“It’s not what you’re saying; it’s the lack of what you’re saying. Who is she?” Never could pull one over on my sister.
“Fuckin’ Locke,” I grunt into the phone.
“Actually, he hasn’t said a word. It’s the fact that you haven’t answered the family group chat messages or Locke’s. As the man himself would say, two plus two equals four. Tell me all about her, please and thank you.” Jade is settled in, which means getting out of this conversation won’t happen, and I may as well grin and bear it.
“You gonna run to Mom before I can stop by to see her and tell her face to face what’s going on?” I’m no fool. Those two are thick as thieves, best friends, and everything in between.
“Cross my heart, and you know thatD-word.” Jade has become almost superstitious when it comes to the people she loves ever since Locke was involved in an accident. The word she’s refereeing to is one that involves you being six-foot under.
“The new guy who just acquired half of Industrial is a major dick. I’m talking he acts like he’s Slick Rick, but he’s got a daughter a bit younger than me, smart, so damn smart it’ll make your head spin. She’s been handed a shit card in life but somehow makes it seem as if it’s nothing but daisies. I like her, Jade. I like her a whole hell of a lot. Enough that if dear old William Ashford fires me, I’d take the hit, pick myself up off the ground, and keep going.” I’ve been one of the smarter ones in the company, starting there before I hit the age of eighteen. Once I could start my retirement, I ran with it. I’ve been there for nearly twenty-two years now. I live within my means, got the house on the river for cheap, so the payment is low enough I could work anywhere to make the mortgage. I also have enough put away that I can breathe easy for a couple of years.
“Okay, who are you and what have you done with Jace McKay? I mean, I love this for you. I’m thrilled, in fact. There’s not another person in this world who deserves happiness more than you.”
“Except for Mom,” we say at the same time.
“God, I really hope she gets out there one day. Mom’s been alone for so long, and I worry about her. She’s lived for us for years. We’re settling down, finding our person. I want that for her, too.” It’s the same talk we’ve had for years now.
“We can’t do this for her, sis. As much as we want to.” Jade going off on a side conversation is nothing new, not in the grand scheme of things. My sister goes on tangents a lot, over any damn thing, too.
“I’m going to put her on a dating site.” Jesus, fuck, this is a terrible idea.
“Jade,” I say her name with a hint of a warning.
“What? I wouldn’t really do it. It just sounds like a good idea. “What? I wouldn’t really do it. It just sounds like a good idea. Anyway, back to you. Give me the details. What’s her name, whatdoes she look like, what attracted to you first, and when do I get to meet her?” I knew this was coming. I hoped she’d be so involved with our mom that she would forget about me. No such luck.
“Her name is Willow. She’s an accountant. Loves her grandmother. Blonde hair, hazel eyes, tiny and curvy. As for when you’ll be meeting her, hopefully, it’ll be soon. This thing between us just started. Not going to run her off by introducing you to her right out of the gate.” Jade snorts in response.
“Fine. Love you, love the name, and I’m sure I’ll love her, too. Now, I’ve got things to do. Answer Locke’s text.”
“Will do. Love you, too, brat.” We hang up. I go through my notifications, ignoring the ones from Toren, he can deal with whatever issue there is at the mill. I’m off, and I’m not on fucking call.
Locke: Yo, poker at Colt’s tomorrow night. You in?
Me: Yo back. Maybe. Depends on what Willow’s got going on. I’ll let you know later tonight.
I’m about to put my phone on the dresser and head to the shower when the damn thing lights up.
Locke: Finally got the name to the woman who’s taming the beast. Either way, it’s at Colt’s this go-around.
Me: Sounds good. I’ll let you know.
Locke: Later, man.
Me: Later.
I back out of that text thread, go to Willow’s number, and shoot her a message.
Me: Peaches, you make it yet?
Bubbles appear, then disappear, then finally appear again with a response.
Peaches: I’m here.
Me: You okay?
Peaches: Could be better. It’s not going great. She perked up at the sight of me, but then things deteriorated. I hate this so much, but there’s nothing I can do except cut this trip short. At least I saw her, which makes me feel a little better.
Fuck, I hate that she’s gone from being in a great mood to becoming melancholy.
