Page 24 of Told You So
She shrugs and crunches on a chip. “What’s there to say? It sucks not being able to hang out with people my own age on my days off.”
“Just give it time, you’ve only been there a few months.”
“Being at home with two retired parents is—let’s just say I didn’t think this was going to be my responsibility yet, especially since I have other, more qualified siblings. You know?”
“Ah, yes. But you’re the most available one.”
“Yep.” She growls out the word and takes another bite of her veggie sandwich. She glances at me, but I try to keep the conversation light and continuous, or risk a long silence that ends inshould havesandI wishesand moreI miss yous. “Bill’s dating someone now,” I tell her. “I haven’t seen him around Lick’s as much.”
“Really? So, our regular isn’t so regular anymore, huh? What’s new with the crew? Have you finished your project yet?” Savannah’s eyes light up in the afternoon sunlight. “Is Sam micromanaging you?”
I shake my head. “No, actually. She’s pretty far removed, in this part of the process, at least. She and Aunt Alison will dive in when it’s time to decorate. I’m just externing for a ‘highly-rated, horse boarding facility in need of an office remodel.’ At least, that’s what I’m telling my instructor.”
“Well, you’re not claiming anything that isn’t true.” She pops another potato chip in her mouth. “They don’t have to know that you’re related.”
“True.” I wink at her. “I like the way you think.”
“That’s because I’m awesome.”
“Also true.”
She smiles and my heart warms a little. “So, what do you want to do tonight? I’m only here for a couple days.”
“That depends,” I say, leaning back in my seat. “How much trouble are you planning on getting into? I’m getting old. I have responsibilities now.”
She laughs. “So dramatic.”
I take a couple gulps of my Dr. Pepper. “So, what’s the bar like where you’re working, anyway? Is it at all like Lick’s?”
Her eyes linger on mine, and she sighs. “It will never be like Lick’s, sadly.”
“What, no strapping young men to ogle during your shift?” I tease but the look in her eyes is anything but playful. She sobers, and her face is almost crestfallen. “I miss you, Nick. I miss you a lot. I wish—”
“You’ve still got me,” I tell her, putting a quick end to any talk aboutus. “I’m just a little further away now.”
I can tell she wants to say more, but to my relief she resists. I don’t want to have that conversation again, not today.
Savannah puts both of her pickles on my plate as a peace offering.
Happily, I take a bite of one, savoring it. “NowthisI miss.”
Nine
Bethany
I shuffle in through the front door after work, bags, books, and my purse in hand, greeted by the familiar welcome of Jesse shouting my name excitedly as he rushes down from his room.
“Hey, J!” I call back, strangely glad to be home. While this house might make me crazy, it’s also familiar, and my memory foam mattress awaits me upstairs. “I have something for you,” I tell him. “Well, it’s from Anna Marie, actually, but—” The patter of his footsteps turn to slow creaks on the stairs. I smile over my shoulder to find him standing on the final step, staring into the kitchen.
Following his gaze, I straighten. “Hey, Dad.” He’s standing in the kitchen in his “casual” business attire, though nothing is ever casual about Charles Fairchild. He doesn’t go by Chuck or Charlie, it’s Charles, always. His shirt is perfectly pressed and his jeans look brand new.
I discard my coat and purse on the couch.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him in almost two weeks. He didn’t make it for family dinner last night because his flight was delayed, and not surprisingly, he didn’t bother coming up for even a hello when he finally arrived home, late last night. By the look on Jesse’s face, it’s the first time Dad’s come out of his office today.
“How was New York?” I ask because it’s the scripted way this conversation goes.
“Arduous but productive.” He pours himself a glass of iced tea. “How was school today?” It’s a blanketed question meant for both of us.
