Page 29 of Keepsake

“Richer. Impressive. I’m sure you’re great at your job and it’s not because of where we are right now,” he said, moving his finger to show our surroundings, “but because I can see how much you think before you act. And I’m sure that works fine for you, but maybe you might want my expertise right now.”

I looked around my house, trying to see a crack. He was in construction, right? What could—

“Not that,” he cut off my thoughts. “What I learned a long time ago when I was fighting was that it didn’t matter how much I knew of my opponent or how prepared for the fight I was, there was always something that could go wrong. Just like in construction. Something always goes awry at the last minute.”

“I know how to prepare for losses.” I tipped my nose high. “That’s part of my job, too.”

“But you rely on other certainties. On numbers. But like in a fight, kids do whatever they want. No rhyme or reason. You’ve got to retire making lists and just let things happen naturally.”

“I can be prepared. It’s wise to—”

“Do you want me to read all those things you sent me?” he asked, pushing the mug away and standing up. “I can. And we can make as many lists as you like, but in the end, you need to learn how to move with the music.”

“I can do that and be informed at the same time. One doesn’t exclude the other.”

Alvaro chuckled in a way I didn’t like, dipping his chin, he pierced me with a look, “Alright then, Jefa.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but he was already leaving the kitchen.

“Seatbelt,”Isaidwhen we closed the doors and I positioned my hands at two and ten.

Dashiell blinked slowly, but finally put the belt on before me having to ask again.

Alvaro wanted us all to drive in his truck, but I wanted to have my car with me. I liked to have my own things with me at all times. But this also gave me an opportunity to have Dashiell alone since Alvaro took Lachlan and Vienna.

He was still parked in the street, even though I told him he should be using my parking space, so we said our goodbyes at the elevator, and Dash and I continued lower.

“It’s good that we’ll have this time alone.” I started the car and the talk. “I wanted to talk to you.”

He said nothing. I glanced at him as I went up the ramp to exit the parking lot and Dash was facing the window, avoiding me.

“Can we talk?” I asked again.

“You can talk.”

Not the most enthusiastic reply, but all the encouragement I needed. I turned left as we exited the building, following my GPS to the first school we were going to visit.

“I noticed you do a lot for your siblings.” I didn’t wait for a reply. “I’m new at this, but I don’t want you doing it anymore.”

“Excuse me?”

I glanced at him to catch the angry expression. “I can learn.”

Dashiell scoffed and looked at the window again.

“I don’t want you to worry about it anymore.”

“And you’re going to do it?” he asked without looking at me.

“Well, yes. And Alvaro is here, too.”

“We don’t know either of you. Lachlan is not going to listen to you”

I held the wheel a little forcefully. “I’ll get to know Lachlan. I want to. And Alvaro is your uncle.”

“Who I don’t know.”

“Turn right at…”The GPS talked, giving me a moment to relax my shoulders. Moments of anger had no place in the car.

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