“Dead serious, Ara.”
“Not even in high school?”
“He didn’t go to prom. He’s never dated a girl longer than a minute, and I can’t even remember the last time that was. It’s been forever. I was starting to lose hope.”
My brows knit together.
“He’s amazing, and no one sees it because he’s always working, or with me and Beetle.”
“He loves his job. And you guys are important to him.” Erin lets out a long exhale and stares up at the sky. “He shouldn’t have to fill the role of the person who walked out on us.”
“I’m sure Glitch doesn’t do anything without wanting to do it with his whole heart. It’s obvious he loves you both a lot.”
“He does. But he needs a life.” She glances behind her. Through the window, we can both see them playing the video game. “He had a full scholarship to MIT. Got his degree and, in full Glitch-the-control-freak fashion, he turned down every job offer and stayed back to be with us. Opened his computer shop instead of moving onto bigger, better things.”
“Maybe he considers what he’s built bigger and better. I can’t imagine him working an office job. Or answering to someone else.”
“You’ve got that right.” Erin shakes her head, sighing. “By the time Beetle was four, Glitch expanded his store and created a sanctuary for kids to go to after school. He even has tutors set up to help some of them who are struggling with certain subjects.”
“Wow.”
“He didn’t tell you any of that?”
I shake my head. “We’re still pretty new with each other.”
“Not that new. You’re the one he plays with online, right? With Trey?”
I nod. I can’t believe she knew that. It makes me feel warm inside that Glitch might have mentioned me to Erin, even when we were virtually nothing.
“He probably wouldn’t have bragged about his accomplishments to you. He sucks at talking about himself. My brother is all about lifting others up. It’s his method of coping, I think. At least, that’s what his therapist said back when I would make him go when he was in high school.”
I don’t doubt it. “He’s an amazing guy.”
“Yeah, he is. So please don’t break his heart.” Erin heads inside, coming back out with two glasses of water a moment later. “Anyways…” She hands one over. “Sometimes I think he wishes he’d been the oldest so he could take care of me. I know he stuck around because he felt indebted. I wish he wouldn’t, though.”
“You wish he hadn’t stuck around?”
Erin shakes her head. “Feel indebted.”
“You had to grow up fast. I’m sure he wishes it was different for you too.”
Erin shrugs. “We made the best of a terrible thing. Can’t do any more than that. Getting pregnant with Beetle put a wrinkle in my life plans, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. Instead of college, I got to keep this house, which I love, and I used the money set for my education to put towards raising my son. Glitch’s portion of the college fund was used to build his business since he had a full ride to college.”
I’m not at all surprised he got a full ride to MIT. “He’s a genius.”
“Totally.” Erin fidgets as she watches them through the window. “I think his college years were his best and worst years, to be honest. He hated being away from me and Beetle. Came home as often as possible to help me. But he met guys there who are still his friends, and I’m forever grateful for Trey. He’s great at getting Glitch to step out of his comfort zone.”
I’m grateful for Trey too.
“Glitch stuck close to home after graduation and is a huge part of Beetle’s life.” She eyes me up. “Are you a fan of kids?”
“Love them.” And I do. “My mom was an art teacher.”
“Sweet!” Erin chugs her glass of water. “I miss getting drunk.”
“I wouldn’t want a hangover with a kid around.”
“He’s so loud. Why are boys so loud?”
Glitch pokes his head out from the sliding glass door. “What are you two talking about?”
Erin rolls her eyes. “You, asshole.”
He stomps into the backyard and tips my chair back to kiss me upside down. “How drunk are the two of you?”
“Not even a little,” I say.
“Can you help us?”
I stand up. “Yeah, sure, with what?”