Page 66 of Damien
“Speaking of cheap flights, did your brother mention we found an amazing deal for a quick getaway this summer?”
This is new. I had no idea they’d planned to travel anywhere.
“Yeah. I was stressed the other night while studying for finals. The next thing I knew, I was looking at trips to New York City. I’ve never done anything like it in my life. But since I’ve saved up for first, last, and deposit on a new apartment, I’ve got a little extra I can afford for a mental health getaway.”
Realizing I haven’t vacationed since the summer before Julia was born, I easily agree. “Yeah? Tell me about it.”
“Well, when I found a killer deal on flights to New York, I jokingly made the mistake of telling Vince about it.”
Knowing my brother… I cringe. “What did he do?”
“That silly man grabbed his wallet and purchased the damn tickets on sight.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I nearly shit my pants. Here I was looking at a fantasy vacation and now in a matter of weeks, we’re going on vacation.”
“Wow.” I know he’s been wanting to take her someplace special to get away from it all. But New York City? That’s a big getaway.
“You’re telling me. I’ve insisted on paying for our accommodations, since he bought the tickets. But knowing Vince, he’ll fight me every step of the way.”
I love that she won’t let my brother pay for things. I’m not sure what he’s told her, but Vince can afford this trip if he wants to—without any hardship. Each of us work for spending money and to cover the cost of insurance, but if we chose not to, we could afford to not work as well—with our monthly allotment from our parents’ inheritance and settlement from the accident. Once we turn twenty-five, we’ll also have access to the trust funds my parents created for us as well.
Instead of revealing this, I simply laugh. “You know Vince. He’s just as stubborn as you when it comes to getting his way. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when that conversation goes down.”
“He’s already insisting I live here dirt cheap. Only having to pay for cable and part of the utilities is one hell of a bargain,” Sydney says, shaking her head. “And that’s after I threatened to get a place of my own if I didn’t at least pay for something.”
Ohmigod. I love Sydney. But she’s as stubborn as they come and lives up to the feisty redheaded stereotype. “I get where you’re coming from, Syd. I do. But we’re not paying for it either. This house is paid for, and all we have to do is pay taxes and utilities. We have enough set aside to pay for itself until we’re out of college. Those are the only bills we have.”
Sighing heavily, Syd concedes, “I know. I just wasn’t looking for a handout. That’s all.”
God, I love her even more for that. “We both know that. But let’s call a spade a spade. You and Vince practically spend every night together. It’s ridiculous for you to get your own place and throw away that money each month. Besides, now you can use that money for tuition and not have to worry about getting a second job or going into debt.”
“God, I hate it when you and your brother make logical sense.” Her tone is teasing when she adds, “It’s just not fair.”
“What’s not fair?” Vince says as he enters the kitchen from the living room.
“Oh you know… you and your sister… when you point out logical things about why I should be grateful for letting you help me.” Sydney pretends to pout, causing my brother’s grin to widen.
“Syd told you about the trip to New York, I take it?” Then he turns to me. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, Van. We’re going over the Fourth of July weekend. I hope that’s okay with you?”
“Uh… why do you need my permission? Last I checked, you’re both of legal age and can make your own decisions.”
“Will you be okay with Jules on your own?” Vince asks, his face filled with concern.
“I can’t imagine why we wouldn’t.” He should know better by now.
“What about when you work the early shift at the diner?” Sydney asks.
“Worst case scenario, I take the week off,” I admit. I hardly ever ask for time off. I’m sure my boss will be okay with it if I give him enough notice. The thought of truly taking a vacation from work and school sounds promising. This may be the excuse I need to get away from it all for a few days.
“I’m sure Chloe would help if you’re in a bind. She’s sticking around this summer, and you know Jules adores her,” Sydney offers.
“I’ve got time,” I assure them both, then I look around the room, realizing it’s much too quiet. “Uh… speaking of Jules, where is she?”
“She’s playing in her room.” Vince points in the direction of our living room. “She said something about setting up her doll house in case anyone wants to play with her this afternoon. What time is Damien coming?”
“His counters are being installed this morning, so he’ll be over later. Why?”
