by Todd, E. L.
I immediately thought of Scott. “Nothing.”
“I forgot that you’re boring.”
I glared at her.
“Sorry,” she said quickly. “It’ll take me some time to work on that.”
“As long as you’re making progress.”
Beatriz wrapped her arms around me. “I love you, Janet.”
“And I love you forever, baby sister.”
8
When I got off work, I called Hank. He answered on the third ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Janet.”
“How are you?” he asked politely.
“I’m well. How are you?”
He paused. “I’m okay. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if I could come by and see my nephew.”
“Oh,” he said. “Of course.”
“Where does you sister live?”
“In the city. I’ll text you the address.”
“Can I come over now?”
“Yeah,” he said. “I should be there by the time you arrive. But I have to ask something. Is Beatriz with you?”
“No.”
“I’m trusting you to be honest with me. She doesn’t know where my sister lives and I don’t want her to.”
“You have my word.”
“Thank you,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.”
We hung up and I headed to the apartment on the other side of town. It was difficult to locate because I’d never been in that district but I found it eventually. After I knocked on the door, Hank answered.
His tie was undone around his neck and his hair seemed messy. He looked exhausted like he hadn’t slept in years. The bags under his eyes gave away his depression. He wasn’t the vibrant and upbeat guy I remembered. He looked ruined. “Hello, Janet.”
“Hey.”
He hugged me and patted me on the back. “It’s lovely to see you.”
“You too.”
“Please come in.”
“Thank you.”
Hank led me to the living room. “You remember my sister Tanya?”
I smiled at her. “Of course.”
She barely acknowledged me. Her scowl was noticeable.
Hank took me aside. “I apologize for her behavior. She just…doesn’t like your sister.”
“So she doesn’t like me?”
“I’ll talk to her.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “Nothing will stop me from seeing my nephew.”
“I expected nothing less.”
Joey was sitting on the ground, playing with his Legos. He was two years old, but he was an adorable toddler. He had dark hair like his father and beautiful green eyes like my sister. I sat in front of him and smiled.
“Hey, monster.”
He giggled and pointed. “Auntie!”
I hugged him and kissed him on the forehead. “You’re so big.”
“I’m almost three!” He held up three fingers.
“Wow. Are you having a birthday party?”
He nodded his head vigorously.
“What do you want for your birthday?”
He held up his Legos. “More.”
“More?”
Joey nodded again.
He was so cute I felt tears in my eyes. I pulled him to lap and examined the back of his head. There was faint scar. I sighed miserably. Joey played with his toys while Tanya stared at both of us, watching my every move.
Hank moved to the floor beside me. “How’s she doing?”
“Not good.”
He nodded.
“She’s enrolling in a program. She wants to get better.”
“She finally told you?”
I nodded. “She hopes if she puts herself back together, she can have her son back.”
“I don’t think so,” Tanya snapped.
Hank looked at her. “Tanya, please don’t.”
“No,” she said. “This is my nephew. I’m not letting her near him.” She started to raise her voice.
Hank held up his hand. “Please give me a moment with Janet.”
She sighed then stormed into her bedroom.
Hank looked back at me. “She means well.”
“I understand, Hank. She just wants the best for Joey. I can’t blame her for being protective.”
Hank nodded then watched his son.
“Do you think you’d give her another chance if she changed?”
“I—I don’t know. She would have to be really convincing. I don’t want Joey to be distant from his mother, but as his father, I can’t let him be in danger again. I refuse to let that happen.”
I stroked Joey’s hair. “I completely understand.”
“I’m glad you’re more logical than your sister.”
“But I haven’t experienced what she has.”
Hank averted his gaze and sighed.
“Would you give your marriage another chance?”
He sighed. “No.”
I felt my heart clench painfully. “Even if she changed?”
“I—I don’t know. I’d have to see the change before I considered it. I love Beatriz. A part of me always will. But everything has been different these past months. She’s done things she can’t ever take back. Hurting our son is one of them.”
“You know it wasn’t intentional.”
“It doesn’t matter,” he snapped. “A child is her priority, not her drinking. If she were responsible this wouldn’t have happened.”
“I’m not defending her actions,” I said quickly. “I just want to make sure you understand she regrets it.”
“Regret won’t change our future.”
I kissed Joey on the head and watched him play with his toys. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“I’m a total wreck, Janet. Of course I’m not seeing anyone. I’m not even divorced yet.”
“Could you hold off on the papers? Just give her some time.”
“I know this is hard to hear because she’s your sister,” Hank said. “But now that we’re apart, I see all her flaws. She’s selfish, rude, difficult, and a perpetual liar. She constantly puts down others to make herself feel better. I’m tired of being on the other end of that. A part of me wants to stay married for Joey, but the bigger part of me knows I can give him a good life by myself. My sister loves him like her own, and my parents want him around all the time. I can do this on my own.”
“You always have me and Tony,” I said. “Even if you get divorced, we’re still family as far as I’m concerned.”
He smiled. “I’ve always liked you, Janet. A part of me wishes I’d met you first.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. I wasn’t expecting that comment.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said.
“It’s okay,” I said. “But I know you love Beatriz.”
“I’m not sure anymore. I think I was just infatuated with her beauty. Now I see who she really is. Her beauty is absent.”
“I admit my sister is…different, but she’s a good person. And I think all of this has really given her some perspective. She broke down in my arms last night. I think this is the beginning of something new.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Joey handed me a Lego creation. It was a weird box. I wasn’t sure what it was. “Look what I made.”
“It’s nice,” I said.
“Daddy helps me. He’s really good.”
“I bet he is.” I took out my phone. “Can you take some pictures of us?”
“Sure.” He held the phone and captured the moment. Joey continued to play with the blocks while I watched him. “Is this for Beatriz?”
I nodded.
“You’re a good sister.”
“That’s what she keeps telling me.”
“So, what’s new with you?”
“Nothing, really.”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“Uh, I’m not sure.”
“You aren’t sure?” he asked with a smile.
“I don’t know. There’s this guy…”
“Sounds complicated.”
“It’s not. I’m just making it complicated.”
“Women tend to do that,” he said. “You like him?”
“That’s what scares me. I like him a lot even though I shouldn’t.”
“And why not?”
I shrugged. “He just seems—unsafe.”
“You’re afraid he’ll hurt you.”
I nodded. “And he’s so cocky and full of himself. I just don’t like people like that.”
“You’re the most humble person I know so that makes sense.”
“I don’t know.”
“Give him a chance.”
“You think?”
“You don’t seem like you find the right guys very often. And if you like him, take the risk.”
“I think I already did.”
“Then ride it out.” He grabbed a toy and handed it to Joey. “I want to have a niece or nephew of my own someday.”
I smiled. “What about your sister?”
“She’s crazy,” he said with a laugh. “No one is going to settle down with that.”
“I can hear you!” Tanya called.
I laughed. “You might have to get a new babysitter.”
“I’d love to stay home and spend the whole day with Joey,” he said. “A part of me wishes she would quit.”
“Tony or I can watch him if your sister needs a break.”
He avoided my gaze. “I don’t feel comfortable with that since Beatriz is living with you.”
“Oh,” I said sadly. “She won’t be there forever. And we can keep him at Tony’s place. She’ll never know.”
“Then I’d be okay with that.”
“Beatriz would never hurt Joey again,” I said.
“I have to do what’s best for my son,” he said. “I’m sorry if that offends you. But I don’t care.”
I nodded. “I understand.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed deeply, like he was about to pass out.
I assumed he was tired from his long day at work. “I should get going. I just wanted to pay him a visit.”
“You’re welcome anytime.” He stood up and walked me to the door.
I carried Joey in my arms and gave him a kiss. “I’ll see you later, monster.”
“Bye, Aunt Janet.”
I put him down and he waddled away.
Hank put his hands in his pockets. “It was nice seeing you.”
“If you need any help, please let me know. I know being a single parent is difficult. If you need a break or just need someone to run out for some diapers, I’m always here.”
He pulled me in for a hug. “I appreciate it. I’ll let you know.”
“And I know how to cook.”
Hank smiled. “I do miss a home cooked meal. Tanya doesn’t know the difference between an oven and a microwave.”
“Shut up!” she yelled from her bedroom.
I laughed. “I’ll bring something over sometime.”
“That would be lovely.”
I stepped into the hallway. “Bye.”
He nodded. “See you later.”
When I left his apartment, I went to see my brother. He had a place close to mine. When I reached his door, I heard the sound of the game on the TV. I knocked. “It’s Janet.”
He opened it and looked at me, his dark hair ruffled. He wore his Yankee jersey, the same one he had since college. “Hey, sis.” He opened the door and allowed me to enter.
“What’s the score?”
“Yankees are 3-0.”
“That sounds promising.”
He grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and opened it before he handed it to me.
I took a long drink.
Tony eyed me with a smile. “Long day?”
“You could say that.”
He moved to the couch. “Relax in the man cave.”
I rolled my eyes and sat down.
“So, what’s up?”
“Nothing much.”
He watched the game, his arm resting on the back of the couch. I waited until it was over until I got to the serious stuff. My brother was very invested in sports. I suspected he gambled a lot of money on it. It was the only way to explain his large apartment and the fact that he didn’t have a real job. He went to college and received his business degree but never put it to use. But somehow he paid back his loans, had a beautiful apartment, and a nice car, not to mention all the money he dropped on extra things. “How was work?” he asked.
“Boring.”
“Well, it’s a job.”
“You wouldn’t know what that’s like.”
He smiled. “I have a very important job.”
“I’m sure.”
He drank his beer while he leaned back. “Have you lost weight?”
“Why?”
Tony shrugged. “You look nice, like you’re tighter.”
I smiled. “I’ve been heading to the gym every day.”
“It shows.”
I’ve always been closer to my older brother than my younger sister. Tony was just easy to get along with. We never tattled on each other to our parents, and we would carry each other’s secrets to the grave. Our bond was unusual. I never felt judged or uncomfortable around him. He never gave me shit for being single for so long, or the fact that I didn’t like to party every weekend. He was the coolest guy I knew. “I’m kinda dating someone.”
He looked at me. “What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Is it serious?”
“No.”
“Well, I hope it goes well. I know how picky you are.”
“I’m just afraid he’s a player. I find it hard to believe that he really likes me.”
“Why?” he asked.
“He’s just really good-looking. He used to be a model. And I’m you know—ugly.”
“You aren’t ugly,” he said with a laugh.
“You used to tell me that all the time.”
Tony smiled. “You’re my sister. It was my job to tell you that.”
“Well, he’s just out of my league and I guess I’m worried he’ll get tired of me and move on. He’s a little conceited.”
“What beautiful person isn’t conceited?”
“You aren’t.” My friends always told me how hot my brother was. My brother never commented on it or acted like he understood his natural charisma. Perhaps I didn’t notice because he was my brother. It was hard to imagine him being attractive in any way.
“I think you’re just scared he’s going to hurt you. And that’s true of anything relationship. Just go get it. You won’t know until you try, right?”
“I guess.”
“And if he gives you hell, let me know. I’ll take care of him.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not the protective brother stuff.”
“I’m not protective,” he said. “I just don’t let people fuck with my sister.”
“Sisters,” I said. “And that’s the very definition of the word.”
He shook his head. “Beatriz is married. I don’t have to worry about her. And she’s an annoying brat. She gets what she deserves.”
Since the subject had been breached, I decided to address it. “She and Hank are legally separated. She has a drinking problem, and as a result, she dropped Joey on the tile and put him in the hospital for a week. She’s been staying with me for a while.”
He put down his beer, his eyes wide. “What?”
“She told me not to tell you but I had to. I need your help. But you can’t tell Mom or Dad.”
“I won’t,” he whispered. He ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know what to say.”
“It took some time for me to process too.”
“How’s she doing?” he asked.
“She’s been better.”
“Are they getting a divorce?”
I nodded. “Hank keeps trying but she keeps shredding the papers.�
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He sighed. “What do you need my help for? It doesn’t sound like there’s anything we can do.”
“I’m getting her back on her feet, making sure she isn’t drinking. And I love her to death, but if I keep her at my apartment constantly, I’ll fucking kill her.”
He laughed. “I can only imagine.”
“So, I need her to stay here for a few days every once in a way.”
Tony groaned. “No.”
“I’m sorry.”
“She and I don’t get along,” he said. “Honestly, I hardly know her. We’re too far apart in age.”
“She’s your sister,” I said. “Get to know her.”
“I already know all the important stuff,” he said. “She’s a pain in the ass.”
“We still share the same blood.”
He sighed.
“Do this for me. I need help. And I want to help out Hank with babysitting Joey, but he doesn’t want Beatriz around.”
“And for good reason,” he said sarcastically.
“Tony, she’s our family and we need to get her back on her feet.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “She used to be so mean to you, Janet. Teasing you about your weight, pulling pranks on you during your birthday parties, spreading rumors about you at school…she’s lucky you’re so forgiving.”
My sister was a piece of work. If we weren’t related, I would have decked her a long time ago. “She would do the same for me.”
He chuckled. “Let’s just pretend that’s true.”
“So, you will?”
“Yeah,” he said with a sigh.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“So, are you seeing anyone?”
Tony shrugged. “I’ve been talking to this girl named Jasmine.”
“You like her?”
“I guess.”
“That sounds like a firm no.”
He laughed. “It’s just hard to meet girls.”
“In bars,” I said sarcastically. “The quality of their personalities dilutes substantially.”
Tony smiled. “You have a point.”
“How about an online dating website?”
He grimaced. “Only weirdos use that.”
“Well, I have a lot of friends from high school that would love the opportunity.”
“I’ll pass,” he said. “Any cute girls at the office?”
“I work with a bunch of men.”
“Damn,” he said. “Why couldn’t you have been a supermodel instead?”
I laughed. “That’s a career I would have chosen if I had the looks.”