Page 10 of Fierce-Baker

“Good lord,” Brittany said. “Dad put that money in Mom’s retirement fund.”

His shoulders sagged with something of relief.

Yep, his father was a lying, cheating dick, but maybe he cared for his wife in his own odd way. Or it was guilt.

Probably guilt.

“You’re positive about that?”

“Yes,” Brittany said. “You know Dad lets me know what is going on with their investments. He can retire in two years, but said he doesn’t plan on it. He likes his job but might cut back to three days a week.”

Which could still be full-time hours. “Mom would love that.”

“I’m more worried about Mom right now. She gets this way. She’s all paranoid he’s found someone else and he’s going to leave her.”

“She should leave him first,” he snarled.

“I’ve said it as much as you, but it’s not going to happen. I don’t think Dad will leave Mom either. He’s taken advantage of her for years and now it’s probably more companionship for them both.”

“Their life, their marriage.”

“That’s what I said. But Dad is taking care of Mom. I’m not sure if he’s making sure I know so I don’t hate him as much when he does this shit all the time, but Mom is listed everywhere on all their investments and he even set one up for her fifteen years ago. It’s just got her name on it. He’s been putting ten thousand in it every year and forgot for a few years. He put fifty in this time to cover it.”

“For his penance,” he said.

“Most likely. Sorry she ruined your day.”

“She didn’t. Just winds me up for a few minutes. She won’t bug me now for weeks after that.”

“She won’t call, but she’ll text,” Brittany said, a laugh bubbling out. “The same with me. I told her about Emme.”

“Who is Emme?”

“My girlfriend. She just moved in last week.”

“Be careful.”

Brittany let out an exaggerated sigh. “Thank you for asking about Emme. She’s really sweet. She’s a middle school teacher and lived in the same complex as me.”

“Then why did she have to move in with you?”

“No one is taking advantage of me, Baker. I get it. It happened to you. I’ve witnessed just as much shit as you have, but I go into relationships with my eyes open. Both our names are on the lease, we are splitting all the costs. She wanted that as much as me. I’m good.”

At least one of them was. “How long have you been dating? You haven’t said a word.”

“Eight months. I haven’t said anything to anyone until I knew it was going somewhere.”

“And Mom got mad?”

“You know she thinks I’m going through a phase. So yeah, now she won’t bug me for a bit.”

He laughed. “Well, if you’re happy, then I’m happy. I mean it.”

“I am. Maybe if you get some vacation time, you can take a trip and visit and meet her. Or I can come see you?”

“I’ll let you know. It’d be nice to see you at least.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Brittany said. “Baker?”