Page 68 of Strictly Against Policy

“When Dad died, Mom made sure to keep him alive through the memories she had of him. We were too young, and we didn’t have much time or memories with him. Now that she’s dating again, it feels like Dad’s died a second time . . . It feels like he’ll truly fade away this time.”

I hated seeing Julie—or my mom—cry. When they did, tears scorched the corners of my eyes in the same way. They were the two pillars of strength I grew up with. It was easy to mirror their tears when I saw their faces wet with emotions. My sister approached me and pulled me into a warm hug. Her growing child pressed against my chest.

“To be honest, I’m really happy for Mom. It’s not like I didn’t have my own suspicions either. I hardly see her at home anymore. But just because I’m not surprised, it doesn’t mean I’m not upset either. I’m the last one to know,” I mumbled, feeling the flush of shame on my face. “And I hate feeling this way, like I’m so fucking childish.”

“Me too. I feel the same way as you as well,” cried Julie.

Andy also joined us, pulling us into a group hug. He didn’t say anything, but the warmth he wrapped around us felt like an assurance that everything would be fine.

“You know Dad will never be truly gone, right? He’ll always be here.” Julie broke away from our hug to tap over my chest. “He still lives in us, in our memories, and in our hearts.”

“Yeah, I know,” I said. “Twenty-two years is a long time, and it’s about damn time Mom’s moved on and is happy.”

“Exactly.” Julie’s eyes welled up. “She’s dedicated her whole life to us and to the memory of Dad. It’s about time she’s found her happiness outside of him and us.”

“And start living her own life,” I added in a whisper. My sister and me looked at each other through misty eyes. “She’s not going anywhere. She’s still our mom and loves us the same.”

“Yeah,” Julie breathed. “I’m just . . . still grieving the life we once had—the life we started living after all our lives changed forever. That’s all. But I’ve already come to terms with it. You should too, Jonathan.”

“I know. I just need time to sort out my emotions first.”

We shared a sad smile. Her eyes were brimming with tears again. Her trembling lips parted, but no sound slipped out. She couldn’t say it.

“It’s just that I miss Dad. I’ll always wish he was still here with us,” I said.

She nodded, crying. “When you’re ready, you need to talk to Mom,” she croaked. “Let her know you know.”

“Yeah.” I nodded back. I looked between her and Andy. “Thanks for listening to me.”

Julie smiled, patting my head like I was suddenly a child again. I swatted her hand away as Andy laughed.

“If you need to talk some more, I’ll always be here,” she said. “I’ll always be your older sister.”

Andy, who was wearing a soft smile, placed a hand on my shoulder. He squeezed it. “You’ll always have me as your older brother, too.”

I scoffed. “I know that. You both don’t need to state the obvious like I’m some clueless kid.”

“You do know that you’ll forever be twelve to us, right?” Julie asked. Andy reached for her, and she slid easily into his arms. “Even with that hickey on your neck, you’ll always be a kid in our eyes.”

Blood rushed to my cheeks, warming them as I cleared my throat. Julie and Andy both smiled widely.

“We’re going to assume you’re getting along with our new neighbor after that bouquet of flowers you forced me to make?” Andy asked, snickering. Julie giggled with him.

“Maybe.” I narrowed my eyes at them. “Who’s the snitch? Anthony?”

“Shoua.” Julie shrugged, laughing. “We’d always thought you two dated in high school anyway, since you always talked about her. I assumed you two had a nasty breakup, and that was why you wouldn’t shut up about her.”

“I should’ve never gone over to help them.” I pulled my mouth into a feigned scowl. “Besides, I wasn’t that bad in high school.”

My sister and brother-in-law glanced at one another. Andy grinned, shaking his head. “Look, Jonathan, no one’s surprised, except for you.”

“You really thought no one knew you wanted to help Lina because you liked her?” asked Julie, raising an eyebrow at me.

“I didn’t agree because I liked her. It’s because she had no one to help her move,” I retorted defensively. “I merely offered to help as her manager.”

Julie and Andy just looked at each other again with their widening grins, not believing me. I sighed and shook my head. It wasn’t my place to tell them why I was so insistent on helping Lina when her safety was in jeopardy.

“You should be careful, Dr. Lo. If your team finds out you’re giving one of your pharmacists preferential treatment, it won’t look good for you,” said Andy.