Page 47 of Chapel Bend

“We haven’t even discussed the price,” June says, letting out a surprised laugh.

“I’ll sell it to you for a dollar,” Fred says.

“I don’t think that’s allowed anymore.” I shake my head, grinning. “But I know that June would pay fair market value. Hell, maybe I’ll go in on it with her.”

“A joint business venture,” Sally says with a happy sigh. “Oh, that’s romantic.”

“No, it’s not,” June says and narrows her eyes at me, as if to say,shut it.

“We’ll come up with a fair price,” Fred says. Clearly, his mind is already made up. “If we’re going to sell, I want it to be to June, and to you, Apollo, if you want in on it. I know that you’ll make it special.”

“Thank you,” June says. “This is going to beawesome.”

ChapterNine

June

“This is a lot of liquor, Grandma.”

I’ve just hauled the last of the wooden cases of alcohol into her dining room, which is where the bar will be set up for the speakeasy.

“Most of it is for decoration,” she informs me, her eyes bright with excitement. “That whole wall will be shelves of liquor, and the bar will be in front of it.”

“There’s a window there,” I remind her.

“It’s getting covered up,” she says, shaking her head. “This isn’t your first Halloween party here, June. You know that the whole house will be transformed. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Right.” I nod and smile over at her. “Did Lauren text you this morning?”

“Yes.” She doesn’t meet my eyes and busies herself with looking through the bottles. “She says she’s coming for the party.”

“I’m so excited to see her. She hasn’t been home in a couple of years, and it’ll be really good to spend some time with her.”

“Your sister could have come home at any time,” she reminds me. “She chose not to.”

I know that it hurt my grandmother’s feelings when Lauren decided that small-town life just wasn’t for her and moved to Las Vegas after college. Grandma thought we’d all stay together, especially after the shit show with my parents, but Lauren is her own person and should do what makes her happy.

“She just wanted a different life,” I say softly, but Grandma’s lips tighten. “It doesn’t mean that she doesn’t love us or that she isn’t grateful to you.”

“I don’t need anyone’s gratitude,” she insists, shaking her head. “As long as you kids turned out to be good people, that’s all that matters.”

“We did. Cullen’s a cop, for crying out loud. I own my own company, and Lauren’s one of the most sought-after architects in Vegas. I’m really proud of her.”

“She’s doing well,” Grandma agrees. “All of you are, and I’m glad.”

“But you won’t admit that it’ll be good to see Lauren for a few days.” She just moves to the next box to inspect the bottles, and I blow out a breath. “Okay. I’ll get her room ready for her.”

“I’ll handle that later. We have other work to do before the crew gets here later today to start the big transformation.”

“I have to leave in a little while,” I inform her and cringe inside when she turns to me with surprise on her sweet face. “Grandma, I’m still trying to get the chapel ready for me to move into before Christmas, and I have deliveries coming today that I have to sign for. Not to mention, I’m having the windows installed so Cullen doesn’t yell at me again for having the plastic coverings up for too long.”

“Fine.” She waves me off. “I’ll handle this myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”

“What’s wrong with you today?” I demand. “You’re being grouchy and acting like I’ve done something to hurt your feelings, but I don’t know what that could be because I’ve hardly been here lately.”

“Exactly.” She whirls around and pins me with the same stare that’s put fear in me since I can remember. “You’re never here. You’ve decided that new chapel project and whoever it is that you’re sleeping with are more important than being here.”

“I’m not—”

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