Page 8 of Beautifully Broken Control

“Yup. Taylor wants something simple and outdoors.”

He’d know I was a wreck the second he saw me. So would Tuck. That’s what happened when your friends knew your darkest demons. But maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. They’d helped me fight off the darkness before. And it wasn’t nearly as bad this time, but I couldn’t allow it to get its hooks in. Gears turned in my brain, an idea that was only slightly insane coming to light. “I can make that happen.”

Walker chuckled. “I haven’t even told you when it is. Hell, we haven’t even set an exact date yet. That’s why I’m calling, we want to make sure the most important people in our lives can be there.”

My chest tightened at his words. I picked up a coin from the cupholder, flipping it over and over in my fingers, relishing the feeling that had finally returned to them. “What would you think about me buying a place in Sutter Lake? Someplace I could use as a vacation home. Somewhere to get away.”

There was silence on Walker’s end of the line for a few seconds. “I’d be thrilled, but you’ve always sworn that the city was the only place you’d ever call home.”

It was true. After the childhood I’d spent in rural Oregon, I’d wanted to build a life that was the polar opposite. That meant cities and high-rises, not small towns and wide-open spaces. But now, I was desperate. I needed an escape. A place where I could be around people I trusted, who knew my demons. And that list was short. So short, it only included two names: Walker Cole and Tucker Harris. They’d been with me through my darkest days, and I trusted them both with my life.

“I need a getaway. Some distance from Portland.” My city was tainted now. My mother had infected it like everything else. I cleared my throat, trying to keep my tone light. “Why not Sutter Lake?”

Walker’s voice grew serious. “What’s going on?”

Of course, Walker saw through it all. I watched the rain track in rivulets down my windshield. “I just buried Karen.”

“Where are you? I’ll grab Tuck, and we’ll start driving. Be to you as soon as we can.”

Walk knew better than anyone all the toxic crap this event was bound to bring up. “That’s not necessary.” There was silence on the other end of the line again. “You’ve got my word. I’m fine. Just let me wrap things up here, and then I’ll head to Sutter Lake.”

“When are you coming?”

I thought through everything I needed to do before I could leave. “Tomorrow.”

Walker let out a chuckle, but it sounded forced. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t mess around. What can I do to help?”

“I’ll need a realtor, someone who can handle a higher-end sale.”

The sound of Walker tapping on his keyboard came across the line. “There’s only one company in town that handles that kind of business. I’m emailing you their info now.”

I put him on speaker and pulled up my inbox. “Got it.”

“You know my mom is going to want you at dinner as soon as you arrive.”

The corners of my mouth turned up for the first time since I’d gotten the call from the hospital a week ago. The Cole family was everything Ididn’thave growing up. Warm, welcoming, full of life, and willing to include anyone in their mishmash brood. “How about the day after tomorrow?”

“I can probably hold her off till then.”

I chuckled. “Looking forward to it.”

“Me, too. It’s been too long, Cain.”

It had been. I’d let far too many months go by without seeing my brothers. “It has. But now I’ll be around so much, you’ll get sick of me.”

Walker’s tone remained serious. “Travel safe.”

“Will do.” I checked my watch. “I’ve got to run, Walk. I’ll see you soon.”

“Soon, brother.”

* * *

The elevator doors opened,and my mask slid into place. I strode in the direction of my office, giving simple nods of acknowledgment to any employees who greeted me. I had even less time for niceties than normal.

My assistant rose as I approached our wing, a smile on her face. “Welcome back. I sent your messages to your device, ranked in order of importance.”

“Thank you, Rachel. Will you grab Jake and meet me in my office?”

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