“Uh huh. Interesting to know that you have the same philosophy on relationships as a nineteen-year-old college freshman…” Trick observes.
“Inaccurate,” I say, and take a sip of beer. “I’ve been burned by bad relationships before, as you guys know. So, I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Also inaccurate,” Nolan pipes up. “Not trying to be a dick, Molly, but you always date assholes.”
“Which is why we want to meet this guy. To rate how much of an asshole he is.”
“Weird. Because you two don’t look like my parents, and yet…”
“We love you, Molls. We’re the brothers you never asked for.” Trick smiles.
“And, unlike your parents, we won’t make you do tons of shit for us,” Nick mumbles, but I hear it.
“Yea, well...about that...I forgot my phone yesterday morning, so Ev found my to-do list and checked off every item before I made it back home with bagels. He hired a plumber, a babysitter, and a dog-walking service for my various relatives, all before noon on a Sunday.”
Trick still looks skeptical. “Ok, so the man can check items off a list. Good news. But it doesn’t mean he’s not an asshole.”
“True, but he’s actually not,” Nick admits.
That’s apparently good enough for Nolan, who makes his way back into the kitchen. But Trick needs more convincing.
“You’ve met him, Nicky?”
“Yea, and he’s a good guy. He’s actually Elaine’s brother, so we can easily track him down if he tries to cross state lines with her purse.”
“Oh, my God. You guys are never going to let that go, are you?”
“Hell no! What was that fucker’s name?”
“Kyle,” Nick supplies.
“Yeah, fucking Kyle. I knew that guy was a tool the first time you brought him in here.” Trick shakes his head.
“He was an ass,” I agree. “Still, I never thought he’d steal from me.”
“That’s why you need to bring these guys in, so we can grill them,” Trick explains.
“Good job. I brought Kyle here and look how that turned out.”
“That’s before I knew how truly awful your taste in men is. Now, I know we need to run background checks on every guy you date.”
“Ugh.”
“C’mon, Molls, you know you love us.” Nick smiles.
And I do love them. They’re the best guys I know. The issue is that I’m feeling a certain type of way about Ev these days, and I need to shut that shit down before it gets out of hand. If I don’t, it’s just going to end badly—all of my relationships do. And my parents’ relationship track records are pretty terrible, too. It must be in the genes.
“More power to you, man,” I say to Gav, as he hops on the treadmill. We’ve been at his gym for an hour and half and sweat is dripping off me. I’m heading for the showers, but he’s still at it.
He smiles and nods. “See you Wednesday?”
“Sounds good.” And it does. I definitely need to get back into a regular workout routine, although the quality workout time I’ve been indulging in with Molly has been pretty spectacular. What’s also spectacular is Stella and Molly’s cooking, so I need to make sure I keep some kind of fitness discipline while I’m here in Maryland.
After I shower and dress—in my new jeans and t-shirt, thank you very much—I take a minute to check my messages. I have a few work emails, and I don’t feel an ounce of guilt for passing those along to Nate. He’s been reveling in the responsibilities I’ve been throwing his way. There’s an email from Jason, my lawyer, so I take a moment to read it over.
Ev,
Just wanted to touch base and let you know that the lakefront property you and Victoria jointly own has been listed on the market, as we agreed at the settlement meeting. I spoke with the realtor, and there will be a showing this week. I’m hoping that’s successful, so we can get this last detail squared away.
