Page 55 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Actually, I do, but you won’t be alone. I’m sure Clark’s brother, Sam, will be there.”

“Sam is way too cool for me. I can’t carry on a conversation with that guy.”

“I don’t know what to tell you, bud. I left early this morning. I’m about fifteen minutes from his house.”

“You could have brought me as backup! Someone is going to have to drag your ass out of there if he starts running his mouth again.”

“I hope this is a peace offering, but if not, I’ll leave.”

“We could have gotten a hotel downtown and gone barhopping! Why didn’t you tell me you’d changed your mind?” Pike asked.

“It was a last-minute decision, and I figured you needed to sleep.”

“I did, but I would have been there for you. I know how hard it is seeing your dad.” Pike’s support was like dumping rocks on top of the pile of guilt situated in the pit of his stomach. “Besides my mom called to tell me they were bringing back my sister’s Christmas present to me tomorrow. I have no idea why she needed to wake me up at seven thirty in the morning to tell me that, but she sounded excited about it, which scares me.”

“Why?” Anthony asked.

“My sister is evil, and my mom thinks it’s hilarious.”

“I like your sister.”

“Because the two of you enjoy giving me rations of shit!”

“That’s true. Still, I think you’re worrying over nothing.”

“We’ll see. So, will you be back tonight?” Pikes voice sounded helpful and Anthony cleared his throat, trying to dislodge the lump of guilt.

“I’m not sure. I might get a hotel for the night and drive back tomorrow.”

“Let me know what you decide, or I’ll come looking for you. I can’t run this business without you.”

“I will.”

“It’s funny. Delilah is in Boise this weekend, too. If you see her, talk me up.”

Anthony hated lying to Pike, even by omission, but he didn’t want to have this conversation over the phone.

“Sure thing, man.”

The GPS ordered him to make a left, stating, “You have arrived at your destination.” Anthony drove past the line of cars in front of the large brick house and parallel parked at the corner.

“Sounds like you’re there. Have fun with your brothers, at least. I might stay home and drown myself in pie and whiskey.”

“You’ll have fun with the Winters. Don’t be a sad sack. When you meet the right woman, everything will fall into place.”

“How do you know?” Pike asked.

“Because, like you said, even assholes have soul mates.”

“Fuck you, bro,” Pike laughed. “Later.”

“Later.”

Anthony ended the call and exited the car, hesitating outside the door. He’d texted Grant that he would stop by, but the knot in his stomach grew heavier the closer he got to the front door. It was almost eleven thirty, and the invitation said appetizers started at eleven. He hadn’t wanted to arrive too early and be stuck with his dad and his wife to talk to, but from the look of the street, everyone was already there. He recognized Bradley’s Suburban and was glad this visit would have one bright spot.

Anthony knocked on the door and waited with his hands in his jacket pockets. When the door swung open, Bradley stood in the doorway, grinning.

“Is that my baby bro?”