Page 34 of Don't Quit the Day Job

"It's not really major. In fact, it's not even that big a deal."

"So if it's not that big a deal, why are you taking so much time to ask me?"

"Fine. Can I come and stay with you for a little bit?"

I pause.

"Max," she squeals into the phone.

"I'm here."

"So is that a yes?"

"I didn't say yes."

"You didn't say anything."

"Exactly. Read between the lines, darling."

"Max, you're horrible. Please let me come. It's not going to be for long. I just really need to get away."

I let out a deep sigh. "Marie, you cannot just come to New York City. I can't be your chaperone. I can't take care of you. You know that your mother and Dad will not be happy with you staying in my apartment all alone. You know I work long hours and you know?—"

"Fine," she says. "I should have known you’d say no."

I pause. "I thought we agreed you'd come for a weekend to look at schools later on this year and then?—"

"It's fine. I'll figure something out."

I can tell by her tone that she's upset, but I can also tell that she's hurt, and if there's one thing I can't stand, it’s hearing her hurt. She's a good little actress, but I have a feeling she's not faking it this time.

"What's wrong, Marie?"

"Nothing," she says, gulping.

"Marie, tell me."

"Dad's cheating on Mom," she says softly.

"And does your mom know?" I ask, my heart breaking for her because I know exactly what she’s going through.

My dad had cheated on my mom when I was young and that's how he'd ended up with Marie's mom. My mom had never really gotten over her heartbreak, though she had moved on in her life. She’s now married to a very quiet man named David, and even though they get along and I can tell that he loves her, I know she hasn't given him her entire heart.

"Yeah, my mom knows," she says. "They shout and scream about it every night. In fact, I think Mom has someone herself…" She lets her voice trail off and my heart breaks.

"Fine," I say. "What are you going to do about school though?"

"Actually, I'm in the program right now where I don't even have to attend classes in person, so it's perfect. I can work from New York City. I just have to make sure that you have good Internet so I can do some Zoom classes and meet with my—" She giggles. "What am I talking about? You're an attorney and you're rich. You have good Internet."

"But I still cannot be here to chaperone you," I say.

"I'm eighteen, Max. I don't need a chaperone."

"You're also my little sister and you're a high school student, and if I'm going to take custody of you…"

"It's not custody if I'm just hanging out with my big brother."

"To your parents, to my dad and your mom, it will be me taking full responsibility and custody of you. So we need to ensure…"

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