Page 27 of Forever Wild
“Congratulations. That’s impressive.”
It kind of is. Weird how I hadn’t really thought about it until now. Maybe because everyone was so relieved that I even went to college, I forgot how big of a deal it is that I did it.
“Thank you. I have an internship at the end of the summer, but for now I’m house-sitting and annoying your son into letting me use his pool.”
His body shakes with laughter, but the noise is too quiet to hear. “Something tells me he doesn’t really mind that much.”
I am not so sure about that, but I just smile and drink my hot coffee.
I’ve nearly forgotten about all the events that led us here when Jack senior reaches for a bottle on the table I hadn’t noticed. He uncaps it and trickles some of the dark liquor into the mug.
When he notices me staring, he offers it to me. “Want some?”
I shake my head. “No thanks.”
We drink in silence. I have no clue what to say now and he seems to sense my hesitation. Jack’s dad is a drunk. It explains some things and confuses others. More than anything though, I feel a deep sense of empathy for both of them.
Nobody wants to drink hard liquor before sunrise and nobody wants to be the person responsible for them either. I wonder about Jack’s mom, but don’t ask. Maybe I can find out from Tyler or Ash. Though something tells me they won’t know any more than I do.
Out the window I can see the sun is starting to rise. Jack senior picks up the worn paperback on the table.
“Do you like to read?” he asks.
“I do.” Nodding, I tell him about my love of thrillers, and he surprises me by having read a few of my favorites.
“Ever read this one?” He turns his book around for me to see.
“No. I’m not big on books set in the legal world. It goes over my head.”
“Not this one,” he promises. He sets his copy ofThe Pelican Briefdown in front of me. “Take it. I’ve read it a dozen times at least.”
“No, I couldn’t.” It looks well-loved by the faded cover and bent edges.
“I insist.”
“Thanks.” I run a hand over the cover, more touched by the gesture than some of the nice gifts I’ve received in my life.
“Time to go.” Jack’s voice startles me. The air in the room is sucked out by his broody presence. He looks even grumpier than he had last night.
“Morning,” I say cheerily, not moving.
“No need to hurry off. I could make some breakfast,” his dad says.
“Everly needs to get back for work and I have physical therapy.”
I doubt any of the guys would mind if I didn’t check on their house one day under these circumstances, but I get to my feet and take one last long sip of the coffee, hoping it will fuel me for the drive back with Mister Grumpy Pants, then pour the rest into the sink and drop the mug into the dishwasher.
“Thank you for coming,” Jack senior says. “It was good to see you, Son.”
I sneak a peek at Jack. He nods slightly, jaw still clenched.
“Thanks for the book. I’m going to send you one of my favorites when I get back.” I pick it up and smile at the older man. “It was nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” He tips his head.
I leave the kitchen to give them time to say goodbye. By the time I’ve grabbed all my things, Jack is waiting for me by the front door.
We walk out to his G-Wagon in silence. He’s limping less this morning so that’s good. Not that it seems to have helped his temperament any.
