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“A big boy who doesn’t have a job, dates too many women, and doesn’t bother to let us know when he isn’t coming home,” she complained.
Dating was a generous way to describe Merit’s escapades. Her frustration was understandable, but seeing as his parents were the ones financially supporting most of his youngest brother’s bad habits, it was up to them to deal with the problem.
“You’ll have to talk to him before the campaign kicks off.”
“I will,” she said with a heavy sigh. “Or your father will. Right now, I just want to know he’s okay.”
“You never worry if I make it home at night,” he teased.
“Of course I do, but you have your own place. I don’t expect to see you at the breakfast table in the morning.”
“Even when Merit is home, does he make it to the breakfast table?”
“You have a point,” his mother conceded. “But he still sweet talks Elena into making him a plate in the kitchen, so at least I know he’s alive.”
“He’s alive, Mom. Probably hung over in a bed with one of the bridesmaids, but he’s alive.”
“Don’t be so crass.” Despite the admonishment, there was grudging humor in her voice.
“Just trying to make you feel better before I let you go.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better at all. And you didn’t answer my other question. Plus one or no?”
Darn. Merit wasn’t even good for an effective distraction these days. “No, I’m not bringing a date, but you know I’ll be busy taking pictures at the party, so don’t even think about setting me up or introducing me to anyone.”
“Asher, it would be rude of me to not make introductions if there’s someone there you don’t know.”
Deep breath. She means well.
“There’ll be a ton of people there I don’t know, Mom. You invited half the state.” Not quite, but since his dad was going to announce his senate run, the guest list would be longer than usual.
“Then don’t be upset with me when I make introductions,” she reasoned, the happy grin back in her voice.
“Introduce Loyal. He texted and said his flight gets in Thursday night.”
“I’d like him to move home for good, not drive him away.”
“I can always move away,” he threatened.
“You wouldn’t.”
They both knew it was true, but he still said, “You’d still have Celia, Merit, and Shelby to drive crazy.”
“I want all my kids here, not spread out across the country. You’re not allowed to move away, so stop teasing.”
“But it’s fun.”
“You’re sassy. Tell me, is Roxanna coming on Saturday, too?”
“She said she wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good, then I’ll let you get back to work now.”
Thank you.
“Tell Dad I said hi. Love you both.” The sign-off was automatic, but no less sincere.
As he set his phone aside, a red pick-up truck pulled into the driveway across the street. He couldn’t help sneaking glances as the driver spoke to his red-haired neighbor at her door, then loaded the realty sign into his truck, filled the hole with dirt, topped it with a chunk of sod, and left.
