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How can I say no when he’s literally begging and crying?
I can’t.
My dad isn’t a manipulative person, so I know he’s not trying to sway me for no reason. If he’s asking, it’s because he needs me to do this.
Maybe he’s gotten himself into trouble. The father I know would never gamble or dabble in anything illegal. He’s too careful for that.
However, it’s possible he’s trying to set up a nice nest egg for him and my mom. Maybe he knows I’m not going to make it—not that he’d ever say that to my face—and he’s worried there won’t be anyone to take over the business when I’m gone. Because, yeah, without me, they have no one to pass the farm to.
Either way, there’s definitely something he isn’t telling me. Something he wants to keep to himself.
“This isn’t just about the hospital bills, is it?” I ask solemnly, hoping for some honesty.
“No.” Dad’s voice cracks on the word.
I take it as my cue to back off.
Ultimately, this property is his. His to sell, if that’s what he chooses. It’s the last thing I want, but I have to accept the fact that my parents are going to retire eventually. And if that looks like lounging on a beach somewhere far from here, so be it.
“Okay,” I say. “I trust you. Just let me know what you need from me.”
A relieved breath releases from my dad.
Then he pulls me in for a hug. We’re a hugging kind of family, so it’s not weird, but this one feels different. He’s squeezing a little tight, for a little too long.
Maybe it’s an apology, but he shouldn’t have to be sorry.
“It’s all right, Dad,” I whisper. “It’s all right.”
After a final pat on my shoulder, he picks up the cash box and starts edging toward the front door. “Work out the plans with Ellister. Since we’ll be open for business tomorrow, you might want to stick to places behind the scenes.”
Probably because he doesn’t want any of our customers to get wind that we’re selling. “Good idea.”
Just as he nudges the creaky screen door open with his boot, Dad digs out his key ring. The thing is massively overcrowded because he holds the keys to every lock on this property.
He hands one to Ellister while speaking to me. “He’ll take the guest cabin next to yours.”
My jaw drops. “You want him to be my neighbor?”
It’s not like we haven’t had many newcomers stay over the years. We’re basically a revolving door of seasonal workers, volunteers, and campers. But everyone who stays the night is vetted.
“Without running a background check?” I add, eyeing my father like he’s lost his mind.
“No worries about that. Cody already did it.” He’s too stiff, his shoulders tense. Stress is coming off him in waves, and I don’t understand what’s changed since earlier today.
“Are you okay?”
“Fine, fine,” he replies, his voice high and tight.
Well, he’s lying, but I don’t press the issue because he’s inching away like a doctor who can’t wait to leave the exam room.
After strongly suggesting that I get some sleep, Dad lets me know my mom is still in the barn with Jack dismantling the decorations, and that he wants to talk to her about all this before I do.
It seems like he’s barely holding it together when he says goodnight and goes inside.
Then it’s just Ellister and me.
“Why were you guys arguing?” I immediately ask.
