"Maaan, you're totally whipped. But Judson, really?"
"How can you tell that from a one-word answer? And yes, Jud. You know we've always been close."
There's silence on the other side.
"Skyler, I'm gonna say it straight because I'm your brother and I love you. I know how much you hurt after he left. I was there trying to pull you out of your head and back into the world. I don't want to see you like that again."
Miles's words feel a little sour. I know he's thinking of me, but Jud had a reason to leave. And just like Jud didn't have the whole story when he heard me talk to Blake, neither does Miles.
"I appreciate your concern, but we're not kids anymore. We're grownups, and we can deal with it. But I’m telling you, Miles, we’re happy. Really happy.”
“Kids or grownups, it hurts all the same. But I'm happy for you, Skyler. I'm looking forward to coming home and having a beer with both of you on your porch like old men."
I laugh. "Miss you, bro. Just another three months, and then you can whip Dad into shape. Can't wait to hear your ideas for the farm."
"Oh man, I have so many. We can implement so much to make the production more environmentally friendly and sustainable. And I want to use the land that isn't currently farmed or used for pasture."
"Wow, I really can't wait to hear more of your boring shit," I tease.
"Says the producer of liquid sugar."
"Hey, respect, I'm a TV star now."
He snorts.
"Hey, Skyler. Thank you. I don't know if I tell you this enough, but I really appreciate what you do. You're putting your life on hold for mine."
"The farm is our family, Miles. And family comes first. I'm looking out for your future the same way you would if the roles were reversed."
"Damn right I would, big brother."
We say our goodbyes, and I get back on the road, determined to make another big change in my life today. The farm comes first, but for the first time in my life, I finally see some wiggle room.
The house is silent when I open the dooryard, which is unusual unless my mom is in the garden because she likes to have the TV on in the background, or she’s singing to herself.
I peek through the living room, and my dad isn't there either. Maybe he's back outside. His wrist has healed now, and even though he's supposed to be taking it easy, I wouldn't be surprised if he's out with the cows.
"Ma?" I call.
I hear the sound of a chair scraping the floor and go to the kitchen, where I see Mom in front of the sink with her head down and a paper towel in her hand.
"Ma? What's going on? Are you crying?"
She shakes her head, but when she looks at me, she breaks down.
I rush over and lead her back to the chair, grabbing the box of tissues from the top of the fridge and sitting next to her.
"Is everything okay? Where's Dad? Is he okay?" I start preparing for the worst. Not that anyone can ever be ready to receive bad news, but something must have happened because I've never seen my mom like this.
"He's okay. I told him to get out of my sight, so he's probably with the cows."
I take a deep breath, hoping this isn't what I think it is.
"What did he do?"
"What he always does. Sometimes I wish he was a cheater. If he was out there chasing women, I could handle that. But I don't know how to fight this…disease."
"How much?"
