I try to shake away my disgust, but I don’t think it’s possible. “Oh yeah, I’m fine. I’m just taking in more good news today. According to the text message I just received, my brother just got engaged. So, more yay!” I say, oozing fake excitement.
Gracie walks into my room and drops down onto the bed next to me. “Your moment is coming soon, Ash. I’ll keep saying it until you believe me. In fact, I’m standing here until you make me move ... because … I’m hanging by a moment here with you,” she begins to sing a rendition of Lifehouse.
I do my best to block out the song as I continue typing a response to Bradley. I know how to make my texts sound friendly, even when I want to flip him off.
Me: Aww, I had no idea you were going to pop the question. I’m so happy for you two!
I don’t know when he met Katarina, but I think it was at some point this past year after Bradley moved from Connecticut down to Tybee Island in Georgia so he could help manage a new housing development. On top of that, I’ve hardly seen any pictures since Bradley doesn’t consider himself part of the millennial social media age group. He calls himself a digital ghost.
Brad-Bro: Me too! So, I have something to ask you.
I wonder what part of the wedding he’ll ask me to take part in; I’m too old to be the flower girl, and I don’t know the bride. I would be a great bathroom attendant, though.
Me: Okay ...
Brad-Bro: I got a job offer from Katarina’s father. It was an all-inclusive thing. Anyway, we are moving to Virginia for this job, which is great, but I have a lease on the house I’m tied into through the end of the year. I know you’re graduating and probably don’t have any plans ... so.
Holy crap. Despite the fact that Bradley assumes I’ve already screwed up, he’s offering me free rent, I think. My brother. My big brother. My hero. I love him. He’s always been the person I look up to in every way—even if he is a giant kiss-ass nerd.
Me: YES!
Brad-Bro: You don’t even know what I was going to say.
Me: You want me to move in, so your paid lease doesn’t go to waste, right?
Brad-Bro: Well, yes, but Katarina’s two sisters will be sharing the house with you too. So, if you’re okay with this, then yes, I’m asking you to move into my house.
I don’t have to have a job set up in the next week, and I don’t have to pay for an apartment. There isn’t much to consider. This is like an opportunity of a lifetime.
Me: I think I’ll be just fine. This new move—living rent-free—it will be amazing. You’re amazing!
Brad-Bro: I’ve paid for utilities through the end of July. You’ll have to all split thoseup after that.
Me: I have savings. It’s not a problem.
Brad-Bro: You need to get a job, Ash.
Me: Obviously.
However, there’s no sense in rushing into a job I might not like. Now, I have the golden opportunity to start on the right foot, and Georgia is way better than Connecticut. I won’t have to freeze between November and April anymore. It’ll be like a permanent vacation.
Brad-Bro: Mom and Dad already know, and they’re relieved you won’t be moving into their one-bedroom condo.
Which means they all talk about me being a loser. How nice.
Me: Thank you again. You’re a lifesaver.
Brad-Bro: Ash, there’s one thing you should know about the development you’ll be living within. Everything will be in the documents I send over to you, but I should explain ...
I know he owns part of the development and was leasing one of the units temporarily. I can’t imagine it’s anything less than amazing, but I would never expect anything with what Bradley is graciously offering.
Me: Honestly, anything is fine. I don’t care if it’s in an alley or underground. It’s somewhere to live.
Brad-Bro: Well, no, that’s not it.
Me: What is it then?
Chapter 2
