Chasing My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter 6

James was surprised at what a good time he had with Bianca last night. He had expected to feel annoyed with the situation and thought he'd try to get out of there as soon as possible, but it was actually a pleasant evening, and he wished it had lasted longer. Usually when he was out with someone, even people who had known him for years, like his work colleagues, they couldn't stop trying to look at his scar. They all seemed to think he didn't notice their eyes wandering to it whether they were talking to him or just sitting around, but of course he would notice and he hated it.

Bianca hadn't looked at his scar once the entire time they were together. It was like it didn't exist to her and he liked that feeling of normalcy. He felt like his old self again. Fourteen years was a long time to harbor the feelings of guilt and inadequacy that he had. And then he felt guilty for feeling self-conscious about his scar, for the days when he wished that he looked like his old self again. He felt guilty for feeling that way when he was still alive and his mother had sacrificed herself for him. He felt like he shouldn't wish for those things, like the only things he should wish for were for his parents to still be alive. He should probably start seeing his therapist again, especially if he was going to continue this friendship with Bianca, he didn't want to drag her into his mess.

He decided to fix a drink before he started getting ready for tonight. He was going to the O'Connors with Shawn and Jenni, and he was going to need a drink if he had to drive all the way there with them, especially Shawn. He still hadn't seen him since Wednesday and he wasn't sure how their conversation would play out once they did talk. He didn't have to wonder long though because a few minutes later there was a knock on the door and then Shawn was standing in his kitchen.

"Um hello, you're about 45 minutes early." James told Shawn, annoyed that he hadn't thought about Shawn showing up early to hash s.hit out. He should have known though that Shawn wasn't going to let this go. He tried to get rid of him by saying he had to get ready but Shawn called his bluff and forced him to talk about Jen. He apologized for bringing Phoebe to Jen's birthday, like that was the issue. Sometimes this guy was an i***t.

"That's not the issue Shawn. Even after finding out what she did, you still decided that Jen had to forgive her, and then before you thought better of it, you ditched us all for this woman you've been dating for a couple months. I thought Jenni meant more to you than that. I thought she was your family as much as I am but you really disappointed me with how you handled this whole thing." James told him truthfully, and purposefully used the nickname that only Shawn calls his sister by.

Shawn had apologized and although he said that Phoebe was it for him, James almost laughed at him because he had seen the way Shawn looked at his sister at the club when that guy was dancing with her. You didn't look at another woman like that if you are dating the one you thought you were going to marry. But Shawn promised to make things right with Jen and he trusted that he would. For now, he would give him the benefit of the doubt. After James got ready, they went to get Jen and headed to Shawn's parents' house. The car ride was a little tense at first but eventually they had settled into a comfortable conversation.

When they got to the house Grace and Tim greeted them but he could tell something was off. They confirmed his suspicions a moment later when Grace told Shawn that his grandfather had fallen and when the doctors were checking him out they found a mass in his brain. Shawn was understandably upset and took off towards his grandfather's wing to check on him.

Grace turned back to him and Jen after Shawn went in, looking torn. She probably wanted to stay with them since she had invited them here for Jen's dinner, but he was sure she also wanted to be there for Shawn. "Grace," James said getting her attention, "why don't you and Tim go check on Shawn? Jen and I can go bug Gwen in the kitchen while you guys take a minute to be together. I'm sure this isn't easy on any of you."

"I should go check on him, but I also know Dad wanted to have a little privacy with Shawn while they talked."

"Then why don't you guys go get some drinks ready?" Jen suggested, clearly picking up on Grace's feelings as well. At least that would give her a moment to herself. She seemed pretty shaken when she was talking about Shawn's grandpa.

"That's a good idea, Jen," Tim told her putting his arm around Grace's shoulders and leading her to the parlor area where James knew there was a bar. Then Jen grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the kitchen.

"Do you think Gewn still keeps those fruit chew candies around?" She asked him. "I've been craving those ever since Grace invited us to dinner."

"You know you can buy those yourself right?"

"It's not the same" she whined as they entered the kitchen.

"What's not the same my loves?" Gwen asked, overhearing the end of their conversation and coming over to give them hugs.

"Jen was asking me about your fruit chews. I guess she's been craving them but hasn't just bought some herself."

"Well that's because mine are the best." She told them, pulling a glass container filled with the candy out and handing it to Jen who squealed like a little kid. They were in there reminiscing and laughing their butts off with Gewn when Shawn stormed into the kitchen demanding to talk with Jen. James had to tell him to cool it then followed them but stood outside the library while they talked. Grace and Tim joined him with matching expressions on their faces and a minute later Shawn tore out of the library storming past them and left, despite them all trying to figure out what was wrong. Jen came out looking like she was about to lose it so James went over to her and asked Grace if they could borrow a car to get back to the city. Her dinner was already ruined there was no point in staying while she was trying to hold it together.

Jen didn't want to talk about what happened on the way back and had promised him she was fine and made him drop her off at her apartment. He didn't want to leave her alone but he knew what it felt like to need space, so he would give her the night and come back tomorrow to speak with her. His phone started ringing as he walked through his door and he was surprised to find himself smiling as he looked down and saw that Bianca was calling him.

"Hey" he answered.

"Hey yourself. Are you guys back from dinner already?"

"We didn't actually eat dinner, but yes we're back."

"Oh no how come?"

"Long story."

"Well I've got nothing but time, and a huge amount of Chinese food. Do you want to come over since you haven't eaten yet? You can fill me in and get fed. Win-win if you ask me." He should probably say no but f.uck it, he could do with some normal company tonight. So he turned around and walked right back out the door telling Bianca he would be there in fifteen minutes.