Page 11 of Merry & Bright
“Look, I’m sorry about earlier,” I said. “I was being a wanker, I know that.”
“You were,” he agreed, “But that’s not the main reason I’m leaving. Sure, I’ll get less money in this new job, but I’ll also work way less hours and that means I can spend more time with Tim.”
“Tim?”
The name was out of my mouth before I could think it through.
Rob stared at me for a long moment, then he said coldly, “My brother.”
His brother. I racked my brains for the information I was clearly supposed to already have but came up with nothing.
“I told you and Marley all about Tim when you interviewed me,” Rob added tightly.
Shit. I had no absolutely no memory of Rob mentioning his brother at his interview. Nothing but a vague, uncomfortable recollection of fielding emails on my phone under the table while Marley asked Rob interview questions. In my defence, I had already decided he should be hired—the interview was for Marley’s benefit, so I’d left all the talking to her. There were always so many emails to catch up with...
“You don’t remember,” Rob said flatly.
“Not exactly...” I trailed off, conscious that I was the worst manager in the world and that this complete and total ignorance about Rob’s personal circumstances would not be viewed kindly by Emily in HR.
“You don’t remember me telling you that my brother has Down’s syndrome?” His expression was disbelieving.
Oh shit.
I swallowed. “Rob, I—”
“Tim’s the reason I need to go home early today. He’s been going to his support group for the last eight years and he has lots of good friends there. They’re having a Christmas party this afternoon and Mum can’t take him. It’s important to him to be there, and if it’s important to Tim, it’s important to me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realise.”
Rob’s gaze was grim and I realised suddenly how often he smiled—that it was strange to see him unsmiling.
“I’m not like you,” he said now. “I don’t want to work all the hours God sends. I want to spend time with Tim, and with the rest of my family and friends. My job’s just part of the picture.”
“I’m sorry,” I repeated miserably. “I really didn’t know about your brother. If I had...” I stopped, unsure how to finish that sentence, unsure what I would have done if I’d known.
“The reason you didn’t know,” Rob said tightly, “is because you didn’t care. You don’t care about anything except work.”
I winced and protested, “That’s not fair.” But the truth was, his words made my gut churn with a sick sort of recognition.
“It’s entirely fair,” Rob went on. “I told you and Marley all about my personal situation that day and you didn’t even do me the courtesy of listening to me, did you?” He shook his head. “You know, it’s true what everyone says about you. You reallyarea dick. I can’t believe I used to stick up for you.”
I couldn’t think of a word I could say to defend myself, and in the face of my pathetic silence, he gave another disbelieving laugh and looked away, gazing unseeingly across the street. I hated that laugh. It was bitter and angry and disappointed and it made me realise that Rob thought I was a shitty person. Worse, he clearly wasn’t the only one.
It’s true what everyone says about you...
That hurt more than it probably should have, and it felt unfair besides. I wasn’t such a bad guy, was I?
I took a deep breath. “Look,” I said, “I know I’m not Mr. Touchy-Feely, but I’m not such a bad guy either.”
Rob turned back to me. “You reckon?” he said, and his usually warm brown gaze froze me. “Do you even know what your nickname in the office is?”
“No,” I whispered.
“Skinflint.”
“Skinflint,” I repeated faintly.
“Quin Flint—skin flint,” he explained, emphasising the obvious rhyme. “Not exactly subtle, I know, but I can’t argue with its accuracy. Haven’t you noticed that no one comes to ask you for anything if they can possibly help it? If you’re given an expenses claim to approve you always question it—it’s as though you think we’re asking for money out of your own pocket! You’re as bad with leave requests. You make people feel like they’re asking for this huge favour, instead of taking time off that they’re entitled to. Do you think Iwantedto speak to you this morning about leaving early? The only reason I did was because Marley wasn’t there.” He was furious, his dark eyes sparking with temper, and all I could do was stand there. I couldn’t deny anything he’d said. Eventually, I looked away, feeling wretched.