Page 31 of Lightness In My Dark

Lindsey took Wren’s hand. “You’re so sweet. Thank you. It’s nice to have another woman to talk to. There’s too much testosterone in this family. I welcome a break from man-talk.”

Carter wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. “You love talking about sports, stocks, and sex.” He gave her a hard kiss to her temple as she pushed him away.

Cole sat on the couch while I went to the small bar setup in the corner, pouring myself and Cole a Bourbon with a perfect round ice cube, and then I joined him on the couch. Carter plopped down on an adjacent chair.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” He held up his drink, toasting to all.

I yelled over to the kitchen, “It smells great, Lindsey.”

“Thanks, Finn. I made your favorite side dish this year.” She spoke to Wren in a quieter voice. “He loves my potatoes au gratin with chives and gruyère. The man devours most of it when I make it.”

I touched my heart. “You’re my favorite sister-in-law.” She chuckled at my theatrics.

Carter asked how long until we ate and was told another hour. “Let’s head into the parlor for a game of pool.”

The parlor had darker woods, faint lighting, except above the pool table. It smelled of cigars, whiskey, and cologne. Two leather chairs sat on either side of the black fireplace, a small two-seater couch in front of it. Carter handed out cigars. We each lit them, puffed a few times, followed by a couple of sips of drink. Carter racked the balls, and Cole broke. A solid sunk in, so he was solids.

While they played, I placed my cigar down, and I walked through the attached hallway that led to the kitchen to get some appetizers. I was hungry after my morning workout. I stopped short when Lindsey asked Wren a question.

“How are things going with Finn?”

“Okay.”

The hallway ran perpendicular to the kitchen. Part of the hallway remained in shadow, where I stood to listen. Wren cut carrots while Lindsey prepared the gravy.

“Just okay?” Lindsey asked.

I could see Wren’s eyes peruse the area before talking. “We fight all the time.”

Lindsey stopped what she was doing and said, “Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. Is there something about Finn that’s making you fight?”

Wren let out a laugh. “For starters, he’s mean, arrogant, and vulgar. He’s forever yelling at me about something. Then he does a 180 and tries to be nice. I can’t handle his coin personality.”

“Coin personality?”

“Yes, there are two sides to a coin, like Finn. One side of him is nice, and the other is mean. With me, it’s often the mean side… and I have thought about breaking the contract.” Wren swallowed hard before she continued. “It’s been hard all around. He lives a different lifestyle than what I’m used to.” She had Lindsey’s complete attention. “I know I can’t break the contract, so I stay away from him as much as possible. He might have a female fan club wherever he goes, but I’m not one of them.”

Lindsey began working again. “You don’t like him?” Wren locked eyes with her and shook her head.

I took in a deep breath and left, not wanting to hear or see more of what she had to say about me. It hurt hearing those things. We had our fights, but not to the extent of wanting to cancel the contract. The last time I experienced a bruised ego was when I started boxing. A sparring opponent kicked my ass in the ring. Wren not only bruised it, but her response also kicked me in the balls.

I slunk back to the parlor. Cole called the side pocket for his last solid. I sat in a chair, puffing my cigar. My hand shook from anger and humiliation when I picked up my drink.

Am I that bad? I had extended an olive branch to her for movie day, and she continued to distance herself. What the hell else does she want?

Cole asked, “Finn, you want to play?”

Fuck her! I’m trying. If she can’t see that, then it’s her problem.

I pushed out of the chair, grabbed a cue stick, and stood at one end of the table while Cole racked the balls.

Carter patted my shoulder. “You okay, bro? You’re quiet.”

My arm wrapped around his shoulders, and I pulled him close. “Yeah, little brother. I’m good. Thanks for asking. Just tired.”

Cole came around the table. “It’s the holidays. Relax, Finn. Enjoy the food and drink. The past months have been trying for all of us. It will get better.” He yanked Carter and me into a group hug. “I love you boys.”

We returned the sentiment. Carter poured another drink, and I broke, ending up with stripes. I took Cole’s advice and dismissed any thoughts of Wren and our relationship. I needed the time with my brother and Cole, although sharing my feelings wasn’t going to happen. My problems were mine, and there was no time to wallow. Carter and Cole reminded me of who I am, and for that moment, it was enough for me.

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