Page 18 of Loud Unspoken Memories

It won’t all fit into the backpack. I leave two pairs of open-toed shoes, a book, and a few toys I’d brought for Charlie. I do make sure to stuff his favorite tattered bear in with my other belongings. He was so excited to go on an airplane that he forgot to grab it. And I was so nervous about him flying, I failed to pack it.

Flying hasn’t been high on my list of fun things to do. Not since Charles and I went on our honeymoon in the Bahamas and our plane almost crashed into the Atlantic.

I close the suitcase, then the trunk, and sling the backpack onto my shoulder. Then I stare at my trusty old car that I’ve had since I was a teenager.

“It’s just a car,” Dallas says with some urgency.

I turn, hands on hips. “It is notjusta car. Betsy is full of old memories.”

“Betsy?” he says, amused.

“Charles named her. It used to be his car. He won it from a friend after they made a bet over who could deadlift more weight.” I laugh at the memory. “Charles’s family was a lot better off than mine. I’d lost both my parents, and it was just me and my brother. So when I got my license a few weeks after he won the car, Charles gave it to me and bought a new one.” I put my hand on the rear bumper. “He asked me to marry him in this car. And Charlie was almost born in Betsy.”

“Sounds like someone is a little hung up on their ex.”

“It’s not like that.At all. But I’m going to miss this car.”

“So, I have a question. What would the other guy have won if your ex lost the bet?”

I roll my eyes. “Me.”

His face is full of surprise. And maybe anger. “What the fuck?”

I snicker. “Don’t worry, he wouldn’t have really gone through with it. We were kids and it was a stupid bet. Besides, Charles knew he was going to win.”

“Still. He had no right.” He shakes his head forcefully. “And he took the car, which means he would have ‘paid up’ hadhebeen on the losing side.” He looks up at the darkening morning sky, cursing my ex under his breath. “Anyway, we should go. Do you want another protein bar?”

I ignore the offer, still looking at Betsy.

“Well then.” He takes the backpack off my shoulder, slings it onto his back, and secures the chest straps. “Let’s see if we can beat the weather.”

For a few long minutes as we head back, I ponder Dallas’s words.WouldCharles have given me to his friend? I mean, I’m nobody’s property, but I never really thought about it. Howcome in seven years, I’d never bothered to ask? Maybe because he gave me the car. Still. I should have asked. Or better yet, he should never have bet me in the first place.

Dallas is perfectly content making the hike back to his cabin in total silence. It makes me think how we must be total opposites. I need conversation. I need people. I could never live out here and be one with nature and only have my thoughts to keep me company. I’d go insane.

“Tell me about this family business of yours,” I say.

His gruff of displeasure is audible. He really does prefer silence.

“Come on, Dallas. It’s a long walk. Humor me.”

If I could see his eyes, I’m one hundred percent sure he’d be rolling them.

“I’m CFO.”

“Chief Financial Officer?”

He nods, again seemingly unimpressed with his own title.

“And what exactly is your family business?” I ask as if Asher hasn’t already told me.

“Wine.”

“Ahhh. That explains it then. For a minute there, I thought you might have an unhealthy obsession with alcohol. I’ve never seen such an impressive collection. So where exactly is this family business?”

“A place I’m sure you’ve never heard of.”

I take a dozen quick steps and poke him on the shoulder. “Listen, I don’t want to be here any more than you want me to be here. But neither of us has a choice. We might as well make the best of it.”

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