Average Jane

by Kristin Coley

  “Oh, yes.” He gave a wink at my eager reply. We strolled into a corner office that I could only assume now belonged to Michael considering the sweeping views of the Mississippi River and his familiarity with it. Our nemesis was perched on the edge of the desk, her skirt riding up suggestively. It appeared she was fishing to have both of the brothers under her belt. Her expression faltered for a heartbeat as she saw me, but she quickly corrected.

  “Michael! So glad you could finally join me. And June, was it? Are you here for a little tour?”

  “Actually, to witness a dressing down,” I responded with the same fake laugh she’d given me. I went to the window to take in the view as Michael stepped forward.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you today, Audra. You’ve made yourself at home, I see.”

  She was unsettled by our attitudes, but carried on as if she was in control.

  “Yes, I’ll be working in here from now on.”

  “Oh, you will?”

  “Yes.” I glanced over to watch her straighten up. She’d apparently forgotten my presence already. “Your parents have put me in charge of the buyout.” She tilted her head up arrogantly and I laughed under my breath. She was in for a rude awakening. “They feel you’ve been distracted and aren’t doing the job to the standard they expect.”

  “Really?” Michael moved around her, forcing her to adjust to keep him in her line of sight. “That’s rather an unexpectedly bold move for people that no longer control their own company and are obviously unaware this company is no longer for sale.”

  “What?” Her voice was tremulous as Michael prowled closer. She quickly realized she was no longer in control of the situation and never had been.

  “Oh, you didn’t know?” He smiled baring his teeth. “Ian and I bought the company yesterday. It’s really a terrible tragedy for our parents. You see their company is on the verge of bankruptcy and only this buyout….” He circled his finger in the air. “Would have saved them.” He gave an exaggerated wince. “But you see, I couldn’t allow them to succeed, not knowing what I know now.” He stepped into her space, forcing her to lean back, her breathing unsteady.

  “I hope you invested the money they gave you to abort my niece or nephew wisely. Because you will soon be out of a job and I’ve already insured that you will never find employment in your field. I do believe you’ll be lucky to find a job flipping burgers by this point.” He reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear and she flinched.

  “Ahh, I must have misread your signals,” he remarked, stepping back as he gave her a dismissive onceover. “Can’t say I would have bothered. Leftovers and all.”

  “You can’t do this.” She said desperately.

  “Can’t I?” He gazed around the room. “Because it appears I already have.”

  “I made a youthful mistake. I shouldn’t have to pay for it my entire life. I’m excellent at my job. You could use me here.” She pleaded, but Michael’s face was stone cold as he shook his head.

  “I think not.” He stood there, cool as could be, one hand in his pocket and looking like a GQ model as he meticulously destroyed her life. “You see, you have a proven track record of negotiating bad deals. For instance, going to our parents when you realized you didn’t want to be pregnant, that it would ruin your life to have a child at that age.” The horror on her face made it clear he’d dug up quite a bit of information on her. “Yes, old text messages can come back to haunt you. You purposely went to them in the hopes they would offer you money to abort the child. You’d seen how they were when you’d visited with Ian. So you went to them and they did offer you money. Quite a nice sum, more than enough to ease any qualms you may have had. And more than enough to forget any love you may have born for my brother.” He sneered as she sniffled, his normally light eyes dark as he glared at her. “Your first mistake, and you’ve made quite a few, was not taking into consideration Ian and I. You see, you made a bad deal. You didn’t wish to be a mum and I wouldn’t blame you for that fact alone, but you sought to profit off your accident, if it was an accident at all.” He gave her a knowing look and she blanched. “You took the first offer. A mark of a poor negotiator. You see if you had gone to Ian and explained that you weren’t ready to be a mum, and he’d come to me, we would have paid you twice as much not to have an abortion. To simply sign away your rights to the child when it was born.”

  “But you don’t have money.” She stammered, shaking her head violently.

  “A common misconception perpetrated by our parents.” He told her with a baleful look. “We actually have far more money than they do. It’s rather crass to speak of one’s wealth, but I’ll make an exception this go around. Our grandparents weren’t overly fond of their own offspring so when it came time to will away their considerable estates they placed it in trust funds for their beloved grandsons.” He smiled as she sank down into a chair. “Our trust came to us when we turned twenty-one. Ian wanted me to meet you. He wished my approval before asking your hand in marriage. I must say, I’m rather grateful for the fact that he won’t be tied to you for eternity, but you still stole something from us.” His voice dropped and I shuddered at the threat in his voice even when it wasn’t directed at me. “Family. And for that you will pay.”

  “No, no. Please. I was young. I made a mistake. Your parents convinced me it was the best thing.” Fat tears rolled down her cheeks and my teeth clenched as I realized she was a pretty crier too.

  “I’m afraid you don’t get to plead when you realize you’ve made a bad bargain. A weak position is never a good place to begin a negotiation, my dear. I could really care less for your reasons nor do I wish to hear your sniveling voice any longer.”

  Her innocent expression changed dramatically as he ignored her pleading. In its place was a cunning look as she straightened.

  “You’ll regret this, Michael Wright.” Her eyes flickered to me and I saw the burning rage she felt at being bested. “And you…do you really believe they could care for such a pathetic child as you? They’ll throw you away in a heartbeat.” Michael stepped between us, breaking her view of me.

  “You don’t speak to her.”

  She laughed manically, gesturing wildly.

  “Oh, yes, let us bow to Lord Michael. You control everything. Even Ian. He needed your permission to ask me to marry him.” She hissed angrily. “He held you on a pedestal even as your parents mocked him for not being you. He adored you. Michael this and Michael that. He even wanted to name our unborn child after you. It was pathetic and I would have aborted for no other reason than that.” She tilted her head, an ugly smile transforming her face when Michael seized her arms. “You say I’m a poor negotiator but I was still successful in getting what I wanted. Torturing Ian was a side benefit.”

  Michael was seconds away from losing it when I gripped his arm. The tendons stood out even through the sleeve of his jacket, the muscle was so tightly drawn.

  “Let her go.” I told him, refusing to release him as I saw his locked jaw.

  “Yes, listen to your little Jane. Wouldn’t want to have charges pressed for assault would you?” Her taunting voice only seemed to enrage him further, forcing me to wiggle my way between them.

  “Jane, move.”

  “No, Michael. It’s my turn.”

  I shoved my hands against her shoulders, breaking Michael’s grip in surprise as she fell back into the chair. A second later the only sound was the reverberation from a resounding slap. The bright red mark stood out against her white skin as I leaned down over her.

  “You are nothing. You came from nothing, you have nothing, and you will return to nothing. No one cares about you. You had everything in the palm of your hand and you threw it away for a few lousy dollars. You hurt a good man, damaged a relationship, and when that wasn’t enough…you came back for more. But let me explain something to you. You can’t destroy them. You can’t break them. They will forever be better than you, and if their happiness comes at the expense of yours…I’m good wit
h that. In fact I relish it.” I stood back up and cocked my eyebrow. “And yes, I know they care for me. You see, you get what you give and there are no better people on earth than the Wright brothers. So, bitch, remember that when you’re sleeping on someone’s couch and walking to your job.”

  She stood up shakily, her earlier venom rapidly disappearing in the face of our united front.

  “I’ll make you pay for this. I swear.” Her voice wavered unsteadily as she backed away from us.

  “Empty threats are unbecoming.” Michael commented, his expression disinterested. She pushed through the door and tried to slam it shut, but the door wouldn’t allow it and the entire floor heard her shriek of frustration as she stormed off.

  “Thank you.” Michael’s voice was quiet and I glanced at him inquiringly. His smile was rueful as he tucked his hands into his pants pockets and rocked back. “It’s rare when I lose control. You kept me from acting regrettably.”

  “She would have deserved it.”

  “Yes, but it would not have served us well.”

  “At least she’s gone.” I muttered, the day’s revelations weighing heavily on me.

  “I’m not one to condone keeping secrets from loved ones, but in this instance….” He met my gaze and I nodded. “Perhaps Ian doesn’t need to know all of the details revealed today.”

  I didn’t relish lying to him, but I also didn’t believe in hurting him unnecessarily. Audra’s deceit could disappear with her. Ian needed to heal and rehashing the past would benefit no one.

  “Agreed. I don’t feel the need to ever speak of that wicked woman again.”

  “Then on to more pleasant topics.” He gestured to the hall. “Would you care for a tour of the building? It has quite a historic significance. Then a light lunch before we head to Tulane for a second tour.”

  I laughed lightly at how he slipped in the news we were going on yet another tour. “A second tour? Didn’t we see everything yesterday?”

  “The dean is personally escorting us today. I also arranged for another of Loyola since they were the best options.” I gave an exaggerated sigh as I looped my arm in his.

  “You are determined, aren’t you?”

  “Faint of heart never won fair lady. I’ve yet to lose what I set my mind to.”

  “I’m trembling in my heels. Which by the way, we will be stopping by the hotel so I can put on sneakers if we’re going to be walking.”

  “As you wish.”

  It was after eleven when I finished my shower. Michael had kept us busy all day with tours, but it had proved valuable since I’d decided Tulane was the best choice. It had a larger campus with a more diverse student body which I found invigorating. I knew Ian would as well.

  Michael had insisted on a late dinner after we finished and successfully managed to keep me distracted all day. I’d managed a few quick texts with Ian, but he was equally as busy in London. He had sent pictures of the sights, mostly taken from inside a car, but it was still thrilling to see. The idea that I might one day get to take in those same sights with him sent a spark of joy through me.

  I missed his devilish half grins and double entendres. I even missed Buster’s booming voice demanding I try again when I thought I couldn’t take another step much less throw a punch to bring him down.

  We’d built something here, a family unit of sorts, and without them we were incomplete. Their absence had shown me more clearly than anything how important we were to one another. Leaving at the end of the summer had ceased to be an option for me. It would be like trying to drive a car that had a missing wheel. It was hopeless.

  The living room was empty when I came back from the bedroom. I glanced around, surprised Michael wasn’t there. It was unusual for him to go to bed before any of us. He usually waited to say goodnight before retiring.

  An orange glow from the balcony caught my attention. I wandered over to see Michael leaning against the railing, the cigarette on his lips glowing a deep red as he inhaled. He glanced over as I stepped out and moved to put out his cigarette.

  “Its fine,” I told him, the scent of tobacco drifting to me in the warm air. “I don’t mind. My grandfather smoked for years.” I chuckled. “It brings back good memories of him.”

  “Nasty habit. One I keep telling myself I’ll quit.” He held the cigarette up. “So far I have not.” He took a drag as he stared off into the distance.

  “My grandfather was in his eighties when he finally quit.”

  “So there’s hope for me yet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.”

  An easy silence settled between us as the raucous sounds of the French Quarter at night flowed around us.

  “I never thought I’d consider any place home other than London. Everywhere I’ve traveled over the years was nothing more than a temporary destination. A job to do and then home again. But this city….it digs deep. Pulls you in with her grace, her liveliness, her defiant nature.”

  “That’s quite a compliment.” A flash of white revealed his smile.

  “You mean from my original assessment that it was a cesspool that would benefit from a thorough cleaning?”

  “Well, yes.”

  “Perhaps it’s what I’ve found here that improves its stature in my mind.”

  “What have you found?”

  “Something I believed I’d lost forever.” It was too dark to read his expression but I felt his eyes rest on my face. “My brother. The laughing boy from my childhood, the one I’d lost to grief without ever realizing.” He took a quick drag from his cigarette before putting it out. “I don’t know if I can ever adequately thank you for that.”

  “It’s not necessary.”

  “Yes, you wouldn’t think so. But I know differently. I will forever regret not recognizing my brother’s antics were a product of grief. You healed him and in doing so brought us closer together.”

  “You’ve always been together. As much as I hate to bring her up, Audra was correct about one thing. He does adore you. He looks up to you.”

  “Idolizes me, you mean?” The words were bitter. “A man who couldn’t recognize grief and pain. What kind of brother does that make me?”

  “A human one?” I brushed his sleeve. “You still took care of him. Even when you didn’t understand why he did it, you protected him. Cut yourself some slack, Michael. You’re not perfect. I know that may come as a shock to you, but it’s true.”

  A harsh laugh escaped him and he shook his head.

  “You do know how to deflate an ego.”

  “Maybe, but I do know this. I don’t think there’s a better brother in all the world than you, Michael Wright.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek and squeezed his hand. His next words caused me to pause in the doorway.

  “Ian is a lucky bastard. He couldn’t have found a more perfect match than you.” He sighed wearily. “You’ve made us whole again.”

  “Are you happy?” I asked curiously, trying to find the source of his discontent.

  He gave a startled look.

  “Yes, why do you ask?”

  I shrugged, and not sure if he could see the movement, said, “You seem out of sorts. I thought you’d be happy after this morning’s confrontation with Audra, but you seem melancholy instead.”

  “Your skills of observation continually take me by surprise.”

  “Thanks?”

  He chuckled, “It was a compliment. But to answer your question. I’m quite happy. In fact I don’t remember the last time I’ve felt so content with my life. I think you’ve taken my evening’s contemplation for unhappiness, but I assure you it isn’t the case at all.”

  “You’re sure? You’re not lonely, are you?”

  “Quite the opposite. I’ve found a glut of companionship lately between you, Ian, and Buster. It’s been rather overwhelming.”

  I laughed, leaning against the doorframe.

  “Now, I know you’re joking.”

  “But I’m not. Not really. I’m…how to put this?”
He snorted lightly. “This place, you, Ian, you’re family and I feel at home here. A feeling I’d almost forgotten. So, you must give me leeway to grow accustomed to the unfamiliar sensation.”

  “Then I’ll leave you to it. Goodnight, Michael.”

  “Goodnight, Jane. Sleep well.”

  The next morning we rose early, eager to get to the airport, and met Ian and Buster’s flight. They’d taken the red eye the night before and should be landing within the hour. I bounced in my seat, my eyes focused on the doors to see them when they came out. We’d parked in a space clearly marked NO PARKING ANYTIME, but the one person who’d come to tell us to move had quickly backed away when he’d seen Michael. When I’d asked him how everyone seemed to know him he’d only shrugged and I’d dropped it, not really certain I wanted the answer.

  “So eager to see Ian?” He asked, indicating my jumpiness.

  “Actually, I can’t wait to see Buster so he can drive us home.” I answered, punching him lightly on the shoulder.

  “You wound me. I thought you’d rather come to enjoy our exhilarating rides together.”

  “Yes, nothing thrills me more than defying death on a daily basis.” I deadpanned as he roared with laughter. A minute later I spotted Buster’s head above the crowd and hopped out of the car, waving my hand like mad.

  “Over here!”

  “For goodness sake, put your hand down.” Michael tugged on my arm and gave a piercing two part whistle that froze the streaming crowd of people. Buster’s head immediately turned toward us and he plowed through the mass, parting them like the Red Sea. When they’d gotten close I ran to Ian and threw my arms around him.

  “Love.” He groaned, squeezing me tightly. “I missed you.”

  “It’s only been two days, brother. You sound like a love sick swan.” Michael clapped him on the back with a grin, and Ian pulled him into our hug to Michael’s displeasure.

  “This won’t do.” I heard Buster mutter, and suddenly we were engulfed as he wrapped his massive arms around us. “Much better.”

  After a few minutes I thought I might smother and started to wiggle.