Page 5 of Conflict
I grab my phone and turn my favorite Grace Potter album on loud enough for only me to hear. I rest back on my elbows, enjoying the sound of the waves and the soulful, bluesy music coming from my speakers. With my eyes closed, I relish in the relaxation. God, a girl could really get used to this.
I have no idea how long I sit there. However long it takes for Grace’sThe Lion, The Beast, The Beatalbum to reach completion and for me to finish my drink. Feeling happy and slightly buzzed, I rise to my feet and make my way back to the condo, ready for a quick dip in the hot tub and then a glass of wine before bed. I’m happier and more carefree than I’ve felt in far too long.
After grabbing a drink from the bar near the pool, I’m delighted to find the hot tub empty. I’m not opposed to a beach hookup (i.e. I’d love one), and to be honest, it’d probably be easier to do so before Ari gets here, but after hours in the car, I’m ready to relax my achy muscles in hot water and then fall into bed.
My cell rings just as I’m finishing up crunching the yearly numbers for our newest acquire, a cozy resort in the even cozier beach town of Navarre, Florida. While Wellington has properties all over the world, this is one of my favorites. It’s a pet project of mine, the first my father let me handle on my own. And even though, as CFO of the Atlanta Wellington branch, I could have my employees handle this portion of the business, it’s my baby and I want to be as hands-on as possible. That’s also why I’m making the rounds, learning every job, not just the financial aspects. I’ve found that you earn respect when you’re willing to dig in deep, get your hands dirty right along with your employees.
So far, it’s been working.
When I see my dad’s name on the screen, I don’t hesitate to pick up. He calls to check in at least once a week. Not because he’s my boss and wants to micromanage, but because I’m his only son and we’ve always been close. I answer and we shoot the breeze for a few minutes, talking shop and making plans for the upcoming holidays.
Usually, our families take turns traveling, and this year, it’s our turn to head up to Belle Meade to spend Christmas with Uncle Knox, Aunt Amelia, and their three boys. Mom’s been in a tizzy ever since Knox, who’d been estranged from the other side of the family, came back into the family fold. It’s our first family Christmas with him and Mom would kill me if I missed it.
It’s been a decade since Knox and Branson had their falling out. A decade that I’ve known the truth. A decade that I’ve kept the promise Branson forced me to agree to. I’ve been torn between wanting to heal the family rift and not wanting to risk Branson’s wrath. And since I’ve been the only person in Branson’s corner for far too long, I wouldn’t ever do anything to betray him.
Now, however, since his brother’s back, happy, and apparently with the love of his life, I’m hoping he and Branson can finally find common ground and put the misery that was Megan Caldwell behind them.
“You’ll be there, right?” Pops asks, interrupting my thoughts.
“I’ll be there, Pop. I just have another week or so here to wrap things up and I’ll head back to Atlanta. If I don’t catch you and Mom, I’ll drive up separately.”
He chuckles. “You may as well plan on driving. Your mother’s been on the phone with Amelia, gossiping about Knox’s new gal. Your mother’s itching to get there a few days early to meet her. I fear poor Charlie won’t know what she’s walking into until it’s too late. Though your mother says it’s the Wellington males’ faults, since neither of us produced girls.”
I laugh because it’s so true. I’m an only child, and my aunt and my uncle had three boys. For years, Aunt Amelia and my mother lamented over not having daughters, and for years, they’ve been trying to get their boys to settle down.
“Kid, I’m proud of you. I hope you know that,” he says.
“Thanks, Pops. Now, if you and Uncle Knox would retire already, Bran and I would be forever grateful.”
Silence echoes from the other end of the phone, and I already know what he’s thinking.
“Speaking of Branson, have you seen him lately?” Pop asks. “Amelia’s told your mother that Megan’s being a pain in the ass when it comes to the divorce.”
I think back on the last time I saw my cousin. It was Thanksgiving, and while Branson was seemingly on his best behavior, the best behavior for Branson lately isn’t even the worst of others. “Not since the holidays, but I’ll check in.”
“Do that, son. I love my brother, but I never agreed with the way he pitted Branson and Knox against each other when they were growing up. That being said, I need my nephew to get his head out of his ass so I can leave the office for good and spend the rest of my days chasing your mom around the house.”
I groan, which is precisely what he was going for.
We chat for a few more minutes, and when we get off the phone, I try Branson. He doesn’t answer, which is unusual for him. So, against my better judgment, I try his brother.
“Shane,” Knox clips with a gruff voice, saying nothing more.
“Hey, man. It’s been a while,” I say. “Uh, look, I know you aren’t his biggest fan, but I was just wondering if you’ve seen Branson lately.” Silence fills the air, and I’m quick to continue. “If I’m out of bounds, my bad. I’m just… I want to make sure he’s good, ya know.”
He clears his throat. “You’re not outta bounds, man. I’ve learned a lot these past few months about my brother. About myself. About Megan. I hold no grudges and I’m right there with you. Branson and I may have a long road ahead of us, but I remember he’s my brother and I want him to be good, too.”
I can practically hear the smile in his voice. “That’s good to hear, Knox.”
“You know what they say about the love of a good woman and all that.”
“I know what they say, but I can’t say I’ve ever experienced it,” I remind him.
He laughs. “Don’t worry, Shane. It’ll hit you when you least expect it.”
I pause, realizing that this is weird. Knox and I have kept in touch throughout the years, even when he was estranged from his parents, and I’ve never heard him sound like this. He’s…happy. There’s a lightness in his voice, as if he’s been set free from whatever proverbial chains have been holding him back for so long. I’m thrilled for him and only hope his brother can find the same peace.
“Branson?” I ask again.
