Page 105 of Quiet Beautiful Things

“Thanks to your brother, my daughter has decided not to live in Calloway Creek anymore.” His hands ball up into fists. “Just another reason I’d like to thump him. He robbed me of my own goddamn daughter. You should tell him he might want to steer clear of me for a while.”

“She’s moving?” I ask. “Where? When?”

“She’s already gone. As to the where, well, that’s between Lissa, her mother, and me. And calling her will do no good. She left her cell phone. We helped her load her car. She pulled out of town about an hour ago.”

“Wait, so she isn’t going to give him a chance to make things right?”

“Son, your brother has left how many women now? There’s no making things right. He used up all his chances. And now he has to live with his decision. You go ahead and pass that on.”

“Yes, sir. And on behalf of Lucas, I’m really sorry.”

“Hopefully you can prove you are by not following suit.”

I nod. Because there’s really nothing more to say. To him anyway. There’s a hell of a lot I want to say to someone else, however.

Mr. Monroe turns and gets back on the elevator. Dallas and I watch the doors close then give each other a look as if askingwhat now?

Dallas drops his keys on the entry table and moves to park himself on the couch.

“Dude, he’s not waking up anytime soon,” I say, walking in after him.

“Yeah, but someone has to tell him when he does. I’ll do it. You have a kid to go home to.”

“How long are you going to stay in town?”

“Long enough to tell him. Then I’m gone.”

I know it’s pointless to ask him to reconsider. He’s more stubborn than anyone I’ve ever known. He started asking Phoebe out when they were thirteen years old. He never even noticed other girls. Finally, when they were seventeen, she said yes. They were inseparable after that.

I sigh. Dallas had everything and lost it. Lucas had everything and fucked it up.

Knowing how it could end up, I’m not going to waste another minute without going after what I want. I reach out, shake his hand, then give him a hug. “I’m here if you ever need anything.”

“I know, brother.” He crosses his legs at the ankles and picks up the remote. “I know.”

Chapter Thirty-seven

Blake

It’s after dark by the time I get home. On one hand, I feel guilty having asked Ellie to stay with Maisy all day. On the other, I’m more than a little eager to see her.

I park in the garage, step inside, and flash the lights several times. I’ve learned my lesson more than once about how not to sneak up on the deaf.

Two people come around the corner. Neither of them is Ellie.

My sister and her friend Mia Cruz are both waiting, wide-eyed, to hear the news. I tell them everything.

“That stupid fucker,” Allie says.

“I’ve been saying that myself all afternoon.”

“She’s really gone?” Mia asks. “Like for good?”

“That’s what her dad said.”

“I say good for her,” Allie gruffs. “And I don’t blame her. She doesn’t want to be the laughingstock of Cal Creek. No woman should put up with that shit. He deserves to live the rest of his life as a miserable bachelor.”

“Hey, now. That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?”

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