Page 36 of The Paradise Problem

“It’s always been like that between us.”

“But why?”

“Well, mostly because he’s an asshole. But also, kids growing up in a normal family get to be themselves, whoever that may be. But in families like ours, one where everything basically revolves around keeping a single person happy—my dad—everybody has a role. My therapist used to refer to Alex as a flying monkey.”

I laugh, sure I’ve heard this wrong. “A what?”

“Like in The Wizard of Oz? Alex was my dad’s willing henchman, doing everything he said, kissing his ass, stirring up shit just to turn us all in, then sit back and look like the good guy. He’s never grown out of it.”

“That sounds healthy.”

“And for all of Alex’s ass-kissing, Dad is probably the hardest on him.”

“So if Alex was the ass-kisser growing up, what were you?”

“If you asked Alex, he’d say I was the golden boy.”

“And if I asked you?”

“I’d say I worked hard so I didn’t embarrass my father.”

This sends a tiny spear of pain through my side. “And Jake?”

“As soon as Jake could, he just stayed away from home. I mean, like when he was ten, eleven. Jake was the invisible son. He does whatever he needs to do to fly under the radar. Work for Dad? Sure. Crack a well-timed joke to defuse tension? Sure. Avoid Dad at all social functions so he’s never in the spotlight but also doesn’t risk doing something wrong? That’s Jake. It’s one of the reasons Alex thinks Jake doesn’t deserve his current title. He thinks Jake didn’t put in the time learning from Dad and walking in his shadow, and he’s probably right. But in my opinion Alex spent too much time doing that. Dad wants us to listen to him and do what he says, but the irony is he doesn’t respect a yes-man. To Dad, Alex’s drive looks like desperation instead of ambition.” West runs a hand through his hair, blowing out a breath. “I tell you what, Alex is not going to be happy if he thinks I’m back in the picture.”

“So you’re saying Alex wouldn’t mind if you lost your inheritance.”

He hesitates long enough for me to notice. “I think as long as I don’t get in his way, he’ll leave me alone. The issue is that even if I try to stay out of his way, Dad might drag me back into it.”

“Is Alex smart enough to take you down?”

This question seems to throw him for a beat. “I don’t know. If he was truly smart, he would already know enough to not try.”

“What does that mean?” I ask. If Alex knew enough, he wouldn’t try to take West down? Is this about the mysterious loophole in the trust?

West doesn’t answer for a few long seconds. And I realize he’s not going to. Whatever. Money is so messy.

“This is some serious K-drama shit,” I mumble.

“You’ll get no argument from me. Everything is so much better when we’re not all together, but…” He gestures around us, and I must assume he means he couldn’t exactly miss his sister’s wedding.

“This is so icky. I always saw the Weston commercials and thought it was, like, this sweet family company.”

“I’ll pass your compliments on to Jake’s marketing team,” he says with a laugh.

I like his voice. I like his laugh, too. And my filter is fried after all the hard work tonight; the words tumble out of me: “You have a nice laugh.”

He sobers, glancing at me and then quickly away. “Thanks.”

What a sudden change in his demeanor. I can’t help but call him out on it. “Such a flirt, too.”

“We don’t have to flirt when we’re alone.”

Something flies overhead and I remember the conservation material saying we might see fox bats at night, and to simply leave them alone if we do. I blink up at the sky, hoping to see one. “Maybe if we did, it would feel more convincing that we’re married.”

Frowning, West concedes, “True.”

We reach the entrance to our bungalow, and I follow him inside as he sheds his sport coat. I don’t know how he managed to keep it on. I’m practically naked in this dress and sweating in the humidity.

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