Archer: My brother-in-law is a business consultant. I can have him run some numbers for us. He’ll give you all the advice you need.
Freya: Really? That would be amazing.
Archer: I’ll give him a call.
Freya: You’re the best.
Freya: I should get some sleep. I have to work at seven tomorrow.
Archer: Sweet dreams, Chef.
Once the text message thread dies, I open up a message to my brother. My fingers hover over the keys before typing. Is it wrong of me to ask for business help when I’ve hardly spoken to them in months?
Admittedly, I suck at this family stuff. I don’t call my parents enough. I don’t stay in touch with my brother or his family. I haven’t spoken to my sister in forever.
Sometimes I worry that they all took it personally when I scattered to the winds at eighteen. It wasn’t personal. I love them all. I just don’t like feeling…tied down. And it’s like that’s all they want to do.
Stay, Archer.
Come home, Archer.
Call us, Archer.
The more they try to drag me back in, the more I feel myself pulling away.
My brother might be pissed at me for asking for a favor without ever staying in touch, but it’s not like Nash is the shining star of familial relationships. The thirty-year age difference between us didn’t make it easy for either of us.
Archer: Hey. I have a friend opening a new restaurant, and I’m going to help her. Think Ellis could give me some numbers and tips?
It’s after ten at night, but if I know my brother, he’s still up. And when the typing bubbles pop up a moment later, I’m proven right.
Nash: I’m sure if you ask him, he will. He’s asleep right now.
Nash: Who’s this friend?
My leg bounces as I read his response.
Archer: Just a friend.
I lie, and I don’t know why.
Nash: How’s Paris?
I can practically feel the walls forming around me as my brother pries into my personal life. My dad never asks about my life, or at least not anymore, since I bit his head off and told him to back the fuck off.
But Nash has sort of been more of a dad to me anyway. Easier to talk to. Easier to impress. Easier to love.
My dad just…tries too hard.
It’s like he’s constantly trying to make up for what happened with the son he lost.
Archer: Fine. Boring, actually. I think I’ll take off soon.
Nash: The door’s always unlocked in Amsterdam. We’d love to have you back.
Archer: Thanks.
Archer: I’ll call Ellis tomorrow.
