Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter twelve - Maybe it's wrong

Austin's POV:

I spent two weeks with Rosie, and things have been great. We had some ups and downs, but everything was fine. In the beginning, I doubted if I could help her. Since she is still here, maybe I have done something right. I'm trying not to rush and let her make choices. The thing is that I don't want her to feel like I am controlling her. My best friend needs to have freedom. I want her to know that she has everything here. I might be working most days, but I will always have time for her. She would love it if Josh could do the same. At our dinner, I gave him multiple hints. I almost told him everything. Honestly, I prefer to be direct and tell him. The thing is that Rosie won't like it. He has to do it because he wants, not because someone told him to do it. I might be her best friend. Well, I can't replace her brother. Also, I don't want to do it. I feel like the month we spend together will be in our favor. I already know many things about her, but I'm sure there is a lot more she hasn't shared with me. I won't pressure her. When she feels ready, she will tell me everything. At least I have some entertainment. The choice of living alone was mine. Since I was born, I have shared everything. I mean, I lived with my parents like every kid. I used to tell everything to my friends. That's when I realized. I don't need to do this all the time. I wanted to be alone and spend time with myself. It's like a self-care treatment. Honestly, this feels great. I feel better that way. I don't need to explain myself to anyone. I might tell Rosie everything, but that was also my choice. When I was younger, I felt that was a duty. I am old enough to make decisions for myself. I don't need people's opinions. The only one that matters the most to me is my best friend's opinion. I hope I will continue living this way. That's all I need.

I have moved to work at one apartment. It's not a penthouse. One of the boys wanted to work on one. Honestly, my job makes me feel like I'm not working. David, Pete, and I talk all the time. I don't share everything with them, but they are good listeners. My best friend comes to visit me sometimes. It's not like I have much time for her during work. Well, I'm glad that she came to see me. I can use her as an excuse to get a five-minute break.

I woke up and checked the time. Soon, I have to get up and make breakfast. I looked up next to me. Rosie was still sleeping. That is the second time I let her sleep with me. I don't know if it's right, but I don't care. If this will make her feel better and fall asleep faster, I will do it for her. Also, we are only friends. Nothing will happen between us. I kissed the top of her head. Then I went to get ready for the day. Later, I made breakfast. I was setting the table when I received a back hug. Someone is in a good mood.

- Good morning. The breakfast looks delicious.

- To you, too. I was about to wake you up after I finished here.

- It's ok.

- How was your sleep?

- Not bad. At least I fell asleep. It's something.

- Is there a way I can make it better?

- You don't have to do anything. You already did enough.

- I like helping you.

- I have noticed that. - she said, chuckling

- The table is set so we can eat.

- I can't wait to try your masterpiece.

- Let's see how it tastes.

We had a peaceful breakfast. Later, I drove Rosie to school. She wasn't happy about it but had no choice. Yesterday she asked me to ditch my work and spend the day with her. I would love to do that, but only on the weekend. I want to work. In my opinion, this apartment is a bit small for a family with kids. Maybe the family won't have. I still haven't met the owners. When we started working here, we only got instructions.

- Hey, guys.

- Hello. - David said

- What are the plans for today? I mean, which room will we do?

- You can work on the bedroom. We have already finished with the living room. I will start working on the kitchen. Pete will work on the bathroom. We can help you if you want. The thing is that the room is small for two people. I mean, with our stuff.

- No, the plan is good.

I went into the bedroom. All I have to do is paint the walls and change the floor today. I have to say that this family doesn't want many things. Everything they want is simple. The materials won't cost much either. That occupied me until lunchtime. The apartment is in the center of the town, so there are many food places around. I finished painting the walls when I turned around and saw Devan. He is the last person I expect to work here.

- Devan? What are you doing here?

- Checking how the work is going.

- How do you know I am here? I have said I work in an apartment but never said which one.

- Have you met the owners?

- No. Hold on! Did you buy this?

- Yes. Technically, Natalie and I did.

- Why? Do you plan to move here with her?

- No. The offer was good. We decided to invest part of the money we saved. The plan is to give it for rent and earn some money from it.

- I believe the idea wasn't yours.

- No. You know I'm not that smart. - he said, and we laughed

- So I am working for you.

- Yes. Since we are friends, I don't have to pay you.

- Keep dreaming. That won't happen.

- I'm kidding. I hired you because I know you will do everything perfectly.

- No offense, but isn't this apartment a bit small?

- Yes, but we can't get something better for the prize we paid.

- If it's not a secret, can I know how you paid for it?

- We paid sixty thousand.

- Isn't this too much for this box? - I asked, and he laughed

- Well, Natalie wants a bigger house. For that, we need money. If I spend all of them on an apartment for rent, we won't have any.

- True. What is wrong with your house?

- I don't know.

- I think you have to talk about that. I think your place is good.

- Thanks, man. How is Rosie?

- For now, she is good. She feels better.

- That is good. I'm sure she likes being around you.

- Yes, she does.

- Did something happen?

- No, but I feel like Josh doesn't like this. I'm not doing anything to her.

- Give him some time. He will accept it.

- She wants him to spend more time with her.

- You hinted at this at the dinner so many times.

- He doesn't understand or doesn't want to do it.

- I don't know. That is between them.

- I let her sleep with me last night.

- What? Why?

- She had problems sleeping again. It happened before. I drink a glass of milk for that. I guess it's not working for her.

- You better don't tell Josh about that. Otherwise, he will kill you.

- I didn't do anything. I wanted to put pillows between us, but she didn't let me.

- Man, that is like putting a barrier in your friendship. She trusts you and knows you won't do anything to her.

- It's not a crime, but it feels wrong.

- You didn't do anything wrong. Helping a friend is not that bad. It's a good thing.

- She has problems at school.

- How bad is it?

- Somewhere in the middle. There is a girl talking sh*t about me in front of her.

- I bet she is pissed.

- Rosie slapped her and got in trouble with the girl.

- You better keep this girl. Otherwise, I'll rip off your head. - he said and laughed

- Don't worry. I won't let her go anywhere.

- That's what I want to hear. Please, don't think about Josh. He will be fine. One day, he has to accept it.

- I hope so.

- Ok, I will leave you to work. I already took your lunch break.

- It's ok. It was good to talk with you. I feel that Josh and I only argue.

- Patience. That's all you need, my friend.

- Thanks. I'll make sure this apartment looks perfect.

- It already does. Thank you for that.

- You're welcome.

The rest of the afternoon I spent working. The guys bought me lunch, but I didn't eat it. Maybe I'll leave it for dinner or tomorrow. Of course, they had to ask how I knew the owner. The thing is that I have never presented them to my friends. I have only talked about them. Rosie is the one who comes often. That's why they know who she is.

When we finished, I took the car and went home. Before that, I stopped at the grocery store. I wanted to buy some things. I arrived and left everything in the kitchen. I went to check on Rosie. She was sleeping. I took a blanket and put it on top of her. She should leave it on her bed when she is not using it. I kissed the top of her head and went to take care of the bags. This time, I didn't buy many things. Later, I started working on dinner. I will make chicken with rice and vegetables. At least we'll have it for tomorrow as well. I bought a smaller one. I am sure we won't eat the whole at once. I was cutting some peppers when I felt a presence behind me. I turned around, but there was no one. I'm sure Rosie is somewhere here. When I turned back, she was in front of me.

- Hey.

- Hello. How are you? How was your day?

- Good.

- That's it. Please say something.

- Why?

- The whole afternoon, I was alone and didn't talk with anyone. Even if it's nonsense, say it.

- Ok, I talked with Devan today.

- Really? How does he know where you work? That is information only I am supposed to know.

- Guess what?

- What?

- The apartment is his.

- You are kidding me. He has a bigger house. Why does he need another place?

- He and Natalie want to give it for rent.

- Next question. Why does he need more money?

- She wants to have a bigger house. They don't have the money.

- What is wrong with theirs?

- Don't ask me. I'm not the one who is making decisions.

- So you work for him.

- Yes.

- He will pay you. Right?

- Of course. We might be friends, but now I am a worker.

- At least you two understand each other better than with Josh.

- Don't worry. I'll fix that, too. Well, when I have time.

- Which means never.

- I didn't say that.

- You are busy with work and me. When will you have time?

- That's a question to which I don't know the answer.

- See?

- Ok, miss. Why don't you set the table?

- Sure, no problem.

Rosie did what I told her. I went to finish the dinner. I put the chicken in the oven to bake for a while. Meanwhile, I took care of the rice and the vegetables. When both of them were done, I put them in the oven together for half an hour. I might not be a professional chef, but I won't eat the same food. In the beginning, I didn't know how to cook that many things, but I learned with time. Soon, we were eating. I guess he likes my meal.

- Do you like it?

- It's perfect. I think you need to go to a cooking competition. I'm sure you will win.

- Thanks, but no. There are professional chefs. I can't beat them.

- Yes, you can. You cook deliciously.

- Thanks. I appreciate it.

- You need to do it more often.

- I do it almost every day. What else do you want?

- Nothing. I will be glad to help.

- You have other things to worry about. After a couple of months, you will graduate. You better start thinking of universities.

- Yes, I will. I have some in mind, but I will probably change my mind.

- That's good. At least you have a plan.

- I do. The question is if it will come to reality. - she mumbled

- Why?

- What?

- Nevermind. I want you to do what makes you happy, ok?

- Yes. Will you be on my side no matter what it is?

- Always. You can count on me for everything. I won't disappoint you.

- Thanks. It's good to know.

- Trust me. I won't go anywhere.

After dinner, we went for a movie in the living room. I bought some biscuits from the grocery store. I put them on the table. It's not like we ate much. Let's say that we were full from dinner. The food was good. Probably because I was hungry. I left the lunch which the boys got me in the fridge. I told Rosie to eat it tomorrow if she wanted. Around 10 pm, we went to bed. I wanted to take a shower. I will be warm before I go to bed, which is perfect. I walked out and dried my hair. Then I put my PJs on. I went to check on my best friend. I knocked on the door and walked in.

- Hey. I only came to say good night.

- Thanks. I will go to sleep soon.

- You have to do it. Do you need something?

- No, everything is fine. You don't have to worry about me. If something happens, I will wake you up.

- Feel free to do it all the time. I don't mind.

- Hopefully, that won't happen. That's why you need to rest as well. It's more than enough that you work and take care of me.

- I do it because I want to. Letting you stay here was my decision.

- I know, and I appreciate it.

- Good. Now go to bed. Good night, and I'll see you for breakfast.

- For sure, you will. Good night. - she said, and I left

Today was a good day. I'm glad I had a chance to talk with Devan. I would love to do it with Josh but without the arguments. For now, this is impossible. Maybe I have to be more respectful. I know he has kids, but they can't be the only thing in his life. I don't know what to do to help him and Rosie. I'm trying my best, but I can't replace him. After all, he is her brother, not me. I might be all the time with her, but it's not the same. I'm sure he will realize it, but the question is when. It might be too late. They need to fix their relations before they get distant even more. I hope that this will never happen.