Page 180 of Perfect Satisfaction

“And two?”

This, too, is easy. “Between Brendan, JB, and the rest, you weren’t alone while I got my overinflated ego out of our way. You were surrounded by love. How could I resent that?”

Seriously, she reminds me, “We can’t share this. This can’t leak. There’s something in Dad’s estate about why, but I have no idea what it is.”

I lay my fingers over her lips. “Sula, your family became my family. Our secret is safe.”

She tugs me down until my full weight rests atop her. For a long while, that’s all we do until more pressing matters take over.

CHAPTERNINETY

Some madman almost scared wildlife permanently into extinction. Since I was in the car with that individual, I can personally attest to its veracity.

On behalf of the driver, to all future bloodlines of the species impacted, I sincerely apologize. There was a good outcome for such irresponsible driving.

That said, every living being’s life matters when you’re behind the wheel.

—StellaNova

“Come for a ride with me,”JB urges after breakfast three days later.

Having just consumed my grandfather’s pancakes in a race against Max, I groan. “You’re just trying to get me to puke.”

He smirks and swirls the Chevy keyring around his finger. “Never know unless you try.”

Sula snickers. My eyes cut over to hers. “What? What do you know that I don’t?”

Her face morphs into a mask of innocence. “Nothing. Go for a ride with JB. I recommend a barf bag.”

“You can’t be worse than her.” I point at Sula.

“Worse?”

“She’s horrific. She takes glee in scaring old people and small children.” There’s some hyperbole in what I’m saying, but the overall message is the same.

My wife should not be behind the wheel for the safety of all those involved.

“I taught her how to drive,” Brendan says indignantly.

My face must reflect my horror. “Good god. There are two of you?”

There’s laughter around the table, especially from my grandfather. “Go with the boy, Arek.”

I wink at Sula before pushing back from the table.

About twenty minutes later, when JB drops a gear and charges through the gates of Brendan’s property, I give thought to the air of festivity in Brendan Blake’s home. “Is it always like this when you are all together?”

“A madhouse?”

“Pretty much.”

“Always. With each other, we could relax the masks we were forced to wear.”

“You mind if I’m honest?”

JB takes his eyes off the road.

“Don’t do that. Keep your eyes where I know they belong,” I scold.