Page 58 of All For You
Anger at what my father had done bubbled up to the surface.
“Fuck you, old man. I hope you’re rotting in hell right now.”
Off in the distance, a bird called out, and I took it as confirmation that he was decaying away somewhere. Mom and I didn’t have a funeral for him. We didn’t even claim his body. Once the police identified him in the cheap motel room, surrounded by booze, that was all the validation we needed. It wasn’t until we had to collect his things that I even paid much attention to the fact that he died.
My tires squealed as my foot punched the accelerator, propelling the car forward. Traveling faster than necessary, I nearly spun out around a tight turn that led me toward the Easterly event venue.
The renovated barn stood majestically at the top of a hill, with a gorgeous view of the mountain range just beyond. I knew from pictures in Rory’s house that the venue was home to some of the best sunset views around.
A few minutes down the road, Sunny Brook Farms came into view, and my heartbeat sped up. With the windows down, the sound of combines and tractors could be heard over the purr of my engine. I wondered if Aspen was out there wearing those denim cutoffs I loved so much.
A car was traveling down the driveway and pulled out behind me as I passed. Behind the wheel of the sleek vehiclethat could rival my own, there looked to be a large man. I kept glancing behind me as I followed the road toward the B&B and was surprised when the car pulled off when I did.
Curiosity got the best of me as I peered out my window when the car parked beside me in front of the double-porched farmhouse. I was surprised when I realized Andrew was the driver of the car. I’d only ever seen him driving a beat-up pickup truck.
“Hey, man,” I called out in greeting as I stepped free from my car. “Surprised to see you here.”
“Hey. Yeah, I needed to speak with Aspen, and Mom said she was here.”
“Oh. I didn’t know she was going to be here.” That was news to me. She mentioned this morning that she was working on the farm all day.
“Something about lunch. I figured you knew, since she’s your girlfriend and all.” Andrew seemed to still hold some skepticism, as did Alex, while Aspen’s other two sisters had come around. Our parents were over the moon with our relationship. If they ever found out it was fake, it would crush them.
None of it felt fake anymore though. At least not to me. Aspen still hinted at future dates she’d go on when I left, asking me for advice, but I shut her down and distracted her.
“I only knew she was working hard at the farm today,” I said sardonically. “Why aren’t you there working with everyone else? To be honest, why aren’t you the one learning the ropes so your dad can retire? Seems strange it’s all being left to your little sister.”
Andrew may have been older, but as I crossed my arms against my chest and stood to my full height, I had about two inches on him.
“I have my reasons. And besides, this is what Aspen’s always wanted.”
I huffed out a sarcastic laugh, then said, “Are you sure about that? Have any of you actuallyaskedher what she wants?”
“Of course we have,” he replied, but his tone made him seem less convinced than before.
“Owen, you’re here. Oh, hi, Andrew,” my mom called out, breaking the tension between me and Aspen’s big brother. I didn’t really care what he thought of me and my relationship with his sister. What bothered me was that the Easterlys did not know what Aspen wanted to do with her life.
I knew she wanted to see the world and write books and blogs about traveling on a budget. She’d shown me the few things she’s written when she was in Nashville and Knoxville. The towns were close to her, but she wrote in a way that made it seem as if she was seeing them for the first time.
“Are you staying for lunch as well?” Mom asked Andrew. He shook his head as he told her he wasn’t, but greeted her warmly with a hug before heading inside.
My mom turned toward me and smiled, but I could see there was still a wariness there. The creases around her eyes didn’t divot the same way they did the first day I was home. That was before she threw me for a whirl I wasn’t quite ready for.
“I’ve made some brisket sandwiches with au jus for lunch.”
Leaning down, I kissed my mother’s cheek and thanked her. I knew she’d chosen my favorite meal as a peace offering. We’d been to a few more Sunday dinners at Sunny Brook Farms, but most of my time was spent with Aspen. Usually, I’d pick Mom up, we’d eat, and then we would leave, before I’d drive right back and stay with Aspen.
Though I liked Aspen’s house, it was a little cramped for the both of us. Since the night she spent with me, I’d been askingher if she wanted to stay there while I was still in Ashfield, but she hadn’t been throwing off the signals that she was interested in that step yet. I was hoping to convince her soon.
Mom and I strolled inside the house together. A few guests were lingering in the large living space with a local tour guide Autumn commissioned. From what I’d been told, they offered winery and brewery tours, as well as historic outings and hikes.
Farther back in the house, I followed my mom toward the kitchen area. The house boasted a regular-sized kitchen as well as a butler’s pantry, which was essentially a second kitchen where staff could eat. That’s where we found Andrew and Aspen. My girl looked antsy as she listened to her brother, and I wanted nothing more than to step in, but I knew it wasn’t my place. Instead, I followed Mom toward the side deck, where she’d set up the bistro table with our lunches.
I handed her the bag with the potato salad she requested from the store, and she scooped it onto our plates with a spoon she had ready at the table.
“This looks great, Mom. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome. I feel like I see you here and there, but we don’t get a chance to chat.”
