Page 72 of Loud Unspoken Memories

“You have a son?”

“Yes. He’s three. His name is Charlie.”

“He’s three?” she asks, shocked. “Does Dallas know about him?”

I sigh. “Yeah. He does. I try not to talk about him much out of respect for DJ though.”

Silence. So much silence I think the connection has dropped. I glance at the phone, worried the tower might be down again, but I see full bars.

“Allie? Are you there?”

“I’m here. I’m just… stunned.”

“Why?”

“Let’s just say Dallas isn’t one to talk about himself or his past.”

“Well, I don’t know much, just what he’s told me about the winery, and you guys, and that Phoebe and DJ died two and a half years ago.”

“Okay, wow. Marti, you must be some kind of man whisperer, because if I’m not mistaken, that’s the most personal my brother has gotten with anyone since it happened.”

“Would you mind…” I glance outside to see Dallas swinging the ax again and decide I might be waiting forever if I wait forhimto tell me. “Could you tell me how it happened? How they died? I don’t mean to be insensitive, but—”

“You’re curious. It’s only natural. And it’s no big secret. They died at home. It was carbon monoxide. It happened while Dallas was at work. In fact, he was working late, which is why he blames himself.”

“Oh my god, that’s horrible.” My hand flies to my mouth recalling my own devastating memories. “And he found them?”

“No. It was a delivery driver. Through a window, he saw Phoebe having a seizure on the floor. By the time anyone got there, they couldn’t be saved. DJ was in his crib. They said he died peacefully. They couldn’t be so sure about her.”

Tears stream down my face as I watch Dallas swing over and over. It’s inhuman how long he can keep that up. Is he somehow punishing himself? Because of them? Because of…me?

“Poor Dallas,” I say as my voice cracks. “I’ve lost people in my life as well.”Too many of them. “Just last week, my son’s father, who was also my best friend, died. That’s why I’m here. I was driving up to get Charlie who was spending the holiday with him and his new wife.”

“I’m sorry, Marti. It sounds like you and my brother have a lot in common.”

More than either of you know.

“I don’t know about that. He lives in the middle of nowhere. I could never do that.”

“He doesn’t live there because he wants to. He’s running away.”

I blow out a long breath. “I kind of had a feeling.”

“So you’re going back to Florida, huh? That’s a shame.”

“How so?”

“Because, Marti, I believe my brother has opened up to you more than he’s opened up to anyone, and that’s a huge step in the right direction.”

I let her words sink in as I stare out the window at the man we’re discussing. I hope she’s right. Because Dallas needs huge steps—inanydirection.

It’s a lot to process, so I retreat to more comfortable information. “Well, the weather has been clearing. It looks like I’ll be able to get out of here in a matter of days. But I’ll be sure to pass along the message about the party.”

“Thank you. And Marti, the invitation stands. You know, in case you find yourself in Calloway Creek.”

“Thanks,” I say, not adding how unlikely that is. “Goodbye, Allie.”

I stare at the blank screen, all of my suspicions having been confirmed by his sister. He’s not up here because he wants to be at one with nature or some existential crap like that. He’s here because he’s trying to run from his past. Or avoid dealing with it. I’m not sure which. I glance over at the hobby room door. I’m drawn to it more now than ever.

---