Millionaires for the Month

by Stacy McAnulty

  Benji hid his face.

  The boys circled and soared on Dumbo. Felix held up his hands and screamed like it was the thrill of a lifetime. When the ride was over, Felix wanted to go again.

  So they did. And this time, Benji screamed and held up his hands.

  They spent the next two hours on the basic rides—the ones Benji would have preferred to skip. Then they headed to the bigger rides. The guide walked them to Space Mountain and the Runaway Train and Splash Mountain, where Benji got so wet, he might as well have swum through it. The parents kept up for a little while before they traded in rides for shows and food.

  “We’re going to wander on our own too,” Georgie said to the group, but her eyes were focused only on Michelle. “We want to get our picture with Elsa.”

  “Sure,” Benji said, not that they needed his permission.

  Michelle turned to him and Felix, smiling. She was pretty, with brown eyes and straight black hair that came to a point at her chin. When she smiled, she looked like a model.

  “Thank you both. We’re having the time of our lives. We might not get a honeymoon right away, so this is a special trip. A pre-honeymoon.” Michelle kissed Georgie on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome,” Benji said proudly. Man, it felt good to do stuff for other people. He’d have bought them a honeymoon right then, but he knew the troll would say it was illegal. Unless he accompanied them, and nobody wanted that.

  Benji, Felix, and Reggie spent a few more hours at the Magic Kingdom before heading over to Hollywood Studios, home of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. They rode all the major attractions, including the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. It was one of the rides that snaps a picture at the most terrifying part. And their pic was the best photo ever. Every muscle in Felix’s face and neck was clenched. Benji’s mouth hung open in utter terror. And Reggie’s man bun came undone, and he appeared to be crying. After that, Reggie called it quits and went to their hotel to do homework.

  Felix and Benji stayed for fireworks and didn’t leave until the parks closed. They’d booked four rooms at the most expensive hotel they could get on short notice. And on Sunday morning, they were the first in line to go back.

  They rode all the best rides at each park. They bought Mickey ears and every Star Wars–themed item they came across, including creating their own droids. They ate the grey stuff, and it was, indeed, delicious. But at 5:00 p.m., they had to say goodbye to their vacation. They gathered Freebie from the luxury kennel, and their families headed back to their private jet.

  On the plane ride home, everyone fell asleep after takeoff—except the boys. The cabin lights dimmed, and Benji and Felix sat at the small table close to the cockpit.

  “Check out how much we spent.” Felix, still wearing his Mickey ears, held up his phone for Benji.

  “Yes!” Benji gave him a high five. “And it’s been less than a week. We’re ahead of schedule, and this trip was epic.”

  “This was probably the best weekend of my life.” Felix pulled Freebie into his lap.

  “Me too,” Benji said.

  “Really? You’ve been to Disney a million times,” Felix said. “It’s nothing special.”

  “This time was different.” Benji shrugged.

  “Because of the money?”

  “An unlimited budget does have a way of making things better.” Benji snorted. “But not just that. I’m an only child. I’ve never had a brother or anyone to hang out with on vacation. This was cool.”

  Felix nodded.

  “I’m glad we’re doing this together, buddy.” Benji smiled and then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

  Felix

  After school, Felix and Benji played basketball during open gym and then got busy doing their real work of spending money. Burning through hundreds of thousands of dollars was easier on the weekend than on a weekday. Still dressed in their sweaty gym clothes, they sat in the Presidential Suite, shopping online.

  They made a game of it—each only had five minutes to make an expensive purchase. Felix had already ordered a computer, more sneakers, sunglasses, and a VR headset. He paid a little extra for overnight shipping on everything. Benji also got a second new computer, more sneakers, cowboy boots, and a drone.

  “We’ve spent less than ten grand,” Benji said as he handed the laptop to Felix. “We need to think bigger or we’ll be here all night.”

  “You’re right.” Felix had been buying stuff he wanted, not focusing on the price and the end goal of spending every penny. He drummed his fingers on the keyboard.

  “But you still only have five minutes,” Benji said with a smile. “Go!”

  “Okay. Okay.” Felix Googled expensive dog stuff and found puppy perfume that cost three thousand dollars.

  Click. Buy.

  “Nice.” Benji gave him a high five and took the laptop back for his turn. A moment later, Mr. Trulz called Benji’s cell phone.

  “Les Petites Puppies Perfume. Is that for you?” Mr. Trulz asked on speaker.

  “Yes, I need it for my dog,” Felix said. “He comes from the streets and smells like garbage sometimes.” Not true. Freebie never smelled like garbage anymore.

  “Carry on,” Mr. Trulz said, and hung up.

  “Score!” Benji yelled suddenly. “A vintage Hermès handbag for seventy-two thousand.” As soon as he clicked the buy button, Mr. Trulz rang again. Benji assured him that the purse was for him and he would carry it proudly.

  “You should buy a handbag too,” Benji said, giving back the PC. “They’re more expensive than sneakers.”

  “No, thanks.” But Felix realized Benji was onto something with vintage—meaning old stuff. And what was older than fossils? He clicked through site after site until he found a one-of-a-kind purchase.

  “Go ahead and declare me the winner, please.” Felix turned the screen to show Benji. Felix was now the owner of a $250,000 T. rex skull.

  “Oh my God, are there more?” The surprise on Benji’s face turned to a giant, goofy smile. “Let’s buy ten of them.”

  “No more tyrannosauruses, but they’ve got some smaller fossils.”

  The accountant called again. They argued briefly about whether the T. rex skull could be considered art. It was mounted on a beautiful marble base and belonged in a museum—a science museum, not an art museum.

  “I’ll allow it. Just one,” Mr. Trulz warned.

  “That’s not fair,” Benji whined. “I want a fossil too.”

  “Fine. One fossil each.” So Benji ended up with a triceratops skull for $65,000.

  “You’re up.” Benji handed the laptop to Felix, but their game was interrupted by knocking.

  “Hey, Mom,” Felix said, after he opened the door. “What are you doing here?” He tried to read her face. It didn’t seem like he was in trouble.

  “I want to have dinner with you and your sister,” she said.

  “Okay. Where do you want to go? My treat.” He smiled and wriggled his eyebrows. She hadn’t said much about the money or his spending, but she’d taken to heavy-sighing. A lot.

  She pulled on the collar of her Express Services shirt and sighed as if on cue. “We’re not going out. I’m cooking.”

  After Felix said goodbye to Benji and took a quick shower, his mom drove him and Freebie to the apartment in her Toyota. His mom had said she’d be cooking, but that didn’t mean Felix didn’t have to help. He sautéed onions and garlic in olive oil for marinara sauce. His mom mixed ground beef, spices, and bread crumbs for the meatballs. The apartment filled with delicious smells, and his stomach grumbled.

  “How’s school?” his mom asked as she formed the meatballs and lined them up on a cookie sheet.

  “Fine.”

  “Are things different now?”

  “Not really.” In fact, they were very different. He used to feel invis
ible. Now it was like he wore an orange construction vest and carried those signaling flashlights they have at airports. Everyone knew his name and tried to talk to him (mostly asking him to buy them stuff). Just today, Luke and Jeremy had shown him a catalog with a three-thousand-dollar telescope. They wanted him to “donate” it to the science club.

  “I don’t believe you.” She hip-checked him but didn’t press.

  Georgie arrived right as dinner was ready.

  After they said grace, Felix took a massive scoop of spaghetti and poured a ladle of sauce on top. He grabbed only four meatballs but planned to go back for more.

  “I need to talk to you both,” his mom said with a smile. “I want to go back to school for my nursing degree. I want to be an RN, and eventually get my master’s.”

  “Why?” Georgie asked like she’d tasted something rotten.

  “Excuse me?” His mom’s smile faded.

  “Why work at all?” Georgie said. “Your son’s a millionaire.”

  His mom put down her fork. “I like working. I like helping people and having a purpose. My son may be a millionaire, but I’m not.”

  “Well, it would be easier to go back to school if you quit your jobs,” Georgie said. “Let Felix give you money—or lend you money—for bills and insurance.”

  Shut up, Georgie. He wanted to kick her under the table, but she wouldn’t understand why he needed her to be quiet. She was spouting bad ideas. Impossible ideas.

  “Maybe I should quit my job too,” Georgie continued. “I can go to culinary school. Maybe in Paris. Felix could support us all.”

  “Since when do you like cooking?” his mother asked. “I thought you dreamed of selling your own line of jewelry.”

  Georgie touched the silver necklace around her neck. She’d made it from antique spoons. “Dreams are for people with savings accounts.”

  “Mom,” Felix said. “Are you quitting your job?” She can’t quit! What will we live on? I don’t really have millions.

  “No, of course not. I’ll keep working,” his mother said. “I think if we get a smaller apartment, we’ll be fine. I’ve been considering this for a while.”

  Smaller? This place had one bedroom. He slept on a couch.

  “I told the landlord we’re not renewing our lease. We’ll have to move out at the end of December.”

  Felix swallowed a meatball practically whole. It felt like a rock in his throat. They were going to end up homeless.

  “Felix, you should buy a house,” Georgie said.

  I can’t! He kept his eyes on the table.

  Georgie and his mom argued about how Felix should spend or invest his money. He pushed the food around on his plate, trying to ignore them and sneaking bites of bread to Freebie.

  “Felix? Are you all right?” His mom put her hand on his.

  “Um…” He wanted to tell them the truth. That was the only thought that popped into his head. “Please just don’t quit your job. Okay?”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not quitting. Let’s talk about something else,” his mom said, all cheery. “Any wedding plans?”

  Georgie sighed. “Probably in the summer. We have to do it outside at a park or maybe Michelle’s parents’ backyard. We can’t afford anything else, and we’re saving for a house.” She shot a look at Felix.

  He couldn’t buy her a house. He couldn’t buy her a car. He couldn’t buy her a T-shirt in Disney World over the weekend.

  But he could buy her a wedding!

  “I’ll pay for your wedding.” He leaned forward in his chair. “How much does a wedding cost?”

  “Anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Depends on where, the menu, the number of people, a lot of things. But Michelle and I don’t need anything lavish.”

  “You could have your wedding at the Grand Regency. They have a nice ballroom, and the gardens outside are pretty. That’s where Freebie goes to the bathroom, but I always pick it up.”

  “The Grand Regency is expensive, Felix,” Georgie said, but she didn’t say no.

  “I know the manager. She’d probably give me a discount.” He was definitely not going to ask for a discount.

  “You think?” The sour look on Georgie’s face was finally gone. But his mom looked like they were speaking in a different language and she didn’t know what was happening.

  “But you need to get married before the end of the month.” Felix didn’t think this was a big deal. They’d been engaged for over a year and lived together in a mobile home they rented from Michelle’s grandfather. Seemed like they’d want to get married and get it over with.

  “Why?” his mom asked. Her eyes narrowed, and he had to look away.

  “Um…because we don’t plan to live at the hotel forever.” He forced a smile. “If we want to get a good deal, we need to move fast.”

  He could tell his mom wasn’t buying it. Just like she knew school was not the same. But, again, she didn’t push for answers.

  “I’ll have to ask Michelle. But why not? I want to be married, and I want you to walk me down the aisle, Felix.” She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “Traditionally, it’s the father of the bride’s job. But it’s not like Mark is part of our lives.”

  Felix flinched. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had said their father’s name out loud. They had an unspoken agreement: Don’t mention or even think of him—their own he-who-must-not-be-named.

  “It’s sweet you want your little brother to walk you down the aisle,” his mom said, ignoring the Mark mention. “But not sweet you want him to pay.” She glared at him but didn’t actually look upset.

  “I’m happy to do both,” Felix said. He took a bite of spaghetti. Seeing his mom and sister smile made his appetite come back.

  Benji

  A loud knocking woke Benji.

  “What time is it?” he asked, pulling a blanket over his head.

  The door cracked open and Felix answered, “Six. I’m skipping school and going to Boston. Will you cover for me?”

  “What? You’re bending a rule?” Benji sat up. “Why?”

  Freebie pushed his way in and jumped on the bed.

  “Laura Friendly is in Boston for the day, and I need to talk to her. I’m going to ask her to change one of the rules.” Felix took a deep breath. “I can’t keep this a secret. I have to tell my mom before she quits her job and gives up our apartment. She thinks I can buy us a house.”

  A rule change wasn’t a bad idea. If Benji could tell his parents, maybe they’d stop lecturing him. At last night’s dinner, all they’d talked about was lawyers and investments and responsibility. And they’d forced him to order healthy food.

  “I’ll go with you,” Benji said.

  “What are we going to do about our parents?” Felix asked.

  “Nothing,” Benji said. “They’ll assume we went to school, and if it all goes well, we’ll be home by dinner, and we can explain everything.”

  They met in front of the hotel at the usual leave-for-school time. Reggie didn’t flinch at their instructions, but he did convince them to leave Freebie behind with the hotel manager, who promised to find a dog-sitter.

  “By the way,” Felix said after they piled into the Lamborghini Urus. “We’re paying for my sister’s wedding. It’ll be next weekend at the hotel. You’re both invited. Everyone’s invited.”

  “I’ll be there,” Benji said.

  “And you can bring a date,” Felix said, and Benji’s face warmed.

  He tried to reply “Maybe,” but it came out sounding like “Me-me.” Then he pulled out his phone and pretended to be taking care of urgent business.

  The ride to Boston took just under three hours. They probably could have made it in two if Reggie hadn’t driven the Urus like an old lady.

  “Come on, it’
s a sports car,” Benji had begged.

  “Yeah. Cops love to pull over sports cars,” Reggie had replied.

  Reggie dropped them in front of a skyscraper and told them to call when they were done.

  At the tall desk in the lobby, Benji gave their names and asked to see Laura Friendly. The receptionist’s reaction was as expected—raised eyebrows, shaking of the head, and pursed lips. But after a few phone calls, they were granted entry.

  “Hello, Felix. Hello, Benji. Nice to see you again.” Laura Friendly’s assistant, Tracey, greeted them as they stepped out of the elevator on the twentieth floor.

  “Hello,” Benji replied.

  “I know you want to speak to Laura, but she has a packed schedule today. I’ll see what I can do.” Tracey led them down a hallway past dozens of offices to a sleek conference room. The glass table was surrounded by black chairs that looked like they belonged on a spaceship. Two of the walls were windows that looked out onto a park and the water. Benji couldn’t imagine anyone doing work in here—too distracting.

  “Have a seat. I’ll have some breakfast brought up.” Tracey pulled the double doors closed as she left.

  “I bet they make us wait all day. They’ll keep telling us Laura Friendly is busy. And then at like five o’clock, they’ll say she left town for some important business in Tokyo or something.” Benji collapsed into one of the chairs and started spinning.

  But before he made it through two complete rotations, Laura Friendly burst into the room wearing a reflective jogging suit that made her look like a small astronaut.

  “Good morning, boys.”

  “Looks like you were wrong,” Felix mumbled.

  Laura Friendly took the seat closest to the door. Then she drank from a tall water bottle filled with a green liquid. There were jokes on the internet that claimed she wasn’t human—maybe they weren’t jokes.

  “What can I do for my favorite temporary millionaires?” she asked.

  “It’s not going to be temporary,” Benji replied.

  “We’ll see.” She shook her drink.

  It made sense that she didn’t want them to succeed. It’d cost her twenty million. But Benji wondered if she would actually be happy to see them fail, like a truly evil villain.