Greylin and her friends shouldn’t have to deal with Dad and his bullshit. He needs to get over the fact that mom left him. It’s going to sound shitty, but there are times when I can completely understand why she did.
Dad is not an easy man. I can’t imagine trying to be his partner; it was nearly impossible to be his son. The weight of expectation can be crushing, and it’s even worse when you can never live up to it.
“You need to pull him back,” I warn York. “He’s going to take things too far and you need to look at this from the perspective of those ladies. They don’t deserve it; it’s not like any of them is the same woman who left him.”
“I’ll do what I can,” he tells me, but I’m not sure I believe him. “Look, man,” he tries to reason with me, “you need to calm down. It’s not that serious.”
I don’t respond because there is nothing I can say. As much as I hate what is at stake, I know I’m approaching a crossroads.
There was a time when York being my brother made me feel special, like I mattered just because of him. Now I’m thinking being second best has its benefits and I might have spent a good portion of my life looking up to someone who isn’t worthy of it.
Damn it.
But he’s still my brother and Dad is still my dad.
I need to figure out a way to be with the one woman I’ve been craving for years. Pulling her over isn’t enough anymore.
Dad’s demons shouldn’t be ones that his sons have to battle.
Greylin deserves to be worshipped by someone. I’d give almost anything for it to be me.
CHAPTER 3
GREYLIN
I’m glad Dexter’s isn’t packed tonight, but it’s certainly busy enough. Not that it would change anything; all I need is a free table and a couple of hours with my girls to make everything right in the world. I’ve almost completely shaken my annoyance and anger at Aiden pulling me over, again, two nights ago.
When I look down at the table, I can’t help but chuckle. It highlights just how different we are, but it’s never stopped us from being sisters. Who needs blood for that?
These women show up, they always have. When the days were hard, I knew all I needed to do was go to them and they would help me carry the burden. When the days were good, they were right there to cheer and celebrate with me.
I’ve lost track of the number of cartons of ice cream, bottles of various alcohol, and tissues we’ve needed over the years.
Mayer is drinking whiskey and if I had to guess it’s Hammond Whiskey black label. She’s a refined woman of habit like that. Now, me? I can’t do whiskey straight up. I learned that lesson in college. No, thank you.
Gemma is drinking a paloma because tart with a kick might as well be her tagline. The woman, much like the drink, shouldn’t be underestimated. I’m in awe that she can drink tequila at all. I’m not a fan, and the smell won’t let me forget it.
Then there’s Meadow who is enjoying her White Russian. It isn’t surprising that she prefers something sweet with a coffee flavored kick. It’s just like her baking—she wants flavor and something she can pair with a baked good. But watch out, they will sneak up on you, and Meadow is the same way.
I pick up my lemon drop and meet the eyes of my friends. We share smiles and mentally toast each other. The years recently have been long between figuring out how to make GMH happen and then turning our dream into a reality that we have to constantly maintain. The only reason it happened at all was because we worked together.
The newest addition to our little group is Hollyn, who recently had her car break down on the edge of town while on a road trip. Little did she know that Storyville was the place she needed to wind up.
My brother, Elwood, fell for Hollyn fast and hard. I’d be happy for him as long as he’s happy, but I’m so glad someone like her dropped into his life. She’s perfect for him.
Gemma sits up a little straighter with her eyes locked on the door. I follow her gaze and see her brother, Gary, who is a firefighter for our small town, has walked in. I have a feeling it’s not her brother who has captured her attention though.
I suspect she’s really looking at Keaton. It’s not something we talk about, mostly because Gemma refuses, but the woman has had a crush on her brother’s best friend for years. I guess I can see the appeal. Keaton teaches high school science and is a good-looking man.
Not as good looking as Aiden.
I push the thought away and finish off my drink.
I’m not the only one who has noticed where Gemma’s focus is. With the way the three of us are looking between her and Keaton, we aren’t very subtle.
Which means Gemma might just kill us.
When she clears her throat, I stand up and make a motion to the table. “I’m getting the next round.”
