‘Where is he?’ I asked her, as we linked arms and walked side by side along the track that led to the house. The trees were tall, even more so than I remembered. But then a decade worth of growth would do that.
‘Inside, settled into his armchair with the fan on.’
‘What’s the damage?’
‘Bruises, mostly. Tenderness. Damaged pride.’
‘Can’t imagine that’s helped his mood any.’
‘He says he doesn’t need a babysitter.’
‘We’re in agreement then.’
‘I told him you’re just here to keep him company.’
‘How did that go down?’
‘Not well,’ she admitted.
I shook my head. ‘This is going to be a hell of a long three weeks. I hope you’ve left the key for the liquor cabinet somewhere handy.’
She snorted. ‘Good luck finding anything in there. There’s only your father’s old spirit bottles, and they’re mostly full of water now.’
‘Ah.’ My face crinkled up sheepishly. ‘You knew about that?’
‘That you and your brother used to siphon off the spirits and water down what was left? Of course I knew.’
‘You never said anything.’
‘Would it have stopped you?’
‘Probably not.’
‘Exactly.’ She smiled, squeezing my arm. ‘It’s good to have you home, baby girl. Despite the circumstances.’
‘This is just temporary,’ I reminded her.
‘I know.’
‘Then don’t smile like that.’
‘Like what?’
‘Like you know something I don’t. Like you’re plotting something.’
‘Me? Plotting?’
‘Mom.’
She stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. ‘I didn’t push Ray down the stairs in order to get you here, if that’s what you’re insinuating.’
‘I know you wouldn’t stoop that low.’
‘Good. All I’m saying is that this place…’ She lifted her face to the sky and breathed the salty air in deeply, smiling as she exhaled again. ‘It gets under your skin. Reminds you what’s really in your heart.’
I groaned. ‘That’s… wow. I forgot how cheesy you can be.’
‘Am I cheesy though? Or am I just right?’
