“Even after growing up the way we did. You’re willing to chance it?”
“I think it’sbecauseof the way we grew up. I want to be all in. Be all the things a dad should be. Teach them to fish, coach their little league team, root for them during Easter Egg hunts.”
“You’d make a great dad, Matt. But are you as committed to being a good husband as you are to being a good father?”
“Fuck yeah. I hate that Mom was all alone. Hell, she was so busy taking care of us and managing her health, she never had a chance to meet someone new.” My mouth goes dry, and I have to push down the lump growing in my throat. “I look at her now and wonder if she enjoyed her life at all.”
Harry drops his hand on my shoulder. I’m sure he feels it too. This hard-working, devoted woman gave everything to the two of us. Only for dementia to steal her final days. “I don’t think she would’ve trusted anyone, anyway,” Harry says, finishing off his bottle and reaching for another. “I’m going to miss you. It’s been nice having you here. It’s hard watching her…”
I glance over as he takes a large gulp. Watching her decline has got to have been miserable. Mom managed to make it through chemo and into remission, only for her mind to slowly spiral into an abyss.
“I better get to sleep. I have an early day tomorrow.” Given how late I’ve rolled onto the construction site all summer, I avoid looking at the smirk he’s probably wearing right now.
“Don’t be a stranger.”
“Harry, listen. I’ve been a shit brother. I promise to call you once I can look at the calendar and find a way to give you some weekends off. I really will do better by you and Mom.” I finish off my beer and head for my bedroom when I hear behind me.
“If that’s the case, there’s no reason you can’t at least consider something long-distance with your girl.”
Chapter 28
Ellie
Walking into The Wild Shrimp, I look about the place for Charlene. It’s definitely tourist season. It’s Friday night and so crowded it’s hard to see the people seated at the bar.
As if she has mental telepathy, an arm pops up through the crowd and waves. I’d recognize those multicolored neon nails anywhere.
“Hey, what took you so long?” she greets.
“Sorry. I’m trying to itemize everything I need to order for the Christmas in July festival. I can’t believe it’s in two weeks.”
Micky, a bartender we know well, comes to take my order, and Char interjects. “Just give us a minute, Mick.”
I laugh, scooting onto the bar stool next to her. She’s got this down to a science.
“Hi, ladies. Can we buy you a drink?” I turn to find a tall, average-built blond in his mid-thirties wearing the uniform of rich tourist men everywhere. Tommy Bahama. I rotate back to Charlene, who winks at me, and I roll my eyes in return. Char and I used to make it a drinking game—one shot for Tommy Bahama and two if their partner was wearing Lily Pulitzer.
“We’d love a fresh Margarita if you’re buying. Are you in town on vacation?” Charlene asks. It’s the same line she gives all of them.
“Yes. I’ve been to the Florida Keys, but it’s my first time to Candy Cane Key. I’m Robert, and this is Bill.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Charlene, and this is Elliot.”
Really, Char?I narrow my eyes at her.You had to give them my real name?
“Elliot. Now that’s an unusual name,” Bill says. He’s a little shorter and broader than his wingman. And unlike Robert, he’s wearing an expensive golf shirt. They both reek of money and husbands who conveniently left their rings back home.
“Yeah. Parents. What’re ya gonna do?” I shrug.
“Hey, Ellie. There’s a call for you. You want to come down here where it’s a little quieter?” What? I’ve never gotten a call at the bar before.Jeez, could it be Pops?
I swiftly hop off my stool and follow Micky to the end of the bar closest to the kitchen. He hands me the receiver, and I attempt to cover my other ear as if I might be able to hear over the commotion. “This is Ellie.”
“You can… better…” It’s hard to tell if it’s a bad connection or the sheer volume of the restaurant interfering with the call.
“I’m sorry. I can’t hear you very well. Is everything okay?”
“No. It’s not…” Again the voice fades out. The voice sounds male, but I can’t be sure.
