"What I mean is, I've got two younger brothers. Neither of them is married yet. Down the road, they're going to need that money a lot more than we do. If we try to claim a share, it'll probably cause a rift."
It hit me all at once, and I let out a quiet, bitter laugh at myself.
He thought I was talking about his family's old house being demolished.
Of course. I'd given him too much credit.
"So that's your final answer? You really don't want any of it?"
I asked one more time. He wore the same long-suffering expression, like he was the one making some grand sacrifice. Like he owed his family a debt he could never repay.
Never mind that it was always his family showing up to take advantage of us and my parents.
"Fine," I said. "If you say we don't need it, then we don't need it."
He nodded, visibly relieved. A smug little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Exactly. Family comes first. No amount of money is worth ruining that."
I turned and walked toward the bedroom. I didn't want to look at his face for another second.
I didn't answer him. Just shut the door behind me.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand.
A text from my mom.
"How'd the talk with Clement go? House or cash?"
"Your brother says if you want a unit, just come back and take your pick."
I stared at the screen, thinking about how my two brothers had let me have first choice of everything for as long as I could remember. The best snacks. The best toys. Even later, when it came time for college, the laptop that was supposed to go to Derek went to me instead.
And now, with the demolition, they were doing it all over again.
I typed my reply.
"Mom, we don't want anything."
Her response came almost instantly.
"Absolutely not. You and Clement aren't exactly rolling in money either."
"Tell you what — I'll set the money aside for you. Whenever you need it, just say the word and I'll send it over."
I'd known she would say that.
There was no way to refuse, so I sent back a simple "Okay."
Mom followed up with another message right away.
[By the way, when are you and Clement coming home for dinner?]
[How about the day after tomorrow? Your brothers are both coming back from out of town.]
[It's been so long since we've all gotten together.]
She was right. Before I knew it, nearly half a year had passed since our last visit.
I was about to say yes when Clement pushed the door open and walked in.