“It’s smart,” she agrees. “I wish I was more like that sometimes. This is pretty much what my room looks like at home. Half the time I can’t find anything. I need to get things organized.”
So, I was right. She keeps the community spaces clean and lets herself go in the other areas. “You shouldn’t change how you do things because you’re impressed by the way I do them. But if you really want me to help you, I will.”
“Thanks.” She smiles at me. “If I can get a process started, I can stick to it.”
“Most people operate that way. When things are messy, they get overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.”
“Well, you’re going to help me get back on track.”
There are footsteps coming down the hall then they stop right outside our door. “Dinner’s ready. Y’all come eat.”
Abigails voice is loud enough to be heard by everyone. Unless they are in the shower. Hopefully everyone is done with those.
“Was your mom a cheerleader, or someone who had to get people’s attention?”
“She wasn’t, but she did have to wrangle all of us at once. She’s learned to be loud when she needs to be.”
“Makes sense.” I set the few things I’ve picked up on the bed. “Let’s go eat.”
We head to the dining area and I’m shocked to find everyone already there. Not much time has passed since Abigail told us to get in here. I swear this family can be stealthy when they want to be.
The table is already set. We take our seats where we’ve been sitting while here. There is food everywhere covering every inch of space.
“Mom, why is there so much of everything?” Paula asks as she takes a drink of the tea sitting in front of her spot.
“These boys didn’t eat as much as they usually do, and we need to get rid of some of this food.”
“Oh.” Paula looks at each dish on the table. “It’s like the holidays but not. I’ll gladly take some leftovers home if there are any.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I brought some bowls.”
We all load up our plates and dig into the food. For once nobody is talking over another person. It was probably playing football that made everyone so hungry. Working concerts is hard work, but I haven’t run around like that in a long time. I should definitely add physical activity back into my routine. I feel good now even if I’ll probably be hurting tomorrow.
Once everyone is done eating, we help clear away the dishes and clean the kitchen. All hands are on deck, and it doesn’t take long for the kitchen to be back in pristinecondition. Paul grabs a couple bottles of wine and brings them into the living room where we’ve moved.
“I hope everyone has had fun this weekend,” he smiles as he opens it and pours it in the glasses Abigail brought from the kitchen.
“It’s been a blast,” Piper adds as she takes the glass of wine he offers her. “It’s been a while since we were all under one roof.”
Everyone glances toward Paula knowing she’s the missing link when it comes to get togethers. I know she can feel their eyes on her. She doesn’t turn away from the scrutiny, though.
“As you can tell from earlier today, I’m not getting any younger. I will be retiring soon, and I want to say how happy I am I’m leaving our family legacy in capable hands.”
“Are you retiring tomorrow or something?” Parker asks, confused.
“No,” Paul laughs. “I’m not retiring tomorrow. It will still be a while. I need to get documents for the lawyer and all that stuff. I just want y’all to know you’re going to do a great job with Starlit Fields.”
Pierce stands up next to his dad. Did they rehearse this? Maybe that’s what they were doing when they were gone earlier today.
“We’ll do you proud, Dad.” He claps his dad on the back. “We’ll need all hands-on deck when the time comes. I have areas I want each person involved in.”
His siblings are looking at him like he’s lost his marbles because they are already immersed in thebusiness. This is all for show for one person and I hate that he’s singling her out like this.
“Paula, I hope you’ll consider being a part of our legacy. It means a lot to all of us to have you on board. We’re family and it should be family who continues this business.”
The rest of her siblings shift uncomfortably. Even Paul takes a step back and stares at his feet. Is he intimidated by his own son? Abigail twists her hands in her lap and shakes her head.
Paula glances at me. For support, or to speak up for her, I don’t know. But I can’t fight this battle for her. She needs to do it on her own.
