One such morning, I notice she’s walking instead of in the car with Joe.
“What’s happening?” I demand on the phone.
“She refused to get in,” Joe tells me. “She says she doesn’t need the ride anymore.”
I knew this was coming. She’s cutting away our connections, and soon they’ll all be gone.
“Maybe she’ll change her mind,” I tell Joe, even though I know she won’t. “Stay available, in case she needs you.”
He doesn’t reply.
“Are you really going to let her go?”
I give Aidan a look to remind him I’m not open to talking about Rachel, not with my little brother.
He’s not cowed. He meets my gaze with a stubborn one of his. We’re having dinner together at a restaurant close to the theater. He’s exhausted, as usual, but in a passably good mood.
“Opening night is only a few weeks away,” I say, trying to change the subject. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as we’ll ever be.” He shakes his head. “But we were talking about you and Rachel.”
“Leave it,” I warn.
“Look, I know you think I don’t know anything about love and relationships.”
“I don’t think anything of the sort.”
“But I can tell you’re tearing yourself apart right now. If you want to be with her, why aren’t you?”
Because she left!
“Maybe she’s better off without me. Maybe she doesn’t want to be with me.”
His expression tells me he thinks I’m being ridiculous. “Did she tell you that?”
I shake my head. “She loves me.”
His face fills with understanding. “She told you that?”
“Yes.”
“And what? You pushed her away?” He chuckles bitterly. “Wow! How did we both become so…” He sighs. “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing.” I smile tightly. “It’s all in her hands.”
“Did you tell her how you feel?”
I don’t reply.
“Then it’s not fair to wait for her to come to you. You need to let her know you feel the same way.”
“When did you become a therapist?”
He sighs. “Maybe I’m in the same position.”
“Aidan…”
“Don’t ask.” He laughs. “It’s not nearly as fixable as what you have with Rachel.”