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Kell Eden stared backat him, equally stunned. The cases slipped from Kell's hand and dropped back onto theground.

"What areyoudoing here?"both of them said in unison. Kell stared at him for a moment before quickly averting his gaze. Parker frowned. He didn't let it show, but he was flustered. Why was Kell Eden at his apartment? The one guy in school with real talent. The only guy he was interested in. It was like he'd summoned himhere.

Christ,why the hell was Kell so shy? The guy was looking around like he was expecting a camera crew to pop out and tell him he was being pranked. It was frustrating, but at the same time, Parker found it strangely... cute? Hewasreally attractive, with soft hazel eyes and a bright, curious face. But it was Kell's art that really attracted Parker. Despite his mild-mannered exterior, Parker could see the passion burning inside him through his artwork. Kell's work spoke more about his personality, his emotions, hissoulthan any words could. Except for his latest project. That one really was garbage, compared to his otherwork.

"Ilive here,"Kellmuttered.

Parker blinked."I've never seen you around herebefore."

"Ijust moved in yesterday,"replied Kell, still looking like he was expecting to be told he was being pranked. "Why are you here,anyway?"

"Ilive here, too,"Parker replied flatly. Kell stared at him, looking horrified. "I guess we're neighbors," Parkersaid.

Kell quickly scoopedup the portfolio cases from the ground. "Yeah, I guess so," he said. He didn't look well. "Uh, I should get going. Bye." He hurried past Parker and disappeared around the corner. Parker stood there, absorbing what'd just happened. What was hisproblem?

Neighbors.

Weird.

He openedthe door to the apartment and was greeted by Nate, who came sprinting at him holding a toy spaceship. "Uncle Parker!" he squealed. "Vrroooooom. Pshaowpshaow!"

"Whoa,"Parker said, allowing a smile to cross his lips. "Hey, kid. What're youplaying?"

"This is another planet,"Nate explained. "I'm finding aliens. Swishhhhh!" He arced the ship through the air and ran through the living room, hopping up onto thecouch.

William peekedhis head out from the kitchen. "Hey, Parker." His brother eyed him, looking to his expression for good or bad news. Then he smiled, sadly. He could see it in Parker's face. "It didn't gowell."

Parker shookhis head and sat down at the table. "No."

"Ijust made some food.Want some? Something tells me you didn't stick around to eat with Mom andDad."

He chuckled."Nope. I got the hell out of there as soon as they started talking their nonsense. I'mstarving."

"Nate! Dinner."

The three ofthem sat around the table, quietly eating the roasted chicken breast and broccoli that William had made. Nate's spaceship sat next to his plate, and every so often he picked it up and flew itaround.

"So, what happened?"Williamasked.

Parker sighed.He'd been going over in his mind how to break the news to William and had not been able to think of any easy way to say it. "Mom and Dad are cutting me off,too."

"Oh my god. Seriously?"

"Yep.They don't like that I'm helping you. They said, as soon as I stop I can have access to the trust again. So I told them to get f-u-c-k-e-d."

"Jesus,Parker. You shouldn't have done that... You've already done enough for us. Way more than I could ever expect. That's... that's yourinheritance."

"That'sourinheritance,and it means nothing if we can't share it. Anyway, if Mom and Dad are going to use family money to try and wedge us apart, then I want no part in it. I've got no need for it. My future hasn'tchanged."

William shookhis head in disbelief. "I never thought they'd go this far just to punishme."

"You don't deserve this, William,"Parker said. "Neither does Nate. We're family. I'm going to stick by you, no matter what happens.Okay?"

William smiled sadly. "Thanks, Parker."

"We'll get Nate into preschool."

"You've had enough responsibility,"said William. "I'll start looking for work, rightaway."