“That he did. And because of that, more people bet on him.”

“And let me guess,” he popped the top off and took a long drink, “you had bets against him.”

I chuckled and started our trek out, knowing he would follow. “You know me well, old friend.”

Chapter 3

Fiona

Thursday evening, I sank into the waiting Uber after work, wanting nothing more than to soak in a hot bath, drink some wine, and fall asleep right there. 

It had been a long week at work, and we weren’t quite through it yet. Sunday, after the house was emptied and the storage unit locked up tight, Randy and I met Dad for dinner at his new place. 

I loved hearing about Dad’s new friends, and the different activities available for him. For someone who had always looked down on nursing and retirement homes, he seemed really happy there. 

Dad usually ate in the cafeteria with his friends, or ordered his food delivered to his room if he was too tired. Thankfully he had a small kitchen in his apartment, so I was able to make us dinner in private. 

All in all, it was a good visit. Randy made a few comments about how nice the place was, he did that nearly every time he was there. Which, honestly, wasn’t all that often. I ignored him this time though. Yes, this was nicer than expected - we’d heard some rumors about cheap and crappy places before. Yes, that meant it was more expensive. But it was worth it for our Dad to have the care he needed, and to be safe. It was a good fit for him, too. 

I had dinner with Dad again on Monday, in the cafeteria - I was curious to see if it was as edible as he said it was. One bite and I was tempted to go back every day just so I didn’t have to cook. I had also promised Dad that I would tell him how my first day as a Junior partner went. I decided to go in person, instead of calling, because it felt so good to see his big smile so often again. It was such a change from the past. It made me feel good to see pride in those eyes again, instead of all that regret and shame. 

It felt like I finally had my Dad back. 

At first, it didn’t sound like my role at work would be all that different from before. Chris, the Junior partner I used to work under, had delegated a lot of things to me anyway (which probably helped me get noticed in the first place). But overseeing so many people and their tasks, on top of my own, was exhausting. I also had to meet with more clients than before. And much to my horror, I had to help bring in clients as well. I wasn’t really known for my people skills. I was a stereotypical computer geek, all the way down to the introvert inside.

Not long after we merged into the downtown traffic, my phone buzzed. Thinking it was Katia, I picked it up. I really wished it had been Katia messaging me. 

Randy: Can you swing by? Tonight.

I dramatically whimpered. Out loud. Then stomped my feet on the ground like a toddler.

“Everything all, sweetheart?” The cute older lady, Judy, driving me asked.

I sighed. “Yeah, just my brother. Mind if I change our destination?”

“Sure. Don’t bother me none. Although you look like you should just go home and get some rest.”

With a smirk, I nodded my agreement. “If only, Judy. If only.” I gave her his address, which was going to cost me more to get there, then settled back in.

Me: On my way. You’re lucky I was still in the Uber.

Randy: Thanks, sis. You’re the best. 

I was the best, huh? Guess I knew what he needed then. I just gave him 5,000 a few days ago though. He never needed money so soon like this. Maybe this was about something else. Had to be.

It took nearly an hour to get there when it would have only taken me half that to get to my place. When I got to his floor, I used my key to let myself in. I was met with nothing but darkness.

Weird.

I flipped the light next to the door as I called for him. “Randy?”