Page 149 of Mangled Memory
“We’re going to leave if you both keep that up.” He descends the stairs. “She’s going to get fat and spoiled.”
“You plan to leave anyway, and I’ve got news for you, she’s already spoiled. The fat thing can be rectified by a walk.”
“Do you think Ayla will be okay when I leave?”
“I think you’ll have your sister on your doorstep for bothsurgeries if you don’t stay here. You won’t shake her easily, but so long as you’re okay, she will be too.”
“I think they’re both going to suck.”
“You’re welcome here anytime and for as long as you need.”
Cian extends a hand to shake mine. “Thank you. And thanks for being good to my baby sister.”
“She’s my everything.” It’s a simple reply, but it says all I need it to. “I have a business proposition for you.”
Cian immediately shows his cautious nature, dropping his poker face into place, and hedging. “Oh?”
“I know you’re launching your own venture, so if it interferes with that or distracts from your plans, please let me know. But I’m looking for a consultant on a handful of projects. Your expertise dovetails perfectly for what we need. Would you consider contracting with me until you launch? I don’t mind after either, so long as it’s not a conflict of interest for either of us.”
“Thank you, but I’m not interested in charity.”
“I assumed you would give me a contract or a rate commensurate with your expertise.”
He studies me. “I’ll consider it.”
“I appreciate it. Now about another matter…” I tell him what’s going on and ask for assistance in one other matter. His eyes light up, even though a little frown pulls the corners of his mouth. “Don’t worry—there’s only one original and that won’t change.”
“I’m going to take Javier and Ashlyn up to Beaver Brook next week. To the ridge. It’s time I get back to it.”
My wife sits across from me, not asking my permission. She lifts her wine glass and takes a hearty sip.
“Time to get back to it?”
“I have no idea what their apprenticeships were like before, but I owe them something aside from retail experience when theyleave me. That must suck. Sign up to work with someone and lose the good bits and gain the sucky ones.”
Cian stiffens and one hand gathers in a fist on the table. His face is less expressive these days. Or it causes him pain to use it. “Care if I join?”
“Sure. And bring my girl.”
“My girl.”
“Our girl. Whatever.”
Cian’s eyes flash to mine, and I refocus on my dinner.
“I’m sending Ren along.” She didn’t ask permission. I won’t either.
“Great. Nothing like broody and scary to relax my apprentices. That word doesn’t sound right. Regardless… I’m thinking Tuesday, but I’ll make the call Monday night. That work for you, Ci?”
He nods. “As long as it’s before Thursday.” He points to the left side of his face.
“You haven’t been up there since we were up there.” I flick my fingers between the two of us. “Are you comfortable going since the accident was never resolved?”
“If you’re asking if I’m in the right headspace, the answer is yes. There are places I’ve gone that I’ve never been as this Ayla. And there are some that I have that I’ll revisit. I’m not tempting fate. I’m not depressed. And I’ll have at least five witnesses. Plus Ellie. I’m okay. Promise.”
“Okay, Princess. We have plans this weekend.” I turn to her brother. “You’re welcome here. You and Eleanor as long as you want. But I promised my wife iced tea on the porch in Aspen, and it’s time to make good on that promise.”
Cian’s face is comical. He turns to his sister. “You drink tea? I’ve never seen that.”
