Page 39 of The Woodcarver's Model
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Mitch stood in the kitchen making coffee. Whenever Kevin was around, which was far more often than he’d admitted to Rob, Mitch felt awkward, like he was in someone else’s home. Kevin had always treated Mitch like he was being allowed to stay here out of his older brother’s generosity. In his head, Mitch could almost hear his brother’s voice. “As the oldest, I should have been the one to inherit the house when that old bitch died! What did you do to brainwash her into hating me so much? And now you bring Rob into the picture, by sleeping with him. Is this some warped fantasy on your part?”
“Coffee ready yet, sunshine?” Kevin said, walking into the kitchen. Mitch jumped, spilling coffee grounds on the floor. “Come on, you gotta learn to keep a cleaner house if you’re planning on keeping Mr Hanson happy.”
“I didn’t hear you come in.” Mitch got down on his knees and swept up the grounds.
“Take it easy. I was only joking.”
“Yeah.”
“Look, we’ve gotta have a talk before Prince Charming gets up. Brother to brother.”
“Sure.”
Kevin led Mitch out onto the porch and closed the door.
“I just want to give you a heads-up as to what you’re getting yourself into here,” Kevin said, putting his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I’m just trying to look out for you. That’s what a big brother does.”
“Okay.”
“I care about you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Sure.” Mitch remained reserved.
“So, you know I wouldn’t bullshit you, right?”
“Sure.”
“I tell the truth cuz you’re my brother and I love you, and the truth is…you can’t trust that guy.”
Mitch’s face turned hot as he said, “No! You don’t understand.”
Kevin grabbed his brother by both shoulders. “No—I do understand. I’ve been there. I’ve seen him in action, and he can’t be trusted. Before you say anything, I want you to think about it. Does he ever just dance around questions you have about him?”
“No, he’s a very open person.”
“Yeah, like when you asked him last night about his trip to Gabriola?” Mitch just stared at him. “Has he ever fooled around with another guy and just brushed it off, blaming it on the booze?” Kevin waited for a moment to give him time to think. “Has he ever offered to pay for things since he’s been here?”
“He buys food sometimes…”
“Sometimes? Don’t you see what’s happening here? It’s a pattern. He’s using you like he used me in university. I spent most of my money covering his bar and restaurant tab. He has no money, so he trades his looks for room and board.”
“No! That’s not him. He’s a writer, and a good one. He writes books that are sold—”
Kevin interrupted. “Do you realise that the average writer in this country makes less than ten thousand a year? Why the hell do you think I bailed on the business? Writing’s for suckers. Hanson’s nothing more than a middle-aged hustler and you’re his john, and the sooner you realise that, the better off you’ll be. Hopefully you’ll wise up before he’s finished draining you of everything you’ve got and dumps you for a younger guy with more to offer.”
Mitch ran inside. He needed to make coffee before Rob got up. Needed? No. Wanted! He wasn’t going to be manipulated by his brother. Mitch slammed around in the kitchen, putting out the coffee mugs, creamer and sugar. He stood there and stared at them, trying to calm the storm in his head. A hand on his shoulder startled him and, without thought, he spun around, hand balled into a fist ready to drill it into… Rob stood there, his face the picture of shock and fear.
“What happened? Are you all right?” Rob asked with concern.
Mitch was shaking. He threw his arms around Rob. “I am so sorry. I don’t know what that was all about. You just startled me. That’s all.”
Staring into Rob’s eyes, and safely in his arms, Mitch felt himself begin to relax. He sank down onto a kitchen bar stool.
“What happened?” Rob asked.
It was as if Rob had hypnotised him and he couldn’t tell a lie. “I had a fight with Kevin. It happens every time he comes for a visit.”
