An Unlucky Few

I was four years old when Daddy and Momma brought Nathan into the world. I knew the second I walked into the hospital room he was trouble, just by the way Momma gazed at him. Like he hung the moon. Or shit gold. Not like he’d crawled out of some hole. But I was a good little princess and played nice.

Momma clung to the wormlike creature in her arms. “Noelle will have to share my attention now, Steven. Do you suppose she’ll handle it like a big girl?”

Daddy patted my shoulder. “Sure she will. Some extra time with me down at the dealership is the ticket, right, Princess?”

I was seven years old when Daddy and Momma brought Nicky into the world. I knew the second I walked into the hospital room he would be my ally, just by the way Momma’s attention flew to Nathan. Like he carved the Rockies. Or sneezed diamonds. So I was a good little princess and held Nicky close while Momma fussed over Nathan.

Daddy bent over us after Momma plopped Nicky in my lap. “See that little face there, Princess? Doesn’t that look like a car selling face?”

Momma huffed. “Steven, why does Nathan have chocolate all over his face and pants? Good lord, I can’t imagine what the nurses thought out there.”

I was twelve years old the first time an adult confirmed my suspicions about Nathan. I knew the teachers were talking in hushed tones because they didn’t want others to overhear, but I was keen. Daddy said my hearing likened a long-eared owl. So when I heard Nathan’s name spoken, I slowed my pace and tiptoed. 

“He’s just awful. You can’t believe a thing that comes out of his mouth. Like a politician in a second grader’s body,” Miss Jackson said. 

Mrs. Garcia swatted at her shoulder. “Lib, be careful what you say! Remember, he’s Steven Thomas’s son. This may be a small town, but being the mayor’s son still holds leverage.”

“But, seriously, you don’t see the irony in the mayor’s son lying like Pinocchio? His nose could reach Texas.”

I was nineteen years old when they honored Nicky for selling the most fruit during the fundraiser for new bleachers in the school gymnasium. I knew most college students my age were spending their spring breaks on a beach somewhere, but I wanted to cheer on Nicky. Daddy said he’d show me how to handle the books at the dealership, too, so I’d be prepared for my internship that summer.

Nearly the whole town showed up for the dedication, so we were jam-packed into the bleachers. With the room’s humidity quickly rising, the principal’s cheeks flushed crimson. “Congratulations, Nicholas Thomas, our top seller! Please help me welcome him to the stage so he can check out his brand new bike.”

The stuffiness didn’t stop Momma from swaying and bumping everyone, trying to find Nathan in the crowd. “Steven, do you see Nathan? Why isn’t he seated with his classmates?”

Daddy poked my side. “Look at our little salesman, Princess. He’s going to make a hell of an addition at the dealership someday.”

I was twenty-eight years old when Momma threw Nathan a going away party. I knew he wouldn’t be gone for long. Daddy had gotten him a six-week long internship at a law firm in the city. Nathan hadn’t lasted more than a semester at community college and he was adrift, so Daddy was trying to brick a path for him. 

Daddy raised a beer to toast, and everyone stopped to listen. “We’re so proud of you, son. Represent us well.”

Momma beamed. “You’re going to do great, Nathan, honey. Rumor has it Clarkson Beaufort is a client of Harper and Clines. You know who Clarkson is, don’t you? An extremely successful rancher. The paper last estimated he owned close to 75,000 acres. You’ll be rubbing elbows with some pretty important people.”

“Yeah and then in six quick weeks he’ll be right back here, taking cash out of Daddy’s safe at the dealership, because he still doesn’t have an actual job,” Nicky whispered in my ear. “While you and I bust our asses to keep it afloat.”

I was thirty-five years old when Nicky married Hazel. I knew Hazel was his perfect match from the moment I met her. Like Brussels sprouts and butter, they complimented each other well. They held the wedding reception at the fellowship hall in town, where a multitude of family and friends helped them celebrate.

Hazel’s father twirled her around the dance floor to an old country song while Momma gabbed with some of Hazel’s relatives. “Our Nathan is getting married in just two months, too. I guess this is our year of weddings. Nathan and his fiancée decided on a venue in the city. She’s from humble beginnings. Her daddy’s only a family doctor, so we offered to split the bill. They were just thrilled their little girl had found a nice boy from a respectable family.”

To relieve my beer bladder, I slipped into the restroom. A couple of wedding guests entered while I was mid pee. “I heard Nathan’s being sued again. Think Daddy Thomas will make it disappear again? What a swindle.”

“You’d think his reputation would precede him by now,” another voice echoed. “Spot me some lip gloss? That liar can’t be trusted with two nickels.”

I was forty years old when Nathan inherited 50,000 acres of land. I knew Clarkson Beaufort had qualms with his family, because the newspapers said so, but I didn’t realize Nathan had wiggled into his inner circle. Suddenly, the brother who’d never held a job in his life could afford life’s luxuries. And he started wearing a cowboy hat. 

Nicky and I sat across from Daddy in his office like a newlywed couple, poised to write a check for a minivan. “Nathan has worked hard. This fell into his lap, so we’re going to support him. That being said, he won’t be working here anymore.”

Nicky laughed, but no humor presided in any hemisphere of his face. “Nathan’s worked hard? Nathan? You know, I always believed you, Dad. Work hard and amazing things will happen. I bust my ass here, selling cars.” He stormed toward the door. “Don’t insult me by saying that bastard won’t be working here anymore.”

I was forty-three years old when Nathan married for the second time. I knew the invitation was a formality, because Nathan hadn’t talked to Nicky or me in two years. Life was too busy schmoozing and screwing more important people and he couldn’t care less how Daddy’s dealership was handling the recession. But James and I agreed taking the girls to Aspen would be a nice vacation.

Nicky bounced his youngest on his knee as Nathan pushed Momma around the dance floor. “Think he was at least smart enough to get a prenup this time around?” A spotlight stalked the two dancing opalescent figures, afraid to plunge them into darkness. “I heard he’s deep in trouble with a few guys from California. Wonder how long it’ll take him to figure out Daddy’s name won’t save him so far from home.”

I smiled. “Maybe he’ll end up in a hole.”