by Harloe Rae
I squint at her, searching for more signs of deception. But my mother has no connection to the blonde seductress. Although, there is one possibility. “She actually adopted a dog from Rover & Meow for her daughter not too long ago.”
Her brows shoot up. “Is that so?”
“Sure is. They couldn’t be happier with Elsa.”
My mother hums, a smile dipped in pure glee curling her lips. “Keegan and Millie, right?”
I grunt and shake my head. “Figures you’d remember them.”
“They’re difficult to forget. I’m sure you’re well aware of that.”
“Unfortunately,” I mutter.
She pats my shoulder. “One problem at a time, Ford. Maybe mending fences with Grant will open your eyes to other possibilities.”
“Highly doubtful.”
My mom pushes me toward the patio door. “Give it a whirl. Good luck.”
I follow her orders, like a puppy. But what choice do I have? None when faced with my estranged brother who apparently wants to make amends.
Grant is sitting in one of the wooden Adirondack chairs when I step outside. He turns toward me, offering up a beer. “Peace offering?”
“I hope you have more than Coors planned for that.” But I take the bottle and twist off the cap.
He guzzles liquid courage before spitting out, “Our dad is a dictator.”
I exhale a dry chuckle. “No shit.”
“Mom was smart to find a way out.”
Another noncommittal noise dips off my lips. “I guess there’s still something we can agree on.”
“I quit,” he blurts.
I startle from the force in his voice. “Already? Damn, that was easy.”
Grant chuckles. “No, you asshole. I left the practice. That lofty corner office wasn’t for me. Not sure it ever was. Dad’s borderline insanity pushed me over the edge. I’ve been thinking about how he treated you and that little girl. It’s been haunting me. Why didn’t I stand up for you?”
“That’s a good question. And who are you calling an asshole?”
He shrugs. “Eh, I deserve that. The reason I’m here is for you, Ford. All these years and we’ve barely spoken five words to each other.”
“Whose fault is that?” I shoot him a glare severe enough to slice his skin.
His head bobs to a slow beat. “Mine. I’m well aware and take full responsibility. That’s why it’s also on me to restore what I broke.”
I rip my gaze off of him. “You’ve got one helluva uphill battle to conquer.”
“Dammit, Ford. Just give me a chance to explain.”
“I was willing to in the beginning, but you fucking left me. My big brother. My idol. My best friend. I was alone and lost and crushed with disappointment. It’s no wonder how I ended up hating most people. You can take credit for that, too.”
He holds up a palm. “I will. That’s all my fault. When I should’ve been protecting you, I abandoned you instead. There’s nothing I can say to take that pain away. But I wanna right my wrongs.”
Disbelief forms a clump in my throat. I choke it down with a swig of beer. “Why now, Grant?”
His exhale seems to weigh two tons. “Because I’m tired of pretending to be happy. I don’t want to be a sniveling coward who runs from his problems. The accident didn’t just damage my body. When I left, my head was all fucked up. Nothing made sense. Leaving was the easiest solution, but I never should’ve stepped foot out of Silo Springs. I realized that after only a month. It already felt too late. With each year, the choice to return only got harder. I got stuck in a dead-end routine. Enough was eventually enough, though. We’re brothers. You’re my blood. Nothing is stronger than that.”
“Not even your bond with father dearest?”
A deep scowl carves his features. “I was wrong about following him. It’s my biggest regret and worst mistake. I’ll be paying the price for it until I’m old and gray.”
“You’re fucking right about that.”
Another forced breath claws out of him. “Am I too late, brother?”
“Fuck off,” I mutter.
“That’s not really an answer.”
“Only because I can’t give the one you truly deserve.”
“How’s Iron Throttle?”
His abrupt change in direction makes my brain swell. “Oh, are we moving on already?”
“I can talk in circles about my bullshit excuses for hours. Let me have a few moments of rest. Tell me about your work.”
“Why are you taking a sudden interest in my business?”
“Always have, Ford. I’m so damn proud of you. Sure, I’ve done a shitty job showing it. That’s another thing that needs fixing.”
I scoff into the open air. “Yep, the list keeps growing.”
“I miss cruising down the open highway. A suit and tie are no match for leather and wind.”
“Cheers to that.” I lift my bottle to his.
“Do you need a partner?”
The beer sprays out of my mouth in a wide arc. “Are you fucking with me?”
“Nah, not even a little bit. I haven’t been this serious about something in a long damn time.”
I turn toward him and get my first good look in who knows how long. He’s older and broader, but appears worn down to his bones. The man could use a double shot of whiskey and a comfortable bed. Hell, I could go for the same. “You honestly think I’m just gonna agree to that? I’m barely tolerating this conversation.”
He lifts a single shoulder. “It’s worth a shot. What better way to show you how serious I am, right?”
“That’s a big decision. One I won’t make ten minutes after being reunited with you.”
Grant nods. “I don’t blame you there. Trust takes more than words to heal. I lost my way, brother. There’s been something here always yanking me back. It’s long overdue that I come home.”
“No shit,” I mutter.
He chooses to ignore my brooding mood. “Still have my bike?”
“I do.”
“Does it run?”
I give him a limp shrug. “Not lately.”
He scratches at his chin. “Guess I have my first project already lined up.”
It feels like the floor disappears and I’m freefalling into the Twilight Zone. My thoughts spin faster than I can process. “You’re for real? This isn’t a prank?”
“I wouldn’t joke about that, especially with you. People make mistakes, right? Some bigger than reasonable compassion allows for. That’s what makes us human. It also means others have to offer second chances so we can prove ourselves.”
Pressure builds in my gut as the vision of blonde hair and green eyes assaults me. “I’ve been hearing that more lately.”
“And you can forgive me?”
I shouldn’t, at least not so easily. When he left, my world was crushed in half. That loss still blazes bright inside of me. But he’s here for a reason. “I’ll work on it. You’ve given me a lot to consider.”
“So, you’ll actually think about it?”
“Sure, why not? You’re my brother, after all.” And Grant is the only one who can fill the void caused by him leaving. Getting my best friend back will be nice, too.
He gives a loud hoot. “I’ll take being redeemable. And that means you are, too.”
“This isn’t about me.”
His mouth twitches into a knowing grin. “I heard what you said earlier about the woman. What happened with the little girl’s mom?”
“She wised up and dumped me.” That’s a better tale than the truth.
He waves a hand in front of his face. “I smell bullshit.”
“That’s probably your breath.”
Grant punches me in the arm. “Good to know you’re still a little punk.”
“Only when you’re asking for it.”
The humor on his face droops at the edges. “Are you happy, Ford?”
I tip the beer to my lips, drinking what’s left in the bottle. “Hanging in
there.”
“What’re you gonna do to make it better?”
“For starters, not discussing our feelings like a bunch of chicks.” I figured Grady was a fluke. It seems Grant is all about prying, too. The festering wound in my heart is for me to worry about. I rub over the blazing ache, for no other reason than to revel in the burn.
My brother polishes off what remains of his beer. “I’ve broken my fair share of hearts. Hoping to fix one in particular if she’ll have me. The love of a good woman is the greatest gift, Ford.”
I point at him with my empty bottle. “You’re already on shaky ground. Don’t push your probation.”
“I’m older and wiser. You should listen to me.”
“Nah, it’s too complicated. I fucked up. She hates me. There’s no future for us. And you’ve always been better with relationships, so there’s no comparison.”
Grant seems to consider that for a moment. “I bet she’d be willing to forgive you.”
I shouldn’t reward his invasive behavior with a response, but talking about Keegan is a weakness I’m not strong enough to resist. “And why, dare I ask, do you think that?”
“Because you’re willing to forgive me. Or I’m assuming you will in the end. I know you well enough to see us working side by side soon enough.”
I allow my gaze to bounce around the backyard, not focusing on anything in particular. “I see what you’re doing.”
“Is it working?”
“Kinda. I have unfinished business to deal with first. Then I can begin to compute the odds that I’ll ever be worthy of her. I’m not a betting man, but I know the odds stacked against me.”
“Dad?”
A smirk tilts my lips. “Yeah, you’ve always been good at reading my thoughts. It always rolls back to him. He’s gonna be hearing from me real soon.”
Grant kicks his legs up onto the railing, getting comfortable. “Let him know I’m still waiting on my investment payout.”
“That’s on you, brother. I got enough shit to say.” And the list continues to grow after sitting with the man beside me. My father’s transgressions have no bounds.
“Want me to come with you?”
“Nah, this is something I gotta do by myself.”
“I understand. Just remember that light will be waiting on the other side of the tunnel.”
“That’s a good reminder. I’ve been living in the dark.” And without so much as a match to guide me. Maybe with Grant’s advice, things can actually swing in the correct direction for a change. Look at me being all optimistic and shit.
“Well, lucky for you, I’m here to help.”
“Ah, luck never graces me with any favors. That cranky bitch hates me.”
“Only because you play too safe.”
I chuckle, scrubbing over my mouth. “Not sure I’ve ever thought of it that way.”
“You’re welcome.” He makes a gun out of his fingers, shooting at me.
A random thought occurs to me. “Just realized I have no clue where you’re living these days. Damn, that’s messed up.”
“You miss keeping tabs on me?”
“That’s what younger brothers are good for.”
He peeks up at the puffy clouds dotting the blue sky. “I have a place near the office in Vicken Falls. Thinking of relocating, though.”
“Makes sense.”
“Shouldn’t have left to begin with. I miss Silo Springs. Always have.”
I chuckle at that. “No surprise there. I think the biggest shock of all is when you moved outta town.”
“Yeah, that was a stupid decision for a lot of reasons.”
I stand to leave, pausing for a moment. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re back.”
A dimple dents Grant’s cheek when he grins at me. “So am I, brother. Life sucked without you.”
“Maybe we’ll do this again soon.” I brush my words off with a shrug. There’s no guarantee that he’s actually sticking around. That possibility whispers at me, murmuring reminders from the last lonely decade.
He straightens and claps me on the back. “A horny harem won’t keep me away. In the meantime, go slay the dragon so you can get your girl.”
“You make it sound so regal.”
“It’s better for our egos. Being the hero is badass,” he drawls.
Another rescue mission? Wasn’t sure I had the first one in me, or the second for that matter. But I can buy into the idea when Grant puts that spin on it. “Yeah, I guess it is.”
Healing Hug #28: Sneak attack for the desperate hearts.
Melodic chirping serenades me from a branch above. A lone robin is providing a cheery tune to complement the warm yet comfortable weather. The oppressive dryness isn’t suffocating us quite yet. That’s probably one of the reasons so many people chose this early hour to stop here. A thrill zaps along the bare skin of my arms. Even with the sun beaming over me, goosebumps rise on my flesh.
I push the sunglasses up higher on the bridge of my nose. The large oval frames were picked on purpose this morning, as if I’m incognito. A huff escapes me as I glance around. My undercover skills could use some serious improvement. Millie is dashing across the space in front of me, squealing loudly as Elsa chases her. It’s no secret who we are to anyone who has the slightest clue. But deep down, I can admit the truth.
Being at the dog park is a risk. The chance of bumping into Crawford is much higher at one of his preferred and approved locations. But this is my town, too. Just because he took a sledgehammer to our arrangement doesn’t mean I have to slink away in the shadows. We have to co-exist in Silo Springs. That man has done enough damage. He won’t stop me from taking Millie and Elsa out to enjoy the beautiful summer day.
I scan the congested grassy field with a watchful eye. Choosing a peak traffic time isn’t an accident. It’s highly doubtful Crawford’s aversion to people has suddenly vanished. I haven’t seen the shadow of his outline along Main Street in over two weeks. Not that I’ve been looking. Another scoff escapes me. It’s a surprise my shorts aren’t on fire by this point.
“Mama?” Millie’s voice breaks me out of my circular thoughts.
I blink off the remaining ashes. “Yes, sweetie?”
“Elsa is lonely. She told me. That’s why her ears are so droopy.” My daughter squishes her beloved pet’s face between her small hands.
I look at the dog, finding her eyes peeking up at me in that heartbreaking way. “You two were just running around having a blast. What happened?”
“She misses her friend. I bet Patch is super sad, too.”
A thick exhale deflates my stance. “Mill—”
She interjects before I can correct her. “I know we’re not gonna talk to Ford ever again. Does that mean we won’t see Patch either?”
“Yeah, baby girl. That’s kinda how things have to be.”
Millie’s bottom lip sticks out. “But why?”
“Because,” I state. No nonsense. I even tip my chin for a false sense of authority.
My daughter squints, having none of that from me. “You always tell me that’s not a good reason.”
“It only is when there’s nothing else to say.” When did she start questioning my methods?
“But there are other ways, Mama. Maybe Ford will let us take Patch out with us. She can have a doggy slumber party with Elsa.”
But that would involve talking to him. I don’t point out that minor conflict in her grand plan. “Maybe, sweetie.”
“But that means no.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I murmur.
Her pout cranks up another notch, adding a tremble for added impact. “You want them to be all alone and unhappy?”
I almost double over from the harsh dose of mom guilt. If I survive Millie’s frequent administrations, it will be a shock. “No, baby girl. That’s the last thing I want.”
Before Millie can inject another round of shame, a familiar face appears in the crowd of strangers. It’s as if she heard
my desperate calling for a diversion. I smile at Kellie as she approaches. Millie clams up when the woman is within speaking distance. She slinks off to play with Elsa before getting herself into an awkward social situation.
“Hello, Keegan. I thought that was you, but wasn’t sure until Millie took off.” Kellie waves in my daughter’s direction, but only gets averted eye contact in response.
“Hey, Kellie. It’s nice to see you. Sorry about Millie. She’s very shy.”
She waves off my concern. “I totally understand. My son was the same way until he was a teenager. He’s still very particular about who’s worthy of his words.”
That sounds familiar. I shove the comparison away before anything can take root. “I’m hoping Millie will expand her circle of trust as she gets older. She allowed a new person in recently.” But he’s gone now. The dark cloud rests above my head regardless of my attempts to shove the gloom away. “Anyway, do you live around here? I haven’t seen you around before.”
Kellie shakes her head, dark hair fanning around her shoulders. “No, I’m from Gulligan Haven. I meet foster families here frequently for puppy exchanges.”
“Oh, that’s convenient.”
“It is. I also get the chance to check up on adopted favorites.” She smiles warmly at Elsa chasing after a ball with Millie hot on her heels.
“Well, this is a nice surprise visit. Millie couldn’t be more pleased with her. She’s been the perfect addition to our family.”
The older woman smiles at me. “That’s so wonderful to hear. And speaking of coincidences, I believe we have a common thread aside from Elsa.”
I lift my brows at her “Oh?”
“My son is Crawford Doxe.”
“Oh.” The bagel I ate for breakfast forms a ball of acid in my stomach.
She laughs at my flat tone. “I was expecting that reaction from you.”
Dear Lord, what has he told her? This is a freaking nightmare. I discreetly press on my temple, wishing the pounding to cease. Did she come here to reprimand me? The only answer I give is a tight pinch of my lips.
“Don’t look so petrified, dear. He didn’t tell me much beyond your names.” She nods to Millie playing with Elsa in front of us.
That revelation eases the pressure dumping on my chest. “Uh, okay. Crawford is a very, um, talented mechanic.”