Whoa. I may need to ask him to say that again and put it in an official record to prove to my mum and siblings that he’s not a robot. He expressed an emotion! One, singular. But still.
“I like the job,” I say, but it’s weak. “Well, I like the law. I hate working here. I hate this job. And of course, I did this for you. When I told you in high school that I was contemplating going into law, you were the most excited I’d seen in … probably my whole childhood. You said you always thought Parker would’ve gone down that route, and you’re always on Rachel’s case about getting a good job.”
“You know why I was excited when you chose law? Because I could at least talk to one of my kids about something. I don’t know my own bloody children, because I … I don’t know much outside of the law. I don’t know how to be a husband or a father. I can’t understand Rachel’s need for danger or Parker’s need to travel and not lay down roots. I don’t need to tell you I don’t understand the gay thing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t support you. Any of you. I may not understand your brother and sister, but I support all of you.”
If Rachel and Parker were here, they’d probably think he’s full of shit. They don’t believe anything out his mouth. With me, I have the same problem I’ve always had with this man. I want to believe him so bad I ignore the simplest of things. Like, why can’t he just tell us what he’s thinking? Why push and be mad if we don’t follow his advice? Why be a cold asshole?
“It wouldn’t hurt for you to let us know that every now and then,” I say. “Both Parker and Rachel think you have absolutely no interest in their lives unless it’s to tell them what to do. They see you as some rich guy who believes money fixes everything. You act like you’re the one with the money, so you think you can dictate our lives. And honestly? I sometimes see their point. Like, with my apartment. Did you really buy that for me as a graduation present, or was it because I’d done exactly as you suggested and was coming to work for you?”
“I did that because you deserved it.”
“You didn’t buy Parker anything when he graduated with his BA in engineering.”
“He didn’t even tell me he was graduating. I got a call the week before he left for overseas. I asked to see him, and he rejected me. He said he didn’t have time with all the packing and planning.”
“There are ways you can learn to understand,” I say. “You can talk to us. Talk to Rachel about her need to be a hero. Call Parker and ask about his life. Ask me about my life as a gay man.”
“You’re the only one who’s willing to talk to me about anything.”
“But that’s the problem, Dad. When the others don’t talk about what you want to talk about, you write them off, and it makes them think you don’t care.”
“Of course, I care. You’re my children.”
That might be the first time I’ve ever heard him say he cares. I want to scream Then act like it! But I don’t.
“How about this: You make a dinner reservation at Videre next week. I’ll drag Rachel out, and you can ask us about the stuff you don’t understand. If you truly care, you’ll make the effort to get to know who we are, not who you want us to be. All we’ve ever wanted from you is to try.”
Dad breaks into a small, weary smile. “That, I can do.”
“Good.” I stand. “And now that’s settled, I need to leave. I would give you two weeks’ notice, but I’m no doubt going to be fired after I just called my client a rapist and a spoiled shithead to his face. So, uh, have fun cleaning that one up for me.” I try to escape, but his authoritative voice stops me.
“Brody.”
I freeze and brace myself for yelling.
When I turn my head and look at him over my shoulder, he says, “I’m proud of you. Even if you called your client a rapist to his face. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished and how established you are already. If you want help finding a new job, I have endless connections.”
Totally not what I was expecting, but I’ll take it. “Thanks, but I’m thinking something along the lines of pro bono work or Legal Aid.”
Dad shudders. “Good luck to you.”
I huff a laugh. “Thought so.”
“Guess you and Rachel have the same save-the-world attitude.”
I smile proudly. “Guess so.”
27
Anderson
Law knocks on my bedroom door, and I can’t help thinking Here comes round four hundred and fifty-two of why I should give Brody a chance.