"Even if he deserves it."

Beth didn't think she was meant to hear that. "What do you mean?"
Kyle gave her a look of frustration. "My big mouth. Don't worry about it, we should get-"
"Kyle." She put a hand on his arm. Firmly. "What did you mean?"
Kyle sighed. "I shouldn't tell you this." He ran his fingers over his scalp. Her eyes bored into him until he shook his head. "Fine. Brian.... Brian was 'Jody'." He looked sick, like he had done something wrong. Beth clapped a hand over her mouth.
Brian had fucked Kyle's girlfriend while he was deployed? That makes no sense! It was completely contrary to the character of the man she loved... or at least, that's what she had thought.
"I caught them together when I came home. I almost broke his arm, and he gave me a pretty nasty black eye. We didn't speak to each other for a year. Then, at Dad's birthday party two years ago, we made up. He apologized and told me he'd always be there for me in the future, to make amends. That's why he offered to put me up for a while: he knows I don't see eye to eye with Mom and Dad."
"I never...I never would have guessed."
"It was a long time ago...almost four years. He's.... he's grown up a lot."
"Still... to.... your little brother's girlfriend."
"Yeah. Don't remind me." Kyle stood up. "It's in the past. So as much as a part of me might like the idea of a little... poetic justice...." he held out his hand, which she took, and he helped her to her feet. "I can't."
"I can't believe he never told me."
"I can." Kyle poured out the rest of his beer. "It's not something I'd want to admit to anyone, especially my girlfriend. Please..." he looked at her with eyes that, despite everything, made her want to kiss him all over again. "Please don't tell him that I told you. I don't want any trouble."
"I won't. And you're welcome in our home as long as you need. No matter what Brian says. I..." Beth hesitated. "I hope it goes without saying..."
"Of course." he nodded. Of course he wouldn't tell Brian that they made out.