CHAPTER 33
CURTIS
Giant drops of rain splotched against the glass of my living room window, blurring my view, which was fine because I wasn’t really looking at anything. I was in a trance, the same one I’d been in sincethatday. Some people drank, some got lost in sex, some took drugs or exercised till they couldn’t move. I zoned out, cut myself off from my feelings, the world, and everyone in it.
I was an island, a barren one. A donut-free one. And if I were to push through the barrier I’d created, a miserable one.
Muffled footsteps sounded on the rug behind me, but I ignored them. It was probably just Isabella making sure I was still breathing. Her whispered, “He’s been like this all week. Just stares out the window, hardly eats anything, doesn’t take his calls” was still too loud. I could do without hearing it.
Jack’s voice, just as hushed, responded, “He won’t even reply to my texts, and I sent some hilarious ones. I mean, who doesn’tlaugh at a squirrel stealing a guy’s toupee? I’m feeling really unappreciated lately. It takes time to curate the best of the best memes and videos, and God knows I’m busy with other things, but I still find time to go on socials and send him stuff. He’s failing as a brother and as a friend. I wonder if it’s too late for Mom to adopt him out?”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t bother to turn around. Maybe if I was rude enough, he’d leave. “I can hear you, monkey breath. Stop whispering. Also, fuck off. I’m busy.”
“I’ll leave you to it, Jack. Good luck,” Isabella said before her footsteps padded away.
“So, Mr. Avoidance, you’re alive. Mom said to make sure you’re still showering and wiping your ass after number twos. What should I tell her? Is it safe to get closer, or do I need a gas mask?”
One raindrop chased another down the pane, and I didn’t even have the energy to guess which one would win. “She did not say that. And, no, I haven’t showered since last week. You’d better save yourself, and leave now.”
“Ha-ha, nice try.” He patted me firmly on the back, then sniffed. “Hmm, only a slight whiff of stink. Not too bad.”
“Okay, I was trying to be subtle.” I turned and looked at him. “Fuck off. Go home. Meddle in someone else’s life. I don’t need you.”
He pinched my cheeks and shook my head from side to side. “Aw, paw widdle Curty. He’s in a bad mood. How can I cheer him up?”
I slapped his hands away. “Leaving would go some way to making me feel better.”
“Do you want to wrestle it out, like we used to when we were kids? I’ll even let you win.”
“Letme win? I’d kick your ass, just like I always used to. You always did have a good imagination.”
He lost the goofy expression. I should be worried, but Icouldn’t even manage that. “And you used to be a lot smarter. What the fuck is going on with you?”
“What? Being fired by our father and losing my job to Victoria isn’t enough for you?”
“It’s plenty enough, but you know what I’m talking about. I overheard Dad telling Mom what happened. They threw Faith under the bus, and you let them. Are you feeling just a bit of guilt? Also, don’t bullshit me—I know you had feelings for her. I haven’t seen you tap out of life for this long since Monica.”
I winced.
“Ah, there’s signs of life. Stop the burial!”
“Very funny.” I sighed. “You’re worse than dog shit on a shoe.”
“Yep. I’m hard to get rid of. I stick right in the grooves. I’ve learned from the best.” He smirked.
I tipped my head back and stared at the ceiling. Was I ready to deal with this? Definitely not. Was I going to have to? If I wanted Jack to leave my apartment this century, I at least had to try. I gestured to the couch. “Sit.”
He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”
I waited for him to sit, and then I walked out.
“Hey, wait. Where are you going?”
I steeled myself and walked back in. Fucking with my brother would always be amusing, even in depressing circumstances. If I thought I’d get away with it, I would’ve gone to my room. “Has anyone told you lately how annoying you are?”
“Only twenty times today.” He waved the comment away. “Sit and spill.” His expression changed, concern replacing the lightness. “Seriously, we’ve been worried about you.”
“By ‘we,’ you mean you, Ally, and Mom?”
