Page 29 of Hooked on a Feeling

“Dinner’s ready, guys. Come on.” Mom’s voice rang loudly from the other room, and Dad immediately flipped the TV off, giving his brothers another chance to complain.

Once their dad was out of the room, Judge, Jersey, and Jake crowded John in the hall. “How’s the girl?” Jersey asked.

He didn’t expect to get away today without being asked about Starr, but come on. Did it have to be the first thing out of his brother’s mouth? “She’s fine.” When Judge continued to give him a probing look, John clenched his jaw. “What do you want me to say?”

“My Way was gone yesterday,” Judge said. “But not for very long. What happened?”

Jersey pulled out his phone. “I could give you the exact nautical miles and time it went out in just a second.”

John grabbed Jersey’s phone and growled. “Stop. There is no need. She gets—hold your breath ’cause this is crazy—she gets sick from being on the water.”

All three of his brothers stared at him like he was a vampire walking around in daylight. The silence continued. Not a single one of his brothers blinked.

“Boys?” Their mom broke the silence.

“You’re dating someone who gets seasick?” Jake asked.

John shrugged. He pointed to the dining room. “None of you better bring this up in there.”

Judge rolled his eyes and went in first.

“Gosh, are you guys deaf?” Ruby asked, her hands outstretched and ready for prayer. They all ignored her and took their seats at the table.

The last thing John needed was to have a freaking conversation about Starr Young at the dinner table. His heart thundered inside his chest at the thought that one of his brothers might bring her up to their parents. Luckily for him, he was an adult and didn’t have to tell them about her. If only he could will his brothers to keep their mouths shut.

He held hands with Reed on his left and Dad to his right for the blessing. He closed his eyes, and Dad cleared his throat. “Dear Father, thank you for this meal you have provided for us. Thank you for gracing us with the life you believe we’re destined for and allowing us to share our love and our time with you and one another. Amen.”

John didn’t pray except on Sundays, and he was always surprised at the way the words hit him directly in his solar plexus. “Amen.” Starr was at the center of his mind while everyone went about filling their plates. He grabbed two slices of garlic bread, and when Mom gave him a look, he gave her a smile.

He worried about being named CEO and wanted to bring it up, but no business talk was permitted at Sunday dinner. Which really seemed ludicrous, and he decided then and there to make a motion to change that. Just as he went to open his mouth, Jake beat him to it.

“Are we going to need to start planning a retirement party for you, Dad?”

Mom beamed at the idea. “I would love it if you girls helped plan something, and then your dad and I will be taking a long trip.” She put her arm on Dad’s forearm. “That African safari you’ve always wanted to take is waiting for us.”

The tension was thick. Everyone was waiting for their dad to say something. John knew his first reaction would be to brush off the idea and claim the decision was work related. When that happened, their mother spoke up.

“Oh poo. It’s not work related. What is it, John? You and I have worked hard all our lives. We deserve this. We are not getting any younger.” Mom’s eyes darted around the long table, briefly landing on each of her children. She tugged on Dad’s arm, willing him to look at her. “You have seven more-than-capable children whom you’ve shown the way. Trust them, John. Let’s get away.”

John looked away from their mother. The ache in her eyes shredded his heart. All his siblings were gazing down at their food except Judge. He was staring directly at their dad. The vein in Judge’s neck throbbed.

“Sure, honey,” Dad said. “We can talk about it later.”

“No, Dad. Talk about it now.” Judge’s voice spewed anger. He was apparently just as tired of their dad being non-committal about his potential retirement as John was.

“This is none of your business,” Dad said. “When I’m ready, I will take the trip. I’m not ready.”

“Horseshit.” Judge laughed. “You’ll never be ready.”

Their dad threw his napkin down. “Don’t you use that language at the dinner table. I will decide when I’m ready to leave Blue. No one else.”

“Fine. I’ll go to Africa on my own,” Mom said. “I’m tired, John. I’m tired of waiting for life. Name John CEO so we can get on with it.”

“If you don’t, I’m finding a new job.” John bit his lower lip. Shit. He hadn’t planned on saying that. Everyone stared at him in silence for a moment before starting to talk over one another.

Their dad slammed his fist on the table. “Enough!”

Everyone stopped talking. Their mother looked like she was about to cry, and although it gutted John to see her like that, he was glad this discussion was finally happening. It wasn’t all about him. It was about Mom. His sisters and brothers. Dad. Their family. Dad turned to him. His blue eyes burned fury, but John was over it at this point.

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