Page 75 of Not Safe For Work

“Then why wouldn’t you tell her about paying for school? Why keep it all a secret?”

“Because I didn’t want to give her a reason to not take this opportunity. I didn’t want her to feel like a burden.”

“And by not telling her, that’s exactly how she feels, Gav.”

“Shit.” There’s nothing else for me to say because Kadesha’s right. I let my head fall back against the couch. “I really am an asshole.”

“You’re not an asshole.”

I scoff.

“Can I ask you something?” she says.

“Of course.”

“Do you think of Gabby as your sister or your kid?”

“What? What kind of question is that? Of course she’s my sister.”

“I know. But you’ve also been like a dad to her for a long time. When we first met, she told me you raised her.”

“Well, someone had to. Gabby was only four when mom died. Our dad was pretty useless after that, but he left for good when she was ten. Was I not supposed to take care of us?”

“Please don’t get defensive.” Kadesha reaches for my hands between us. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever actually told you how amazing of a brother you are. You’re a superhero.” My throat feels tight, like there’s something lodged in there. Maybe it’s guilt, or just exhaustion. “Gabby loves you for stepping into that role when she needed you, but I think she was hoping that you’d see her as more of an equal now.”

That guts me. Because we are equals. Gabby’s smarter than I’ll ever be. Which is why I’ve been so adamant about her following her dreams. I hate that there’s any scenario where she doesn’t see that.

“I have to run,” Kadesha interrupts my thoughts. “I’ll talk to her, okay? Just don’t stop reaching out. She’s upset right now, but she would never want you out of her life. I think it would kill her if she actually thought you wouldn’t be there for her.”

“Okay. I will.”

I send the first message as soon as I get home.

Me:

Let me know when you’re free to talk. I’ll meet you wherever you want

Another day passes with no response. How long is Gabby planning to freeze me out? I work from home on Tuesday just hoping Gabby might show up to the apartment.

Olivia Diamond:

Where have you been? My desk feels lonely

Me:

Sorry, beautiful. It’s a crazy week

Do you mind asking Eddie to join your meeting tomorrow? I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it

Olivia Diamond:

Oh sure. Is everything ok?

Fuck. I know I need to talk to Liv, explain what’s going on. I’m just not ready. I reply with a thumbs up and click over to my thread with Gabby to try again. I refuse to let her ignore me for another twenty-four hours.

Me:

I need you to know how bad I feel about this. I was an idiot, and I should have been honest with you from the start. I just wanted to take care of you Gabs

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