Page 55 of Take This Heart
“Wait, am I hearing this right?” she sputters. “You’re related to Bruce? How did you fail to mention this?”
I wince again, like I’ve been struck. “I’m so sorry. I should have said something sooner, I wanted to…but it’s not an issue for me. I swear it isn’t. My mom is a Granger. She’s Bruce’s sister, but my mom has stayed out of it. As soon as I knew Bruce was trying to purchase the property, I let him know I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Everett.”
Her eyes glitter with tears and anger, flicking over my face like she’s not sure whether to believe me or punch me.
“I can’t believe I let my guard down for a second with you,” she says, and I feel the blow.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
COTTON BALLS AND BUSYBODIES
GOLDIE
“Goldie, please.“ He steps closer, lowering his voice. “Whatever horrible thing you’re imagining here, don’t. I am one hundred percent behind you and your family. Beyond being a relative of Bruce, I have no interest in carrying on any bad blood between our families. Believe me when I say that.”
“I don’t know what to believe. If there was no agenda here, you would’ve been upfront about Bruce. My dad is sitting over there wondering what the hell is going on. This is the last thing he needs right now. He trusted you.” I shake my head, stunned.
I can’t believeI’dstarted to trust him.
My hands tremble and I need to sit down. Fast.
He runs his hand through his hair. “I’ll talk to him.”
He turns and heads to my table and I follow him, not wanting to leave my dad to deal with him alone. By the time Iget there, he’s already apologizing and saying the same things to my dad as he said to me.
My dad looks tired.
“The truth of it is, I didn’t tell you I was a Granger because it never mattered to me that you are a Whitman,” he tells my dad. “I only recently heard about the feud for the first time. It was something my mom never spoke about. She didn’t agree with the way my uncle and grandpa handled things and didn’t instill that bitterness in me. And when I realized Bruce was still intent on giving you trouble, I let him know I was standing with you. It’s no excuse, but I had good intentions. I didn’t want to bring more stress while you were going through chemo. I think so highly of you, Everett…you and your whole family.”
He takes a deep breath and looks miserable, but he’s obviously an excellent liar.
The difference between my dad and me is that my dad seems to believe him.
“If you say that’s the way it is, I believe you, son,” my dad says.
My mouth falls open. He’s really going to let him off that easily?
My dad’s head tilts as he smiles fondly at Milo. “I always thought your mom seemed different than the rest of her family. I can see why you turned out to be such a good egg. Your dad must have a good head on his shoulders too.” He nods as if that settles it.
“Dad, don’t you think it’s suspicious that all this drama started…and it turns out that Bruce is in town? He’s got the perfect mole right here.” I wave my hand toward Milo, who starts shaking his head.
“I assure you, I have kept everything we’ve discussed private. I signed a contract with you, Everett, and I take thatvery seriously. I plan to see this job through to the end and to do so with integrity,” Milo says.
“That’s good enough for me,” Dad says. He glances at me and smiles. “Don’t worry, buttercup. I’ve been dealing with Bruce for a long time. I’ve got my family beside me and I don’t intend on letting him ruin my night. If I’ve learned anything from having cancer, it’s that life is short and grudges and hatred are not the way I want to live my life.” He smiles at Milo. “I’d ask you to join us, but I’ll let you get back to Bruce and that young lady. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Milo nods. “Thank you, sir. Have a good night.” He raps on the table with his knuckles and turns to look at me once more before walking back to his table.
“That woman looks familiar,” Tully says, glancing at Ava.
“I thought so too.” Noah nods.
I’m about to tell them my thoughts on Ava Piper when Helen walks up to take our order. And then I decide to put Milo and Bruce and Ava out of my mind for the rest of the night and enjoy the time with my dad and brothers. As my dad has been saying so much lately, time is short. We need to enjoy it with the people we love.
And whatever was beginning to crack open between Milo and me?
It just slammed shut again.
Hard.
