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“Because, much as it shames me to admit it, I didn’t understand how fucked up what our folks did to you was until recently. And by the time I moved back to take over on the farm, you were married and expecting Owen, and you seemed happy.”
“I wasn’t.”
“Yeah. I get thatnow. And Meg might have mentioned how much you’ve been struggling to pay the bills.”
Fuck. My stomach sinks. “I didn’t put her up to asking you for anything. We’ll be fine. I’ll be teaching by next fall and things will improve.”
Marcus waves me away. “That’s the thing, Angel. You’re family. You don’t have to ask. If you won’t accept for your own sake, then let me at least help for my niece and nephew’s sake. The farm is as much their birthright as it is mine. And I can afford it.”
“I’ll pay you back for the truck.”
“We can work out an arrangement. And I’m not accepting a no on your share of Gran’s money. If you won’t take it, then I’ll set up RESPs for the kids’ education.”
“Their grandmother already has education funds for them both.”
“So, you can invest the money, or take a vacation, or move out of that shithole you’ve been renting; it’s enough for a nice down payment on a house. Or a newer car. The point is, it’s yours to use as you see fit.”
“We’ll see about that.” I shake my head at him. It would be great if we could afford a nicer place. But I don’t want to owe Marcus any more than I want to be reliant on anyone else’s kindness.
Marcus sighs, dropping the subject. “Are you coming to Eliza and Grace’s Christmas party tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Eliza and her wife are looking for someone to tutor their daughter, and I might have suggested you.”
“I don’t offer tutoring.”
“I know. But you could. I’ve seen you with your kids. You’re going to be an amazing teacher and I bet Eliza and other parents would pay you well for your personalized expertise.”
“Maybe.” I bite my lip, giving it serious consideration.
It’s weird to think of myself as someone with desirable skills. The praise isn’t unwelcome or unwarranted, it’s just disconcerting to hear it. From the know-it-all older brother who has a history of making me feel silly and overlooked, no less. But it’s been a lifetime since Marcus was the aloof teenager I was desperate to emulate; it might be time to let myself get to know the man he’s become. The glimpses I’ve seen promise that he’s worth my time these days.
“Gail was saying they have online platforms that offer it for a pretty penny. It might be a good side hustle to consider. You know, if you’re going to be stubborn about accepting help.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“Good.” Marcus nods, like that settles the matter. Maybe it does. It’s not like I haven’t considered the idea before, but it seemed overwhelming and the more reputable places wanted credentials I didn’t have yet. But now that I’ve got my provisional license, there are a bunch of online platforms that I might be eligible for. It’s worth looking into again, when I have the time.
I notice Barb approaching the door to the diner and curse under my breath. This took longer than I’d hoped.
“I’ve got to get back inside. My next shift is about to start.”
“Sure, I’ll take care of getting this junker hauled away. I can leave the truck here for you by the end of the night. We’ve been using it for tree deliveries, but today is the last day we’re offering that service.”
“Ah, so it might smell like Christmas?” I joke. Good thing almost a month of having one of his beloved trees in our living room has mostly inured me to the melancholy that once-familiar scent has invoked for years.
“Yep, holiday fresh, all year long.” Marcus nudges our shoulders together. “I’ll have Gail run the keys in to you later?”
“Yeah, that would be good. Look up the Blue Book value and I’ll pay you.”
“It’s ancient. I’ll take $1200 in monthly payments, spread over the next two years.”
I scowl at him. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Fine, throw in the clunker and I can knock it down by half.”
“Marcus!”
