Page 30 of A Vintage of Regret
“I know. And I’m sorry she does that to you, but I need to make that call.”
“And I’ll avoid telling her.” He grinned.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my nieces and nephews. I haven’t even met Erin’s youngest, and that’s one of my biggest regrets in life.” She raised up on tiptoe and kissed her brother’s cheek.
“I’d better get back in there. Erin isn’t strong enough these days to handle Mom.”
“Is something going on with Erin?”
“That’s not my story to tell.” Grant glanced over his shoulder.
“You two were always as thick as thieves. You never gave up each other’s secrets.”
“And I wouldn’t break your confidence, either.” He hugged her, though it was a bit awkward. Grant had never been the kind of man to show affection through physical contact. Turning, he jogged back toward the house.
She climbed inside the vehicle and stared at the steering wheel with her heart still thumping wildly out of control. Searching through her text string with Bryson, she found the doctor’s number.
“Doctor Gavin’s office, how may I direct your call?” a woman asked.
“This Riley Callahan. Is Doctor Gavin available?”
“You’re in luck. He’s standing right in front of me. Hang on.”
A few seconds ticked by.
“Miss Callahan, this is Dr. Gavin. How can I help you?
“Um, yes. I wanted to speak with you about my father’s death,” she managed, fighting tears. “About Sean Callahan and formally requesting an autopsy.”
“Is this Erin?”
“No, this is his youngest daughter, Riley.”
“I see,” he said. “I was just about to call your brother. Considering everything, I feel it’s necessary to do an autopsy on your father.”
Her heart thumped so loudly, it was a wonder she could hear any other sounds. “Is there something that swayed your decision?”
“Not any one thing, but without you filling out proper documentation, I can’t discuss any of the details with you,” the doctor said. “Would you like me to call the rest of the family and inform them of my decision?”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” No way was Riley going to inform anyone in her family about the autopsy. She’d already rocked the boat enough as it was regarding that topic. The doctor could deliver that news and while she was certain her mother would blame her, Riley at least felt like she stood a chance with her siblings.
“My pleasure. We’ll be in touch.” The line went dead.
Riley blew out a puff of air. She stared at her phone, shaking in her hand. All the emotions of the day hit her like a tornado. She didn’t want to callhim. Didn’t want to needhim.
But her fingers moved anyway.
He answered on the second ring. “Riley? Are you okay?”
“Oddly, I’m not horrible,” she whispered. “But I could use a friend. Are you busy?”
“I’m at the tasting room in town,” he said softly. “I can’t leave right at the moment.”
“Can I meet you there?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” She hung up before she cried again.
