Page 6 of Dibs
“It’s astonishing how quickly you make such an intricate braid.” Deacon has his phone out, and I get the weird sense he may have just taken a photo of me. When he leans forward to show it to me, he smiles and says, “See how gorgeous you look today?”
I laugh it off and tell him, “I’ve always been good with knots. Dad taught me young. Gosh, I miss him.” Their house in the mountains sits empty without them. Eventually, I had hoped Sean and I would move into it along with the family we created, but in the meantime, I use it as an Airbnb.
The money I pocket from it has helped me repay my student loans, pay off my Durango, and still have some fun money left over. I use some of it to pay for a housekeeper to take care of the sprawling house before and after visitors come. Now, I have no choice but to move back and live in the monstrous house alone until I decide what to do next. My parents always intended for me to have their house, but it’s too big for just me.
“How are your parents doing? Have you told them about the breakup?”
I groan. “They rarely call. I’m the one who reaches out to them, and you know the time difference with Japan is ridiculous. I can’t believe Dad is refusing to retire from his cushy Marine's job. He should leave it up to the younger guys, you know? Mom only moved a few years ago when she was certain I was stable with Sean, and I’m afraid to tell them how Sean has let them down. Mom trusted him to take care of me, and look how well that turned out, huh?”
“I’m sorry. What’s next, Beck?”
“Well, I guess I'll escape to Mom and Dad’s mountain home, but I have it booked with Airbnb guests for the next few weeks. I’ll wait things out at Sean’s until then. I’m in no hurry to relinquish the property to him, anyway.”
I tip my face up to the sky to look at the puffy, picture-like clouds. One looks like a turtle overhead, while another reminds me of a bear. It feels so good to be away from Sean, but I’m morose about losing the family I’d come to view as my own. Knowing they won’t be my family for long makes my heart feel torn and empty.
Who would I have now? What would I do on holidays?
“With your parents in Japan, I know Sean’s family kind of became yours,” Deacon says as if he’s reading my mind. “Must be difficult to know that it may not last, with blood being thickest and all.”
I frown, my throat tightening with the sobs I’m trying to hold back, so I clear it a few times. Two hot tears fall from just one eye, and I blink back the rest.
“Yeah. I think that might be the hardest part. I’m an only child, and I’ve enjoyed being part of such a big clan. They’re all lovely and welcoming. Cecile is like a second mother to me, as was your mom.”
“Hey, you’ll still have my dad and my big, crazy family. With five male siblings, I’ve got enough family to go around. Of course, they’re older and have families now, and our gatherings surely include a lot of diaper changes, toddlers fighting, and heating of bottles.”
I smile. “I love that, Deac. Your family is fantastic. I especially adore Steele, you know that.” I glance back down at the reception, and I spot Steele, since he stands a solid three inches taller than everyone else there. He’s a great guy, one year older than Deacon, and he teaches fifth-grade science to a bunch of kids he views as his own. He’s not much for relationships and hasn’t brought a girl around in the longest time.
“Steele loves you, too. They all do.” Deacon pushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“So why aren’t your sisters-in-law desperate to get hold of Lillian’s jewelry and accessories?”
“They were all willed to me and Steele. Aunt Louise got a lot of her clothes, but she asked me to take care of them since the grief was too fresh for her, so I agreed. It’s a daunting task for two bachelors.” Deacon shrugs, but I know the topic is painful.
Reaching out and throwing my arm around Deacon’s waist, I lean against him. “I get that and will help if I can. Deac? This ring...” It stares up at me, twinkling. “It’s astounding. Are you really going to turn against Sean after being friends for so long? Just because of what he did to me?”
“Beck, it’s not just what he did to you. He’s slime in a way he didn’t used to be. It’s simple, choosing you. Sean hasn’t been the greatest friend lately anyway, not like he was in high school and college, and I’ve been closer to you than him for years. Hell, half the time I call, you end up picking up his phone anyway, and you’re the one I come to with my problems. Of course, it’s going to be you, Beck, and Sean is no big loss. Not for me, and certainly not for you.”
“I’ll take one of those bear hugs now,” I whisper. When Deacon surrounds me in his arms, I finally let myself cry.
“I can’t believe he did this,” I sniffle, hating that the tears are over a tool like Sean. “I think he may have been cheating for most of our relationship.”
As a bereavement counselor and friend, I should try to get Deacon to open up about his mom’s passing, not make him comfort me over my idiot ex. I let Deacon hold me for a few minutes before I dry my tears and refuse to feel sorry for myself any longer.
“Let’s hike. Nothing too strenuous, but it’ll help us, being out in nature. I doubt we’ll be missed.” Deacon grabs my elbow and points me toward the peaks behind us. He knows just what I need.
Thankfully, my dress is party length rather than an evening gown, and it’s not too tight to move in. Though, it’ll be the first dress I’ve ever hiked in, but there’s a first time for everything.
5
ASPYN
Itake off following Deacon as he ascends the steep trail above us, and we hike in companionable silence until dusk smears orange and pink streaks across the sky like finger paints. Peace creeps in, the sorer my calves get.
Losing daylight, we return to the creek, but not before we sit down and see a million stars twinkle in the clear sky overhead. The outdoor dance floor in the distance is lit with white party lights, and reluctantly, we make our way over.
It seems like everyone is dancing or swaying, except Sean, who sits pouting at an empty table not far away. I hate his self-pity more than anything else, and the thought of facing him right now makes my stomach clench and roll.
Turning away, I glance up at Deacon, and his baby blues shine back at me. I can’t help but lose myself in them for a few brief moments.
