Page 14 of Damien
They’d want him to be happy.
But I keep that thought to myself.
Of course Margo doesn’t. “They’d probably tell you that life is short and make every moment count. You of all people should know that. They were the most supportive parents I knew.”
True.
Vince continues to stare at the ceiling but doesn’t say anything.
“Seriously, Vince, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I know Syd loves her independence and wants to do things on her own, so will she look at it as charity if I offer her a place to live?”
“Uh, I don’t think she’d view it as charity.”
“You don’t know Sydney. She’d want to pay her way. But we don’t even have a monthly mortgage to contribute to. I’m sure in her crazy, independent mind, she’d view it as charity.”
“She can pitch in for groceries and utilities?” I offer as a suggestion, though it comes out as a question.
“How serious are you two?” Margo asks with curiosity.
“I’m planning to propose after graduation,” Vince shockingly admits.
“Does she know this?” I blurt out before I can filter my thoughts. This is the first I’ve heard of his plan. But when I think about it, I’m not that surprised.
“She might have a clue I plan to marry her someday, but nothing specific.” He shrugs as if it’s not a big deal.
“Wow. This is huge,” Margo draws out, then looks to me with a goofy grin on her face. “Our Vinnie is in love.”
“Yes, he is,” he deadpans.
“So, what’s the problem? If you’re planning on proposing, why wouldn’t you ask her to live with you?”
“Like I said, Syd’s stubbornly independent. She’s managing to pay for school without taking out any loans until next year. She wants to do it on her own, ya know?”
“I wish I didn’t have to take out loans,” Margo moans. “At the rate I’m going, I’ll likely be paying mine off until the day I die.” Margo’s attending a private school and majoring in pre-law. She still has to get into law school, so I’m sure the loans are astronomical. “Why don’t you ask her in a way that will let her know you’re not dishing out charity? From what I’ve seen, she’s a great girl for you, Vince.”
“She’s the one for me… but now that I know you’re okay with this, Van, when the time is right, I’ll ask. Her lease runs through the end of July, so if she doesn’t like my offer, she still has time to find another roommate.” He shakes his head as he continues to stare at the ceiling as if he’ll magically find the answers there.
“As happy as I am for Chloe graduating early, it’s gotta be hard for Syd to consider moving in with a practical stranger.”
“Don’t even get me started on that,” Vince grumbles.
“Maybe she’s looking elsewhere because you haven’t let her know she has other options,” Margo suggests.
Vince’s eyes dart to hers. “God, I’m so stupid. I haven’t even thought of it that way. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do. Then I didn’t want to stand in her way once she started looking for the perfect place to live.”
“Vince,” I start but wait until his eyes find mine before continuing, “the only way you’ll know what’s going on in that head of hers is if you talk with her. Have an honest conversation and stop acting like you have to be the one to solve all the problems of the world. I love you, but you’re totally overthinking this.”
Vince remains quiet for a moment, then doubt fills his features. “What if moving in together ruins everything?”
My brother is strong, fiercely protective, and usually confident, but the look of doubt on his face almost breaks my heart.
“Then it wasn’t meant to be,” Margo interjects before I can open my mouth to speak.
“She’s right.” I shrug in agreement. But my tone is sympathetic as I finish my thought, “You already spend practically every night together. Talk to her. I’m sure you’ll work it out. Worst case—she has to get a roommate. Best case—for you—she’ll move in. Time will tell what’s meant to be.”
Sighing heavily, Vince concedes, “When did you get to be so smart?”
