Page 4 of I Knew He Was Trouble
I can nearly see the eye roll she perfected as a pre-teen. “I need you to watch Evie for a little bit.”
Maybe it wasn’t that big of a favor after all. “You know I’m happy to hang out with her.”
I’ve always looked out for my sister, but I’ve tried to help as much as possible over the past four years after her scumbag of an ex-husband cheated on her and gave up all parental rights to move to Berlin with his assistant.
Evie needs a male figure in her life to look up to, and I’m happy to fill that role.
“Just remember those happy thoughts when I tell you the rest.”
The rest? The rest of what? My fingers grip the steering wheel. What did I just get myself into?
I try to remain calm while I wait for her to explain herteeny-tinyfavor and what the rest of it entails.
“I have a great opportunity at work that I can’t pass up. They picked me to travel with our team to Africa to open a medical center. Isn’t that crazy? Who would’ve thought we’d have two people in our family working in the medical field?”
I press my lips together, keeping myself from saying something stupid about how I went through four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, and three years of a pediatric residency to get to where I am in my career. She works for a nonprofit organization. It’s noble work, and I’m proud ofher. But saying we both work in the medical field is like saying apples and oranges are the same thing.
I feel like I’m walking into a trap, but I trudge forward anyway. “You know I don’t mind helping out when it comes to Evie.”
“That’s a relief because I already registered you as the person who will pick her up from school for the next three months.” Tess’s words come out so quickly that it takes me a minute to piece together everything she just said.
“Threemonths?” I bellow, rubbing my temple. “I can’t pick her up from school, Tess. I have work.”
“Yes, yes,” she drones. “I already know you’re afancydoctor.”
“Hey, you’re the one who’s going to help open amedicalcenter.”
She scoffs. “I’m trying to make a difference in the world.”
“And I’m helping kids, one virus and ear infection at a time.” I clear my throat. “We’re getting off track. What’s this about three months?”
“I was hoping you would forget that part,” Tess muttered. After a long moment, she continues talking. “My assignment in Africa is for three months. I know you work full-time, but you’re my only option. Maybe Nadine can watch her after school at the reception desk? If it was summer, I would send Evie with Mom and Dad on their travels, but she’s already started kindergarten and needs stability. And with Julian out of the picture—”
The second she mentions her ex, my protective mode kicks in. “I’ll figure it out. You don’t need to worry about Evie. Focus on your job, and I’ll figure everything out.”
Her sigh of relief travels through the phone. “You’re the best.”
“It’s not a big deal. Are you okay with leaving Evie for that long? I don’t think you’ve left her for more than a week.”
The phone sounds muffled, as if Tess is trying to hide her emotion. “It’sbecauseof Evie that I’m willing to leave her for so long. My company is giving me a huge bonus for going at the lastminute. It’s the kind of money I need to set us up for the future, to feel a little more secure since Julian left.”
“You know you never have to worry about money.” I worked throughout my years of schooling and got every scholarship I could so that I’d be set up well when I started my career. But I’d give my sister and Evie every last penny in my bank account if it meant she didn’t have to worry. “I can help—”
“You can stop right there.” She cuts me off like she always does when I offer to help her financially. “I have to do this for myself. To prove to myself that I can take care of us.” She sounds resolute, so I decide not to push the issue.
I wish I could do more for my sister, but I can worry about that later. “Evie and I will have a great time.”
“I owe you big time. She’ll be so excited. I’ll pack all her favorite clothes and things, and we’ll be there Sunday.”
“Sunday?” I choke. “Like three days from now?”
“Did I forget to mention that?” She hums. “You’re the best brother ever. Thank you, love you, byeee.”
The call clicks. I sit in silence as I park in the spot in front of my house.
I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s springing this massive favor on me at the last minute. Tess knows I’d do anything for her. That doesn’t mean I’m not freaking out, though. Thankfully, I know how to care for a five-year-old girl. I’m a pediatrician, after all. Plus, I’ve watched her for a weekend before, but I have a feeling three months will be a whole different ball game.
When I get out of the car, I’m relieved to see that my neighbor Kelsey’s vehicle is gone. Normally, I can match Kelsey’s obstinate personality and take her on in a battle of wits and words, but I’m not sure I can manage a run-in with her right now.
