Chapter 15 - They Came to My Office With an Offer
Six months after I came home, Eric and Mom appeared at my office.
Together.
My assistant looked nervous.
"Should I tell them you're busy?"
I considered it.
"No."
They entered.
Eric wore a button-down shirt.
Mom carried a folder.
Nobody cried.
Promising start.
Eric placed the folder on my desk.
"We have an offer."
I raised an eyebrow.
"For what?"
"The commercial parcel."
One of the remaining Mercer Family Holdings assets.
A developer wanted it.
The offer was substantial.
More than expected.
"And?"
Eric looked at Mom.
Mom stayed silent.
Another promising sign.
Eric continued.
"I think we should sell."
"Why?"
"Clear the remaining secured debt. Reserve taxes. Put the rest into professionally managed accounts."
I leaned back.
"Who told you to say that?"
"My financial counselor."
I laughed.
"Okay."
He smiled.
"I figured you'd say that."
The proposed structure was sensible.
Independent manager.
Dual approvals.
No personal borrowing.
Transparent statements.
I signed after Rebecca reviewed it.
Eric didn't receive a giant check.
Neither did I.
The proceeds stabilized the remaining assets and resolved obligations.
Boring.
Responsible.
Perfect.
Before leaving, Mom lingered.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Thanksgiving."
I waited.
"Would you come?"
Two years earlier, I would have heard obligation in the question.
Now I heard uncertainty.
"Who's cooking?"
"Me."
"Then maybe."
She laughed.
"I deserved that."
Eric opened the door.
Then turned.
"I can cook."
Mom and I stared at him.
"What?"
"I've been learning."
"Frozen pizza doesn't count."
"That happened once."
"It became charcoal."
He pointed at me.
"You're never letting that go?"
"Never."
He smiled.
And for a second, I saw my little brother.
Not the man who stole my signature.
The boy who used to follow me around asking why bridges didn't fall down.
Both versions were real.
Healing required remembering that without confusing memory with permission.
They left.
My assistant stepped inside.
"Everything okay?"
I looked at the folder.
"Yeah."
And surprisingly—
May you like
it was.
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