Page 101 of The Leaving Kind

“I understand.”

The sickness returned, bringing along breathlessness. Cam wanted to clutch his gut and his chest at the same time, and he was almost sorry Nick had the couch, because the corner he’d curled into for his panic attack was calling his name.

Breathe in, breathe out.

“Thing is, little bro, is that I can’t guarantee I’m going to pay you back. This whole business idea might not work out. I’m not going to say it’s because I have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve worked with Luisa for long enough to have a handle on the materials side of it, and adding in the lawn service and landscaping work has been pretty seamless. Estefan already has customers lined up with plowing contracts over the winter, and Jorge’s started selling a leaf service. It feels like all we have to do is good work. Turn up on time, get the jobs done, and leave while everyone is still happy.”

Cam had laced his fingers together. Now he pulled them apart and peeked at the couch.

Nick caught his eye and held it for what seemed like a long time before looking away. He flipped his phone over in his hand and turned back. “Do you want me to chart all of that out for you? Like a projection?”

Cam huffed. “Way ahead of you. We did that.”

“Does it work?”

“It works.”

“Then why are you worried?”

“Because I’m me? Because I nearly lost my marbles trying to register a business name. Which I need to change because if Jorge is going in on this with me, his name is going on the side of the truck. Also, I want to buy the truck.”

“You can have the truck.”

“I’m buying the damn truck. I checked the blue book price, and I’m going to make you a crappy offer, but you’re going to accept it.”

Frowning, Nick put his phone on his thigh. “Okay.”

“Here’s the deal. I have eight and a half thousand put away. It’s yours, for the truck.”

“It’s worth eleven-point-five.”

“Nine and a half, tops. The head gasket is about done.”

“Oh.”

Cam rested his elbows on his knees. The new position put pressure on his gut, which helped with the nausea. The change of subject did too. “Yeah, it’s a rough idle and has started leaking oil.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Hey, it’s a twelve-year-old vehicle. There should be more wrong. You took good care of it.”

Nick scooted backward on the couch a little. “Do you want me to lend you your half of the twenty for the land, then?”

“Yes.” Like ripping off a bandage, except the sting lingered, and Cam didn’t have a wound to press his hand to. And he needed more than his half of the twenty. “Plus some for set up. We need to put a road down the side of the lot. Build a shed. Pay Luisa for the leftover supplies and vehicles.”

Cam pulled his own phone out, then, assuming Nick would want to see the numbers. To his surprise, Nick waved him off.

Instead, he asked, “Are you going to resent me for lending you this money?”

“What?”

“I made it hard for you when you came back. I wasn’t kind. And I’m your little brother.”

“Nicky—Nick. No.” Cam abandoned his phone and pushed his hands through his hair. “Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?”

Real emotion rippled across his younger brother’s face.

“And not only of who you’ve become. Always. How fierce you were as a kid, how you stuck by Rebecca, how you did your best by Emma. You’re one of the most amazing people I know. It’s hard for me to ask you for this money, and my pride is taking some scrapes, because I always wanted to be the one who looked out for you. But knowing you’re someone I can come to? Knowing you’re here? That means everything.”