“Lead the way.”
The grin he gives me makes my heart float. I’m so glad I agreed… until he starts to lead me down a dark alley.
“Jax, where are you taking me?”
“The place is down here. See the little metal bull above those green doors?” He points ahead of us. “That’s it. I promise I’m not going to take you down some side street and get us killed.”
I bite my lip but follow him anyway. He swings the far door open to reveal a large, dimly lit room. There are spikey looking chandeliers hanging from the ceiling that I’m sure cost a fortune and a bar crammed into the center stocked with an absurd amount of liquor bottles.
As I observe the tables covered in linen cloths and letthe piano music drift past me, I can’t help but feel like I don’t belong. This place looks fancy.
We make our way toward an empty table, but my phone vibrates in my pocket, stopping me in my tracks. When I see Charlie’s name across the screen, I turn to Jax. “It’s my brother. I should take this.”
Jax nods, but his brow is laced with concern. I ignore him as I slide the button to answer the call and jog toward the door. Charlie is probably calling to ask about Dad, and apparently I’m not good at hiding my dread. I texted him yesterday about the appointment, but I’m sure he has more questions.
I step outside to get some quiet, and realize Charlie isn’t calling me. He’s FaceTiming.
When I answer, his whole face fills the screen. “Hey! There’s my favorite sister.”
“I’m your only sister.”
“But you’re still my favorite.”
“What do you want?”
He frowns. “Can I not give you a compliment just because?”
“You’re more than welcome to, but I don’t know the last time you did.” I lean against the brick wall behind me, thankful I still have Jax’s jacket when a breeze blows up the quiet alley.
“I’m sorry.” Charlie ruffles his hair. “I miss you.”
His words capture my attention. He’s always been stubborn about his decision to leave Roots. I know it was hard for him to tell my parents he didn’t want to take over the ranch when it’s been what was expected of him since the moment he was born. I’d assumed he’s been happy in California, but his words now, and the look on his face, have mewondering if he’s just too afraid to admit he doesn’t want the life he left everything for.
“I miss you too. I’m excited to see you in a few weeks. You’re still coming for Christmas, right? You’re not calling to tell me you’re canceling?”
“I’ll be home for Christmas. I’m actually thinking of staying all the way until New Year’s Day.”
“Really?” I don’t know the last time he stayed in Roots for longer than two or three days.
“Really. I’m able to get the time off work, so I figured I might as well.”
I nod, the unspoken truth of why he probably wants to stay longer lingering between us. “Are you calling to see how he’s doing?”
“You texted that he was doing great. Is there a reason I need to worry?”
“No,” I rush out. Everything has been okay over the last few weeks since Dad has stepped back. Although he’s been a little grumpier because of it. He misses working on the ranch.
“Okay, well, I just wanted to call and wish you luck with your conference. I’m really excited for you and proud of you for doing this on your own.”
“I’m notcompletelyon my own.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jax is here with me.”
“Jax?” He moves the phone even closer to his face. “Jax Greer? Like my best friend Jax? The one who used to drive you bonkers because he called you some nickname you hated? That Jax?”
I roll my eyes. “Why are you being weird about this?”
