Six | Fat Cheques

JADE.

My schedule was free this Tuesday, thanks to Marcus declining my participation in his debut commercial.

I decided to use this opportunity to visit my sister Meredith at the spa where she worked.

I could have helped my sister financially so she wouldn't have to work, but she wanted to be independent and take care of herself, with a little help now and then, like the big tips I'd give her after her pedicure services.

Every Tuesday, when my schedule allowed, I made it a point to meet her there so we could catch up and gossip.

As I settled into the cozy spa chair, Meredith got to work.

Her skilled hands moved deftly, and we chatted about everything under the sun.

This particular Tuesday was no exception.

After filling her in on the latest, Meredith's eyes widened in surprise. "So, Rebecca has two sons? Two Sebastians?" she asked herself, clearly stunned.

I nodded, and we both fell silent for a moment, digesting the information. Then, I spoke up. "You know, I've been doing some digging, and it seems like there's not much out there about this story. I bet they've paid to keep it under wraps." Meredith's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in closer.

I pulled out my phone and started reading from Wikipedia. "Check this out: 'Marcus Price was released from jail in February 2016, after serving his time. His dad, Ezekiel Price, took him on a bonding trip, but it ended in tragedy when Ezekiel was fatally shot by an unknown assailant. Marcus vanished from public view after the funeral and hasn't been seen since.'"

"Assault and drug possession isn't really a pretty record, Jade. Sebastian knows why he told you to keep your distance."

I nodded in agreement. "I know that it isn't pretty."

Meredith raised an eyebrow. "Then what were you thinking, considering doing an ad for him?" She paused, eyeing me curiously.

I let out a deep sigh, ready to share my thoughts.

I glanced around, ensuring we were alone, which we were, thanks to the private service.

"Sebastian has shared a ton of stories about his family with me - the funny moments, the embarrassing ones, everything. But here's the thing: he's never, ever mentioned having a brother. Not once. It's like he's erased his brother's existence entirely, and I still can't wrap my head around it."

Meredith offered a thoughtful perspective. "Maybe it's just too sensitive a topic for him to discuss."

My head bobbed up and down, "That explains why he never wanted to show me any of his family albums. There's some major tension between those two, probably haven't spoken in ages. And like I told you earlier, Sebastian fought with me just because I was googling his brother, so I doubted he'd tell me anything, but maybe Marcus would, that was why I needed to see him again and ask him. Just two brothers bickering over something dumb, right? I could smooth things over. You know, finally show Rebecca I'm serious about her family."

Meredith's face contorted into a thundercloud. Her disgust practically radiated off her.

I squirmed under her gaze, cheeks burning.

Here I was every Tuesday, pouring my heart out about Rebecca's constant jabs, and now I was resorting to these underhanded tactics?

But if it meant peace and quiet, no more name-calling, and maybe even Rebecca laying off my back, it might be worth it.

Suddenly, Meredith shot up, her stunning features twisted in fury. "How. The Hell. Did I not know you were this stupid?!" Her voice boomed, laced with disbelief.

"Well, I figured if I could get the brothers to make up..."

"Because she can't handle it herself?"

"Exactly.. No, wait, that's not what I mean-"

"You mean," she interrupted, her voice flat, "this whole plan was a colossal disaster waiting to happen. That woman is basically a real-life Ursula! Jade, you could donate your two kidneys to her, and offer to throw in your liver, lungs, and heart for good measure, and she'd still find a reason to hate you. What were you even thinking?"

"Nothing, Meredith! I was desperate, ok? I'm just sick and tired of that woman hating my guts for no reason! Just a few days ago, she brought Yvette fucking Briggs into my home! A freaking goddess might I add! And while that model gets to call that woman by her name, I'm stuck with 'Madam Price'! I'm tired of all the bickering, Meredith. I'm so fucking tired! Why can't she just like me?!"

By the time I finished speaking, tears were streaming down my face, and I buried it in my palms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Meredith swiftly sat down beside me and wrapped me in a warm, comforting hug. She let me sob away, staining her shirt with my ruined eyeliner.

Once I finally stopped, she handed me some tissues, and I blew my nose.

"I've been trying to stay strong for two whole years, but honestly, I'm exhausted," I confessed, my voice shaking.

Meredith held my face, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding.

"First of all, let's get one thing straight – the only goddess in that family right now is you, and thank goodness you're real!" She said with a chuckle. "No sister of mine is going to compare herself to some perfect-body-wannabe, a'ight?" she emphasized, her words laced with a hint of humor and reassurance.

I nodded, a small smile spreading across my face as I gazed at Meredith's supportive expression.

She continued, "And secondly, I get that you're exhausted from being Rebecca's target of hate, but girl, you don't have to prove yourself by sticking your nose all up in her business. Just don't. Whether she likes it or not, her son chose you, and that's final. She can be starting a fucking war if she wants, but her son wants you and only you. No Barbie bitch is going to change that, too. If Sebastian weren't a smart man, Jade, he wouldn't be the most valued asset in the business world right now. Don't underestimate your husband like that. Damn!"

A full grin spread across my face, and I sniffled, "It's always great to get a pedicure."

Meredith handed me another tissue.

"Now, you mentioned you had a petty fight? How long has it been since you two had sex?"

I stared at my sister with soggy eyes and pouty lips.

"Three days ago."

Immediately, she closed her pedicure tools, took away the footrest, and dramatically dismissed me, saying, "I'm done with my service for today. Thank you for coming. That'll be a hundred dollars. Fat cheques accepted."

I gripped her in a hug, whispering, "I love you."

She sang back, "I love you too. Don't forget my tip."

"Oh damn," I admitted, "I totally forgot. The thing is, Sebastian's sister, Fiona, recently bought a car in Paris after her friends dared her to make a record-breaking transaction. Usually, when a purchase that large and unusual is made, the account is blocked for security measures. She kind of crossed the limit or something."

"Ugh. Rotten like her mother. So you have no money on you?"

I shook my head. "I've used up all the notes too." And she opened her arms for a hug, saying, "I'll pardon you only this time. Now go and prove to your husband why you're the only one that matters."

I left the spa feeling as lightheaded as ever.

That night, Sebastian spoke openly about Marcus, explaining why he hated him so much. It was right then that I realized he wasn't the good guy.

***