Page 74 of The Wedding Toast
"Right," said Smoke."If you're drinking that.You're not flying tomorrow."
"No.And since we'll be flying again on Sunday, taking people back to the airport, I thought I might as well have a glass tonight since I won't be able to tomorrow."
Smoke smiled."That's why we're staying until Monday.”
“How are things with you?"Trick asked."I had a chat with Laura earlier.She's a good woman."
Smoke glanced over to where his wife, Laura, was chatting with Becca and her friend."She's better than I deserve," he said with a smile.
"No," said Trick."You deserve the best.And I'm glad you found her after everything."
"Me too," said Smoke."I was relieved to hear that none of the Groves family will be here tomorrow."
"No one had anything to do with them after what went down."
Smoke shrugged.“It’s all ancient history.”
“I’m glad you see it that way,” said Trick.“I know your folks missed you.”
Smoke smiled.“I missed them too, but it’s all behind us now.”
“I’m glad.Have you seen Gene while you’ve been here?”
“Yeah, he’s doing well.He asked after you.”
“I’ve been meaning to give him a call.”
“I think he’d like that.Although, you’ll be able to catch up with him in person tomorrow.”
“He’s coming?I didn’t realize.”
Smoke nodded.“Seems to me there’ll be a few faces from the old days.”
Trick looked away.
“Have you seen her yet?”
Trick nodded slowly.
“I heard she’s moving back here – taking over the estate.I thought Philip had sold the place, but apparently she got it as part of the divorce settlement.”
Trick blew out a sigh.“So I hear.”
Smoke cocked an eyebrow.“I thought you’d be pleased – thought the two of you might finally…”
Trick took a drink of his wine.
“Sorry, it’s none of my business, is it?Is she ancient history to you?”
Trick met his gaze for a moment before looking away again.“To tell you the truth, I don’t honestly know.It was a shock when I saw her name on the passenger list for this week – even more of a shock when I learned that she’s not just here for the wedding.She’s not visiting; she’s moved back here.”
“I guess that means you can take your time to figure out how you feel about it all, then, can’t you?”
“I guess.”
Smoke didn’t want to push.He couldn’t imagine how Trick must feel.He sure as hell didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.If Smoke had a hero when he was a kid, it would have been Trick.The guy wasn’t much older than him, but he’d seemed it back then.He’d helped Smoke when he wanted to learn to fly, helped him get his first job as a flight instructor.Of course, Gene – the pilot who worked for his family – had encouraged him, but Smoke hadn’t wanted him to stick his neck out since his parents had been far from thrilled with his career choice.As the oldest son, he’d been expected to step up and run the company.
He tensed a little when he spotted Ria coming toward them.She was another one who’d always been in his corner, but he knew a lot of people found her… difficult.“How do you feel about Alexandria these days?”he asked in a low voice.“If you want out, I can—”
