AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Joeysnapped off the television. “Letme get this straight.”Hepointed at his brother’s chest with an expression of incredulity. “You,WyattSomers, are the guy who has been accusingLilyof showing up here under false pretenses.Now, when others follow suit you have a problem with it?”
Wyattsuppressed a rising anger. “There’sa difference between saying she wasn’t forthcoming and accusing her of bribing an elected official.Oneis ill advised, the other is criminal.”
“Oh, come on.Youknow whatI’msaying.Youstoked the fires, got everyone riled up about the mall and now when she leaves, you’re licking your wounds.”
Wyatt’sanger bubbled over.Hepointed back. “So,you,JosephKyleSomers, don’t care if a gargantuan mall is put up on the mountain, destroys the scenery and wildlife habitats?TurnsBreckinto another retail heaven?Takesjobs from local store owners?Peopleyou’ve known your entire life?”
Joeytook a deep breath, allowingWyattto cool down. “Ido care.Butnot more thanIcare for the peopleIlove.”
Wyattdidn’t follow.Thenhe reddened. “Idon’t?—”
“Saveit.EversinceLilyshowed up here, you’ve been acting weird.”
“Ihave not.”
Pammywalked in.Shealways seemed to materialize at the most inopportune time.Nowit was two against one.
“Joey’sright,” she said, rubbing her belly as if it was a genie’s lamp. “You’relike a lovesick teenager.”Toher husband, she said, “Don’tbe so hard on him.Rememberwhat it was like for us in the beginning?”
Pammysat onJoey’slap who groaned in mock pain.Sheplayfully slapped his hand.
Wyattsaid, “Howcome you never told me how you felt about the mall development?”
Pammystood up and sat besideJoey.Shepulled two knitting needles and a ball of electric blue yarn from a basket on the floor.Itwas the firstWyatthad noticed it.
Joeysaid, “AsIsaid,Ido care.I’mjust not the firebrand you are,Wy.Besides, you never asked my opinion.Whichsuited me just fine sinceIneed to stay on your good side.”
Wyatthad a sense of where things were going.Ugh. “Youwant out, don’t you?”
Joeychewed on his bottom lip, then nodded.ItremindedWyattof when they were kids,Joeyscared to tell their dad he broke the neighbor’s window with his baseball.
Pammywas fiddling with the yarn, humming to herself.Shehad become uncharacteristically silent.
Joeysaid, “Withthe baby coming, the hours are simply too long.Iwant to find another path to fame and fortune.”
Wyattwasn’t surprised but it was still a bitter pill to swallow. “We’reworking with a skeleton crew as it is.”
“Iknow.ButI’llhelp you recruit new skilled workers.”
Pammywas knitting with intense concentration.Itlooked like a bright blue deformed sock.
Wyattblew out a lungful of frustration.Ithad been one lousy day after the next. “I’mnot happy about this.”
Joeylooked away.
“But,”Wyattadded. “I’veknown for a while home construction wasn’t your passion.”
“Youhave?”Joey’sface turned hopeful.
Wyattnodded. “Imay be dense sometimes butI’mnot blind.Youneed to be available to your family.”
Joeyput out a fist whichWyattreluctantly bumped. “Thanks.Ididn’t see you giving me such an easy time.NowIneed one tiny favor.”
Wyattknew instantly whatJoeywanted.Herolled his eyes. “Comeon.You’rean adult now.”
“Please?”
Pammyseemed clueless as to what they were talking about.
