Page 4 of Before the Storm
“Actually, your two sisters-in-law.”
“Wonderful. The whole family’s in on it.” He let out a long sigh. This past winter, he’d spent all his spare time fixing up the space over his detached garage. It gave him something to do while his brothers focused on their children.
So much had changed in the last year and Phoenix needed something to hold his attention. Dating had started to bore him,so this project gave him something to do and occupied his time while he re-evaluated his life.
“They just don’t understand it.” Veronica cocked her head. “Not to put my nose where it doesn’t belong, but it’s not like you need the extra cash.”
He turned. “You should see this place. Even Doug and Jim are impressed.”
“I heard they helped a little.”
Phoenix nodded. “Doug did the design and they both came over and worked with me on what was above my pay grade. For a small studio, it came out nice. I thought about doing short-term rentals. But I don’t really want to deal with people in and out. So, I thought maybe I could at least find a summer rental.”
“I’m just surprised considering how private you are.” Veronica rubbed her round belly. She was five months pregnant. It was going to suck when she took her maternity leave. She was more than a hostess. She was their best employee-manager and he would bend over backward to give her whatever she needed during this pregnancy.
“It’s not like I’m going to live with whoever I rent it to.” He arched a brow. “I’m going to be incredibly picky about who gets that space. Don’t you worry.”
“I’m not. But if you ask your mom, all you need is a good woman in your life.” She smiled. “And on that note, I’m going to skedaddle. The morning crowd is twice as big as it was yesterday.”
“Summer’s almost here.” He squeezed her biceps. “Whoever we hire will help take some pressure off you.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Uncle Phoenix!” a little girl’s voice tickled his ears.
Immediately, he smiled. He set his mug on the railing and squatted, spreading his arms wide, waiting for Ashley to comeflying into them. “Well, hello there, sweet girl. What are you doing here this morning?”
“Daddy promised me an egg san-wish before pre-kool.” She leaped into his arms, hugging him tight, kissing his cheek. She palmed his face and frowned. “Cole’s still sick and Mommy had to stay home with him.”
“I’m sorry your little brother doesn’t feel well, but what a special treat for you.” He stood, giving her a good twirl. “And me. I love getting to see you first thing. It makes my day better.”
“Hey, little brother.” Maverick slapped his back. “I saw the flyer on the board. You’re really going to rent that place out?”
“I have to ask. Why does everyone care?”
Maverick chuckled. “I don’t. I just don’t understand.” He held up his hand. “And only because you’ve been acting weird all winter.”
Phoenix set Ashley on the floor and patted her head. “Hey, kiddo, go get Veronica and she’ll get you and your dad a couple of sandwiches to go. Come right back though, okay?”
“Sure thing, Uncle Phoenix.” She poked her father in the stomach. “Don’t lecture him on women.”
“Out of the mouths of babes.” Phoenix shook his head. “So, that’s why everyone has their panties in a wad.”
“We’re used to a steady rotation of ladies. At least one or two a year. You haven’t dated anyone since Hensley and I got married.” He leaned over, resting his forearms on the railing. “Not that I want to see you going from one fling to the next, but you don’t seem yourself.”
Phoenix raked his hand through his hair. “I literally just had this conversation with Mom and Dad two weeks ago. I’m getting tired of it.”
“But you didn’t tell them anything, which I get. Mom can be overbearing at times and ever since I adopted my kids and Nelson’s little girl was born, she’s been pushing you hard.”Maverick stood tall, tapping the center of his chest. “But it’s me you’re talking to right now and I know something is going on with you. Talk to me.”
Needing a jolt of caffeine, Phoenix downed half his coffee. Normally, he loved winters. He and his brothers would hit the slopes at the local ski resorts. They would go snowmobiling. Ice fishing. Or simply hang out.
This past winter, while they did those things, not a single trip had been taken, and those activities were few and far between. Phoenix didn’t resent his brothers or their families. Far from it. He relished in their love. He really did.
But he missed the closeness.
He hated to admit it, but he was lonely.
He wasn’t sure he wanted what they had, but he wanted something different.
