Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Cash
When my brother, Cullen, and I were teenagers—see also: young and dumb—we used to call Thursday nights Friday Eve. That’s because we were always up for a good time. Life stretched ahead of us like one long optimistic set of priorities: Baseball. Girls. School.
Pretty much in that order.
Of course, Cullen would swear he’s much happier, settled down now and married to the love of his life, Lauren. He’s got a thirty-year mortgage, a 401K, and a brand-new baby coming next month. As for me, I haven’t had a serious relationship since my broken engagement, I rent a one-bedroom apartment, and my current Friday Eves consist of doing laundry in the basement.
But hey. At least my job’s going well. Which is exactly why my lack of love life doesn’t matter.
Tossing my full basket of clothes into the washer, I load up the detergent dispenser, and set the temperature to hot.
I’ve got thirty minutes to kill before switching my stuff to the dryer, so instead of heading back upstairs—to my very empty place—I drop into a rickety folding chair to text Jason .
I need to update him on my work week, but it’s too loud in here to call. Then maybe I’ll text Cullen to make some plans that bear little resemblance to our Friday Eves of the past.
Plans like going to the gym on Saturday.
The Briggs brothers.
Just living the dream.
Me
Hey, Jason. Not sure if you’ve seen the latest POs I sent over, but Dr. Hanson’s already used our stuff for three cases at Springs Memorial this week, and I’m making inroads with Dr. Arnold there, too.
He hasn’t officially booked anything yet, but I’ve been talking with his PA about our systems.
Jason’s response is faster than immediate. The guy practically has his phone sewed to his fingers.
Jason
Is his PA still Sandra Fulsome?
Me
Yeah. I told her I live in Serendipity Springs now, and she’s really into it. Town spirit and all that. Gives me an edge over Alex, I think. Proximity to the hospital’s a bonus too.
Jason
As long as you can keep up with the new business. Otherwise I can put feelers out, maybe move someone over into your territory from Boston. Or get you an assistant on the company dime, if you’re worried about splitting commission.
Me
It’s not about that. I’m telling you, I’ve got this. Just let me prove it to you.
Jason
Easy, tiger. People will start to think you’re after my job.
Me
Never, man. I can’t replace you. But if you want to take over as regional manager out in LA, I’ll be your number one rep. We’ll dominate the West Coast. What do you say to a little sand? Surf? Sun?
Jason
I say my wife would kill me if she knew we’d ever talked about moving to California. Delete this thread immediately. Then blow up your phone.
Me
Heh. This device will self-destruct in ten minutes.
Jason
Good man.
All right. I guess that went okay. As far as Jason’s concerned, I’ve got the business end of my life well in hand. Because I do. And let’s face it: mindset’s half the battle. As long as I believe I’m thriving, that will be my reality.
Now to convince Cullen I’m fine on my own, so he stops trying to set me up with Lauren’s single friends.
Me
Hey, Brother. How about we meet up for a workout this weekend? We can come back here afterward and hang out a bit. It’s been a while since we lifted together, and you haven’t even seen my new place yet.
Cullen
Sure thing. I think Lauren’s got pregnant yoga on Saturday, or something like that.
Me
Hot.
Cullen
Dude. Not hot yoga. It’s for women who are with child.
Me
You get jokes.
Cullen
I used to. When you said stuff that was actually funny. What are you up to right now.
Me
Just crushing life. And by that, I mean doing laundry. In the basement. And yes, it’s as glamorous as it sounds.
Cullen
Speaking of glamorous, have you met any new lady-friend prospects in your building?
Me
Lady-friend prospects?
Cullen
The Serendipity is supposed to be the love shack, right? Like that song Mom always used to sing. Everybody moving. Everybody grooving. You got any moving and grooving going on there yet?
Me
I don’t think Mom had any idea those lyrics are about a hookup joint. And I’m so not interested in that. This building is more about … actual romance. Also not interested.
Cullen
But what if love came bang-bang-banging on your door?
Me
You’re not going to change my mind by quoting the B52s. Badly. Just let me be single, all right? One of us Briggs needs to represent bachelorhood. Might as well be me. I’m the only one left.
Cullen
You’re breaking my heart, Bro.
Me
Don’t feel bad for me, man. I’m all good. No woman, no cry.
Cullen
Now who’s quoting songs badly?
Me
I’ll see you Saturday.
Cullen
Okay. I can take a hint. I’ll leave you alone, baby brother. But I hope you and your dryer sheets have a really satisfying night.
Me
Was that supposed to be dirty? Because if so, you’re losing your touch.
Cullen
The fact that your mind went there is the real problem.
Me
My mind went nowhere. Now go tell your wife she married a ridiculous man. And tell that baby girl of yours Uncle Cash loves her already.