Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 155(@200wpm)___ 124(@250wpm)___ 103(@300wpm)
“You don’t have anything to apologize for, sis. I acted like an idiot. You were right to get mad at me,” he replies. “And I’m also sorry for the things I said—”
“You mean about my daddy issues?”
A sheepish smile touched his lips. “Yeah. About your daddy issues. I’m sorry. That was way out of bounds. It was a—”
“Cheap shot?”
“Yeah. It was a cheap shot. And you didn’t deserve that.”
“No, I didn’t,” I say. “But thank you for saying so.”
A moment of silence passes between us, and the thick fog of tension that marked his entry into my dorm room begins to lift, allowing the sunshine to filter through once more.
“Are we good?” he asks.
“Yeah. We’re good.”
“I’m glad.”
“How long are you back for?” I ask.
“Couple of weeks,” he replies. “Then I’ll be overseas for a few months to finish the lecture series.”
“And after that?”
He shrugs. “To be determined.”
His words strike a note of alarm inside of me. I’ve never been without my big brother, and the thought of him moving overseas fills me with a sense of dread. I mean, if it’s a good opportunity, of course, I’m excited for him. But the thought of not having my big brother around is a bitter pill to swallow.
“Are you thinking of going over permanently?” I ask.
“They haven’t offered me a permanent post yet.”
“But if they did?”
“It’s something I’d have to think about.”
“Wow,” I say. “That … I mean, I’m happy for you and proud of you, of course—”
“I know. We’ve lived our whole lives within five miles of each other. The idea of being thousands of miles away is tough.”
“It is. But if you love it over there—”
“I do.”
“And if it’s a good opportunity—”
“It is. Or it would be if they offer me the post.”
“It would be hard, but if that’s where your heart leads you, then I support you one hundred percent,” I tell him.
“I appreciate that,” he says. “And it’s taken me a little while to come around, but I see now that I need to support you no matter where your heart leads you.”
“Thank you, Derek,” I reply. “Speaking of which—”
“Yeah, I talked to Slater already. We’re good.”
“Good. I’m glad,” I reply. “Hey, why don’t you come out with us tonight? I think we’re just going to dinner, but why don’t you come with us?”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding,” I say. “We’ve only got a couple of weeks with you before you head back, so let’s all go hang out and have a good time.”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
He smiles. “Thanks, sis. I’d love to.”
“Great. Good. I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
I get off the bed and give my brother a big hug. He returns the hug, and just like that, all the cracks and fissures in our relationship have been mended. This fills my heart with joy.
“So, you interested in hanging out with Monty when I go back?” he asks. “I don’t think he likes the girl I hired.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He keeps peeing on her shoes.”
“Aww, he does miss me.”
“So, is that a yes?”
I laugh. “It’s a yes. I’d love to.”
“Thank you, sis.”
“You’re welcome.”
He looks up at me. “You seem happy.”
“I am. I really am.”
“That’s good. Then I’m happy for you, both of you.”
“Thank you, Derek. That means the world to me.”
I smile wide as all the pieces fall into place, and all is suddenly right with the world again.
EPILOGUE
SIERRA
Three Years Later
Itouch the thin platinum bracelet on my wrist and smile, knowing the word “Daddy” etched into the underside is there, but nobody else can see it. It’s a reminder from Slater that I am his. The bracelet has become my touchstone. A little something for me to draw strength and courage from when I need it. And today, on my first solo day in front of my new class, I need all the strength and courage I can get.
“All right, that’s it,” I say. “Good work today, everybody. And remember, your papers are due next week. Don’t slack off and wait until the last minute.”
They all groan good-naturedly as they file out of the lecture hall. Once empty, I stand at my podium and survey the hall, taking in the light, wood-paneled, semi-circular room with the stadium seating. I can practically feel the gravitas and prestige of the university seeping through the walls. It had been a long, hard road to get here, but here I finally am. My first classroom. My first post as a college professor. It’s probably a little corny to be this excited about my first real job, but I don’t care. I can’t keep the smile off my face.
My brother got the permanent posting in England and moved overseas about two years ago. We travel back and forth to spend the holidays together. He loves his job and students and has even found somebody he wants to spend his life with. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. And that makes me happy for him. He’s living the life he always wanted, filled with the joy and love he so richly deserves. Having him so far away is difficult, but I’m so happy for him and so proud of him that I want to burst.