Page 1 of Seal the Deal
1ANDREW
“I can’t believewe’re late.”
“We’re not late,” Charlie objects. “It’s literally only twenty minutes past.”
“And the fitting appointment was attwo,” Andrew points out, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel while he waits for the red light to change. Three taps with the left hand, three with the right. He repeats it until the light turns green.
“It’s just Alec, he’s not going to get mad.”
“That’s not the point,” Andrew sighs. “The point is it’s rude to be late. It shows we don’t respect someone else’s time.”
Being late also makes Andrew feel wrong, but he’s given up trying to explain that to Charlie whose sense of time is about as fantastical as his wardrobe.
“Listen, I know you hate being late, but it’s literally less than half an hour. Relax.”
The words have the opposite of a relaxing effect.
“Next time you can drive yourself,” Andrew says, shooting his twin brother with what he hopes is a menacing glare.
“And deprive you of my company?” Charlie gasps. “Never. Besides, it would be a waste of gas to use two cars when we’re going to the same place.”
“Then be ready when it’s time to leave next time, or you’re going to be wasting gas whether you like it or not,” Andrew says. It’s an empty threat, despite how anxious it makes him every time they’re late—something that happens often since Charlie is allergic to being on time—Andrew will never leave him behind. He refuses to admit that to Charlie though; he takes enough liberties as it is.
“Fine, fine,” Charlie says with a wave of his hand. “Look, there’s a parking spot in front.”
Sure enough, one of the coveted curb parking spots in front of the tailor shop where they’re meeting their brother for wedding suits fitting is available. Andrew parks, barely shutting the engine off before exiting his car.
“Hurry up.”
“Bossy fucker,” Charlie replies, exhibiting not an ounce of anxiety about the fact that they’re now over twenty minutes late for their suit fitting for their youngest brother’s upcoming nuptials.
“You’re so annoying.”
“You love me.” Charlie grins, slipping his sunglasses into his hair before falling into step beside Andrew. “Is everyone coming?”
Everyone, meaning their youngest brother Alec, Alec’s fiancé Theo, their other brother and also Theo’s best friend Jason and Jason’s boyfriend Emerson, all of whom are set to be in his brother’s wedding.
“Did you pay attention at all when Alec called and told us what time to be here?”
“No,” Charlie admits. “I knew you’d pay attention for both of us.”
Andrew sighs, but can’t find it in himself to be surprised. He’s been keeping his brother on track since they were old enough to walk. It’s his fault as much as Charlie’s that he expectsAndrew to keep track of everything. Besides, between the two of them, he’s more reliable with details.
“I don’t know how Eden puts up with you,” Andrew sighs, thinking about Charlie’s boyfriend. While the entire family has welcomed him with open arms, he and Charlie’s relationship is new enough, he is not actually in the wedding.
“Excuse you,” Charlie grumps, “Eden adores me.”
“Eden called you an annoying asshole before we left your house this morning.”
“What’s your point?” Charlie asks while opening the door to the tailors, waving Andrew in first. “I’m a fucking delight.”
“You’re something,” Andrew replies, well aware that while Charlie’s boyfriend does adore him, Eden also agrees with Andrew that Charlie is a pain in the ass. A lovable, loyal, amazing pain in the fucking ass. Neither of them would change Charlie for the world, but they still like to give him shit, especially Eden.
“There you two are,” Denise exclaims the second they step through the door. “You’re late. I already sent Theo, Jason and Emerson into the back rooms to try on their suits. Alec is in the front dressing room waiting for you.”
Denise owns this shop and is one of Andrew’s closest friends, her smile warming when she looks at Andrew.
“I’m sorry,” Andrew apologizes, even though it’s not his fault.
