“Why are you convinced he can’t change?” She thought of Hunter sitting in a prison cell. She wanted—had—to believe he could turn his life around, that one poor decision—albeit a very, very, poor one—wouldn’t define his life.
“He had twenty-plus years to come around. Same with Mom. Nothing changed after Granddad’s death, but I’m supposed to believe Gran almost dying provided a grand catalyst for turning over a new leaf?” He snorted. “Yeah, and I have oceanfront property in Arizona.”
“I wouldn’t be too quick to write them off.” She lifted the coffee mug and cupped it with both hands. “Is it your mom or dad that’s Gran’s child?”
“Dad.”
“Are your mom’s parents in the picture at all?”
“They passed before my mom and dad met.”
She sipped the coffee, again contemplating her words carefully. “When your grandfather died, they still had Gran. But with her near death, it could have made them realize she’s all they had left parentally.”
“I don’t know.” He breathed out a heavy sigh. “You could be right, but my gut says otherwise.”
“Regardless, you feel bad about what happened, don’t you?”
“Yes. I don’t want to, but I do. Until now, I’ve managed to stay respectful by keeping a distance. I knew this would happen, which is why I didn’t want them on this trip.” A dry smile appeared. “That, and I plain didn’t want to be around them.”
Did he want more of her advice or only an ear to listen? He seemed receptive so far to what she’d said, so she pushed her luck. “What would you like to see as the resolution of this argument?”
Unexpected to her, Landon burst into laughter. “I’m sorry, but that sounded exactly like a question the childhood therapist would ask. Gran took us several times in elementary school when Archer and I acted out, thinking it had to do with our parents’ abandonment, but it was us being boys.”
She grinned, thankful for a shift in mood. “Good to know I have another career path if I choose to switch.”
“You would do well as a therapist. You’re a good listener and care about what I’m saying, even if I’m a big idiot.”
“I never said that.”
“No, but as I’ve been telling you about what transpired, I realized how pompous I’ve been.”
“In what ways?” Though she had an idea, she wouldn’t presume.
“My parents are still my parents, whether they acted the part or not. And while I’m not ready to accept that they’ve changed, that gives me no right to speak to my father like I did.” He frowned. “My grandparents lived by the ‘if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all’ philosophy. I failed big time.”
“You’re human. It happens.”
“The worst part is that in my heart, I know I said what I did to hurt him. It didn’t slip out like I claimed. I saw the opportunity to inflict a fraction of the pain he caused me, and I took it. He’s right.” He wrung his hands during a drawn-out pause. “I’m a terrible person. Not that I ever claimed to be a great one, but this was bad.”
“Sounds to me like you know what you have to do.”
“Do I?” He grinned, but his eyes still reflected the heaviness of heart he’d expressed. “I don’t want to apologize. It stinks, big time, especially when he’s the one who’s done me wrong so many times.”
“I know.” She leaned back in the chair and tucked a leg under her lap. “I’ve done my share of apologizing that didn’t seem fair, but when it’s right, it’s right.”
“Are you sure you’ve never met my grandmother? I can hear her giving me the same advice.”
“I’d venture to say we both had wise influences in our lives.” She absently ate the final bite of her cake. “How’d your day with her go, if you take out the argument with your dad?”
“Great. I didn’t know how much we’d be able to cram in before she tired out, but she’s a trouper.” The angst left his tone, replaced with reverence. “She wants to visit more antique stores in the morning before we leave, find a souvenir for the trip.”
“That’s cute. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.”
“I wish we had more time. I thought about planning another trip for spring and adding a day or two.”
“You should.” She resisted putting on her tourist information hat and kept the friend one on. “If you decide to, let me know. I can help plan it if you’d like.”
“As if I’d refuse help from the expert.” He smiled wide, revealing two perfect lines of teeth.
