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“I find myself with a rather short fuse in the face of losing Mum. My apologies. It won’t happen again.”
My father studied me. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I think not. Come, let’s get a drink.”
He led me to the suite he and my mother had shared. The door opened to a sitting area. Beyond that was what had been their bedroom, en suite bath, and two walk-in closets, one for each of them. There was a fire burning in the fireplace, and I saw a half-full glass of dark liquid on the table near the chair where he usually sat. He raised it, downed the contents, then walked to a cart near the window that held several bottles of booze, an ice bucket, and three empty glasses. He poured another for himself and one for me, then we both took a seat.
“You and your brother are at odds.”
“That wasn’t Beau I was arguing with. It was Zin.”
“Regardless. You’ve kept your distance.”
I took a sip and studied the flames of the fire.
“Your mother was always able to get through to the two of you. I find myself unable to fill her shoes.”
“Perhaps when we were children. We’re adults now and able to settle our own differences.”
“This is about Luisa Reeve, isn’t it?”
I closed my eyes and rested against the chair. “Forgive me. I mean no disrespect, but that is not a conversation I’m willing to have with you or anyone else. Particularly today.”
“You care a great deal for her.”
“Dad, please.”
“If your mother were here, she’d tell you not to do what you’ve always done.”
I opened my eyes and looked at him. “And what is that?”
“Step aside whenever you and your brother desired the same thing. The Jag is a perfect example, as is Sheriff.”
“Again, forgive me, Father, but you’re speaking of an automobile and a horse. Luisa is—”
“The woman you’re in love with.”
I finished what was in my glass. “As I said, this is not a conversation I’m willing to participate in.”
“I’m going to give you the same advice your mother would if she were with us today. She’d tell you that, this time, you need to step in front of your brother, not to the side.”
I stood and walked over to the window. Rather than pour myself another glass, I set it on the table. “There are circumstances that make things difficult.”
“I’m aware.”
I looked over my shoulder at him.
“Tryst called shortly after you left Mexico, son.”
“You knew I was on my way.”
My father nodded. “As did your mother.”
“I should have called. I’d meant to surprise you. I don’t know what I was thinking. It wasn’t as though it was a simple visit. My God, I brought a security team with me—” I meant to apologize, but my voice was clogged with emotion. “I’ve made so many mistakes, Dad. The first was not spending time with her. God, she bid on me at the bachelor auction just so she could have dinner with me.”
“That wasn’t why she did it.”
