I rolled my eyes. “One could only hope.”
We each updated the others on our changes in life. I was thrilled to realize that Randy seemed to actually enjoy his job. He was even considering trying to move up to a district level position. I was proud that he was making a real go of it there.
It was long past dark when Katia left us, she purposely waited until after bedtime to return to her husband and two daughters. She didn’t even lie about it, she flat out said that was why she stayed so long.
Randy and I stood in the living room filled with boxes, all waiting for the movers to come the next day, just staring at the place we grew up in.
“It’s weird knowing we will never be back here after tomorrow. Knowing someone else will be raising their family here.” Knowing someone else’s mother would be living here. I couldn’t say that one out loud, it was hard enough just thinking about it.
“Yeah, it is. I’m gonna miss this place. I almost wish we weren’t selling. I mean I totally get why, and I agree it was a good call, but still… ya know?”
I sighed and wrapped my arms around his left arm, hugging my big brother. The nostalgia for the good ole days was getting to me.
“Yeah, I do. As badly as I wanted to argue with Dad, it was kind of a relief at the same time.”
Randy snorted. “I bet.”
All was silent, the feeling of unspoken subjects lying between us. Randy knew about the whole deal with Dad and the Power of Attorney thing. He had popped in for a random hospital visit while the lawyer was still there. The lawyer and I both felt awkward and nervous while Dad explained the new set up to him. Randy and I hadn’t spoken about it since. We hadn’t really spoken about Dad much either. Family dinners in the nursing home lately had been kind of subdued. When my big brother bothered to come anyway.
“I understand why he did it. I agree with that one too.”
I turned to look at him, surprised. So many surprises tonight. “You do?”
“Yeah. I really do. I don’t have the best history with money.” His voice trailed off, and a new edge took over his face. One I recognized a little too well.
“You were doing so good, Randy.”
“I know. But after Dad’s heart attack, and then all the changes. I thought maybe I could help. I’ve been getting by with playing online, with fake money. It helped with the itch. I do really good, so I thought I’d try again. I found a new place, very low key, not many people.”
Sadly, I laid my head on his shoulder, not knowing what else to do. And knowing I couldn’t look at him. “How bad is it?”
I felt his shoulder move under me as he shrugged. “Just 5. I stopped when I realized how low I was getting.”
I closed my eyes to hide the eye roll. Right, because he didn’t think 5,000 in the hole was all that deep. And of course, it was the exact amount I got as a bonus for my promotion. Figures.
Did he hear Katia ask me about the bonus earlier? He had been in his old room while we were in mine. At least I thought he was in there.
“I may not know all the details, nor do I want to, but that boy just can’t seem to keep a hold of money. I know you help out from time to time because you are a good sister, but Pixie, it’s about time to let that boy deal with his own problems.” My Dad’s deep and shaky voice rolled through me.
