Page 16 of Big Timber

“Tell me you are kidding.”

“I wish. I mean, I know people do that but it’s not really my area of expertise,” he tells me before continuing. “Your Aunt Teri brought some photo albums with her. Four of them, actually. She said she didn’t want tooverwhelmme by bringing more than that.”

“Excuse me while I go find a sinkhole and throw myself into it,” I reply, wanting to die of embarrassment. “I am so sorry.”

“You were a damn cute kid, but tell me the truth,” he draws out the words, giving me a moment to brace myself for the zinger I can hear coming. “Your senior prom date was a pity date, wasn’t it?”

“What? How? Oh, for the love of God!” I stutter out a meaningless series of words, not even sure why she has thosepictures, let alone why she thought Tarak needed to see them. Taking a deep breath, I collect myself before continuing. “Excuse me while I go set her house on fire.”

“Business that slow? You need to drum it up,” he cracks back.

I’m saved from responding by the alarm sounding and just before I run to grab my gear, he says, “Let me know when you’re safe.”

“Love ya,” I respond without thinking.

Timber

I know she didn’t mean to say it, but I hope to God she means it.

Leaving her aunt’s house today, a dozen of them must have said it to me, along with their farewells. I’m nothing to them, but it’s how they talk. I’ve never met a family like theirs, one that genuinely looks forward to their weekly get-togethers; let alone makes time for each other every week.

Hearing bikes pulling onto Talia’s quiet street, I walk to the living room in time to see Wolfman and Throttle approaching the front door. Opening it, I don’t miss a couple of the neighbors from across the street watching us.

“How are y’all doing today?” I call out, throwing a wave at the neighbors. They suddenly get real busy inspecting the pavers they’re standing on.

“What’s the word?” I ask my brothers in a lower tone.

“That the welcoming committee?” Wolfman asks, tilting his head back toward our audience.

“Guess so.” I shrug.

Throttle holds up a finger, staying outside to take a call while Wolfman enters carrying a bottle of wine and a six pack.

“I noticed Talia was drinking red wine the other day,” he tells me, holding the bottle out to me. “My parents were just at this winery and sent us a case. I figure you might be easier to tolerate if she was drinking so I brought it for her. Not you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I grumble, accepting that and the beer he has before turning to head back to the kitchen. Just having learned about bringing host gifts today, I appreciate the gesture despite the shit he dishes out with it.

“Your limp is nearly gone,” he comments, following behind me.

“It’s not a hundred percent, but I’ll be good to ride,” I respond before indicating Throttle who’s pacing back and forth outside. “What’s going on with him?”

“Dylan went to stay with her parents for the time being. Without Light and Randy, Throttle’s practically working around the clock at The Office and he didn’t want her alone that much. Her flight must have just landed.”

“Flight?” I question, knowing they didn’t grow up that far from here.

Wolfman clenches his jaw, and it occurs to me that Me’ansome was picked up on the road, making flying a safer option.

“How are the Kings’ doing?” I ask next, being somewhat out of the loop on Me’ansome’s family and that’s when it hits me that Randy had an Ol’ Lady also. “Damn, and Connie?”

“His Ol’ Lady’s a mess. Her sister is staying with her and their kids. Ransom wants blood, so Tin has his hands full keeping him in line.” He stops there and I can see him weighing his words. “Gemma and Connie have been friends for a couple of decades, so she’s watching out for her and helping with arrangements.”

“And Joey?” I prod.

Finding it strange he doesn’t mention Axel’s wife, especially since she’s the only one who I’ve had more than passing conversations with.

“Axel’s keeping her close,” Wolfman slowly answers. “I think Dylan suggested Joey go home with her, but that was turned down.”

Joey’s an interesting one. Her mother raised her completely separate from Me’ansome’s world, but that didn’t stop her from looking for him the minute she turned eighteen. The girl didn’t even know she had a twin brother until that point.

---