Page 136 of Worth the Trip

“I haven’t said anything.”

“Your face drafting commentary.”

“I was only observing how early arrogance entered your developmental process.”

Mama Brooks laughed. “He came here convinced.”

Landon placed one hand at my back. “Hereditary self-assurance.”

“Delusion with family support.”

His mouth lowered near my ear. “Keep talking reckless in my childhood home, Hershey.”

My stomach tightened. “Or what?”

“I’ll explain later.”

“You seem committed to future explanations.”

“I believe in thorough communication.”

Mama Brooks looked over her shoulder just in time to catch my smile. She said nothing, which somehow made it worse.

A tall man rose from the recliner near the window. Landon’s steadiness lived in him too, though silver ran through his beard.

“Daddy, this is Nolani.”

He extended his hand. “Warren. Welcome.”

“Thank you for having me.”

Before I could say more, a younger voice came from the adjoining room. “He been cleaning since eight this morning. So technically, thank you for coming. The baseboards finally got attention.”

A young man appeared, carrying something red in a wineglass. Landon sighed.

“Lennox.”

“What? I’m honoring labor.”

Landon caught the back of his neck and guided him toward me. “This mouth with legs is my brother.”

Lennox freed himself and extended his hand. “I’m the charming one.”

“You drinking fruit punch from a wine glass,” Landon said with disgust.

“It improves the experience.”

I shook his hand. “I respect the commitment to presentation.”

He pointed at me. “See? She understands culture.”

Landon reclaimed my hand. “Don’t encourage him.”

Lennox looked down at our fingers. “You holding her hand like y’all announcing an engagement.”

My pulse noticed.

Landon did not release me.