There’s nothing left to say.
“We can’t ignoreDigger’s offer any longer.” Uncle Sawyer’s voice is low, measured.
Mom and Dad, Sawyer and Mindy, Leon and I all sit around the dinner table in my family’s home. My sister Penny is away at school, but Tristan and Mia, Sawyer and Mindy’s kids are here.
Large platters holding potato salad, corn on the cob, pork chops, and fresh peaches are on the table in front of us. We’re all quiet. I’m not hungry.
“We can’t borrow any more money,” he continues. “And this year’s harvest won’t cover what we owe. We’re facing bankruptcy.”
I study my tattered nails. After Leon brought me back down the hill, I spent a long time standing in the showerwatching the dirt run down my arms and legs. I washed my hair and my face, then I wrapped myself in a thick robe and lay on the bed.
I thought of texting Maverick. But I don’t want to distract him when he’s so close to winning. His luck is on fire, while mine has run out.
“Dove just got back,” Leon argues, but it has no teeth now. “Aren’t we even going to try and implement her techniques?”
“I’m sure Dove learned a lot of things.” My oldest uncle gives me a defeated wince. “We don’t have the money to try anything new.”
“Let me fund the coming year.” My dad’s voice is measured frustration, and my mom places her hand on his forearm. “I’m not going to let you lose the farm.”
“We’ll sell you our share of the house and the land it’s on, but you can’t waste your future and Dove’s trying to save the orchard. After today, we know. It’s over.”
It’s a punch in my chest.
My dad lifts his blue-green eyes, just like mine, from Sawyer to me. “I don’t believe that.”
His heart is as wrapped up in this place as all of ours. He met my mother here. They’ve all worked the harvest together since they were young men, but Sawyer’s right. The rot has attacked the heart.
“You’re my oldest brother, and I’ve always respected your judgment,” Mom says, her voice holding an edge. “You inherited this place when you were only sixteen, and you worked so hard for so long. I think you’re tired, Sawyer. Let us take the baton and try.”
Uncle Sawyer gives his sister a tight smile. “I am exhausted, Noel, but it doesn’t mean I’m wrong. We did ourbest. No one can say we didn’t fight—all of us. It’s just not meant to be.”
I can’t breathe anymore in this room.
Standing, I go to the door and run down the back steps. Kelani meets me at the bottom, and she runs with me all the way into the trees. She runs with me all the way to the top of the hill. I’m breathless when I get there, but she’s happy, bouncing on her back feet like we’re playing a game.
She doesn’t know the game is over. I drop to my knees at the twisted peach tree, in front of the hole I dug with my bare hands.
I place my forehead against the trunk whispering softly. “I don’t know what to do, Grandpa. I don’t know how to save you.”
A furry little head pushes its way between my thigh and my stomach, rooting higher to lick my tears away. I drop my leg and hug her to my chest.
The sky is full of stars like it always is on long summer nights. I watch as one shoots across the sky, and I think of him not so far away, playing to win.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I slowly move to sit, frowning at the name on the screen.
Corey
Digger and I had a chat with Sawyer. We’re drawing up the paperwork.
I frown at my phone, trying to decide if it’s time to block his number.
Dove
Take your time. We have all summer.
Corey
I’d like to have dinner with you on Friday. LaFonda’s. I’ll pick you up.
