Page 111 of Loud Unspoken Memories

I don’t respond. Because I can’t. Everything I want to say is tied up in a ball of fucking phlegm in my throat.

“Take some time,” she says, sweeping a piece of hair out of my eyes. “Figure out what you want.”

“And then what?”

“And then maybe go after it.”

“It?”I look up.

“Therein lies the problem,” she says with a shrug. “You’re the only one who can figure out whatitis.”

She kisses my forehead and exits the room, leaving me and the vase swirling in a pool of vanilla.

Chapter Forty-three

Dallas

Lucas walks into my office, Blake trailing behind him. He puts three shot glasses on my desk and fills them with my favorite tequila.

I look strangely at the liquor. It’s only noon after all.

“What exactly are we celebrating?” I ask.

“It’s Christmas Eve,” Blake says. “We’re celebrating another great year of building our legacy here at the winery.”

I tilt my head. “Shouldn’t we do that on New Year’s Eve instead?”

Blake shakes his head. “Ellie, Maisy, and I are leaving for Hawaii the day after tomorrow. We’ll be ringing in the new year on Kauai.”

I find it interesting that he tends to sign when he speaks, even when his wife and daughter aren’t around. Sometimes I wonder if he even knows he’s doing it.

“Ah.” I pick up a glass and wait for one of them to toast.

“To an amazing year,” Lucas says. “Despite our ups and downs, it’s great to have you back where you belong, brother.”

They touch their glasses to mine as Blake says, “I’ll drink to that.”

We down our shots and they take the two seats opposite my desk.

Lucas kicks back and rests his feet up on the edge. “It’s been nice having you back in the office, Dallas, but you work too damn much.”

I shrug. “Nothing else to do.”

“That’s of your own doing,” Blake says.

I give him a hard stare. “Must we go over this again?”

“Yes, actually. I think we should. Because despite appearances, you’re miserable here, and I’ll bet my left nut she’s miserable down there. I get that it’s scary as fuck. Do you think I knew my ass from a hole in the ground when Maisy showed up on my doorstep? No. But you know what? I stepped the fuck up, and now look at me.”

Lucas takes a swipe at the back of Blake’s head. “Yeah, now look at him. You can’t wipe the stupid-ass grin off his face.”

“Because I’m happy.” Blake points at Lucas and me. “Something neither of you seem to be able to accomplish even when it’s staring you in the goddamn face.”

“He’s right.” Lucas lowers his feet to the floor and leans his forearms on his knees. “I screwed up the best thing that ever happened to me.” He shakes his head. “Four freaking times. The point? Don’t be like me, little brother.”

“Are you done? Because I have work to do.”

“Jesus Christ, Dal, it’s Christmas Eve. Go home.”

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