Page 2 of We're One

“It seems our fates have been sealed since we were in college,” Blaze says with a wink. I glare at my brother.

“What aren’t you two telling me?” I demand. I look over the letter again and the name of Sia Rivers is buzzing in my brain like a persistent mosquito. Who is she and why am I supposed to meet her?

“We’d never dream of keeping secrets from you,” Blaze says with that eternal twinkle in his eyes that’s always gotten him out of trouble.

“That’s garbage, and you know it,” I grumble. “Why in the hell does the woman’s name sound familiar?”

“You probably know her if our journeys are any indication,” Callan says.

“I don’t see why the place needs a makeover. It looks good to me,” I say as I look around at the furniture that hasn’t changed in forty years.

“That’s what they say about Graceland, but I’ve done the tour and let me tell you, it needs an upgrade,” Blaze says with a laugh.

“You can’t touch Graceland,” I say in horror. There are some things that should always remain the same. Elvis will live on forever.

“Just saying, the seventies are long over,” Blaze says without remorse.

“And this furniture in here hasn’t been in style since disco was cool,” Callan adds.

“There are still ashtrays in here and no one smokes,” Blaze says.

“These are Gramps’s things,” I admonish. I can’t imagine getting rid of anything in this house. It’s all a part of our past. It’s a way to hold on to Gramps.

“Let’s not touch this room,” Blaze suggests. “You can give the rest of the place an upgrade, but leave this room just as it is. That way if we want to be with Gramps, we can step back into the past in here.”

It’s not a bad idea. I have to admit the furniture in the rest of the house isn’t all that comfortable, and the colors are terrible. It could use some brightening up if nothing else.

“I guess it doesn’t hurt to contact this Sia woman,” I say. I have a feeling it will hurt though. It might hurt a lot. I don’t appreciate being the puppet in some game. My brothers survived their journeys though, so I’m sure I will as well.

“Atta boy,” Blaze says before he stands, walks to the fridge, grabs a few cold beers, then sits and picks up the remote. “Now that we have that settled, let’s finish the football game and end this night on a happy note; you can start the real game tomorrow.”

“Partially sounds good to me,” I say as I grab one of the bottles, then lean back. Starting the mystery box game sounds like hell, but a good football game is always fun. I have a lot to think about, but it can wait until tomorrow.

As the clock ticks down on the final moments of the game, I keep looking at the model of the ranch house. I don’t know what’s coming, but I’ve never been afraid in life, and I’ve always taken challenges as they come to me. Sia Rivers, let’s see what you have to show me. I’m sure it will be a fun adventure for both of us... or it will be an absolute nightmare. It’s a fifty-fifty chance to go either way.

Chapter One

Sia

I gaze at my list of potential clients on the computer in front of me as I chew on my fingernail, a habit I’m determined to break. Whenever I’m feeling the slightest bit stressed, the finger pops right into my mouth. Disgusting. I will stop. I’m determined. Maybe I’ll start tomorrow. Today isn’t turning out to be my favorite.

My best friend and roommate, Nikki, is sprawled out next to me on the couch, flipping through a cooking magazine, occasionally glancing at the television that’s playing The Pioneer Woman. Nikki’s been on a cooking addiction for years now, and I don’t mind one little bit because she’s been making incredible recipes. She’s determined to be the next celebrity chef to sweep the nation. She has a good chance of making her dreams come true. She’s gifted when it comes to cooking.

I need to focus on my busy schedule, and even more importantly, be grateful I’m getting so many jobs. But right now, there’s only one name on the list I can’t turn away from, and it’s like a dang flashing light that draws me right back... Zach Callahan.

“What has that scowl on your face? You know it causes wrinkles,” Nikki says, making me look over at her. She’s grinning as usual. It takes a lot to upset Nikki.

“What do you mean?” I ask, acting as innocent as possible as I try to wipe away the scowl.

“Don’t play dumb with me. We’ve known each other since grade school,” she reminds me. She’s right, it’s stupid to try to keep this from her.

I let out a sigh. “I’m meeting with a new client today.”

“Do we know this client?” I love that she uses the word we. We’ve been besties for so long, it’s inconceivable that either of us has a life outside of one another.

“Zach.”

She looks confused as she flashes through names of people we know. “I don’t recognize the name.”

---