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SIX YEARS AGO
❝IT WASN'T EXACTLY EASY TO HEAR BUT SHIRLEY—❞ Steve started, looking at his sisters who were sitting in front of him ❝—hit on some things that have been nagging at me. And, uhm, well, you were right❞
Natalie looked between his older siblings while her head was rested on her hand. She kinda already knew what was happening because Shirley had called her after work, angry at Steve's actions.
❝I was trying to get ownership of something that doesn't belong just to me❞ he moved his hands, trying to focused on something rather than his sister accusatory glare.
❝So you're pulling the book?❞ Shirley asked, her anger coming once again. Her hands were under her pregnancy belly, and everyone knew her feelings were on edge.
❝I'm offering to share the book❞ Steve said, making Natalie raised her eyebrows. He had send her a copy to see if she had a suggestion or if she found an error when the book attempt to narrate part of her childhood. ❝I'll give each of you eight percent of any royalties, and if it sells as well as my publisher thinks—❞
❝Jesus, Steve❞ Shirley muttered, shaking her head.
❝I'm trying to do the right thing❞ Steve replied looking at her, getting Shirley more mad.
❝The right thing?❞ Shirley answered harshly. Natalie sighed quietly and massaged her temples, not really in the mood for listening to her siblings argue.
Nellie was looking between the two, not knowing what to do. She looked at her other older sisters for help. Theo shook her head and Natalie pursued her lips. Both girls silently telling her not to get in the argument with them.
❝Whatever?❞ Shirley repeated what he said ❝It's all about the money for you, we're well aware❞
❝Of course is about the money❞ Steve snapped back, angry.
❝I mean, you guys have read it, right?❞ Shirley asked, looking at her younger sisters. Natalie looked away, not wanting to look at her sister. She had read half of the book, she couldn't read the rest without feeling something. Might had been guilt, or loss, either way, she didn't liked it.
❝I haven't❞ Theo spoke up, making everyone look at her ❝Why bother? I've heard the various versions my whole life❞ Natalie silently nodded, agreeing with her ❝I've heard Dad's tabloid horror stories, Luke and Nellie's ghost stories—no offense Nellie❞
