Page 74 of Can’t Say No

Delaney tenses under my hand.

There’s still so much about the orchard, and my reluctant decision to keep the failing family business alive, that she doesn’t know. I kept looking for the right time to catch her up on the years she missed, but those years were so damn hard, and rehashing them when things between us finally felt stable seemed unnecessary.

Less so now, as Delaney glances my way, unspoken questions written all over her face.

“Uh, yeah, it’s good. Just kinda, you know, keeping things the same. Hayrides through the fields, some live music, and food booths.” I squeeze the back of my neck in an attempt to squelch the growing anxiety. I really do not want to get into the intricacies of the orchard and its slow descent into financial ruin in front of Delaney.

“Well, I think we outta do something different this year. I’ve been going over the books and clearly, keeping things the same isn’t working.”

Delaney’s eyes flick between me and my dad, and I can tell she’s piecing it all together. My siblings’ exchange similar looks, but there’s no confusion in their expressions. No, they’re both silently rejoicing that all this shit isn’t theirs to figure out. I love them, but they’ve always been quick to throw me to the wolves.

My dad sits a little taller in his seat, and turns to face my girl. “I was thinking Delaney might like to perform.”

I start to protest, but he holds his hands up to silence me.

“Now before you jump down my throat, think about the revenue we could bring in. Even if we keep ticket prices low, this could be the trick to get us back on track.”

I know he’s right. He’s not the only one who’s been pouring over our financial reports lately. I know we need a major boost if we have any hope of surviving past this harvest.

But using Delaney to make that happen? No fucking way. I don’t want to be like every other person in her life, controlling her and making her choices for her.

I shake my head, trying to find the words to shut down his plan.

“I’d be happy to do it!” Delaney beams over to my dad from beside me. “Maybe I can get the Ridgecrest choir to perform with me too! Since the fall fest is a big community event,” she says, glancing over at me. “It would be fun to get the students involved!”

My hand finds hers again and I drop my voice low. “You really don’t have to, Lanie.”

“Oh hush, Connor,” my dad admonishes with a playful smile, but I see the tight set of his jaw, the hard lines on his face. There’s nothing playful in his sentiment. “She said yes. Don't try to talk her out of it, son. Don’t you think this is a good idea?”

Ruthie and Jaylen both shoot me sympathetic looks but continue their strategic silence.

“Yeah, okay,” I sigh. “It’s a great idea, dad. I’ll work on putting together new flyers.”

He points a thin finger my way. “And update the ticket price.”

“I’m excited!” Delaney gushes. “I’ll work on putting together a setlist and I’ll talk to Mrs. Crane about using the choir. This’ll be great.”

Delaney smiles brightly at my dad and I try to shove all my anxious thoughts down. She said yes. It was her choice. Who am I to stand in her way? But something about using her influence for our gain feels wrong.

Delaney gives my hand a squeeze and I focus on the point of contact. Her touch grounds me even as my anxious thoughts swirl. Everything outside of us might be sideways, backwards, or upside down. But me and her together? That might just be the only right thing in the world.

28

DELANEY

Was I completely blindsided by Mr. Majors’ request at brunch? Yes. Was it tactless and a little rude for him to put me on the spot like that? Yes and yes. Did I want to shoot him my best I don’t fucking think so look and tell him to cut Connor loose from the orchard while I was at it? Duh.

But I guess Ridgecrest has changed me because while my knee-jerk reaction was a big hell no, simply because I’m sick of being told what to do, I paused. And in that moment of stillness, I felt Connor stiffen beside me, like he was preparing for battle on my behalf.

He might not stand up to his dad for his own happiness, but for mine? He was ready to fight right then and there over a table full of tater tot casserole.

So I said yes and painted on all the enthusiasm I could muster.

Roping in the choir kids was an excellent display of quick thinking on my end, and Mrs. Crane agreed as well. She said she’s always looking for more ways to get the students involved in community events. Her only stipulation was that I have to be the one directing them.

“You’ve surprised me, Delaney,” she said when I brought it up. “Really thought you were gonna be a giant pain in my ass. But you’ve been a faithful worker, a quick learner, and you’re good with the students. You should be proud.”

Her praise settled deep in my chest. I’ve learned so much from working with Mrs. Crane. Music history, theory, composing. I’ve never been quick to call myself a musician, but after my time working with her, I might finally allow myself to carry that title.