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His statement makes me laugh. I don’t say a word to contradict him. “You’re probably right about that. But I know you’re not a fan of being here right now. You like the fast pace of LA. Even though it’s probably the last time you’ll be able to stay in this house,” I remind him.
“I think that makes it that much sadder but also easier for me to leave.” He looks out at the ocean. “A lot of shit went down in this house and town. It’s easier to remember it that way instead of the empty house you’re about to have here in a few days.”
I nod, thinking back on all the fun we had here.
“I wish I could have known you guys when you were younger,” Brent says out of nowhere. “I know I’ve had my fun here too, but I started coming here like three years ago, maybe. Hanging with you all and hearing the stories… I don’t know. I wish I’d been a part of it.”
“We would have had a blast,” I tell him.
Brent comes over and gives me a quick hug. “I don’t doubt that. I always have so much fun when we’re all together.”
There’s an air of sadness around us. Even though Brent hasn’t spent as much time here as the rest of us, he’s feeling the loss of the house too. While Derek, Aiden, and I feel the loss of the house and Dad.
“Are you sure you need to stay out here to finish writing?” Aiden asks Derek. “I feel like we could be so much more productive if we were together.”
They’ve had this conversation many times. I’m not sure why Aiden can’t let it go, but I try not to let my irritation show. I don’t want to make him suspicious.
“I’m fine,” Derek responds. “Plus, I’ll feel bad if the donation people are coming and Audrey is the only one here to deal with them.”
“They load it for you, don’t they?” Aiden asks, looking over at me for the answer.
“They do,” I confirm.
Derek continues. “I need to keep my head clear. Serena’s fans will be all over me in LA. I think the best chance of getting anything done is staying here in Corolla for a few more days. Aud flies out to LA soon. I’ll leave when she leaves.”
“You’re coming to LA?” Aiden asks me.
Shit. I hadn’t realized that I never mentioned it to him. “Um, yeah. I have a shoot coming up.”
“I didn’t know that,” Aiden says slowly.
I wonder if he’s putting things together or just trying to figure out logistically if he can stay too.
“Are you gonna give me a ring while you’re there?” he asks, watching me intently.
“Will you have time for me?” There have been many times when I’ve been in LA that we’ve been like passing ships in the night. There hasn’t been time for either one of us to see the other.
“I figure your little shoots won’t take up too much time, so you can come over and see me at the studio. At least I’m hoping that’s where we’ll be.” He shoots a poignant look at Derek.
“They aren’t little shoots,” Derek tells him, looking irritated. “She’s there all day long for days at a time getting things right.” He shakes his head and heads over the rail.
Brent and Aiden are staring at him. Aiden looks confused, his brow furrowed like he’s unsure what he said that made his friend get so mad at him, especially when I seem perfectly fine. But I’m used to my brother thinking my shoots aren’t as large as they are.
“What’s the deal, man?” Aiden asks.
Brent shifts uncomfortably, like he feels that it’s all about to come to a head.
“Nothing,” he says, turning around and leaning up against the railing. “I’m just worried about getting all those songs over to you. You know since you’re hoping to be in the studio.”
Aiden stares at him for a moment. “Okay.”
Thankfully, Mom and Dad come out onto the deck to say their goodbyes.
“Well, kids, time for us to be hitting the road,” Mom says. “I want to get your father home so he can rest. He has an appointment tomorrow.”
I move over to hug her. “Please let me know how that goes.”
“Me too,” Aiden says. “Just use the freaking group chat now that you’ve clued me in.”
