Page 27 of Crossroads of Love

“Becky runs it; she just lets me play in the kitchen from time to time,” she beams. “It’s so good to see you back in town. I’m so sorry about Henry and Aaron. Both were such fine men, just like you. Henry was always so proud of you two boys.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Everyone says the same thing. He is such a good man and was so proud of you.

My father was neither of those things.

“Thanks, Miss Betty. Some of my best memories are here in the diner.”

“I’d like to think it’s why you’re so successful now. You know, I was one of the people who instilled a good work ethic in you.”

“Absolutely.” I chuckle.

As I sip my coffee, I scan the room. A couple of older men sit at the counter, casting sidelong glances at me every now and then, probably trying to piece together who I was and why I’d come back.

The door opens again, and I glance up just in time to see the postman, old Mr. Jenkins, walking in with his usual swagger. His eyes land on me immediately, and he pauses, a slow grin spreading across his face.

How is this man still working? He was old when I was a teenager, and I look as though I’ve aged more than him.

“Well, I’ll be damned. Gavin Wells back in town.” His voice is loud, too loud. Everyone in the diner turns to look. “Heard you got rich out there in the city. Don’t suppose you’ve come back to buy up the whole town, have ya?”

I give a tight smile, trying to keep my annoyance in check. “Not quite.”

“Good, good. I wouldn’t want to see the place change too much. That sister-in-law of yours wouldn’t let it happen anyway. Man, I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of her bite.” He laughs, winking before shuffling off to a table.

If that ain’t the truth.

I chuckle and nod in agreement. She’s always been fiercely loyal to this town and the people she loves. Her dreams were always here in Hicks Creek. It was just one of the many reasons she was better off with my brother.

I finish my coffee quickly, realizing I won’t find any peace here. As I stand to leave, Becky calls after me, “You take care, Gavin. And don’t be a stranger, alright?”

I nod, already halfway out the door.

This was better than staying in that house alone with thoughts of Lena running rampant.

By the time I arrive at Mike’s office, the small parking lot is already filled with cars. My stomach twists as I walk up the steps, my mind racing. This isn’t just any meeting. This is the reading of the will, and if I know one thing for certain, it’s that my dad had a way of making things complicated.

I push open the door and step inside. Mike’s large office is well-furnished, sophisticated even, not something you’d expectin a small town. He sits behind his desk, looking up as I enter, giving me a tired smile.

“Gavin,” he greets, standing to shake my hand. “Surprised to see you.”

Motherfu…it’s going to be like this, is it?

“I’m not any more thrilled to be here than you, Mike. There’s no need for the passive-aggressive bullshit. We’re grown-ass men,” I reply irritably, sitting in one of the worn leather chairs.

It’s quiet between us as he looks through a file in front of him and occasionally types on his keyboard. I drum my fingers on the armrest, my knee bouncing gently as I look down at my phone.

Ah, I get a little better service here. I can answer some emails rather than engage in small talk with Mike.

A few minutes later, Lena arrives. I glance up, watching her confidently sashay in, wearing a floral print dress that makes her eyes stand out. She doesn’t even look at me as she walks in, her face set in a neutral expression.

“I’m not sure why I needed to be here, Mike.” Lena sighs.

“You know why.” He clears his throat, shuffling through the papers on his desk. “Alright, let’s get to it. As you both know, this is the reading of Henry Wells’s Last Will and Testament. I’ll keep it short and to the point.”

I nod, my jaw clenched, bracing myself for whatever curveball Dad has left for me.

Mike begins to read, his voice droning on about various details: the distribution of assets, the farm, and some smaller items with sentimental value. But then, he pauses, glancing up at me, then at Lena.

Nothing to me.

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