Page 45 of Just Add Mistletoe

“Thanks, by the way,” he said, looking only at Lori. “For letting me sleep. I guess I zonked out.”

“You did.” Lori’s blush deepened, but her blue eyes sparkled. “Tiger wasn’t going to let you go anywhere.”

Malcom chuckled. “Hewasinsistent.”

Brandy’s gaze flitted back and forth between the two of them.

“Did you eat?” Lori asked, sounding slightly breathless. “Brandy brought in some bagels.”

“I’ll eat later,” he said. “But thanks.”

“Well, well, well,” Brandy said with a smirk. “I guess that’s all settled. Malcom, how is everything going with your brother? Lori said I had to ask you.”

His gut tightened. “I haven’t checked my phone yet, but I told my brother I’m leaving the company. I did retain a lawyer last night to handle the transition.”

“Oh wow.” Brandy’s expression filled with compassion. “Did your brother explain what happened?”

“No, he denied everything, but there was enough there that I know he’s covering up.” Malcom raked a hand through his hair. “I’ve been wanting to step away for a while now, anyway, I just didn’t think I’d be doing it on these terms.”

“I’m really sorry,” Brandy said. “If you need to talk to anyone, I know Ian would be a good sounding board.”

“Thanks,” Malcom said. “I’ll reach out to him later.”

Lori picked up a sack from a nearby table. “Here, take this. Something to eat at least. And if there’s anything I can help with, let me know.”

Her words weren’t platitudes—that, Malcom knew. The sincerity in her gaze was proof enough. “I don’t want to take your breakfast,” he said.

The edge of Lori’s mouth lifted, and she practically shoved the sack into his hands. “It’s fine. I can grab something from upstairs anyway. Today will be a slow day here—Halloween hangover.”

Malcom nodded. “All right, then.” He paused. “Thanks again. For everything. And sorry I fell asleep on you—I mean, on your couch.”

Brandy laughed, and Lori’s cheeks were back to pink.

By the time he reached his trailer, his stomach was grumbling. So it was that he ate breakfast first, then showered, then checked his phone.

It was like his phone had been lit with fireworks. His brother had called several times and left voicemails. Penny had texted and called. His new lawyer had called. His dad had called. And his mom had called.

What in the world?

Malcom called his mom first.

“Oh, there you are,” she said, relief in her voice. Her marriage with her second husband had only lasted a few years, but now she was remarried again, living in Montana. Phil was a nice guy, by all that Malcom could see.

“How are you?” he asked, thinking that maybe this phone call had nothing to do with the construction company problems.

“I’m not calling for small talk, Malcom,” she said in a brisk tone. “What’s going on between you and your brother? I had to hear everything from your father. You know I don’t like to know things second or third hand.”

“I know that,” Malcom said, his mind racing. What had Bronson told their father? “What did Dad say?” It was the safest question since he wasn’t ready to tell her of his suspicions and accusations. Especially if things continued going south and charges had to be filed.

“That you’re ditching the company and leaving Bronson high and dry.” His mom’s voice turned shrill. “Why would you do that to your stepbrother? You’re the glue of that place, and you know it. Without you, everything will crumble.”

Malcom wasn’t exactly surprised at the misinformation his mom had been given. Very one-sided, it seemed. Yet he didn’t want to state his case because, again, what if he said something that was used against him later on? He wasn’t thinking his mom had any ill intentions toward him, but their relationshipwas complicated. She’d basically chosen a man, who wasn’t his father, over him—and moved out of the country. Started a completely separate life from her teenaged son.

He didn’t begrudge her finding happiness in a relationship with another man, but it had taken Malcom a long time to shake the feelings of being abandoned. Or discarded like it wasn’t a big deal to have his entire life uprooted.

“Mom, sorry you had to find out this way,” he said. “I’ve been wanting a change for a while. Bronson can hire another manager.”

“But you’re brothers,” she said. “You’ve been best friends. Your dad is devastated. Bronson is devastated.”

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