Page 135 of Beautiful Revenge
There’s plenty of time for that.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
COW INTERVENTION
Harlow
Ipull to a stop on the rocky dirt road and park at the end of the lane. I’m early, but that was my plan.
This is also the first time I’ve driven my new car. Devon was right, it’s the shit. But it’ll never stay clean on this lane that leads to the house. Grandma always complained about the dust, but when I was twelve, I didn’t think it was a big deal.
I just added a paved road to the contractor’s list. This will be our first official onsite meeting. He said he knew of the property. I hope he doesn’t run the other way when he sees it. There are only so many contractors in Winslet. I know because I had to track them down. This guy said his other jobs are small enough, he’d clear his schedule for me. And he came highly recommended by the town librarian. I’m counting on her for more than just book recommendations.
Devon had to bring entire crews in from out of town to make the estate what it is today, but the scope of his project was much different than mine. I want to use locals to make Grandma’s house the way it once was.
Well, the way it was but better. Her lime green bathroom tile will not be salvaged. The heavy woodwork on the staircase, however, will be brought back to life.
My cell vibrates as I make my way down the drive takenover by weeds and brush. I answer immediately. “Good morning. How are things back in Manhattan?”
Chrissie answers in a whisper. “Um ... I don’t know how to describe it, and I really don’t know how to react. I’m used to your dad barking orders and making demands. But ever since you told him he has a son, he’s been...”
I stop where the drive opens up to the overgrown front yard and try not to panic. “He’s what?”
“I don’t know. Gloomy? Heavy? I didn’t think he had it in him to be so introspective.”
“Oh. You had me worried for a moment. He’s just getting used to the idea. I talked to him first thing this morning. He wants to call Jett, but he’s also nervous. The guilt is eating at him.”
“That’s it, guilt,” Chrissie echoes. “Has Patrick Madison ever felt guilty for anything in his entire life?”
I think back to when we lost my mom, and Dad hit his low point. After that, nothing was ever the same.
“He just needs time. I’m sure he feels guilty. Hell, I feel guilt that I grew up with a father and Jett didn’t. I’m anxious to find out why that was kept from Jett and Dad. For their sake, I hope it was a good reason.”
“I got to the penthouse an hour ago. He’s sitting in his office chair staring out at the city. He hasn’t said one word to me about work. I don’t know what to do.”
“Don’t do anything. I know him. He needs time.” A call beeps in, so I pull the phone away from my ear to see who’s calling. Devon. I’ll call him back.
“You know me. Doing nothing is hard.” Chrissie takes a breath and changes the subject. “What are you up to today?”
“I just got to Grandma’s house. I got permission from the county to meet with the contractor before I close on the property next week so we can hit the ground running. Or at least at a powerwalk. I have a feeling progress in Winslet will go slower than I’m used to in New York.”
“That thought makes me shudder.”
I kick a rock out of the way with my sneaker as the house comes into view. “I’ll never get you to move across the country with me, will I?”
“I love you, Harlow. I’ll visit, but I need the city energy. It feeds me.”
I sigh and come to a stop in the middle of what used to be a pristine lawn. Now I’m standing in a sea of weeds, and overgrown ones at that. “Then visits, it is. Quarterly, at least. Maybe every other month. I’m holding you to it.”
“I can do that. I’d better go. I need to check on Mr. Melancholy. I’ll let you get to chicken houses and vegetable gardens. If you buy a cow, there will be an intervention. Understood?”
“What about a goat?” I tease.
“Only if it’s a fainting one. I’ll need something to entertain me while I’m there.”
“That’s horrible. I’d never let you do that to my goat.”
“But aren’t they made to faint so we can take videos of them and post them on the internet? Why else would they faint?” she demands.
