Page 38 of Paradise in Progress
“Do you want to be working for Nelson Signature?”
And with that question, I feel like I’ve been hit by a freight train. The question is jarring and has me pausing.
I shrug. “I don’t know any different. Nelson Signature has always been my final destination. Growing up, the rules were simple: attend a university in New York and take my rightful place at our family’s company. There was never any room to dream about anything else. My destiny was forged long before I even knew how to walk. But there was a time, back when I was in junior high, when I had different dreams.”
“Tell me about it?”
Bringing my glass to my lips, I finish the amber liquid in one gulp. The welcoming burn is one I need to get through the memories flooding my mind.
“My cousin, Asher, lived in Chicago. His dad and my dad are brothers, and during the summer months, I would pack a bag and head to Chicago for a month or longer.”
“Wait,” she interrupts. “Your dad has a brother? Why isn’t he working at Nelson Signature?”
“He’s a hedge fund manager in Chicago. There was some kind of falling out with my uncle and grandfather, so he moved to another city. It sucked since Asher was our only cousin. Him and I were the closest in age and we had the closest bond.”
“That’s cool you could go and spend your summers there.”
“Yeah…” I refuse to let my mind go to a dark place. “Asher and I had crazy dreams we knew we would never be able to do. We would talk about opening a bait and tackle shop on Lake Michigan or moving to Deer County, Wisconsin, to become hiking guides. Whatever got us outdoors and away from the suffocating city life.”
Her laugh is like a melody filtering through the space as I quirk an eyebrow at her. “I’m sorry,” she says in between laughs. “I just can’t picture you baiting a hook.”
“Believe it. Those months spent with Asher were filled with days on Lake Michigan, fishing and wakeboarding.”
A wistful smile takes over her pretty face. “You were like a whole other person. So you’d leave the bright lights of the city behind to start your own outdoor adventure company?”
“I don’t know what I would do now. Those were the dreams of a fourteen-year-old me who couldn’t take the pressure any longer. I felt alone in the city, and the only time I didn’t was when I was with Asher and his two best friends who shadowed us around everywhere.”
“Trist.” My name coming out of her mouth slowly, laced with caution and curiosity.
My head turns. “Yeah, Ken?”
Biting on her lower lip, her eyes search mine. “You keep talking about Asher in the past tense. Did…something happen?”
I suck in a deep breath, knowing this question was coming, but I didn’t realize how unprepared I was for it. Tipping my head against the back of the couch, I take a second to calm my racing mind that’s filled with images from the past. Her soft hand finds mine and she gives a gentle squeeze. It’s a reassuring touch letting me know she’s here for me. With a deep breath, I lean forward, my hand never leaving her grip.
“He died in a car accident with one of his best friends.”
A gasp leaves her lips, and I hate that I’ve cast a dark cloud over this moment. She says a quiet “I’m so sorry,” but I barely hear it as an onslaught of emotions I’ve kept buried for years hits me like a tidal wave.
For a few minutes, we sit in silence. Her hand is in mine while she rests her head on my shoulder, giving me an unspoken comfort I’m desperate for.
“I think I would’ve liked to see that side of you.” The sincerity in her voice has me pausing. Glancing over, I expect to find pity on her face, but there’s only kindness and understanding there as I search her eyes.
“I don’t remember that side of me. It all turned into the pressure of getting good academics, fishing adventures turned into boardrooms, and days on the lake turned into being the director of design at my father’s firm.” Refusing to meet her eyes, I find that long palm branch and watch it float in the wind.
“I’m sorry for giving you so much shit.”
“Don’t be. Sparing with you has been the highlight of my adult life, Firecracker.” I wink.
Her eyes roll, and I laugh, squeezing her calf muscle. I didn’t realize I quit rubbing her feet and trailed my hand higher. I watch as her gaze lands on our connection. Kennedy’s breath catches as our eyes lock, and something passes across her features. The ringing of my phone breaks our moment, and dread pools in my stomach, hoping that it’s not my father calling for round two.
The number isn’t one I recognize, and while I answer, Kennedy gets up from her spot and leaves the room.
I can only hope our truce will turn into more.
Chapter fifteen
Kennedy
