Page 39 of Sticking Around

But what she doesn’t realize is that it’s okay to accept help from friends. No part of me thinks she’d ever take advantage of anyone. As that thought jumps around inside my brain, my thoughts go back to my morning conversation with my uncle. Apparently, he needs a new SUV—to help drive my mother to her appointments. The picture of the vehicle he sent is pretty fucking fancy if you ask me.

When I actually questioned him on it, he went on to let me know how lucky I was that I was in Boston while he was taking care of my mother. When I asked where Mom was, and if I could speak to her, it eventually came out that she went to St. George Street in St. Johns with my cousin—the same cousin I sent money to for skates—to do some shopping.

Jesus, I never used to question any of this before. I just knew—because it was what I was always led to believe—that it was my responsibility to take care of them.

Is it your responsibility, Brady?

“Everything okay?” Melanie asks as I climb into the driver’s seat.

“My uncle Wayne called. He’s mom’s brother. Wants money for a new SUV,” I tell her, as a little burst of anger swirls around my chest. Jesus, maybe I was never allowed to exhibit emotions because they would lead me to questioning things. “I bought him a new car a couple of years ago. I guess it’s not enough now.”

“Does he work?” she asks and I don’t miss the curious concern in her voice.

“He used to, until I signed with Boston.” She nods and glances out the window. “What?” I don’t give her a chance to speak, but instead, I defend my mother, like I’m used to doing and say, “He needed to be there for my mother after I left.” Her hand snakes across the seat and settles on my lap. I close mine over hers and give it a squeeze. My other hand goes to my face, and I scrub my chin. “He said Mom was out shopping with my cousin.” If there’s no extra cash for frivolous things, why did they drive all the way to George St, in St. Johns? That’s where all the bars and pubs and restaurants are. It’s a popular spot for college kids. I’m pretty sure they’re not shopping for school supplies there.

“Is this the cousin…the one needing the skates?”

“Yeah, I sent money right away. I said I would, so I did.” I don’t know why I sound defensive. “I assumed she’d already gotten them as Mom said she was desperate. Guess they must be shopping for other things.”

“Is she married?” I nod. “Does her husband work?”

“Married yes, but Carl is out of work.”

“That’s too bad. Sounds like times are tough. What did he used to do?”

I snort. “I don’t know if he ever worked.”

“What about the processing plant? Sounds like it’s a big place that hires a lot of people.”

“Yeah,” is all I say and start the car.

“Maybe he should check there. I mean, if he’s fit and able.” A beat and then, “Is your uncle fit and able?”

“As far as I know.” Truthfully, the fishing industry might not be what it used to be, but work can be found, and people can move.

“Your mom. Did she grow up in Paradise?”

I eye her as she digs into my past, and while I’d normally shut down this kind of probing, I answer, “No, actually. She came to Newfoundland from a farming village in Ireland. They traveled here, and she met Dad and the rest was history. I think she was looking for a better life.” I snort out a laugh. “I think she thought there was gold in them Grand Banks.”

“I guess she didn’t find what she was looking for, huh?”

“Guess not.” I pull into traffic. “I think she might have resented the life, now that I think about it. Then Dad died…”

“And she pinned all her hopes on you.”

Heart jumping in my chest at those harsh words, my gaze jerks to hers, and her eyes go wide as her jaw drops. She squeezes my leg. “I’m sorry, Brady. That wasn’t my place to say that.”

I nod, not knowing any other way to respond. I’m not mad at her… Wait, am I mad? Shit, I don’t know what I’m feeling. Dealing with emotions is fucking hard and confusing. Maybe it’s best just to swallow that shit down again.

“Which apartments did you decide you wanted to check out?” I ask, changing the subject. “Did you look over the links I sent you?” I realize she doesn’t want me coming, and I should be happy about that. I’ve been saying from the very beginning that I can’t take on the responsibility of one more person in my life, or one more thing, but I’d actually like to help her look.

I cast her a fast glance and she pulls her laptop from her bag. “I scanned them quickly.” She opens the links and looks them over. “Do you know much about rentals, and things like that?”

“Not a whole lot. I shared a place with Theo and now I’m renting from Noah.” What must she think of a grown man with a killer career still renting? Shit, I’m starting to wonder about him too.

“If you’re really not too busy, I would like it if you came with me. Maybe between the two of us, we can figure out the rental market and make sure I’m paying fair price.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

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