Chapter 2

"That fitting problem you couldn't solve, I tracked it down. The error here never cleared. Look."

Brent's eyes lit up.

"Perfect! Let's do it your way, run the fit again!"

"Brent—"

I reached out to stop her.

Gladys pressed my hand down.

"Meryl, we've got something really important to work through. Whatever you want to say, save it until we're done."

"Leave her. Come here."

Brent shut the study door from the inside.

I heard the lock click home.

I stood frozen in the doorway.

But Brent.

You told me this was our love nest.

That passcode, 5203344.

A secret only you and I knew.

I drew a deep breath.

I forced the tears back down.

It's fine.

Anyway.

I'm not getting married.

I turned around.

But the study door opened from the inside.

"Meryl, Gladys and I are probably going to be at this all night.

"Go make two cups of coffee.

"Gladys's should be hot, with two sugar cubes."

And with that.

Brent moved to close the door.

The way he had countless times before.

He simply assumed I wouldn't refuse.

"Brent."

I called after him. "I'm going to bed."

He paused.

"You can't just make the coffee first, then sleep?"

"No."

I grew up hearing stories about the two of them, the child prodigies.

Even my parents used to say:

"When Gladys and Brent are talking things over, don't go hovering around them.

"If you can lend a small hand, lend a small hand.

"Once they've made something of themselves, maybe they'll bring you along too!"

And so.

They talked on the road, and I walked behind carrying the bags.

They planned trips, and I booked the tickets a day ahead.

They discussed hydrology data at my own engagement party, and I was supposed to give up my seat too.

"Meryl, Brent and I really can't step away right now."

Gladys poked her head out.

"Just go make us two cups, please, I'm begging you~"

"No."

I swallowed.

Two refusals in a row, something I'd never done before.

My heart was pounding.

Gladys's smile froze.

Brent pulled the door open.

"Forget it. I'll do it."

As he passed me.

He dropped his gaze and swept his eyes over me.

Something dark and unreadable in them.

None of my business.

That's what I told myself.

I went into the bedroom and burrowed under the covers.

When I woke the next morning.

The two of them had already finished breakfast in the living room.

Only two plates on the table.

Clearly nothing had been set out for me.

"Nothing for me?"

I still couldn't stop myself from asking.

Because back when I was the one making the meals.

It had always been three portions.

Brent wiped his mouth.

"You want to eat, go make it yourself."

There was a trace of impatience in his voice.

And resentment.

What did he have to be angry about?

Then I saw the coffee cup knocked over beside the coffee machine.

And I understood.

All the appliances in the house were usually my job.

He'd fumbled it.

"What kind of attitude is that!"

Gladys rapped Brent on the head with her spoon.

She smiled at me.

"Brent didn't get his coffee last night and forced himself to stay up the whole time, so he's in a bad mood. I gave him a scolding for you!"

I said nothing.

Their breakfast was fried eggs.

And a glass of milk.

Much plainer than the meals I usually put together for them.

But also the easiest to copy.

Even so.

Brent had still left out my portion.