never.
Crap. I veered too close to sorrow again.
“What about you?” I asked, clearing my throat after.
Don’t start sobbing…
“Die Hard.”
“I’ve never seen it.”
“We’ll both have to watch these number one films together one night. Snacks, strawberry creams.” He winked.
“Don’t. My cravings are wild right now.”
“What about pickles?”
“I don’t like them or anything in the family.”
“Why did you call for them?”
Oh. Yes. Of course. “It’s… It’s a stupid reflex from my childhood. When I’m surprised, I yell that word. I’ve tried not to, but I can’t shake it off.”
His smile made my knees knock in joy. “You really are so fucking cute.”
Hello, bashful heat… “Stop.”
“It’s true. And we’ll fix your cravings soon.” A serious energy crept over his features, his natural sparkle dulling. “I’m about to shit on a really nice morning.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.”
He crossed his arms. “Carissa and Seth wanna test that ring out on you.”
My stomach quivered, a bitter caress of ice down my spine. “I suppose… I suppose that makes sense.”
“Yeah. Guess so. I’ll be right here.” He went on to explain infuriating details about Seth’s big attention grab, King Declan, his tone deeper and darker the longer he spoke.