DB stands at the front of the room, quiet until he has our full attention. “Thanks, everyone, for coming in, and thanks for taking care of these smaller operations while I manage my business."
We’re still dealing with inaccurate information, but Jake and Ronan verify the information we’re mining and, in general, the team is getting better at figuring out what’s bullshit. Abigail is especially good at this and has proven to be a real asset. While DB's absence has been notable, it also feels like it gave us the opportunity to gel as a team.
I’m still worried about my friend, but that sorta contradicts the Cheshire grin he's wearing. I don't often get to see him smile like that and, honestly, it's a damn shame.
"The reason why I have us all together today is because I can't make this next move without a unanimous decision. Abigail, unfortunately this involves something that happened before you, so we won’t be able take your vote on this today. That said, I feel quite certain you’ll approve of it as well."
Abigail, who took a while to truly get comfortable with us, has come to see that we are a trustworthy crew, so she simply nods, knowing he is telling the truth.
"This is about the vineyard. As you know, we've been hosting the Bashes and Samuel there for a few months now. The idea was that we were going to help them rebuild their house in East Texas and things would go back to normal for them. It turns out, they like the vineyard life. And rather than letting things get overgrown as they almost certainly would've under our care, they've been careful stewards of the land, have revived the vines, and are looking at a pretty successful harvest at the end of next summer."
We all look to Anders and Odd, who sit with proud smiles on their faces.
"With that in mind, I’d like to offer the Bashes the vineyard.”
The sounds of agreement around the table match his expectation.
"So, do we have unanimous agreement?"
He gets yesses around the room and we applaud, happy with the rare opportunity to give back.
* * *
Mama and Papa Bash have been decorating. There are black-and-white photographs of the Norwegian coast on the walls, and Anja has started a new family wall, which includes photos of Anders and Odd that family members pulled together for them, along with photographs of the Guardians team and other people from the gym who’ve managed to make their way out to the vineyard.
“So, what do you think?” DB asks, gesturing to the paperwork laid out on the kitchen table.
“What about Millie and Dave?” Anja asks, concern creasing her kind—and kinky as fuck—face.
“I thought you might ask about that. You’ll notice in the contract that this is a land exchange. Essentially, we’re taking your acres in East Texas in exchange for the property here, which is about twice as valuable. The land in East Texas is actually perfect for donating to a wildlife refuge and, if they wanted, the small cabin at the front of the property could easily be converted to an office.”
“So Dave and Millie won’t have to move?” Georg asks, tears in his eyes.
Anders wraps his arm around his dad. “No, Papa. And we’d make it so you could go visit them whenever you wanted.”
The two lovebirds reach for each other’s hands. Looking into each other’s eyes, they kiss. And keep kissing for…a while. Pretty sure I saw some tongue. After Odd clears his throat, Anja jumps up and hugs DB.
“We accept!”
Laughter and hugs make their way around the table, and Odd gifts DB with a wide, brilliant smile, something that has become a rare sight. DB looks down and shuffles the papers in front of him before turning his attention back to Anja and Georg.
Odd’s face falls and he shuffles in place, biting his lip. His parents sign the documents, and everyone partakes in the apple strudel from Weikel’s that DB brought with him. Odd doesn’t take any and instead wanders away from the group toward the hallway where the office and guest rooms are.
I don’t think he’s going to the bathroom.
Ronan tugs my arm; he saw the exchange too. Subtly, he up-nods for me to follow my friend. I check the guest room, which feels like returning to the scene of the crime, but it’s empty. Walking to the office, I pause outside the door when I hear heavy breathing.
Pushing my way in, I find Odd leaning against the desk, head bowed, crying softly. He spins, startled when he hears me, and frantically wipes his tears.
“Hey, Thane. Do you need something?” he asks, trying to put on a happy face.
“No, man. I’m checking on you. I saw what happened in there.”
His poorly constructed façade quickly crumbles, and he deflates like a sad balloon.
“I just want to know why,” he says quietly, aware of the party going on outside of this room. “I…we’ve talked, you know? We’ve…come so close, so many times. I even went up to Dallas last week and…oh god, he kissed me.”
“Really?” I say, surprised.
