Page 111 of Red Mountain Burning
“That’s about the time I need to pull up anchor.” Brooks turned to the living room and recognized Abby’s vibrant art, which she’d moved up from her villa.
Zack was regaling Charles and Mary with a vivid account of what their life in Florida would look like. “…and when you come down, we’ll take you on our, like, seven-thousand-foot boat.”
Mary, who held Wyatt to her chest, said, “That’s a big boat, Zack. Will you be the captain?”
He took her question seriously. “Yes, probably. I mean, I don’t know how to drive a boat yet, but I’ll have it down by the time you get there.”
Charles let out a bold, and possibly concocted, laugh. “I just hope you can put me onto a school of tarpon.”
Zack looked puzzled.
Brooks pulled Adriana’s hand, half-assuming he might have to drag her. “Hi, guys,” he said, opening his arms to his biological parents. He lightly pinched little Wyatt’s cheek. “Hey, bossman.”
Wyatt smirked, which made Brooks laugh despite the situation. He was sad to think about being so far away from his nephew, but Wyatt would have lots of family around him growing up. Brooks wanted to be there for Zack, who wasn’t as lucky. And Brooks hoped that he and Adriana would have a child soon so that they could grow their little Floridian family.
Once they were done with the pleasantries, Charles asked, “You’re really leaving us?”
Still feeling waterlogged, Brooks put his arm back around Adriana’s waist. “After harvest,” as if that key fact snuffed out the flame.
He noticed his mother was rocking Wyatt as if she were shaking a martini. “How are you, Mom?”
“Considering I’ve just found out you’re leaving us, I’m just great.”
Brooks frowned and went back to digging into Adriana’s side. “I know it’s tough news.”
Mary stopped rocking Wyatt and said to Adriana, “I hope this isn’t because of me.” Her voice cracked halfway through.
Brooks was suddenly thirsty for a martini. In fact, this entire conversation would be much easier if he could toss back a couple.
Adriana placed a hand on Mary’s arm, which was wrapped around Wyatt. “This hasnothingto do with you. You were right in saying I wouldn’t last here. And I’m sad this means you won’t see your son as much as you’d like, but I’ll take care of him. Trust me.”
Mary’s bottom lip pushed out as she nodded.
Adriana flashed a smile and let go of Mary. “Just think…you can be snowbirds now.” Adriana included the rest of them with her eyes. “I fully expect all of you to visit for Christmas.”
