Free Mr. Personality by Carol Rose Page A

other. I mean, my dad and I are the only ones left in our family and I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to him.”
    Ruth’s narrow face grew meditative.
    “Maybe so,” she said, shrugging, “but I think there’s always been a sense of competition between Max and Pete. Pete’s got a good strong career now, but nothing like Max’s. I think he’s always felt over-shadowed by his younger, more brilliant brother.”
    Slanting her a glance, Nicole chided, “More brilliant just because he’s more successful?”
    “No.” Ruth shook her head. “More brilliant just because he is. Don’t get me wrong, Pete’s a great, solid guy. Any woman would be lucky to have him in her corner. He’s steady and he’s a hard worker, but…he and Max and nothing alike. They look a little like one another, but that’s it.”
    Nicole’s gaze rested on the rich table cloth in front of her. “I guess different kids get different things genetically.”
    The other woman nodded. “Not that Pete’s a slouch. He writes saleable non-fiction. Does very well for himself—and me. He’s actually getting a big non-fiction career award in the next few weeks. But he still doesn’t feel…you know, as good.”
    Finishing her muffin, Nicole pondered. “So Pete’s grown up in his younger brother’s shadow and he can’t get over it.”
    “There’s more to it than that,” Ruth said, looking uncomfortable as she reached for the carafe of orange juice. “Their parents weren’t really warm-hearted people. They missed Pete’s wedding—they’ve just never been a close family. I mean, I don’t think Max has seen Pete’s son since he was a toddler and he’s six or seven now. Ryan plays on the same tee-ball team as my son, Josh.”
    “That’s so sad.” Nicole put down her muffin and stared at Ruth. She couldn’t imagine having a sibling and being uninvolved in his life to the point of not knowing his son.
    “Yes,” Ruth said. “It is sad, but it’s been that way a long time—a lot of water under the bridge—and there’s not much anyone can do about it.”
    Watching the woman, Nicole thought about Max with all his acclaim and all his money. She’d teased him about his lifestyle, but he was a tremendously isolated man. Despite the lawsuit he still held over her father’s head, she couldn’t help pitying him.
    * * *
     
    Two days later, Nicole switched off the television and turned to leave the small sitting area.
    “I can’t believe you choose to spend your time watching talk shows,” Max commented as she walked past him, headed for the office.
    Reacting to the inference in his words, she stiffened, saying defensively, “ Johnna! isn’t just a talk show. She’s not your typical sleazy host.”
    He made a soft scoffing noise in his throat. “Next Week! Pimps Who Pierce Their Armpits.”
    Glaring over her shoulder at him, Nicole said, “Johnna doesn’t sink that low. She does uplifting, spiritual themes.”
    “Even worse. Just what the world needs—another housewife from Boise getting her hair highlighted for free,” Max mocked following her as she went in and sat down in front of the computer.
    “She doesn’t just do make-overs,” Nicole informed him loftily as she went in and sat down at the computer, “although a good haircut and the right make-up can make a woman feel like a new person. Johnna! also does shows on children’s books and meditation and she has experts who help people change their lives!”
    “That’s even worse,” Max declared. “Vague, hyper-emotional pronouncements that add nothing to the masses’ understanding, but simply recycle the most obvious concepts of the last century. Drink water! Go to sleep at night! Those are certainly new health concepts.”
    “Well, some people need to be reminded of the simple things,” she snapped, annoyed by his superior attitude. “Not everyone can be as fabulously intelligent as you.”
    He looked at her narrowly, but said nothing beyond