Page 273 of Mangled Memory
I open the car and throw my purse on the passenger seat, dropping in and starting it.
“I don’t know.” I slide out onto Fillmore heading for East First. “I really don’t. I’m leaving Cherry Creek and going to Ci’s. I may need wine when I get there.”
“I didn’t know you were near me.” There’s disappointment in his voice.
“I met Mom here. Lunch was weird, by the way. I don’t know if things are worse than they were when I left their house. They’re definitely not better.”
“I’m sorry. I know you were hoping for a different result.”
“She’s acting like this is my fault. Or our fault. Me, Ci, Li. It’s as if nothing rests on Dad’s shoulders and certainly not on hers. I’m at a loss.”
“As if all of you are wrong…”
“Exactly. I know my memory has holes, but yours doesn’t. What am I missing? What gives?”
“I don’t know. Maybe Liam can shed some light. You should know I asked him to dig into your accident. And into your dad’s business.”
“You did? When?’
“After we got back from Beaver Brook. He may have found something and that’s why he’s asking you to meet, but I’d hope he’d loop me in too. Just be prepared, okay?”
“Okay, Honey.”
“And, baby, if you need wine, I’ll have some waiting at the house or have one of your brothers drive you home.”
“Controlling much?” The humor in my voice should express that I’m not angry.
“Precious cargo. No need to take a risk.” The smile in his voice warms me to my core.
“Have you always been charming?”
“I only care to charm you, Princess. You’re the only woman worth the effort.”
Swoon.
“Love you. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way home.”
“Okay. Be safe.” He clicks off about the time I hit the light at Colorado Boulevard. I drop the top, crank up the radio, and let the wind, the noise, and the damn near denim-colored blue of the Denver skies drive away my crappy conversation with Mom.
In less than half an hour, I’m at Ci’s. I’m windblown, sun-reddened, and relaxed. If only for the moment.
The front door opens, and Eleanor bounds out. “Hello, gorgeous. I’ve missed you. When are we going on our next adventure?”
“Perhaps when you can avoid bears.”
I don’t look up into my brother’s face when I tell Eleanor, “We’re bear experts, aren’t we? Besides, we were locked and loaded.”
“Film doesn’t count.” My brother is beyond serious when I finally get to him.
“And bullets. How do you know about that anyway?”
He plants his hands on his hips and studies me. “You have the world’s most protective husband. He made sure I knew.”
“I’ve been out with Ellie a dozen times since.”
“It’s not Eleanor I’m worried about.” He reaches out and boops my nose.
I dive in for a hug from my big brother. “Of course, you’re worried about her. She’s perfection on four paws. And I’d never let anything happen to her.”
