Variation

by Rebecca Yarros

“It’s our job as her uncles. You want someone on your side, call Mom and Dad.” I shrugged unapologetically.

uncle are made to spoil their nieces and nephews

Maybe it made me a shit brother to be my niece’s sugar dealer, but I was a hell of an uncle, and I was okay with that.

“Don’t you scoff at me, Alessandra. I drove through the town. You and I both know the second Thanksgiving hits around here, there’s a surplus of Christmas tree farmers just waiting to snatch some Manhattan girl’s soul and teach her the true meaning of the holidays.” She shivered in repulsion.

Holy fucking hell was she perfect.

“You’re pretty perfect to me.” I brushed my lips over her temple. She scoffed, but her eyes sparkled. “Says the man who had to teach me to ride a bike.”

I fell in love with her all over again.

Messy is good, love. Messy is where the best parts of life happen. You don’t have to be in control at all times. It’s okay if you fall apart. I promise I will be right here to put you back together if you just let me.”

“The middle seat of the last row is always empty. It’s in my contract.” Two lines creased the area between his brows. “And if you’d gone to will call and given them your name, they would have handed you that ticket. That’s in my contract too. It’s always your seat. Every venue. Every performance. I don’t even know why I did it, except I guess I never gave up hope that you’d walk in one day.” There, I’d said it.

IM NOT CRYING! YOU ARE!