Page 78 of Midlife Crisis

“And when would that be…according to you?”

“Now.” His lips curl, but I don’t find the humor in knowing all my assets are still available to me, at least in some capacity. Thinking of those lost Grammys, I ask. “Where are my things?”

“In the attic of the garage.”

“And the money?” I swallow at the possibility I still have some.

“In an account, earning interest. Some is in small investment funds.”

I blink. My brother took care of me, but he lied to me. Anger settles into me swiftly.

“Is there anyone who hasn’t kept a secret from me? First, Kit with Lawson. Now, you with this.” I’m pissed.

“Midge. You said she told you she loves you. I believe she is honest about that,” Brut adds, softening his tone. I want to kick his ass for throwing her in my face, and then kick my own for not noticing Midge is the only truthful thing in my life. Honest. Raw. Everything. I don’t deserve her, but she deserves everything.

“Can I have access to the money?” I ask sheepishly as if it isn’t already mine. “How much do I have?”

“I’d say you have a few million.” I fall back on the couch. What the fuck?

“Then why am I living in a bedroom in your house and working here?” I bark, the insult hitting my brother like a punch to the gut.

“Whenever you’re ready, I guess you can go.” His voice lowers to a tone reminding me of our pop; only there is no venom behind his suggestion, only the sting of hurt.

“I don’t mean it like that.” I exhale. Brut doesn’t question me although I can see he wants to know just what I do mean. My chest aches at the lie, but somehow, my head recognizes he did this to save me from myself. Losing my house and thinking the money vanished, along with a few other things, cemented my decision to get clean. It was either that or be homeless; although my brother wouldn’t let me live on the streets. When you don’t know where to go, you go home. He welcomed me into his house when I left rehab, and I just stabbed him for it.

“A history teacher,” he says quietly.

“Pardon me?”

“I wanted to be a history teacher. I was good in the subject and thought I’d be okay as a teacher.” I stare at my brother, one second from laughing until I see he’s serious. He would have been good with kids. He’s great with his son. He’s intelligent. He has the patience of a saint—just look at him with me. He shouldn’t be here anymore than Midge. I’m a selfish bastard.

“Do you need money for this place? Want to go to back to college?”

Brut’s head pops up. “I’m too old to go to school.”

“You’re never too old for change. Just look at me.” I wave a hand before me. My appearance isn’t as tight as my big brother’s, but he knows what I mean.

“Nah, I’m good here, and we don’t need the money for this place.”

“So can I have some for Midge?”

“That’s up to you. It’s your money.” His expression looks puzzled as if he’s trying to read me as he presses back in his seat. “But you can’t fix things for her. I see you playing white knight again, and I don’t think money is what this woman needs most.”

“You just let me worry about my girl. This will solve everything for her.”

+ + +

She’s blinking up at me across her kitchen island. Her expression blank as her mouth hangs open.

“What?”

“I’d like to front the money for you to start your own marketing business.” Her head shakes, a smile curling her lips momentarily. She looks cute in her plaid pajama shorts and a red tank top. Once she accepts my offer, I’m gonna lay her out on this island and nibble her pert breasts, the nipples peaking under the thin material.

“I can’t.” Her lips flatten.

“Why not?” I snap. Staring back at her, I’m shocked at her abrupt answer.

“Because I don’t even know the first thing about running my own business. I wouldn’t know how much money I need, and I certainly can’t take money from you.”