Page 28 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Driving to Boise.”

Pike reeled back and stared at his phone for a moment before asking the obvious question. “Why?”

“I decided to take my old man up on his offer and join them for Thanksgiving.”

Pike’s jaw dropped in surprise. Anthony and his dad had almost come to blows at his mother’s funeral, and now he was spending the holidays with him? He had some major questions, but his brain was too foggy to articulate them without starting a fight, so he refrained.

“You mean I gotta go to the Winters’ Thanksgiving hungover and alone? Do you know how depressing it is to be the only single guy in a room full of happy couples?”

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

Pike shook his head. “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.”

Shit, was he really going to be on his own? “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!” Man, he sounded like a desperate, petulant child, when Anthony was probably a jumble of nerves. He cleared his throat, adjusting his tone to one of concern. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d changed your mind?”

“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. Besides, my mom called, and it reminded me they are bringing back my sister’s Christmas present to me this weekend. I’m terrified.”

“Why?” Anthony asked.

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

He chuckled. “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.” Pike grabbed a plate and scooped his eggs onto it. “So, will you be back tonight?”

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

Pike picked up his bacon with tongs and set the slices on his plate. “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. I heard Delilah is in Boise this weekend, too. If you see her, talk me up. Maybe she’ll regret her decision.” Pike had no idea why he’d said that, especially after what happened with Ryler. If he’d really been broken up about Delilah, would he have almost taken Ryler home?

Maybe he had gone after Delilah because she was available and checked off all the items on his list. Sweet, pretty, funny … interested in him?

Unfortunately, he’d missed the mark on that one.

“Sure thing, man.”

Pike heard the GPS announce, “You have arrived at your destination.”

“Sounds like you’re there.” Pike grabbed a fork from the drawer and as he sat down at the table, he added, “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 grumbled.