Page 35 of Our Long Days
It’s my first Saturday night in the A-frame. Most of my belongings are unpacked, making the small space feel homier. The interior is a condensed version of Dex’s, with deep red accents and neutral tones and a small bedroom up in the loft.
I’m staring at my online basket filled with decorative pillows and throw blankets, knowing full well I don’t need them. The temptation to click Checkout is strong. I slam my laptop shut right as there’s a knock on the door, saving me from an impulsive purchase.
“I’ll get it,” I call out of habit and jog toward the front door to find an unexpected guest.
“Booth!”
“Your favorite brother’s returned!” He grins, arms spread wide.
I’m swept up into a hug before he strides into the cabin.
“What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t home until the rehearsal dinner?” I follow him into the small kitchenette.
Booth is thriving in New York, working alongside a renowned chef. Aly is still in Germany for a project, and I know they’re counting down the days until an ocean doesn’t separate them.
“Pedro gave me the weekend off while the restaurant gets some reno work done. Thought I’d come and annoy you.” His smile is soft, nothing like his usual smirk. He felt awful not being able to attend Dad’s anniversary meal, and I know his surprise visit will mean the world to our mom.
“Where are you staying? Mom’s?” I ask and pull out two bottles of water, offering him one.
“Yeah. She doesn’t know I’m here yet, though.”
My brow furrows. “Why?”
“I wanted to visit my little sister at her new digs first and hear all about her job.” He moves toward the small sectional sofa, posture stiff as he sits. Joining him, I tuck my feet under my legs. Out of my three brothers, Booth is the most relaxed, so his uneasy disposition is suspicious.
“You’re acting weird. Is everything okay?”
He scrubs a hand over his messy, brown hair. “Don’t be mad at Aly…”
Worry swirls in my stomach. I’ve confided in Aly a lot since our phone call the other month. I love Jo and Quinn, but Jo is busy growing a human and planning a wedding, and Quinn and Graham are house hunting. Plus, they’re too gentle with me. Aly is honest.
Apparently, too honest.
“What did she say?” I gnaw at my lip.
Booth notes my distressed expression. “Nothing. Only that you could do with a visit.” Concern etches his face. “Is that true?”
Things have taken a turn since Dex hired me, but there’s still some doubt lingering overhead, like a small rain cloud following me around.
“Things have been a little rough.”
He tilts his head, waiting.
Lying isn’t my strong suit, and under Booth’s watchful eye, the trust floods out of me.
“I’m a disaster. I thought coming home would be the solution to my problems. Everything I do, I fail at.”
“Flo, that’s not true.” He shuffles closer. “You’ve got a new job. You went off and did your own thing at twenty-two, traveling to places I can only dream of visiting.”
“A job I’m underqualified for.” My voice wobbles. “Did you ever wonder why I came home early?”
He thinks for a second. “I presumed you wanted to.”
I suck in a breath. “I ran out of money.” Tears burn my eyes. “I had to take out a loan to pay for my flight, and now I’m struggling to pay it off.”
“Florence, why didn’t you call us? We would’ve helped. With the money from Dad, Mom could?—”
“No. I’m not touching that money.” Our father left us all a substantial amount of money in his will. Because I was only sixteen when he died, my inheritance was in a trust until I turned twenty-one. I didn’t take all of it for my travels, and when it ran out, the last thing I wanted to do was drain my inheritance completely. “I’m so fucking tired of disappointing you all. It’s my mess, and I’ll sort it. That’s why I didn’t want to take the job at the restaurant.”
