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It was months after Mom passed that my grandparents invited them to their house. It had been a very awkward day. They felt like strangers. Gabe immediately befriended them. Even today, they were closest to him.
We were better at navigating our relationship now. We rarely spoke of our childhood. Sometimes we mentioned Dad by accident. Nick was especially prone to bringing up that he took them fishing, and all those resentments came right back, slamming into me. He’d never done that with us. He was gone almost every weekend with “work” projects.
We tried to limit family talk to one subject: our grandparents. That way we didn’t slip into dangerous territory. My brothers and half brothers were all focused on their well-being. As far as I knew, they weren’t in contact with Dad.
As we sat down at the bar, the waiter brought us four menus.
"Coffee for me," I said.
"Yeah, for me too," Maddox said. Nick and Leo both went with a Coke. Everyone around us seemed to be drinking some sort of green juice, probably one of those health concoctions. I’d never understood the fad.
"Hey, look at that group," Leo said. "How about asking them if they want to play with us today?" He glanced at Maddox. "Since these two bozos are sitting out?"
Maddox turned to look at the ladies Leo was referencing. "I wouldn't mind if we went out with them instead of playing tennis."
Nick grinned. "You two, turn that down. Don't pick up women at the club. It’s tacky, and that’s not what Whitleys do."
"Why not?" Leo asked. "That's why most people come here."
"Running into them again here will be awkward," I pointed out. “It’s just not a good look.”
"Thank you," Nick said. "Finally, someone with a good head on his shoulders."
"Yeah," Leo remarked.
"True," Maddox agreed.
I had to laugh at how similar these guys were to my blood brothers. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
It was good that my brothers weren't here because they'd immediately pick up on why I was playing so shitty today. My family had a sixth sense when it came to that. I had to make an effort to stop them from guessing what was wrong with me, but I could relax around my half brothers, since they didn’t know me as well.
My mind was on Meredith, plain and simple. She was getting back tonight.
While my half brothers continued discussing the pros and cons of hooking up with someone at the club, I texted Meredith.
Cade: What time do you get back today?
Meredith: Six o’clock.
Cade: When and where should I pick you up?
Meredith: Can I text you later? My parents moved into their new home. I promised I’ll help them unpack or they’ll never be done. We can go out after?
Cade: I'll drop by and help.
Meredith: Really? I'm sure you have better things to do on a Sunday evening.
Cade: Nah, I’d like to spend it with your parents. I haven't caught up with them in a while. And with you. Especially with you.
She didn't reply. I was 100 percent sure she was blushing.
"Dude, I thought you couldn’t focus. But this is different. It's like you're in a trance," Nick said.
I looked up from the phone.
Leo narrowed his eyes. "I have an idea about what’s going on."
"Don't try guessing. You're going to be wrong. Besides, my focus is back," I said.
