Page 6 of Clear Shot

I’m probably a little spoiled. Between going to MIT for four years in college and now living and working in the US, Bratislava feels small.

Part of me feels guilty for thinking that way, but I have to be honest with myself, even if I don’t vocalize those feelings. I want more out of life. And if I’m continuing to be honest, I’m envious of my brother’s life. He plays professional hockey, with a beautiful wife and baby, in a big house with great friends. His life is essentially everything I want for myself, minus the hockey, of course.

The worst part, depending upon your perspective, is that he would give it to me. Not all of it, but I could live with him. He’s beyond generous with money, paying for my college expenses, giving me wonderful gifts and trips, and making my life so much better than it would be otherwise.

Except I don’t want my brother to take care of me.

I have a degree in information technology from MIT.

I should be able to support myself. Build my own life. Not count on my pro athlete big brother to take care of me.

But if I go back to Slovakia, I may not have a choice.

I pull into my brother’s driveway and take a moment to roll my shoulders.

It was a long drive from Philadelphia but I didn’t want to impose on Claudia’s parents any longer than necessary, and since I might only be in the country another four days, I might as well spend it with my brother and extended family.

Claudia is more like a sister than just a friend, and between her and Johan, and having a niece and godson here, Lauderdale has become my home. Maybe not literally, since I’ve never lived here, but this is where I would want to settle down.

I love the beach, the warm, steamy days, and even the impromptu rain showers. Hurricane season sounds less fun but I haven’t experienced one, so it’s hard to say.

“You’re here!” My sister-in-law, Sloane, meets me at the door with a big hug.

“Finally.” I hug her back. “It was a long drive but worth it to get here.”

“I know. Come on in. Johan put the chicken on the grill as soon as you texted that you were twenty minutes out. We’ll eat in ten.”

“Great. Let me use the bathroom and then I’ll go find my brother and my beautiful niece.” I make my way to the washroom, relieve my bladder, and wash my hands. It took me two days to drive down, my SUV packed to the gills with clothes and other things I’ve collected in the ten months since I moved here.

What a pain in the ass to ship it all back to Slovakia.

I’ll probably sell everything except my clothes and some picture frames. What would I do with my TV anyway since I would need a converter?

The stress of the situation weighs heavily on me as I pad out to the patio where Johan is at the grill.

“Hi!” He greets me with a friendly smile and holds out his arms.

I hug him tightly, so glad for our relationship. I couldn’t ask for a better brother.

“Thanks for letting me crash here until I can figure out what to do,” I whisper.

“Of course. And I have some suggestions for you.”

“Whatever they are, I don’t think there’s time,” I say sadly.

“Let’s sit down to eat and we can talk.” He turns back to the grill.

“All right. Let me see if I can help Sloane.”

“Everything is done,” he says. “Sit down and relax. We’re going to eat outside since it’s so nice out.”

“All right.” I sink into a chair by the pool and stare out at the aqua water. It’s a beautiful day, not as humid as it is in thesummer, the sun is low in the sky, and the temperature is warm but not uncomfortably so.

I really do love it here.

“Okay, we’re keeping it casual tonight,” Sloane says, coming out with a big bowl and putting it on the table. “Grilled chicken skewers, homemade potato salad, and corn on the cob on the grill. Sound good?”

“Sounds wonderful. Can I help you?”