Page 29 of Forever Only Once
“She shouldn’t have to rely on him,” I said. “Plus, she makes good money herself. It’s not my fault the American healthcare system is shitty to the point where she can’t afford to do anything, even with fucking great insurance,” I grumbled.
“You know, that soapbox was getting a little dusty,” Prior said wryly.
“Oh, shut up. You know you’re ranting right alongside me,” I said.
“That is true. We all rant about it. However, back to the point,” Macon added. “You look at who you are now, and at the art you create, and you believe in yourself. But you didn’t let yourself put that foot forward until much later. And now, you’re someone who sees what you’re worth—at least what you think you’re worth, even though I still feel like you’re worth a bit more,” Macon added with a shrug. “Anyway, you see that, but I don’t think Chris sees the same. He’s always wanted to be better. Or at least seen to be.”
“And ensuring he was the one making lots of deals, getting the best clients, and making really fucking good money while making furniture? Nobody truly believes that happens anymore,” Prior said.
“I know, we’re a niche market, but millionaires and billionaires need fancy shit when they’re not buying antiques,” I said.
“And don’t knock your clientele,” Nate said. “They do pay your bills.”
“They do, and I don’t always work only for the millionaires and billionaires. Believe me. It’s the custom pieces I like, and the ones I can donate to. But still, I guess you’re right. I am doing marginally better than Chris these days.”
“That you know. For all you know, you’re doing a fuck ton better than he is, and he just keeps lying.”
“I see the money he makes,” I said.
“You see what he reports to the IRS,” Macon said.
My heart raced. “I’ll look into that. But, fuck. Our accountant is good, and even though I’m making more money than he is right now, it’s got to be the truth. Steve wouldn’t fuck around with my money.”
“True, I just don’t trust Chris.”
“Was it always this way?” I asked.
“No,” Prior said. “It’s a new thing.”
“Enough of this introspective shit,” Nate said, grinning. “Now, Arden says you went on a date?” he asked, and the others looked at me.
“I’m going to box her ears,” I grumbled.
“Hey, why didn’t she tell me?” Macon asked.
“Or me? I’m her favorite twin.” Nate leaned forward.
“You’re her only twin,” the three of us said, and then laughed.
“I see where I stand,” Nate said.
“But, really, Arden told you?” I asked. “She’s usually good at keeping secrets from us.” Nate flinched, and I had to wonder what kind of secrets Nate had. But if he was keeping them from me, he probably had a reason.
“She sort of blurted it out,” Prior said, blushing. “She was really apologetic, and I wasn’t supposed to mention it, but then I felt bad about the secret. So, she didn’t mean to say it, and she didn’t tell me anything other than that you had a date. Then she slapped her hand over her mouth and kicked me out of the house.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “That sounds like Arden. And since she already sounds like she’s apologetic, I won’t have to punish her.”
“Good, because if you did, we’d have to beat you, and then it’d be a whole thing,” Prior said.
“True.
“So?” Nate asked.
Macon raised a brow, silent as ever.
“It was a date. Her name was Hazel. She’s nice.” I didn’t want to go into more detail since I was still figuring my shit out.
“And?” Prior pressed. “Are you going on another?”