Page 71 of You're the Reason

He made his way down the grand staircase, across the foyer and through the living room to the door of the study. This place needed a map. He knocked once before walking in, keeping Isabella rocking as he went. She seemed to like the movement. Jon was digging through a pile of papers. He glanced up when Seth walked in but didn’t pause his work. “I have about ten minutes before I have to leave for another meeting. Shoot.”

He shifted Isabella and started to bounce her. “I was thinking we could set up a mini ninja gym experience for the festival.”

“Dude, we only came up with the initial plan like two days ago and the festival is in a week. What do you think we can accomplish in that amount of time?”

“I’m not talking about the built-in kind that we have planned, but I’ve found a few companies that rent temporary setups for a reasonable price. It’s a series of six to twelve obstacles, depending on which package you get, like rings, climbing walls, and one had tilting paddles. It’s all low stuff, but it could be a good sample of what we’re planning.”

“Okay, I’m following. Is this just to promote the new rec center/ninja gym? We’re a long way from promotion. We don’t even have solid plans.”

“I figured we could sell tickets, and the money could go toward the books at the library. Isn’t that the main fundraiser this year? Connect with the community and all that.”

Jon nodded as he tapped his pen on his chin. “I’d have to run it by Mayor Jameson and Hannah. She’s in charge of the whole thing, but I don’t see why it would be a problem.”

“It’s also supposed to be pretty humid next week, and the AC guy came yesterday. The building should be cool by then.”

“Sounds like you have it all figured out.” Jon laced his fingers across his stomach. “What do you need from me?”

“If you could talk to the mayor and Hannah like you said, I can secure the rental for tomorrow. We just need a deposit.”

“I like it. And I know what you said, but just imagine”—Jon moved his hands as if displaying a sign—“The Storm’s gym. Thunder Arena. Bring the?—”

“No, I’ve told you I don’t want my name attached.”

Isabella started to fuss, and Jon stepped around the desk and claimed his daughter. “I’m not sure that’s a good marketing decision on your part. But I will accommodate. Oh, and since you’re signed up for the Fourth of July festival bachelor auction, we can just close it for that hour. Can’t have our prize horse miss out. Margret is saving her pennies after all.”

When Seth’s only response was to groan, he added with a chuckle, “Consider it a rite of passage.”

A rite of passage. The right to belong in town.

“It has happened to the best of us.” Jon slapped him on the back. “I’m just glad that I’m married now.”

“Glad to hear that.” Leah walked in, lifted Isabella from his arms, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Although if the biggest pro of our marriage is that you get out of the bachelor auction, we may need to reevaluate things.”

Jon pulled out a card from his wallet and handed it to him. “Use this for the rental. This is a great plan. I’m proud of you, Seth.”

Proud.

That was the second time Jon had used the word. And the word hit him this time as much as it had the first time. Maybe he could see a future with possibilities. A future he’d never considered before.

Jon took a step toward his office door but turned back. “Oh, and you’re welcome to move your weights over to the rec center now. Give you and Grace both more space.”

Jon walked out the door and was gone before Seth could agree or disagree.

But why wouldn’t he agree? After all, a space where he didn’t have to move his weights every day would be great. At least it should be. No doubt Grace would love more space. Then why did it leave him feeling so empty?

Ten minutes later as he pulled into the parking lot to the studio, he still couldn’t answer that question. He put the car in park and froze. Gabe leaned against the building next to the door to the studio. He took a long drag of something in his hand, his gaze never leaving Seth. One glance at the parking lot told him Grace wasn’t there yet, which meant Gabe was there for one reason—to talk to him. Lucky him.

He didn’t know what Gabe’s game was but whatever it was, Seth didn’t like it. He climbed out of his car and walked toward the studio door.

He fit the key into his lock but didn’t open the door. “Go away, Gabe. We have nothing to talk about.”

“I think we do.” He flicked the ash from the joint in his hand. “I’m pretty sure you still owe me a favor or two.”

“I owe you nothing.” So like Gabe, his first tactic was always manipulation and guilt. But Seth was done playing his game.

“You see, I haven’t told my parents what I saw yesterday.” Gabe stepped forward as if he were ready to follow Seth inside to settle in for a long talk. “So if you want me to keep my mouth shut?—”

Seth blocked his path to the door then put his hand in the middle of Gabe’s chest, pressing him against the building. Gabe had a couple of inches on him, but Seth was stronger. A lot stronger. And the fear that flashed in Gabe’s eyes testified that he remembered that Seth had once had a very bad temper.

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