“Is there something I can do?” I asked. My parents weren’t easy, but that didn’t mean I didn’t love them or wouldn’t want to help them in a time of need.
My father shook his head. “You’re a big help at the office.”
“Do we need to make changes at home? Maybe move your master bedroom downstairs?” I asked, knowing his mobility would slowly get worse.
“I don’t want to talk about this at dinner,” my mother said in a clipped tone.
Bri rolled her eyes, but thankfully didn’t respond.
I blew out a breath. “Okay. Well, then I’ll let you know that I’m moving out this weekend.”
“Why?” Bri pouted. “It’s more fun with you here.”
“I’m buying a place on Central Park West.”
“You don’t like it here?” my mother asked.
“Mom.” Bri couldn’t hide her annoyance. “How is it he’s old enough to get married, but not old enough to have his own place. In fact, it might improve his chances to get married if he moved out.”
“I don’t need your help,” I said to Bri. “I’m not trying to escape; I’m just wanting my own space.”
“We have plenty of space here.”
I wondered if my mother wanted me here because she loved me or because she wanted to keep me under the family rule.
The rest of the dinner went about the same. After dinner, I met with Bri to talk about the club plans, and then she headed out to see her friends. Back in my own room, I continued to work until deciding to get some sleep.
Once in bed, I remembered what my sister said about having my own place improving my prospects with women. I wondered if I’d convince Serena to see me at my new place and if so, would she stay the night?
Deciding to ask, I called her up.
“Hello?”
“You picked up.” It was the first time since my parents’ party I’d called or texted her and got a response. “That’s a good sign. Is it too late to call?”
“I’m just having a glass of wine and reading.”
That was something she could do at my place. “How busy this weekend are you?”
“Pretty busy, why?”
I couldn’t help but wonder if that was true. It seemed to be her standard answer. “I’m buying a place and thought you could come over and help me christen it.”
“I’m sorry. That sounds like it would be fun.” Her voice was quiet, which made me wonder if she had a roommate she was trying not to wake.
“If you come over, it would prove my sister right,” I said.
“About what?”
“My love life would improve.”
“Love life?”
Ah shit, maybe I shouldn’t have said love. “You know. My time with the ladies.”
“Ladies?”
“You, Serena. Maybe I’d get more time with you.”