Page 59 of Embers of You
“Would you mind seeing if your father actually wants to eat dinner tonight?”
I give her a questioning look because as far as I know they eat together every night, and I feel like this is one of her ploys to get us to talk to each other.
“Sure, do you need help with getting it ready? Or want me to join you?”
“Nope, you take your girl out, or invite her over and cook her a nice meal.”
I shake my head. “You’re pushy, you know that?”
“You come by it honestly.”
“But really, do you need anything from me?”
“Jameson.” She gives me a pointed look. I raise my hands up, backing away slowly while Duke stares at me from his spot by Ma’s feet.
“I’m going. Duke, are you joining me or staying here?” He looks at me, then Ma, before finally deciding to follow me.
“Find your father and ask him, please,” she calls after me and I almost forgot she asked me to do that. Even though I would rather continue to ignore him, I’ll do anything she asks. I’m alsocurious if he really hasn’t been eating with her. Growing up, family dinners were important to both of them. No matter how busy of a day my dad had, he would always make it back for dinner.
But then I left. Sometimes I join them, but Ma is so focused on me doing my own thing, but now I wonder if it’s because she doesn’t want to see my dad not joining her for their nightly tradition anymore.
Duke and I hop in my truck again, and I look out for my dad as I drive through the property back to my place. I end up seeing him by the cattle, seeming to struggle lifting the feed bucket, but he covers it well. He’s a proud man, always has been, and just like Ma, he refuses to ask for help even when they so clearly need it.
I meet him at the fence, while Duke chooses to hang back in the cab already seeming to settle in for a nap.
“You need any help?” I offer, knowing he won’t accept it.
“No,” he grunts, tossing the feed to the animals.
“Ma wanted me to ask if you’re actually going to join her for dinner.” I don’t do a very good job hiding the disdain in my voice.
“Mhmm,” he gives a non answer.
“I remember when you used to make sure to be home for dinner every night. That change? You just let Ma eat the meal she cooked all by herself?” The anger increases; I’m growing tired of dancing around him and his mood. He can be pissed at me for leaving, he can think it’s the worst thing I’ve ever done, leaving this town to try and do something more with my life.
But I came back.
I’d have come back in a second if either of them asked, if either of them needed me, but he never did.
“I don’t see you joining her either,” he retorts.
“She won’t let me,” I scoff. “You think I’m awful for leaving, and that I did it to hurt you both, but Ma wants me to do more with my life. Ma doesn’t want me to hang around here all the time. You know what she does want? You. She wants you to be around, to support her as her husband. Most of all she wants us to get along for her sake, but you can’t even pretend to do that.”
I don’t let him respond before I’m stomping back to my truck, letting him sit on what I just told him. It would be ridiculous to think anything I said actually gets through his head, but maybe it will. And maybe he’ll pull his head out of his ass before it’s too late.
CHAPTER 29
Sutton
I’m lyingawake in bed, the very same bed where Jameson made me see stars in a way I never have before. I haven’t dared wash the sheets yet, so they still smell like him. Even though it’s late, I pull out my phone before I can think too much about it and text him.
Sutton: I’ve never ridden a horse before.
I don’t expect him to respond, but he does almost instantly.
Jameson: Lucky for you I have several in case you want to change that.
Sutton: Why are you awake?
