Her Younger Millionaire

Aileen noticed the way Tina’s eyes softened at her words, though not by much. “I grew up with them. Aiden helped me learn how to walk, he beat up the boys who used to pull my hair.” Aileen sighed, and a fond smile came to her lips. “Aiden was the first person I told that I was gender fluid. Even before Dylan came out of the closet. He was the only person I trusted not to judge me, because he’s my big brother.” Pale blue eyes stared sharply into caramel ones. “I need you to understand, Tina, that Aiden is the most important thing in the world to me. I love him more than anything.”

That was when Aileen’s eyes grew darker as she eyed her carefully, taking note of how she seemed understanding, yet on edge. “I can read you, Tina. You dress better than any office grunt I’ve seen. You’re spoiled as hell, I can tell what you’re about just by the expensive ass perfume you’re wearing. What is that? Rebelle fleur?” She questioned, not bothering to wait for a response from her.

“Aiden has never been interested in those kind of luxuries. He left home early to make his own way in the world; he stayed in a sh*tty apartment and went through difficulties just like any peasant.” The red head woman looked downcast at the memories of Aiden being 21, traumatized about things he wouldn’t discuss with anyone, not even Dylan. He would still see his siblings, sometimes even his mother; his father hadn’t taken his rebellion very well. “I was only fourteen. My brother may be an idiot sometimes, but he’s a hard worker. It took his blood, sweat and tears to start developping his prototype system, there’s nothing else like it in the world. That place is his life. I won’t let anybody ruin the good things he’s done. Not even you.

“He’s my best friend. Sh*t, Aiden, Dylan and I are a closed circle. If we don’t approve, then there is no way he’ll keep you around.” The angry and shocked look on Tina’s face made Aileen want to smile, but she refrained from doing so. “He’s been trying to protect you from me, but he should know that I find out everything. A good guy through and through, I suppose…” Aileen picked up her cookie, giving the signal that she was done talking for the moment.

Tina took a moment to take in all that she’d said. Eventually, she took a large sip of her coffee, and cleared her throat. “I see,” she said, almost awkwardly, trying to mask it with annoyance. Aileen could understand why she was so flustered. She’d made a horrible impression with her, what she figured was an irrelevant in her boyfriend’s life. “I’ve always wondered why Aiden wouldn’t let me say hi to his mom when she called when he’s always talking to mine.” The African-American mused to herself. she straightened up, her face hard as stone as she studied Aileen. “So is this what you wanted? To let me know -”

“I asked you to come here because I want to know what your high maintenance ass wants with my older brother.” The red head cut her off with a hand waving around dismissively, her voice taking on a not so friendly tone, the expression on her face quite blasé . “I’ve heard of your track history, Tina. You run men into the ground. I won’t let Aiden end up the same way.” Pale blue eyes held a fire within them.

A scoff escaped Tina’s lips, she even had the nerve to look offended. “I would never do that to Aiden.” She said through clenched teeth. “I…. I actually…. I-”

She was cut off by Aileen’s snide sneer. “You what? You love him? Care for him? Tina to be frank, I don’t think you could handle being with someone like Aiden. He’s not going to coddle you, and treat you like some Cleopatra. Aiden’s business interests are pretty all consuming right now and then there is the O’Brien corporation. You’re too old for him; what the fu*k you want with a twenty five year old I can’t imagine.” She reminded her, looking out the window. “And I won’t let him lose everything over you, either.”

“You know nothing!” Tina finally snapped.

That made Aileen jump slightly, and she turned to look at her. Her face glowed with emotion and she almost looked embarrassed. “I know being with him is going to change my life, but I want this. I want him.” Her head turned to the side, as if she found something else more interesting, now that Aileen’s full attention was on her. “Look…. I know I’m much older than him and it’s..weird. It’s even more weird for me than it is for you or Dylan or whoever. You think I wanted this? No, of course not. Aiden came out of left field for me too; I’m sitting here wondering how this is my life – how I have to sit her and let some teenage white girl insult me because of some whipper snapper I can’t seem to leave alone.” Aileen’s eyes widened slightly at her words.

Tina’s blush deepened as she continued. “Aiden…. He makes me want to be different. I’ve… I’ve never felt like I wasn’t good enough before. But when I got to know him, I started to realize that even more than I like him, I admire him. He’s a kid but…he’s not. I don’t even think about that when I’m with him.” Her fingers were tracing the lid of her coffee cup. Aileen could tell she was willing herself to continue.

“I have a lot of problems, and I’m not always the best person, but Aiden sees me. He sees who I am and he still wants me. I just can’t be bothered about the whole cougar thing at this stage.” Aileen merely sat there and studied Tina for a moment. She could see the fondness in her eyes at the mention of her brother. She knew that the woman wasn’t used to sharing her emotions, so she took what she was saying to heart.

“To answer you more directly. I don’t want anything from Aiden but his affections. In fact I don’t even need that. I’d chase him even if he didn’t want me.” Tina informed her, finally looking Aileen in the eyes. “Even if you tried to stop me, I’d still chase him. I won’t let anyone else have him, and I won’t let anyone tear us apart.” Her eyes shone in determination. “Not even you.” She turned back to her coffee and began to drink, ending her rant.

The two sat in silence for a moment, finishing off their respective orders, taking in the conversation they’d just had.

Aileen was surprised, to say the least. She hadn’t expected that from the Cailleach. It was obvious the woman was falling for her brother, and more than likely, Aiden was falling for her as well. She hid a small smile behind her hands, but she couldn’t stop the emotional feelings welling up inside of her. She placed money on the table to pay for their orders, and she stood. “Come on. You walked here, right? I’ll drive you.” She said, not looking at her once as she began to walk towards the exit.

For as long as Aileen could remember, it had always been her brothers and herself. But things were changing. Aileen was starting something with Alistair, while Aiden and Tina were literally falling in love behind her back. Dylan and Bruce were doing…whatever they were doing…What could Aileen do but watch and let it happen, now?