Page 83 of Judging Duke

Mum snorted, still not over the fact I did porn for a living.

“Mum,” Robbie warned. She rolled her eyes and mirrored Dad’s posture, slouched with arms crossed. I had her attention, or at least I thought I did.

“I’m just letting you know that there’ll be no more big cheques. Other than the few remaining sponsorship deals, there’ll be no money coming in.”

“How are we supposed to manage?” she asked, sitting a little straighter.

“The house is paid for, and I’ll still pay for Carlos and Robbie’s physio. If we ask Duke nicely, he might throw in a fewmassage sessions for him. I think I can persuade him to do them free of charge.”

He leant over and whispered in my ear, “I’ll do a buy one get one free deal if you’d like.”

“Stop it. I’m trying to be serious here.”

“Carry on, Simon. You know I’m grateful for all the help. You’ve spent all of your adult life looking after me and Mum and Dad. About time you had your own life.”

At least Robbie got it, finally, even if my parents didn’t. If I was right about what was happening to Dad, no wonder Mum was looking worried.

Other people managed, and they would too. I wasn’t cutting them off completely; I was encouraging them to do things for themselves now, knowing deep down that if things became difficult financially, I’d still help out.

“I’m also going to be staying here in the UK now. No more travelling to and from LA; those days are over. I will be staying in Liverpool, though. I want to concentrate on a few other things I’m looking into, and if they come off, I’ll be happy.”

My plan was my gallery, but I needed some more photos. I’d had an idea on where I wanted to go with my artwork, and having Duke with me now, I could bounce some ideas off him, see what he thought.

“Lastly is Duke.”

“I thought you hated him. I certainly do.” Mum’s venomous words struck a chord.

“About that. Things happen, times change. A good friend told me I shouldn’t be living in the past. I should be looking to the future, and right now, Duke is my future.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Robbie said, his hand on his chest.

“Shut the fuck up.” Duke and I spoke at the same time, breaking the tension that had built in the room.

“Can I be a bridesmaid?” Robbie asked, and I glared at my brother. There was that mouth again. He never did know when to shut up.

“Just one more word, Robbie. I’m warning you.”

“I will keep him quiet,” Carlos said and placed his hand over Robbie’s mouth.

Still wondering what their relationship was, I thanked him and carried on.

“Any questions?”

Robbie mumbled from behind Carlos’s hand.

“What was that? I didn’t quite catch it. If it has anything to do with weddings, you can shut up now.”

He stopped and winked.

I forgot what a brat he could be when he wanted to.

Strange as it was, I’d dreaded today. Telling my parents I was stepping back and not supporting them fully financially had been plaguing me. I knew they were taking advantage. Taking holidays and leaving Robbie here—not always alone, but there were times when Carlos couldn’t be here. They thought I didn’t know, but the carers I paid for kept me up to date, as did Carlos.

“Do you have anything to say, Mum?” Usually very vocal, she sat quietly, her lips pursed.

“So you’re choosing him over us?” What a stupid fucking question.

“No, I’m not. I’m choosing my life for a change. I had to grow up and take care of the family.”

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