Page 8 of Quinlan

“You said you had news when you came in?” His brown eyes that are so similar to our dad’s drill through mine. Questioning. Always questioning and skeptical.

“Yes.” I straighten up in my seat and close my laptop. I smile, even though I’m not feeling it under his intense scrutiny and hint of doubt. I’ll smile, dammit. I have good news. “I landed a big contract today. Huge. As in I could have my own apartment soon. In the next three years even, and be able to provide better treatments to Mom and Dad. That’s how much they’re offering me a year, for the next five years.”

Rex’s inquisitive glare switches to wonder. “Five years?”

“At least.” I’m glad about the positive change in him. “They said they’ll sign me up indefinitely if they’re pleased.”

Rex sits up, his chest puffed. His lips are curled up. Pride brims from him and fills up the entire café.

“I’m so proud of you.” The chair he’s been sitting on makes a scraping sound as he stands up. He grabs me by the shoulders, yanks me up, and folds me into his arms. “Congratulations. Life will be easier for you. You could hire someone to help with your responsibilities. Maybe help me retire earlier. Good job, kid.”

He’s never like this, and my heart beats louder for it. My emotions are all over the place. So much so that I ignore his retirement comment. I’m happy that he’s happy, that’s it.

“Hey, hey.” I wrangle from his hold, looking at this tall man from my five-two. “I’m only starting. And I won’t outsource taking care of Mom and Dad. I love them.”

“I know you do.” Rex smooths down the sleeves of my pleated charcoal sweater, then steps back. “It’s time you start living. Meet a boy, bring him over for me to interrogate. Move to the suburbs next to Dad. Get out of the city, you know? I should’ve never let you come here.”

“Let me?” His words slash into the cloud of happiness. “I’m an adult, Rex. I’m allowed to have my own life. Live around people my age.” Never mind that I have half a friend after Rex’s isolated me from the world. I deserve this. To live outside the feeling of constant, agonizing guilt. Even if it costs me to do this. “I visit Mom and Dad. They have everything and see their shrinks twice a week. I hired a taxi for that. A huge portion of my income. You’re being unfair.”

Rex frowns. “This isn’t what I meant. Family’s important, and anyone can hurt you here. You shouldn’t be living in the city by yourself.”

“What’s wrong with the city?” Wayne throws at him. Despite us whispering this last part, he must’ve heard.

“This isn’t a place to raise a family.” Rex narrows his gaze at him at our side. As a new wave of anger surges within him, a strange emotion passes across his face that I can’t quite place. “Away from her parents. It would be in everyone’s best interest that she moves back there.”

Wayne replies with a clipped “Okay.”

I turn to see if he’s okay. His head is bowed as he collects used stirrers and empty sugar packs. Removing himself from Rex’s impending tirade.

I’d have done the same.

On an impulse, my hand flies to the heart tattoo I have under my left eye. I keep wonderingwhat ifas my fingers caress the spot over and over.

What if Blake wouldn’t have drowned? What if I had saved him? Would Rex be less angry at the world?

Possibly.

Our family has been dealt some really shitty cards. Rex copes through anger. I cope through working myself to death.

“Anyway.” Another forced smile to appease the bristling Rex.

“Yes, anyway.” Rex’s harsh expression thaws as I move my free hand to his shoulder.

His muscles are less strained beneath the black T-shirt with Maeve’s red logo at the top left. Good. Then his eyes zoom in on my other hand and the tattoo I’m fingering.

He frowns. I drop my hand from my face in an instant.

“You’re right,” I reassure him. “This is a great thing for our family.”

“I’m glad you dropped by.” Rex puts more distance between us, wiping his hands on his jeans. “I’m always here for you. What’s the name of the company you signed up with? Do I know them?”

“Could be. BLF Capital.”

Rex blinks a couple of times before his eyes widen.

Same as mine did when I received the email. BLF Capital offered me the job of my dreams when I hadn’t even applied.

Last week, when I saw the wanted ad, I craved this position. Wanted to sink my teeth into it. Email them, convince them I’m the best and most competent person for the job.

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