I storm out of the meeting, ready for a drink. My aunt owns one of the two bars in Holly Beach. I could go across the street and visit with her for a few minutes or make myself a drink at our well-stocked bar in here. I gaze around the empty space. Even the old ladies are gone.
It’s a no-brainer. I step outside and cross the street.
My Aunt Birdie is fifty-two and single. She’s owned The Cajun since I can remember. There’s a couple regulars sitting at the bar. They nod at me as I grab a stool on the opposite end. Birdie turns around from the register and smiles.
“Eagle.”
“Auntie.”
She gives me a sideways look. “What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?”
“Same old shit, different day.”
“Ah.” She reaches for a shot glass from the hanger above, then sets it on the wood bartop. It’s quickly filled with my favorite whiskey and pushed in front of me. “Tell me a story.”
“Once upon a time,” I start.
She pops me in the chest with the end of her bar towel. “Seriously?”
“I could start it with a tale of two houses . . .”
“Right. The Laramies and the Bakers. Your wealthy and connected father and your beautiful and born-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bayou mother.”
“Wrong story, wrong couple,” I say. “I fucked up.”
“How, sweetie?”
“Fell in love with a girl I knew didn’t have a chance in hell at a good life.”
She pats my hand, knowing who this is about. “Angel had a great life with you.”
“Two years,” I say, rage boiling inside me.
“Think what would have happened if she didn’t get those two happy years, Eagle. She would’ve been sold off to some piece of shit Dead Dog who raped and beat her. The two of you were meant to be together. Even if it was for a short time.”
I suck down the shot and gesture for a refill. “All the while, Mom and Dad stay away.”
“Come on, Caleb. Your father has no reason to come back to Holly Beach. Baton Rouge is home now. We didn’t exactly give them a reason to stay.”
Dad offered to buy Birdie’s bar so she could retire in comfort. He didn’t like his only sister-in-law tending bar. As for me, he gave me a choice. Quit the club or lose my family. I chose the better of the two.
“There’s a memorial service next Saturday at the cemetery. I want you to be there to honor Angel.”
“Of course.” She refills my glass, then gives my hand a squeeze. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”
“Reading my mind again?”
“I can see it in your eyes.”
I suck in a breath. “I met a girl.”
Stunned by the unexpected news, Birdie just stares at me.
“Not sure if it will go anywhere.”
“Don’t force it.”
“I’m sick of being alone.”
