Page 22 of Finding Michael

Chapter Six

Tristan smoothed out the piece of paper and looked over his notes. His hand ached from writing so much, but he liked what he had written down. Not only did he have the character names, but the outline was complete and he knew how the first scene would play out. Writing longhand wasn’t his usual, but of late he’d done a lot of stepping outside of his norm. Not jumping on Michael from day one, not trying to screw the next available guy…he’d even gotten some writing accomplished.

What time is it?He fumbled on the desk for his phone.

Using the first available paper for his notes hadn’t been the best idea, but he had to go with the flow. When the words came, he followed. Where in the hell was the phone? Under more papers. He moved the sheets out of the way and turned the device over. As if on cue, the phone lit up.

Tristan swiped to retrieve the call and switched to the speaker setting. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Jamie.”

He paused.Jamie?Realization dawned on him.The lawyer.“Oh, hey.”

“Thought I’d check on you,” Jamie said. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty good. It’s been a day, though. I dropped the check off with Michael. I had planned on calling the school, but I got lost in my writing.”

“I spoke to the superintendent and explained the situation. He’s expecting to hear from you in the next few days.”

“Oh, thanks.” Rather forward, but Jamie was a lawyer and knew how to get business accomplished, he supposed. He flipped through the handwritten pages. As much as he wanted to get back to his story, he needed a break…but not with Jamie.

“You’re quiet,” Jamie said. “Need help? It’s after six and I’ve got everything in hand for tomorrow. I’m available.”

After six? Shit.He hadn’t even checked the time. His phone had rung too fast for him to notice. Did he want to meet up with Jamie?

“Tristan? I can be there in ten minutes or can pick up food and be there in half an hour.”

What does he want?“Nah, you’ve got to work tomorrow and I’m still up to my neck in stuff here. I haven’t even scoped out the rest of the house. We should plan on something this weekend.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to bring you food? It’s been three weeks since Al’s passing. I have no idea if anyone bothered to clean out the kitchen. Either way, you’ll need food.”

“Thanks, but I’ll be okay. I had the utilities turned back on once I found out I owned the house, so the fridge is running.” He hadn’t thought about the state of the kitchen other than there was power. The idea of cleaning up rancid food churned his stomach. But…if it had to be done, then he had no choice. “You should get your rest so you can be all important and legal-y tomorrow.”

“Nonsense.”

“I’ll be fine. Really.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. Jamie wasn’t getting his hint.

“All right, but I’m coming over around eight to check on you. No arguments,” Jamie said. Before Tristan could say anything, Jamie hung up.

Tristan stared at the phone. Normally, he was the pushy one, expecting to be dealt with and loved. Being on the other end felt kind of odd. He sighed. He’d lost a lot of control by coming back to Sullavan. Part of him didn’t mind, but the rest of him wasn’t sure that not having everything in order was a good thing.

He left the phone on the table and considered his options. He had the house and could save a little cash by staying there versus at the B&B, but if Michael came over for dinner with Molly… He wandered out to the garage. His uncle still had the ’72 Chevy in the garage. If the truck worked, then he could ditch the rental car, too. The truck would be better for hauling. If he knew his uncle, the truck was still in great condition and gassed up for the next drive. When he checked the gauges, his instincts were proven correct. He tested the keys he hadn’t marked and when he slid the last one into the ignition, it fit. He left the keys in the truck and stuffed his hands into his pockets. He might as well use what he’d inherited.

He headed back into the study and phoned the rental car company. Within fifteen minutes, he’d set up a time for the company to retrieve the vehicle. His stomach growled. Time to head into town for food, then back to the house to write…but with a pit stop at the B&B. He removed the keys from the truck ignition, then went back into the house to lock up. Collecting his things from his room shouldn’t take long and if he called one of the pizza joints on the main drag, he could have the pie waiting for him when he finished.

Tristan slid behind the wheel of the rental car, then called in his pizza order. Once finished, he drove straight to the B&B. Molly stood at the counter.

“Hi, you.” She smiled. “I haven’t seen you around. How are you?”

“I’m good. I got the keys to Al’s place and have been not going through his things.” He drummed his fingers on the counter. “I need to settle up my bill. Since I have the house, I should probably stay there.”

“Won’t there be too many memories?” She opened her laptop. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s a good question. I hadn’t thought about it. The thing is, I haven’t been there since I was fourteen. I have memories, but it’s not the earth-shattering grief kind. It’s like coming back to a warm spot and feeling safe—that sort of feeling.”

“So, you’re Al’s nephew?” She pressed a button and a piece of paper slid out of the printer. “Here’s the bill.”

“Double it.” He didn’t even look at the figure. “Whatever it is, double it.”

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