“You didn’t force me.” I pull away from him. “It’s the whole reason I moved out and found different jobs. I needed to find what I wanted. The only reason I said I’d think about it is because I didn’t want to let y’all down.”
“That’s my fault,” Pierce moves from the recliner tothe floor in front of me. “I shouldn’t have pushed you as much as I did. You probably don’t remember, but when we were little, we used to talk about all the things we were going to do when the winery was ours. Then you pulled away. I thought working together would bring us closer to each other.”
“Dumbass.” The word is out of my mouth before I know it. “Sorry, Dad. That’s the reason I stopped coming around. I thought you hated me when were teenagers. But it makes sense. That’s when I realized the winery wasn’t what I wanted.”
“I’m sure you’ve called me worse.”
I don’t agree or disagree with him. “How did you realize I didn’t really want to take on a job?”
This time he scoots back. Is he scared I’m going to lash out?
“I may, or may not, have heard you and Tristan arguing at the beach house. You know you didn’t have to bring a fake boyfriend to deal with me. Though, things sure seemed real between you. Especially after he got in my face that first day.”
“He did what?” This is the first I’m hearing of this.
“It was after you stormed out of the house. Don’t be mad at him. It was well deserved.” He glances around the house. “Where is he anyway? I figured you two would be inseparable once we got back.”
“Um, I may have been kind of bitchy toward him. We said some things, and he said I need to figure things out.”
“Have you?”
“Yes.” I realized it after talking withEmily. This relationship stuff is hard and terrifying, but I need to stop hiding when things get difficult. He was right about leaving us in limbo. All it’s done is make me miserable. Not knowing how to handle things between us has cost me more sleep than I’d like to admit. “I’ll need your help, though.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
tristan
Why isthis equipment so freaking heavy? It’s not like it can even go in the studio yet. Dale ordered it while I was with Paula and didn’t think about the delivery date. Now we have to store it in the house. I guess it’s a good thing he hasn’t moved in.
“Just pile it all up in the living room.” He grunts while helping the delivery guy carry in the sound board.
“You realize we’ll have to move all this again when the studio is actually ready, right?” This is one of those things I was talking to him about the other day. He does whatever pops into his brain without thinking through the logistics.
“Yes, I know.” He grunts as they set it against the wall. “And don’t start, I already know you’re going to tell me I should have waited for you. But, we’re going to hire someone to move it to the studio. I’m getting too old for this shit.”
“You said it.” I laugh and put down whatever isinside this big box. “Oh, will you need me this afternoon?”
“Not that I know of. This was the big thing on the agenda today. We might get together later tonight to put down some dates for the next tour.”
“When will that be happening?” He said we were going to chill for a while. I would prefer they wait until all this construction is done and they have started on a new album before they make plans. But I’m not their manager. They do like my input, so I definitely need to be there for that.
“I don’t know. Which is why we’re meeting.” His smile is smug. “Why? Do you have a hot date with the flower shop girl?”
“Her name is Paula. And, no.” I don’t mention I still haven’t heard from her. Eric said she’s been in the bar, but it was only to grab food. She didn’t stay. He didn’t provide any other details. I have a feeling he knows more than he’s putting on.
At this point, I’m ready to reach out to her. I lay down in the middle of the floor and stare at the ceiling. I haven’t gotten any sleep since the vacation and regret everything I said to her. If I’d known it was going to be like this, I would have kept my mouth shut.
“What do you need to do?” He moves to stand over me. “And why are you lying on the floor staring into the void?”
“I’ve got an appointment to see an apartment. And I’m contemplating a nap.” If sleep wouldn’t elude me, I wouldn’t have this problem. But I know I won’t be ableto do that until I’ve talked to Paula. This is what I get for putting the onus on her to decide what she wants. I know what I want…her.
“Do you hate us?” Dale asks and pulls me out of my maudlin thoughts.
“Why the hell would you ask that?”
“Because you’re looking for another place. You’ve never said anything.”
Good gravy. I sit up and shake my head. “No, but I need my own space. No offense, but bringing a date back to a house full of people isn’t exactly romantic.”
