Chapter 1

My mother caught me staring and rounded on me immediately, laying into me without warning.

"Vince lost both his parents when he was young. Having a real, whole family is the one thing he's always wanted. As his older brother, can't you find that much room in your heart?" she snapped.

"Besides, it's not like we're actually letting them register the marriage. It's just for show. Do you really have to ruin everyone's mood on a day like this?"

I listened to this absurd reasoning and let out a bitter laugh.

"You spent my money to let my brother marry my bride," I said. "And you're calling that 'just for show'?"

My mother didn't show a trace of guilt at my accusation. Instead, she turned around and threatened me.

"I'm telling you right now, your brother's wedding is going through today, no matter what. If you dare cause trouble, I'll act like I never had you as my son."

Our argument quickly drew Jeanie and Vince's attention. The two of them came over, each holding a glass of wine, and Vince slid an arm around Jeanie's waist, looking at me with open provocation.

"Hey, Keith. You're here. Why haven't you taken your seat?" he said. "I figured you'd be too busy with school to make it to my wedding."

He was wearing the custom-tailored suit that had originally been mine. It hung a little large on him, giving him an almost comical look. Jeanie didn't seem to mind at all. She leaned into him with a bashful little smile, then looked at me with an air of complaint.

"He's right, Keith. What are you doing hiding over here?" she said. "This is Vince's big day. Aren't you even going to raise a glass, as his brother?"

I stared at this woman who, only the night before, had still been curled up against me.

"Jeanie, exactly which role do you think I should be raising this glass as?" I asked. "The ex-boyfriend? Or the biggest fool alive?"

Jeanie's brow creased, a flash of displeasure crossing her eyes.

"Keith, do you really have to say things so ugly?" she said. "You know exactly what Vince's been through.

"He's never felt secure, not since he was a kid. I'm just helping him experience what it feels like to get married, just this once.

"You've got a stable job. You're not missing anything in life. Why do you have to be so petty about it with your brother? Can't you just be a little kinder?"

Something about the person standing in front of me suddenly felt like a stranger.

"You're wearing the wedding dress I bought you, marrying another man," I said. "And you want me to be kind?"

Seeing that I was angry, Vince immediately stepped in front of Jeanie to shield her.

"Keith, don't take it out on Jeanie," he said. "This is all my fault. I just wanted a family so badly. If it'll make you feel better, I'll get down on my knees and apologize right now."

He bent his knee, actually starting to kneel on the ground. My mother was quick to grab him before he could, then rounded on me with a furious glare.

"Keith! Are you trying to drive your brother to his death before you're satisfied?" she said. "How did I raise someone as cold and selfish as you?"

The relatives standing nearby closed in around us. My aunt jabbed a finger at my nose and launched into a lecture.

"Now, Keith, I'm not trying to pick on you, but you're being awfully small about this," she said. "Vince's been through so much. His parents died saving your parents.

"What's the harm in giving up one woman? A teacher like you, with your good prospects, you'll find another decent girl in no time."

My uncle chimed in right after her.

"That's right. A person shouldn't forget to be grateful," he said. "If you won't repay a debt like that, who's going to want anything to do with you? Go on, apologize to Vince already. It's his big day. Don't go bringing bad vibes on it."

I looked at this crowd of relatives standing on their moral high ground, pointing fingers at me. Then I looked at Jeanie, hiding behind Vince with a wounded look on her face. Suddenly, none of it seemed worth the energy.

I looked at Jeanie and asked, flatly, "Jeanie, is that really what you think too?"

Jeanie avoided my eyes and answered with total confidence, as if she had nothing to be ashamed of.

"Keith, can we just talk about this later, once we're home?" she said. "Just back off for today. Consider it me begging you."

I studied her for a long moment, then nodded.

"Fine. I'll back off."

With that, I walked out of the neighborhood under the contemptuous stares of my relatives.

The noise behind me carried on without pause. I pulled open my car door and threw the route map for our trip to Calistia Mountains into the trash can on the side of the road.