Page 70 of Why Not Us?

I say nothing in response, because I can’t think of what I might be able to say that isn’t snarky or telling him to get out. He’s my brother. It’s nice that he’s concerned—sort of—I just wish he would trust me when I say he doesn’t need to be.

“I actually also wanted to talk to you about that loan I mentioned on Sunday.”

I freeze. And by that, I mean I stop movingandmy body goes cold. Is this the real reason he came here today? Maybe he’s not concerned about me after all. Maybe he just needs money. Again.

“Elliot,” I say slowly. “You haven’t paid me from the last time.”

My heart is hammering in my chest because no one is here to help me. I’m on my own and I’m not going to be able to say no.

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I promise, I’ll pay you back every cent once I get this new position. But for now, I need a little bit to keep me and Suzanne afloat. You know how it is. Mortgage, maintenance fees, the car payment. Besides, it’s not like you don’t have the money. What did you make last month? Ten grand?”

I don’t answer. The chill has left me and now I’m hot. I’m struggling to breathe. I don’t want to give him any more money that I won’t ever see again. But he’s my brother and I don’t want him to be homeless, either.

“How much?” I ask.

“I just need like five grand.”

“Excuse me?” There is no way I could have heard him correctly. He’s never asked for so much money at one time.

“I know it’s a lot. But I looked at the bills for the next couple of months while I wait for this position to come up, and that’s what I’ll be short. I figured it would be easier to ask for it all at once, then I won’t have to ever ask for money again.”

I shake my head. “I’m not giving you five thousand dollars, Elliot. No way.”

“Come on, Addie. If you don’t, we’ll fall behind on the mortgage payments and you know how hard it is to catch up. I’ll be starting the new job at a deficit.”

He’s laying it on thick, but then he kind of has to for this amount of money.

“Did you see that financial advisor I told you about?” I ask, picking up my tea and taking a sip, mostly to give my hands something to do.

Elliot lets out a sigh. “I tried, but do you know how much he charges to create a financial plan for you?”

“Yes, I do.” I set my cup back down, a little afraid I’m going to spill the hot tea all over myself in my agitation. “Which is why I said you could also see one at a bank. I don’t know any of them personally, but they’ll be able to help you for free. I can’t keep loaning you money. At some point, you’re going to have to figure out how to manage your finances better.”

Elliot sighs again, and I can hear Vic’s voice inside my head.

Tell him no. He’s a grown-ass man. He can figure his own shit out.

In fact, Vic has said those exact words to me before. I’ve never been able to listen to them. Just like I’m not able to now.

“I’m not giving you five thousand dollars, Elliot,” I say, then hold up a hand as he opens his mouth to argue. “I will give youtwothousand.” I hold up two fingers. “Ifyou make an appointment with a financial advisor.”

His smile looks relieved, and I wonder how much he needs this money. It makes me feel guilty for not giving him the whole amount. Not enough to give in, but enough to make me uncomfortable.

“I’ll make the appointment today,” he says.

“Now.”

He blinks at me in confusion.

“You’ll make the appointment now. Where I can hear you doing it. Get out your phone.”

He does as I’ve said and I turn to my computer, searching up the bank he goes to. I know because of how often I’ve sent him money. I get the phone number for the branch near his apartment and write it down for him.

It doesn’t take long for him to make the call, set up the appointment, and for me to transfer the money to him.

“Thanks Addie,” he says when we’re done. “You’re the best.”

I bite the inside of my lip and give him a tight nod. He stands to go, but I call to him before he can leave my office.

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