Page 3 of Pour Timing

We broke up, and it didn’t take us long to realize that timing was never really on our side. I had stars in my eyes, thinking I was destined for the NFL. And when that dream fell apart, pride kept me from coming home.

I didn’t look back. I never returned to Starlight Bay.

Until now.

“That’s everything, Mr. Byrne. Congra—” Mr. Pace, my uncle’s attorney, says.

“Wait. Not to sound like an insensitive jerk, but who’s getting his Porsche 911?”

My mother clucks her tongue. “You and that car. You’re as bad as he was.”

“It’s a legit question. No one will take better care of it now than me.” It’s a 1983 Porsche 911 SC coupe and I have dreamed of being behind the wheel since I was five years old.

My mother sits back and crosses her arms. “For your information, he signed the title over to your father almost a year ago. Probably at the same time he got the diagnosis he didn't want to talk about.”

I know she’s upset he didn’t tell her. But I have to just let this go right now. Iambeing insensitive and know it. Plus, I’ve suddenly got a lot on my plate. Mr. Pace butts in. “Like I was saying, congratulations. I know Paul would be very proud you’re taking over.”

Grumbling to myself, I mutter under my breath, “He didn’t really leave me a choice, now did he?”

“Matt, Uncle Paul loved you so much. Don’t look at this like a burden.”

I look at my mom and sigh. “I’m not. I’m sorry, Ma. I know this has been a shock to everyone. It’s just going to take me time to figure it all out. Everyone in this town adored him. He’s leaving big shoes for me to fill.”

“Don’t take too much time. National Wine Day is in two months. And you have a wedding scheduled as well,” Mr. Pace cuts in.

I furrow my brows, glossing over National Wine Day. I mean, it’s a winery. Isn’t every day wine day? “A wedding?”

Mr. Pace looks over the paperwork. “Yes, a Miss Kylie Johnson and Mr. Patrick Scott have booked their wedding here.”

Kylie Johnson.That name runs through my mind and chills my blood.My Kylie?

My mother interrupts. “Yes, your Kylie.”

“What?”

She raises a brow and a smug grin crosses her face. “Yes, it’syourKylie. She’s engaged, and I was here when she came to your uncle to book a date a year ago.”

A year ago?

My mother laughs. “Yes, a year ago.”

I look at her, saying, “Are you a mind reader now?”

“No need to read minds when you’re speaking out loud.”

I take a breath and let it out slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fuck.”

“I met her fiancé. He’s not the one for her.”

“Ma,” I say, with exasperation. We’ve been through this conversation before.

“Just like Gina wasn’t for you.”

“Ma!” I interrupt, trying to sound more forceful this time.

She puts her hands up. “I’m just saying.”

Mr. Pace stands and collects the paperwork, quickly stuffing it into his briefcase. I’m sure he’s just as uncomfortable as I am being part of this conversation. “Matt, if you need me for anything else, you know where to find me.”

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