Chapter 12: Better Than the Original
Chapter 12
Sometimes I wonder why Charlie never complains about us still living in his house. Not even a sarcastic jab—which, coming from him, says a lot. Back in the show, he never missed a chance to mock my dad. Now? Silence.
The truth is, Dad could easily afford a new place now. We all could. But knowing him, he's gotten a little too used to the Malibu lifestyle—ocean view, fresh breakfast, no rent (especially the last one). That's peak Alan behavior: find comfort and cling to it like a parasite. No effort to change. No real motivation to move out.
And Charlie? I think he actually likes having me around.
He always had a soft spot for Jake in the show. But me? I'm not the same kid. I don't do the same dumb stuff. I'm not a walking disaster when it comes to grades or hygiene. I've made him rich—several times over. I'm smart, helpful, polite, and I can hold a conversation that doesn't involve fart jokes or video games.
Honestly? I think Charlie likes me much more than the original Jake
I was stretched out on the couch, deeply absorbed in a worn hardcover copy of Margin of Safety by Seth Klarman. The book was dense, but Klarman's take on risk, discipline, and long-term investing had me hooked. I'd read it in my past life, but the re-read was absolutely worth it.
Charlie walked into the room, hands in his pockets, wearing that trademark half-grin that always meant trouble.
"Jake, buddy, I need a favor," he said.
I didn't even look up. "You needing a favor usually means I end up doing something weird, uncomfortable, or both. What is it this time?"