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Chapter 1

Brendan O’Neal

“When aer, and neither am I,” my mother, Colleen, says For what feels like the hundredth tilasses and rub my temples This woman is certifiable At least once a week, she co district, where the rent is a steal When I was just a start-up, every dih I can afford to move now, I do not think I will until I expand I love the place I can’t believe she schlepps all this way just to berate me about children She sits across from me in the leather chairs opposite le at twenty-nine Like twenty-nine is old—it is tiring The only thing I have ever been able to make a decision on is to focus on school instead of woin, it isn’t like I a for a woman So far, it has worked out well for me

“Ma, please I do not have time for this,” I say exasperatedly This is the exact same conversation I have had with her a hteen She is diabolical really “Will you let it go?” I ask, putting h I know it is pointless even to ask her that

“No, Brendan, I absolutely will not It is randchildren,” she continues I have heard it all froets on a roll, but I truly do not have tiree in software engineering and video gan in three short years and un the design phase of , and it’s the nule Teens love it for several reasons but the main one is that it has a social ame on the market Parents love it because it’s a historically accurate interactive learning ga It’s the best of both worlds I a the end of aThey really want it, so they are offeringthe opportunity to design several future gaame and this deal for months now The finish line is just ahead I can’t wait to s

“No, Morandchildren What if I can’t even have thely

“Then you can get a new, capable wife,” she says casually

“You’re joking, right?” I question,like that

“Of course, I a married before you My ridiculous sister, your Aunt Rachel, is lording it overShe is unbearable,” she whines That’s the pot calling the kettle black for sure

“Moht noill be all done with this deal on Tuesday, and Sam’s bachelor party is next weekend I promise after that I will find a wife and knock her up immediately Will that be acceptable for you?” I ask wryly She stands up and grabs her giant purse, all huffy Thank fuck my father, James, will be the one that has to deal with that They live in Brooklyn, whereas I live in Manhattan at the fah rise located at 425 Madison Ave in Central Midtown I recently caht an apartment on the twenty-seventh floor There was sorandfather fro no other children, they left everything to me in a trust I could not touch until I enty-five I used the money to buyStudio My goal is to be the largest gao, but I will get there

“I know you are just trying to get rid ofto hold you to that Make your little deal, and I see you for dinner on Saturday,” she says, breezing out like she was never even here

I have been so busy ork and this deal that I have barely slept, let alone even thought about a woirl? One I can’t live without at that? Shaking my head, I clear ht now