Page 76 of Whiskey Lies

Carter winks at me as if I have any interest in continuing this dumpster fire. I have a woman arriving at my hotel without panties any minute now; I don’t have time for this shit.

Cat shoots Carter a glare. “Okay, Carter, where should we be seen? Which bar will have paparazzi to catch us walking around?” Her voice drips with sarcasm.

Chase jumps back in. “It’s not about the paparazzi. It’s about Landry. If we want to expand this business, we need to show we are a family company. Cash, you need to find Cat a spot on the board. Cat, you need to make yourself more visible. A man like Landry wants to know that we are all running this. He loves the family shit. We need to feed it to him.”

Finally, I decide to take control. That’s what my grandfather wanted me to do. Whether I want to or not.

“It’s not shit, Chase. We are a family business. And we are seeking out Landry because he runs a company in the town where we were born. A place where we have history. Whether we are ready to deal with it or not. Cat, Chase is right. We need to be seen. This weekend we’ll all head back.”

Cat looks at me like I’ve told her she needs to have a tooth extraction.

“We don’t have to stay at the house,” I say quickly. “We just need to be there. I’ll contact the Bristol Harbor Inn if you want.”

Cat shakes her head. “We own a house. There is no reason why we can’t stay there. I’ll call ahead and make sure the house is prepared for our arrival. Chase, how long should we be there?”

It’s nice to see Cat looking to Chase for guidance. I know things are hard for him. It’s not easy being the product of the affair—being the one who didn’t lose his mom. Instead he’s part of a dirty secret, something taboo and hidden that no one discusses.

“I think the weekend should be enough. It will make a big difference that we are staying in the house all together. It’s a big deal in itself. I’m…”—he pauses, looking around the room—“I’ve never been there before.”

Carter and Cat look to one another and an entire conversation passes between them. Although I’m closer with Cat, and probably Carter, than either of them are with one another, I am not part of this discussion. This is their own world. One that neither Chase nor I really existed in. I was just a baby when everything happened, and Chase was nonexistent. Carter and Cat had a mom and dad. They have memories that I’m just not privy to, and there is no relationship, no conversation, that can change that.

Moving around my desk, I walk over to Chase and put my arm on his shoulder. “Thank you for helping us figure out what we need to do for the company. I’ll do whatever you suggest,” I say honestly, looking him right in the eye.

A smile crosses Chase’s face that reminds me so much of our father it almost hurts, but I bite back the memory and focus on my brother.

“Thanks, Cash.”

“Want to grab dinner?” Cat asks, looking at us all hopefully.

I steal a breath and turn to her. “Sorry, I have plans tonight.”

Carter interjects. “Another first date?”

Cat makes a face. “I really think you should call Vanessa again. You didn’t give her a fair chance.”

Chase winks. “I can take you out to meet some nice women.”

I shake my head at them all and laugh. “I don’t need any of your help. I’ve got plans, like I said.”

Cat narrows her eyes, and I know she’s wondering if my plans are with Grace. Let her wonder. Eventually she’ll find out the truth. I’m not hiding my relationship with Grace. Well, right now I might be, but not for long.

“When are we leaving?” I ask, trying to turn everyone’s focus from my love life back to the business.

Chase takes the bait. “Friday after work?”

Carter shakes his head. “I’ll be there as little as I can. See you on Saturday.”

Cat walks over and smacks him. “We are doing this the right way, right, Cash?” she says, turning to me.

I nod. “Carter, you and I can ride together.”

The minute I say it, I regret it, but I know it’s the only way I’m getting him there. I told Grace we are spending the weekend together, and now I’ve got plans with my family. None of it is ideal, but it’s what I have to do. Grace of all people will understand the need to make work a priority.

Carter looks at me, surprised, but then I see a warmth settle in and maybe even pride. In a very un-Carter-like way, he shakes his head and smiles. “Okay, Cash, we can ride together.”

“Great, well as fun as this has all been, like I said before, I have plans.” And as I look at my watch, I see that I’m late. Grabbing my phone, I shoot Grace a text.

Change of plans. I’m running late. I’m sending my driver to pick you up.

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