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“No. Absolutely not. Over my dead body. You’re not accepting that kind of money from him.”
“Why not?”
“Because I fucking said so.”
“You’re not the boss of me, Merc.”
“I’m responsible for you, kid. I made a promise to your mother, and I intend to keep it.”
“Our mother,” I correct him.
He doesn’t answer that.
“Okay, tensions are gettin’ kinda high, babe. Can we keep it down a little in front of Stanley?” Jack says, still swaying him from side to side.
Of course. Everything for Stanley. That kid has no idea how lucky he is. Great. I’m jealous of a baby, too.
“You can keep the ice time and whatever trinkets I’m sure you’ll convince him to lavish you with, but that’s it, Logan. You staying with Jack in New York isn’t a money thing nor is it negotiable. We can afford other housing for you, but I think it’s best you stay with him.” His eyes pan to Jack and it’s clear that the whole “we” thing in reference to money is new. Jack gives an encouraging smile. “You’re too young for money like that and I don’t want you on your own in such a big city.”
“I’m not a child, Mercy. I’m an adult.” I’ll be nineteen in a week, and even if that wasn’t the case, I’ve been looking after myself for a long time. Sometimes Mom, too.
He laughs. “Barely and you’re naïve as hell—with some things,” he adds, sensing I’m going to lambaste him. “This family doesn’t need Rhett’s money. I already told you that if you want extra on top of what Jack has—I meanwehave—already set up for you, then you can get another job.”
My heart squeezes.This family, he said. He included me in that, and I think he’s referring to this house specifically, which is even more special. I don’t want this feeling to end. The feeling ofwanted.
“I have to stay in the dorms first year,” I blurt out. “It’s mandatory.”
Merc’s mouth opens, but no sound comes out.
“It’s a lot of fucking money. Twenty-six thousand Canadian. At least let Rhett fund that. Please.” I clench my fists hard. Trouble. I’m trouble. I was wanted for half a second, but I’m quickly destroying that.
Merc spins so that he’s facing away from me, running a frustrated hand through his hair. So many knots tug in my chest that it aches. This has got to be the last straw for him. Jack’s gone still. Words are on the tip of his lips, but he hesitates.
“C-Can I work enough over the summer to make some of the money?”
“Some. Not all of it.” He takes a deep breath. “Did Mom know about this?”
I pick at my thumbnail. “Yeah. We had the money … she lost it.”
“Of course, she fucking did.” He finally spins to face me, glancing at Jack who nods. “Let’s see how much us Meyers can fundraise over the summer. But I’m not so proud that I’ll let you miss out on an opportunity like Columbia University. Whatever we don’t come up with, your fake boyfriend can contribute.”
Something fragile beats from my heart, resembling thin glass that could shatter with the slightest pressure. “Why would you guys do all that for me?” I say so softly, even I almost don’t hear myself.
But Merc does. “You’re family and we love you.”
I scowl. “How is that possible? You don’t know me.”
“We know you fine, and it’s how I operate, kid. Any other financial secrets you’re keeping?”
“No. It was just the one.” He’s already painfully aware that all I have to my name is my bike. “Any negotiation on the kind of work I can do to earn money over the summer?”
“Hate to break this to you, kid, but you were born into blue collar. That’s your entry point into the workforce. We start tomorrow. Be ready for ten am.”
Outwardly, I scowl, but my torn-up guts relax—he gives a fuck about me, he didn’t tell me to beat it. The balloon of tension in the room deflates, seeping out of the room.
“This is such bullshit. I’m not even a Meyer. How did I get lumped in with the rest of you?”
“Neither is Jack—yet—which is a wrong that needs righting.” And just like that, the attention’s off me and back to Jack. They smile at each other and do the dopey stare thing they do as if no one else in the world exists.
