Page 71 of The Hang Up

“Seriously, Dad?” He stopped and put his hand on my arm. “When Cassie told me what happened with Mom, I didn’t really get it. Then she called after the party. I thought she was worried about me. But everything was about her.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. “I’m sorry.”

“How did I miss that?”

“You were just a kid. And she was your mom.”

We made it to the elephants. It was one of Sean’s favorites growing up. And as he bought peanuts to feed them, I realized some things never change. “She’s beautiful. Majestic,” he said.

“I’m glad that you and Brock are doing okay,” I said, nervous about starting this conversation but needing him to hear it.

“We’re getting there.”

“If you need to blame someone, blame me.” I couldn’t look at him.

“Is it all your fault? Did you somehow seduce my best friend into falling in love with you? Impressive.”

I shook my head. “Okay, smart ass. I just meant you and Brock need each other. He’s been your best friend forever. I don’t want you to lose that.”

“Still playing the martyr?” His head was tilted as if he was curious.

“No. Not really.”

He nodded. “I actually agree with you.”

“That’s new.”

“Before, you were all about punishing yourself for your mistakes. But I don’t think that’s what this is.” He stared at me. “You really do love him, don’t you?”

I laughed. “Do you think I’d go through all this if I didn’t?”

“You do love to torture yourself.”

“I’m glad we’re working this out,” I said. His grin reminded me of when he’d been a boy and had thought he was getting away with something. I was immediately suspicious. “What?”

“I shouldn’t have any trouble getting my money now.”

“You mean my money?”

“It’s my trust fund.” He shrugged. “Let’s just call it hazard pay for being part of the Miller family.”

“How does this help you? I still know how to say no.”

“To me? Yes. To Brock? Not so much. Someone spilled the tea—you can’t deny him anything.”

I stepped in front of him, so he had to stop. He was grinning ear to ear. “Did Brock tell you that?”

“Brock didn’t have to tell me, it’s obvious.”

“But someone did.”

He laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “That would be your very handy assistant, Mitch. I really like that guy.”

I wasn’t sure if I needed to fire Mitch or give the man a raise.

***

“How did it go?” Brock asked after dinner that night. We’d eaten in. Brock had cooked, of course. We’d ended up on the couch with Brock in my lap.

---