Chapter 5: Sibling Rivalry and Avoidance

Having been through so much, Dad hopes the three of us brothers will be friendly and loving.

He gives the same speech every Christmas: “Family first, no matter what.” Sometimes I think he’s trying to convince himself.

But that’s people for you—the more you want something, the less likely you are to get it.

The tighter you squeeze, the more slips through your fingers. Sibling love isn’t something you can command.

Derek and Caleb are all smiles in public, but in private they fight like cats and dogs.

In front of cameras, they’re all charm and camaraderie. At home, they can’t go ten minutes without a shouting match over Dad’s old college ring or the corner office.

Even the board members are split into two camps—one backing Derek, one backing Caleb.

The company Christmas party is like a political rally. You can tell who’s on whose side by who brings which casserole.

Actually, there were those who wanted to support me, like Noah’s grandpa, Mr. Thompson, who once sent Noah to sound me out.

Mr. Thompson has been family friends with us since forever, and apparently he thought I was a dark horse waiting for my moment. He sent Noah to feel me out one evening, looking all serious like we were in a spy movie.

I was so terrified I pulled out a white handkerchief at night, stood before him pitifully, and begged:

“Sir, if you want to help me, it’d be quicker just to smother me with this!”

I held it up like a flag of surrender, half-joking, half-dead serious. Noah stared at me like I’d lost my mind.

Noah tried to persuade me again.

He launched into another one of his pep talks, but I was ready with my best tragic-hero impression.

I stiffened my neck and looked as tragic as a movie martyr:

“If you mention this again, I’ll just disappear!”

I threw in a dramatic sigh for good measure. He didn’t even crack a smile.

He probably doesn’t realize I’m naturally lazy, and Mom is always warning me:

Mom always says, ‘The squeaky wheel gets the grease—and not always in a good way.’

What I fear most is drawing attention, catching Dad’s eye, and blocking my two brothers’ way.

Nothing good ever came from standing out in this family. I’d rather keep my peace—and my spot on the guest list.

Derek is the firstborn, son of Dad’s favorite, Vanessa.

She’s the queen bee—always perfectly put together, always in the center of every photo. Derek’s her golden child, the one she’s been grooming for the top since he could walk.

Caleb is the legitimate son of Mom’s rival, whose family is the illustrious Winthrop clan of Savannah.

The Winthrops practically founded half the banks in Georgia. Caleb’s mom hosts galas with senators and knows how to work a room.

I’m just the son of a less-favored woman, with no family background, and a reputation for being a bit slow.

Some days, I’m invisible. Other days, I’m the punchline. But I’ve learned to let it roll off.

If I rushed to compete, that would be asking for trouble.

As Mom says: "You don’t bring a plastic fork to a knife fight."

Noah could only report back to Mr. Thompson.

I picture their conversation: “Sir, he’s a lost cause.”

From then on, everyone knew the third son, Jason, doesn’t fight, doesn’t compete, and is a soft-boned coward.

It spread through the grapevine faster than last year’s scandal. I didn’t mind. Peace, at last.

Only then did I finally get some peace.

No more clandestine meetings, no more pep talks. I could finally breathe easy—just me, my couch, and a cold Dr. Pepper.