She turned to me. “No matter what you say to her or how you handle it, she’s still going to be vindictive. I know it.”
“Maybe, but I was raised a gentleman. I can’t seem to go against the grain here. It’s the right thing to do. I’ve already crossed the line. I’m committed to this course of action, so you just have to give me a little time.”
“All right,” she said grudgingly.
“You know I would love to spend the evening with you, but I have an obligatory dinner. My brother will be there and that’s always a set up for disaster.”
“I wish I could see my brother and family again, have a Sunday dinner with them. I miss them so much.”
I bit my lip. “Sorry, sugar. I’m bitching about my family and you’re missing yours.”
“Like I said. Family dynamics are so messy. But maybe you should think about coming to terms with your brother, Jake. Life is too short and, regardless of what you say, I can see you love him.”
I dropped her off home with another one of those jeans exploding kisses. Back in my room, I showered, a cold one, and went down to dinner, not able to get her words out of my head. Come to terms with Chase? I wasn’t sure the bitterness would ever go away.
My parents had insisted on reinstating a mandatory Sunday family dinner. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I heard the sound of babies. As I entered the living room, River, my momma and my aunt Evie were dealing with feeding my trip nephews. They were getting so big, now five months old. I smiled at my sister, leaning down and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “How’s it going, sis?”
“Great. How are you doing?”
I met her gaze and couldn’t contain this dance party that was going on in my head. “Great, too.”
Her face softened, and she smiled. “You look different, more peaceful and relaxed.”
Chase was standing with my daddy and Samantha was next to him. She gave me a warm smile, and I nodded to her and smiled back. Her eyes widened as if she was hoping for some response, but not expecting it. Sky had a profound effect on me. She filled me up inside and it was spilling over. Not to mention, Samantha had gone out of her way to be pleasant to me when she knew Chase and I were estranged. I looked at my brother and the small ball of anger that always seemed to be in my gut churned. I would need to address this resentment. I thought about Sky and the loss of her family. I remembered when Cousin Earl had almost killed my sister and my brother, the thought of losing them tightened my throat, brought things into perspective.
When Brax came into the room, the well of friendship was only heightened. I was glad I’d heeded what he had said about Anna Kate. He’d saved their lives and I would be forever grateful for his interference. They were here today because of him. I slung my arm around his neck and said, “Hey, boy, where you at?”
He punched me lightly in the ribs and grinned. “Doin’ all right. I’m married to your sister, so life is great.”
The doorbell rang, and I said, “I’ll get it.” When I opened the door, Anna Kate stood there.
“Jake,” she said softly and threw her arms around me. It took all my willpower not to shove her away. I endured her embrace. She pulled away and looked me in the eyes. “Is everything all right?”
It wasn’t. It was over. She just didn’t know it. But with the family gathering, this wasn’t the time to tell her. I forced a smile and said, “Sure, everyone’s in the living room.”
She gave me a narrowed-eyed gaze, but turned and preceded me into the room. Once inside, she sat down with barely a greeting to anyone. When her phone chimed, and she pulled it out, I wanted to shout at her, but couldn’t say a word. It was clear that she didn’t fit in here no matter how far up the society ladder she had climbed.
The next morning with the situation between Anna Kate and me unresolved, I showed up at the now closed and totally empty store in the center of town. Out of the big picture window, I could see the Blue Coyote from here. The shop was closed on Mondays and I wondered what Sky was up to. I pulled out my phone and texted:
Good morning, cowgirl. Sleep well?
My phone chimed almost immediately.Yes, and good morning to you, too, Varsity.
I smiled.What are you up to today?
Just finished an amazing hike along the river. So gorgeous. Can’t wait to get on the water this Saturday. I wish you could come along.
Me, too, I texted back as I spied my brother striding across the now empty green of the center of town.
I’m going to be making some spa products today and maybe some of those molasses cookies. I don’t think I can wait until the holidays now. My hips thank you.
I could read the sarcasm in every line of her text.LOL, sugar. I like your curves. Maybe you could share…
I’ll think about it.I laughed as my brother entered, the contractor, Mark Albright right behind him. Then, I started when my daddy followed him inside, Brax bringing up the rear.
Gotta go, babe. Contractor and brother here for consult. See you soon.
Play nice. :-)
