“What are you going to do?”
In a few long strides, he’s out of sight.
I plunk down in the chair. Shit, maybe I should’ve kept my big fat mouth closed. Jealousy got the better of me. She’s just so gorgeous and I’m so plain. I feel a little intimidated by her.
He’s back a half hour later.
“What happened?”
“I fired her,” he says nonchalantly, sitting on the edge of his desk.
“I didn’t want to ruin the woman’s livelihood for God’s sake.”
“Calm down. Francesca will hardly be destitute. She’s a freelance consultant who comes in twice a week and has dozens of clients. Her services are no longer required.”
“Because of me.”
“No one is allowed to disrespect you.”
“Except you.”
“Correct. It’s quitting time, let’s go.”
“Okay, you’re the boss.”
“Damn straight.”
“Wow, this house is amazing and the furniture is to die for,” Anneli gushes, running her fingers along the marble countertop. “This kitchen is a chef’s wet dream.”
There was no sense in waiting thirty days to move, so we got up early this morning to get things going. I told Mom and Sebastian the news when I got home yesterday evening. Sebastian is over the moon, ecstatic about finally having a bedroom all to himself. My mom, on the other hand, has concerns. She thinks it’s a mistake to put our trust in Art, fearing we’ll be thrown out on the streets if he becomes angry with me. I explained that’s not the type of man Art is. We have our issues—there’s no doubt about it—but he’d never see Sebastian homeless. I’d bet my life on it. The move was easy since we only needed to pack our clothes and toiletries. Everything else was provided for, from silverware to appliances. What’s left behind will be donated to charity. Mom’s trepidation faded a little once she saw our new dwellings. She’s excited to have her own space as well. We’ve spent too many years living in close quarters.
“Mom!” Sebastian yells.
Anneli and I walk into the living room. He runs towards me in a flurry of cheerful delight.
“My bedroom is amazing! I have a PlayStation 4, a Nintendo Switch, and loads of other cool stuff!”
“I’m glad you’re satisfied.”
“Art is the best ever! You should marry him!”
That comment throws me for a loop.
“He would be an awesome dad for me. Don’t you think, Mom?” He peers at me with hopeful eyes.
Anneli makes a clucking sound, giving me a withering look.
“I’m sure he would,” I answer.
“You should ask him. And Mason would be my real brother. I’ve always wanted a brother.”
“How about I make us some lunch?” I change the subject. “Go finish exploring your room and I’ll call you once it’s ready.”
“Okay,” he says in disappointment.
“I’ll help you,” Anneli says.
She starts in on me as soon as we enter the kitchen. “Have you considered the repercussions of your actions and what it could mean for Sebastian?”
