Because the last time was the last time that my heart raced in my chest
The last time was the last time when you loved me best,
But I’ll never lose you, my love, if I keep your memory forever in my heart.
Diego finished playing. “What do you think?”
Felipe let out a soft chuckle. “Not exactly a cheerful one, is it?” He rose from his seat and stretched. “Don’t most love songs have to be happy? Isn’t that the point of them?”
Diego gave a noncommittal shrug in response. “The purpose is to evoke an emotion.” His fingers gracefully plucked the guitar strings, creating a somber melody as Brody’s face flashed across his thoughts. “Sometimes the one that got away is the one that keeps you up at night.”
Felipe whistled low. “You’re not wrong, but don’t say that too loud around Becca,” he told Diego, and they both laughed. “It’s good. Keep it up. Oh, and don’t forget about Mama’s birthday in a few weeks. Everyone’s getting together at the house to surprise her.”
Diego had remembered his aunt’s birthday celebration. “I wouldn’t miss Tia Rosie’s party. I think Diana’s making potato salad.” At the time of his ‘exile’ to Houston, he hadn’t been as grateful as he should have to Aunt Rosie and Uncle Pete, who took them in after they deported his parents. But as he grew older, he appreciated them more and the kindness they’d extended to the—even through Diego’s legal troubles. “It’s been too long since I’ve been by the house to see them.”
“We all understand how hard you are working here and with the band. We’re so proud of what you’ve achieved!” Felipe smiled and gestured towards the guitar, “Perhaps you could even play one of your songs for her at the party—but make it something happy. That would be great.”
Diego gave a small nod in Felipe's direction, who clapped Diego on the back of the shoulder before heading back to the front of the parlor. He gazed down at his song lyrics, feeling a pang of guilt towards Felipe for not being able to relate. It must have been hard for someone like him, who had married their high school sweetheart and were now living their ‘happily ever after’ to understand why Diego opted for sad endings in his writing, It was always more honest, at least in his experience.
Sad endings were all Diego had ever known.
Chapter Eleven
Brodystaredattheletter that he’d dropped on the kitchen table.
He recognized the name of the law firm on the letterhead. Cielo Springs wasn’t a big town, and the attorneys that his aunt had hired were from an old, well-known law firm. He’d seen their commercials on the television when he was a little kid, no older than Jonah.
But now, the letter was addressed to him. Just a few paragraphs to inform James Broderick Hollis that his paternal aunt, Kelly Hollis, was petitioning the court for legal custody of his nephews for the duration of their mother’s incarceration. They hoped Brody would agree to transfer custody amicably and continue to be a part of their lives, but Aunt Kelly was committed to resolving this by any means necessary, even if that meant court proceedings.
This was nonsense. His aunt hadn’t seen Nichole in years and hadn’t been by the house once since he’d brought the boys here. How on earth did she think that a judge would grant her custody of them?
The voices in his head had answers to them. Brody was disabled, partially impaired, and definitely gay—there was never any doubt about that. He wasn't sure what kind of reception he would get in the small-town courthouse where his aunt had a lot of connections, since he hadn’t been back in town very long. Anyone who remembered him from the old days would know that his parents had kicked him out (and why they did it).
Then to add insult to injury—literally—he’d tripped on some wood outside and landed on his knee, so he was moving slow when he ambled into the living room to greet Aaron and Audra, Peach close behind him. “I’m having a bad day,” he began as they followed him into the kitchen. “Someone give me some good news.”
“As it happens, I’ve got great news.” Worry lines creased Aaron’s face. “But maybe we should talk about your news first.”
Brody pointed at the letter as he poured himself another cup of coffee. “Can you believe that?”
Audra gasped as they read it. “Can she do this?”
Brody shrugged. “She’s trying. Not a word to me about any of this. She hasn’t even been to see them. I don’t understand what her intention is with this. She’s not young anymore. Why would she want to raise two little boys?”
“Did she ever have any kids of her own?” Audra asked as sat down next to Brody.
He shook his head. “No. She never married. I’m guessing this is her wanting a second chance to start a new family, and also some retaliation against me for not selling her the farm. Oh, and being mad at Nichole.”
Aaron frowned. “Have you told the boys yet?”
“No, and I’m not going to until I talk to an attorney of my own. Maybe this is will all blow over if I get myself a lawyer who starts sending her letters.” But deep down, Brody knew that wouldn’t happen. His aunt had declared war on him, and he’d have to see this battle through.
Luckily, he was a hell of a soldier, and this wasn’t his first war. “Tell me the good news.”
Aaron’s face lit up. “We got the grant from the Edwards Foundation. It’s more than we asked for, and I think they’re interested in partnering up with us for a long-term affiliation.”
Brody stood stunned. “I thought Mr. Edwards said that he was going to bring our proposal to the committee next time it met?”
Aaron shrugged. “I guess he managed to fast-track it somehow. We got a message on the business email this morning that they’d like to meet up on Friday, if we can make it.” Aaron and Audra glanced at each other with a frown.
