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Ten
Archer
After Uncle Cameron had gone for the jugular when I arrived, I glossed over how I met Delaney, our separation, and my time in Coal Haven.
I hadn’t expected Holden to swoop in for the rescue, but he’d stepped in, boasting about his Traeger grill and smoker. We were on his back patio pad. It overlooked the pastures, making a scenic view out of the sliding door. Once we reached the grill, he popped the top of a cold bottle of beer and handed it to me. He had an open beer by the grill, and this crowd seemed like the type to question why someone wasn’t drinking. I politely accepted the drink and took a small sip.
This was nothing like the cheap shit Dad used to buy.
Holden flipped open the top of the grill. Rectangles of foil were on the higher rack. “You grill?”
“Not for a long time.”
“All five-star restaurants now?” He nodded as Stetson stepped out, followed by my uncles. Did the guys always separate from the women? I couldn’t picture Delaney being comfortable in a room with Naomi. She’d made the right call.
“I, uh, have a personal chef.”
Even Uncle Cameron’s brows ticked up.
I took a bigger drink. “I work long hours.”
The others nodded like it sounded sane, but they still didn’t get it.
“What is it you do for work?” Cameron asked as Aunt Kira stepped out with us. She seemed like she’d rather be outside, not just with us. A restless energy emanated from her.
I explained my position with Mr. Truitt. I told them about the scholarship, followed by the internship, and my job. Uncle Bruce asked about some of the deals I’d been a part of, but he hadn’t heard of any of them.
What an odd notion. I brought in commissions that were tens of millions of dollars. It was expected, but I still hustled to make partner. My world had become my job. And on the other side of the country, my uncle hadn’t heard of any of the deals, and he was only interested because it was what I did for a living.
Kira sprawled on the stone bench that ran along the edge of the concrete pad. Her booted feet were crossed like her arms as she regarded me. No wealthy landowners I’d worked with were like her. “You needed a scholarship and an internship to pay for college?”
I nodded, realizing my mistake too late. Dad’s business was his business. It had been my life, but this was more intrusive than telling my wife about how I’d grown up.
“What happened to all the money we paid Allan?” Cameron asked in a menacingly calm tone. Bruce studied his beer, and Holden and Stetson watched as if they were more interested in my reaction than my answer.
“You’ll have to discuss that with him.” I didn’t drop eye contact with my uncle and took another drink.
Kira laughed, a hard sound that didn’t fit the peaceful surroundings. “Guess we’ll have to wait another thirty-two years for that.”
Cameron didn’t flinch. He reminded me of Mr. Truitt. A man used to compliant people surrounding him. A man who realized that reaction was as important as action. “I’m sorry about your mother.”
“Thank you.” He’d known about me and Ansen. He knew about Mama, but he didn’t know Dad had lost everything. Was he nosy or did he care? “How did you know?”
“That would be me,” Uncle Bruce said, looking sheepish. “Your mama used to send us Christmas cards.” He glanced between his brother and sister. “She and Willow were pen pals of sorts, talking about raising sons and stuff. I, uh, I found her obituary when Christmas came and went that year without a card.”
I nodded, fighting back a swell of nostalgia and sadness. Mama probably hadn’t said a thing to Dad. “She was pretty special.”
“And her family?” Uncle Cameron asked.
I hated to give my reply. “We don’t talk.”
My uncle nodded like he expected the answer. “Not a surprise.”
“What’s that mean?” I’d spent so long being upset with Dad, but my instant defense of him didn’t feel odd. It came naturally. Dad hadn’t made an easy choice, but he’d fought for it.
“Allan was a proud man.” He tipped his head. “A lot like Laney’s mom. Too proud to know what’s good for them.”
Stetson closed his eyes, and regret crossed Holden’s expression.
