Page 7 of Switched At Birth

“I ended things with Alyssa the other day.” Liam is matter of fact in his delivery and puts it out there for us to digest at our speed. Or in this instance, our mother’s.

My mom. God love her, because I sure do, but she can’t hide her reactions to save her life. “Oh, really, dear. That’s too bad.”

Liam raises a brow. “Really, Mom? You hated Alyssa,” he deadpans, dishing up Bulgogi.

My brother has a habit of dating women for six to seven weeks. They start off hot and heavy and when he realizes they aren’t his soul mate, he just up and dumps them. It leaves them confused and angry. A few of his lady friends have been emotional over the whole thing, and he’s had the occasional brick thrown through the window or the wordassholecarved into his car.

Mom has learned not to get attached to any of his girlfriend’s right away.

“I liked her just fine, William Andrew James.”

Liam swings his attention to me, then to my dad. My father has learned throughout the years— there’s no use arguing with our mother. So, we don’t either.

“Anyone new then?” she asks. My brother typically doesn’t stay single long.

“Nah, I was thinking about taking a break from women for a while.”

His announcement makes us all break out in laughter, even my father. “Please, you’re a serial monogamist. You can’t be by yourself.”

“This time, I’m going to do it, so beware. I’m so confident about it, in fact, that I think we should wager a bet,” Liam proclaims.

“Fuck, easy money? I’m game.”

“Noah Alexander James, you better watch that mouth. You’re never too old to get it washed out.”

This is a threat I don’t take lightly. Evelyn James isn’t one to be pushed. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, Mom.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.” She moves her attention to Liam. “Liam, I agree with your brother. I feel like it may be a waste of your money.”

Even our mom, who always looks at us through rose-colored glasses, can admit the truth and recognizes that it would be easy money for me. “Thanks, Mom, for the vote of confidence,” he says dryly.

She leans forward, grabbing some soy sauce. “Just being realistic, son.” She moves her attention to me, and I prepare myself for her interrogation.

“What about you, Noah? Seen anyone new lately? Tell me there’s a guy that has made you look.”

Unlike my brother, I’m not typically in a relationship. I’m sometimes lonely, but I’m also not ready to give up my independence. If an inkling hits me at one in the morning, I roll out of bed, turn on my light, and begin to paint, or sculpt, or work on whatever creative idea hits me, just like when I was a kid.

Fortunately for me, my pieces sell. I don’t have a steady salary, like Liam. He’s an investment accountant and a damn good one. He already has steady clients and is on the fast track to make partner.

But when I get a payday, it can be anywhere from a thousand to ten thousand dollars. And because all artists have to live in a trendy loft in an eclectic part of town, with natural light, it’s a stereotype I had no problem fulfilling.

“Kate set me up with a guy who has a few pieces at the studio. It’s a blind date. I have absolutely no expectations.”

Liam’s smile grows in that obnoxious way that brothers mock one another. “Yeah, it would take a special guy for you to settle down.”

“Apparently it would take a special gal for you to settle down, too, bro,” I throw back at him.

Mom turns her head for a second to look at the score, and Liam flips me off.

“I saw that, William!”

I cackle. There’s no way she could have. She just knows firsthand how we are with one another.

“Just keep me posted, Noah. I hate that you’re in that loft all by yourself.”

Liam gets a look on his face I recognize, and my eyes conveythe shut-the-fuck-upI can’t say out loud. I’m not alone several nights a week. I’m a sexual being, and my brother knows my needs and desires, so while I may not share a bed with someone, I have several companions throughout the month, and it’s enough for now.

His lips split into a smile, but he takes his thumb and index finger and moves it past his lips, miming that he’s throwing away the key. And this part of the conversation is over, as we continue to celebrate our birthday.

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