Resentment was my rocket fuel back then.
Looking back, I know it was for nothing.I was just a hurting, lonely kid, and I took it out on my dad.He had to be hurting just as much—or more—than his sons, and yet he kept going.
For us.
Dad came all the way out to Virginia to see me graduate from law school, and I saw how he beamed with pride at my success.It was one of the best days of my life.
My phone rings, and of course it’s Cal.I groan—I barely got a half-hour break.
“I’ve got you on speaker,” I tell him as I answer.“I’m with Dad.”
“That sounds real cozy but get your ass back here.Finn wants us to start on the bridesmaids’ gift bags.”
“You’re fucking with me, right?”
CHAPTER 10
Evander
“Do I sound like I’m in the mood for jokes?”
He does not.
I hang up, drain the beer, and tell Dad to pace himself with the ice cream, then make my way out through the living room.
“Bye, ladies!”
Summer throws a popcorn kernel at my head.She’s always had good aim.
“Later,” Jasmine mumbles.
“Close the door.It’s cold out there,” Phyllis says.
Not as cold as it is in here, I think.
I return to the arena.From what I’m able to discern, Finn is now focused on the bridesmaids’ gifts and what he envisions as the centerpiece for the wedding reception décor—a big Christmas tree.
“I saw this one in particular that would be perfect.It’s out at Prospector’s Point, just west of Escarpment Creek.It’s a Ponderosa Pine about ten feet tall and super slim, only about three feet in circumference at the fullest part.”
“I know exactly where that is,” I lie.
“Somebody needs to go get it for me and haul it back.”
“On it!”Cal, Declan, and I say this at exactly the same time and then snarl at each other in irritation.
Honestly, I’d be willing to kick both their asses to claim a prize this sweet: an errand that will eat all the remaining daylight and send me far, far away from Finlay “Marital Maniac” MacLaine.
“You,” Finn points to me.“You suck at draping chairs in tulle, so you’re not needed here.Go get that tree, man.”
I smirk at my defeated brothers and head to the doors.
Finn clears his throat.“Honestly, I thought you’d be better at the chairs, Evander.You’re the metrosexual of the family, after all, with your festive fashion flair.”
I hear snorts of laughter behind me and spin around, my mouth open.Metrosexual?
Bwaaahaaa.
Whatever.
