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“Merman. Note the biceps.” Samuel plucks at his white T-shirt and points at said merman biceps. “And the dick bulge.”
“It’s ridiculous,” Rhett replies.
“It’s Balenciaga. If you had any appreciation for fashion, you’d know this merman is a symbol of the fluidity of the human experience,” Samuel says, then turns to me. “I think what our dear brother is trying to say is what you thought you wanted wasn’t making you happy. The, you know, full schedule of fancy weddings, the fancy things you bought, the fancy people you slept with.”
I stare at my mother. “Are you not going to say something to these Neanderthals?”
“Say what? I’m very curious to hear what you all think about love.”
“So you gave Nate a chance,” Samuel continues, “and he shockingly popped your clutch in a way no one else did. He showed you that all the fancy stuff—full schedule, full bank account, hanging out with John Bevin, whatever—was bullshit.”
“John Bevin is not bullshit,” I reply. “But I will say Nate is anti-bullshit.”
“You wanted romance,” Rhett says. “And what’s more romantic than being cared for by a man who loves you for who you are?”
“We saw the way he lit you up,” Hank adds. “He inspires you.”
Beau looks at me. “He’s patient.”
“He’s fun, and when you’re with him, you have fun too,” Mom says. “I’ve learned recently just how important that kind of play is.”
“Mom’s been playing with a guest,” Hank sing-songs.
I pitch forward in my chair. “What? Who? How do I not know about this?”
“You’ve been busy playing with your own lover boy,” Beau says with a grin. “That wedding you just did? This guy got lost on his way there and ended up on Mom’s doorstep.”
Understanding dawns. “The guest who was a no-show.”
“Patrick’s not a boy,” Mom says. “He is very much a man, a handsome one too, a fact I very much appreciate.”
Samuel groans. “I’m glad you’re getting laid, Mom, really, but—yikes, no details please.”
“Message received.” Mom holds up her hands. “But I will say this. I’m glad I took the leap and gave having fun with a stranger a chance. It has certainly paid off, more times than I can count.”
I just stare at my mother. “You’re sleeping with a handsome man named Patrick, and I know nothing about it? Mom! I was the one who told you that you should have more fun.”
“I took your advice to heart.” She wags her brows, and it hits me that the woman is glowing. “Patrick and I have lots of fun together.”
I fling my arms around her neck. “Oh my God, Mom, I’m so happy for you! When can I meet him?”
“He’s flying in from LA next week. It was just supposed to be a one-time thing, but the fun we had was just so good that neither of us could resist a repeat.”
Samuel groans. “Your metaphors aren’t as clever as you think they are, Mom. Let’s meet this guy. Dinner at my house? Everyone can come over for paella.”
“But first, y’all are going to come show your support and possibly kick some ass at the distillery?” I ask, my heart skipping a beat.
Beau and Samuel look at each other.
“Of course we’ll be there,” Beau says, turning his head to meet my gaze. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Mostly because it will be so damn satisfying to see Old Man Kingsley finally put in his place.”
“We’re thrilled for you and Nate too, of course,” Hank quickly adds. “What can we bring?”
“Champagne?” Samuel teases.
“Shotguns?” Beau asks with a bit more seriousness.
Mom raises her empty glass. “My checkbook?”
Shocked silence descends in the room.
“I haven’t lost my mind if that’s what you’re all thinking,” Mom continues. “You said Nate’s buying his father out, but you didn’t mention where he’s getting the money from. I know from experience new companies take a bit of time to grow, and while they’re growing, they don’t pay their people all that well.”
Beau grins. “That was one year, Mom. Then Blue Mountain took off.”
“Exactly. You had the money to bridge that gap. I imagine Nate doesn’t, especially not with a parent who’s a gambler.” Mom looks at me. “I’d like to buy Wilson’s stake in Kingsley Distilling.”
I stare at her, too stunned to reply. Mom still owns some of the land we’ve developed into Blue Mountain Farm Resort, and she also has a stake in the resort itself. Needless to say, she’s become a wealthy woman.
“Mom—”
“Yes, Hank, I’m sure. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with, and it’ll be exciting to be part of an up-and-coming story like the Kingsley’s. And really, this whiskey”—she grabs the bottle of Redheaded Romeo from the center of the table—“is so delicious, and so beautifully crafted, it’s only a matter of time before the world falls in love with it, just like I have.”
