Page 23 of Writing On The Wall

But today, standing in this kitchen seems to have dragged up a few of those insecurities from the past. Now that I’m older and my problems have only matured over time, this place no longer feels like the sanctuary it once was. But if Gran wants to see it restored, I’ll give that to her.

Plus,homeless beggars can’t be choosers.

My chest rises with a heavy inhale as I shuffle into the living room, only to find more work to be done. That to-do list in my head is growing by the second. I’m supposed to be meeting with Gran’s lawyer this evening, and I’m praying her reno fund will be enough to cover everything, or at least enough to make the house livable.

Some of these walls will be coming down, that’s for sure. My slight claustrophobia will throw a tantrum if I’m forced to keep the narrow kitchen separate from the living room. Give me all the open-plan spaces.

But to my unskilled eye, the bones of the house appear good. I’m hoping most of the repairs are surface level and therefore less expensive.

My cold shower may be on-trend, but I still scream when I step under the freezing spray. I’mnotlooking forward to hair-wash day, and I shiver again at the thought. I’ll admit, I feel very alert and can even picture my endorphins putting on their party hats, but I won’t be joining the cold-plunge evangelists any time soon. There’s nothing like a hot shower.

During my drive to school I get lost in thought, daydreaming about the possibilities for restoring the cottage to its full glory. I have yet to explore all the nooks I remember as a little girl, but I can’t wait to get into it all. My mental Pinterest boarding is interrupted by my phone ringing.

“Ross,” I say after answering on speaker phone.

“Vee.”

“What. The. Heck!”

He sighs heavily into the phone, and I can picture him rubbing his forehead. “I know. I’m really sorry.”

“I love you, Ross. But you’ve gotta meet me halfway here. You left me in a really sucky position.”

Understatement of the year.

“I know. I’m—ugh, I’m in a bit of trouble. I just need a little more time.”

I lean forward, resting my forehead on the steering wheel when I stop at a light. Just once, I’d like to see my brother making theright choice.

“What kind of trouble?” I mumble through my curtain of hair.

“I had a bet go bad. It was supposed to be a sure thing. But I’m trying. I’ll get your money soon, I promise.”

“A bet is nevera sure thing. That’s why it’s called abet.Did you look into those community college classes I sent you?” I straighten, motioning with my hands even though he can’t see me. “Electricians are in high demand in this area, and I think a career like that could be so good for you. I’ll even help you pay for your classes. Justplease?—”

“So you have a little more you could give me?”

I pound my fist on the steering wheel. “Ross! Are you for real right now? I literally havenothingleft to give you!”

I hear him grunt through the phone, like he’s annoyed hisATM is out of cash. “Okay. I’ll fix this, Vee. I love you.” And then he hangs up.

The loud blast of a car horn startles me, and I raise a hand in the rearview mirror in apology.

The rest of my drive to school is spent pushing back tears and berating myself for wasting my energy being so upset about something I should have expected. I know better. But he’s my brother, and I just can’t give up on him.

Toby is the only one in the teachers’ lounge when I use my shoulder to push the door open. He’s sipping his coffee calmy, like an old man cherishing his quiet morning, but this fake girlfriend is about to mess that up.

“Hey, Tobes. Can we talk?”

“Of course.” He smiles, setting his coffee down. “I’m sorry you couldn’t find me yesterday. Stef said you were looking for me?”

“Oh, that’s okay.”

“She also said that ‘hunky playground dude’ was with you. It seems all women want a tall man,” He grimaces through his use of air quotes.

“Ugh.” I roll my eyes, looking to the side. “Not all of us, trust me. Hey…um, by the way, my Gran sorta thinks we’re dating. So I’m going to need you to return this fake-dating favor on occasion if that’s okay.”

Toby’s head falls back with a burst of laughter and a loud clap.

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