Page 102 of You're So Vine
“And I’m leaving you the house and land outside of Verity,” Debra continues. “Ten acres plus some outbuildings. No animals yet. I didn’t have time…”
Her energy is fading. But she rallies.
“Sell it and split the proceeds between you. Or keep it and rent it out, I don’t care which.”
“Debra, that’s … impossibly generous,” says Frankie. “But what about your parents? What about Mom? They’re your family, too. Personally, I don’t feel comfortable taking what should more rightly be theirs.”
“My parents are flying in this afternoon,” says Debra. “They are well set up, and they’re happy with my decision. As is your mom.”
“I have more than I’ll ever need,” Lee assures her children. “I was paid a generous amount for my share of the winery. You all know that.”
“That’s settled, then,” says Debra. “But I meant what I said about speaking up. Will the house be an issue for you? Will you be able to agree on what to do with it?”
More glances between the Armstrong siblings. Jackson gets to his feet.
“I have a suggestion,” he says. “Feel free to debate me, but I think it’s a good one.”
He grins at Shelby. “I think you’ll like it in particular.”
“Tell us,” Shelby demands.
Jackson studies his hands for a moment, then lifts his head. And looks right at me. “Rent it to Cam.”
Fuck.ThatI did not expect. From the way Ava’s hand tightens on mine, neither did she. But it’s not my decision. It’s Shelby, Tyler, and Frankie’s.
“Shel, let the others decide,” cautions Nate. “You’re too close.”
Tyler and Frankie look at each other.
“I’m good with it,” Frankie says with a shrug. “I don’t want to move back here. No offense, fam. Ty?”
“Considering the usual standard of Jackson’s ideas—”
“Cruising for a noogie, little bro,” says Jackson.
“—I’d say this one’s a winner.” Tyler turns to me. “But what do you think, Cam?”
My brain has shut up shop. I can’t process any of this. I look to Ava, whose eyes are probably as wide as mine, then to Lee, who smiles and shakes her head. Over to me, is her message.
Lastly, in desperation, I look to Debra. She’s not smiling and for a second, my heart stops. She’s not in favor.
Then she says, “The answer is simple, friend Cam. Yes or no. Which is it? My time is limited.”
“It’s yes,” I say. “Thank you. Everyone, I don’t know how—”
Debra raises her hand to shut me up.
“That’s enough for today. I love you all, but I need to rest. Come and see me tomorrow.” She sinks back onto her pillow and closes her eyes.
One by one, we quietly get up and take turns to kiss her cheek. And then we file out of the room and make our way to the foyer. Where we stand staring at each other, lost for words.
“Okay,” says Nate. “How about we all go to lunch? All I’ve had today are two coffees. One came out of a hospice machine, and the other was made by Shelby.”
Sharp intake of breath from the rest of the Armstrongs.
“Hey!” protests Shelby, but she takes Nate’s arm, smiling, and leads the group out the door.
I feel Ava beside me, and realize her hand is still holding mine tight. I lift it and place a kiss on her palm.
