Page 65 of Anti Player

“Yes, you are, and get some for Asher,” he insists.

I roll my eyes as my brother reaches into his pocket and passes me his credit card. I stand stubborn until he gives me a look that says this isn’t up for negotiation.

I take the credit card. “You’re the best big brother. Don’t let Henry hear that though.” I giggle. Henry is pretty awesome too, just in a different way.

I head to my room and put on a mini jean skirt and a white T-shirt.

Ellie said she would meet me downstairs in the lobby in fifteen. Truth is, I could use a girlfriend about now.

I give Brett a list of things he and Asher should not eat. He assures me they will have some toast and broth and they’ll play video games. I usually don’t allow my son to play video games all day, but he’s still feeling sluggish and complaining about a little tummy ache.

“I feel guilty leaving,” I mope.

“Get out of here,” Brett says, waving me away.

“Yeah, Mom, get out of here,” Asher repeats, copying Brett’s mannerism of waving me off.

I laugh and crouch down. “If you need me, call me. You know Mommy’s number.”

“Okay, Mommy,” Asher says.

“I love you.” I kiss my son’s soft pudgy cheek.

“I love you too,” he replies. “I’m fine with Uncle Brett,” he adds, like he can read my hesitation.

“I know,” I say to my son. “Have fun, you two.”

I whisper thanks to Brett, and he blinks. I grab my purse and phone and leave the apartment.

Ellie texts me she is downstairs.

I look back at Kaleb’s door. Something was off when he left Brett’s apartment yesterday. I’m itching to go check on him but I know I shouldn’t. Instead, I press the button for the elevator. This is the new Maddie. I can’t become obsessed with Kaleb. I can’t fall for him and forget to be a rational thinker. My brother is wrong. I’m not like my mother. I’m determined to not make the same mistakes. Only as I head down in the elevator not one of my arguments resonate. What I have with Kaleb has felt different. We have a history of friendship, the sex is off the charts, and he is a good person. He cared for my sick son.

The elevator doors open, and Ellie is waiting with open arms. I hug her.

“Good to see you,” she says.

“Nice to see you too. This is a great break for me. Thanks for suggesting it.”

“Do you want to drive somewhere or are you up for walking?” she asks. “Sundays can be a little crazy with traffic and it’s so hard to find a spot.”

“Walking it is.” I nod.

“I know the perfect lunch spot and it’s only a couple of blocks away. If it gets too hot, we can always Uber.”

“Sounds like a plan. Lead the way,” I say.

We start to walk down the street. It’s a muggy day.

She tells me how nice it was to have us for dinner. “I can’t believe how domesticated Brett is being,” she coos.

That makes me laugh. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. I know he’s your brother but he’s such a ladies’ man.”

“True, but his family is super important to him. There are two sides to Brett,” I explain.

“I’m seeing that now,” she agrees.

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