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She shook it, then took a step back

"Well" I cleared my throat "I’m the eldest son"

Dad nodded and sat down on one of the white leather couches in the corner

"And Max inherited the coreat job, by the way" I winked at Max He gave er behind our dad’s back while Jordan choked on what I assu she’d tilted back both hers and Max’s

Max’s eyes narrowed into slits "Reid, what are you doing?"

"And I kno ie is for this coround up The good Emory name is known around the world Because of you I don’t think"--I wiped a fake tear--"I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you"

"Shit," Max muttered under his breath, then spread his arms wide "Papa, we’re so proud"

It was on

"But"--I forced two real tears downIAnd as the eldest I just, I don’t know, I thought, doesn’t it look bad that the youngest is running the co ainst my chest "It kills me that I’m considered the disappointment"

"Son!" My dad stood and walked over to me, arms open "You could never be a disappointment"

I put my fist into my mouth and let out a hoarse cry, the type that appears to be so painful you don’t want to make an audible sound "Oh, but I am And I justI just wish I could make you proud"

"Son, you make me proud"

I nodded wordlessly "Can I be honest?"

"Of course!" Honest-to-God tears started to fill his eyes Did I feel guilty? Maybe a little, but would it be worth it in order to destroy ettingin this family andI just, I just wish I could be first"

"Uh" Max charged toward us, a small bead of sweat pooled around his left temple "But Reid, you don’t have any prospects, and coe Since when have you cared about e is the most sacred of all bonds!"

I nodded and wrapped my arm around my father "It is, oh, but it is"

I could have sworn in that moment Max had a silent panic attack, where the insides scream but nobody can hear you but you

His eyes frantically darted left to right and then zeroed in on me, his face impassive other than a set irl into the farabbed his shoulder and squeezed tightly