Jake said, “About what?”
“You finding out.”
She continued. “I’ve been meeting Ryan here sometimes because it’s public. He’s trying to get his life together.”
“For how long?”
“Three months.”
Jake closed his eyes.
“He is sober.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
“You thought you knew him before.”
Megan’s face crumpled slightly. “I know.”
That was the first time she looked less defensive.
She said, “He’s different.”
Jake shook his head. “I’ve heard that sentence before.”
“So have I.”
“Then why are we doing this again?”
“Because he’s my brother.”
Jake looked furious. “He stole from us.”
“He’s sorry.”
“He lied to your face while you defended him.”
“I know.”
“What else don’t I know, Megan?”
Megan hesitated. “Well, I gave him some money, and I’m prepping him for an interview.”
“How much have you given him?”
“Maybe $2,000.”
Jake actually stepped backward.
“Two thousand dollars?”
“Over three months.”
“From which account?”
“My personal account.”
“We are married.”
“It’s money from my paycheck.”
“And you hid it.”
Megan’s voice sharpened. “Because I knew you would say no.”
Jake said, “That should have told you something.”
She looked close to tears. “He needs my help.”
She added, “Ryan has an interview next week. A real one. He hasn’t had a proper job in over a year. I was helping him prepare.”
