Chapter 300

A heavy awkwardness descended upon us—except Brandon, who casually set me down on the couch as he said, "Just a moment, Mr. Gildon." He did not walk away after that. Instead, he grabbed a dampened towel and wiped my hands clean. "Start without me. The oatmeal is still hot, so don't wolf it down." Conrad stood at the door, probably feeling as out of place as he looked. I said self-consciously, "Okay, I got it." I couldn't get Brandon to leave me be and head to the door fast enough. Still, Brandon did not join Conrad by the door until he had opened all the takeout containers and set the utensils down before me. For all the indulgence he showed me, he might as well have driven a knife into Conrad's heart. Indeed, Conrad was stone-faced as he watched Brandon fuss over me like a doting boyfriend. I wondered what he made of it, considering his feelings for me. Finally, Brandon walked up to him and asked, "Is something the matter, Mr. Gildon?" Conrad stepped away from the door after th