Page 23 of A Place Like You

I’m lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty. I don’t know what lies ahead or if I’m capable of making the necessary changes within myself to start a new life. All I know is that, for now, I’m content to stay in this town, to give myself the space and time to figure out what I truly want, including a new career within the medical field. There’s a small clinic that might give me that chance.

I can be someone different. These past ten years have been a blur of mediocrity, and it’s time for me to find my purpose, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Cal discusses the logistics of what’s to come: we have to remain here for at least a few years—three, maybe more.

“Part of our agreement is working on the ranch, but you can explore different venues,” Cal suggests.

“You can do something new with your life, Mom.” Genevieve gives a jab to Flora. “Explore something beyond shopping and having breakfast with your fake friends.”

Before they begin to fight, I ask, “Is Slade joining us?” The question sounds a lot better than, “Have they killed our younger brother?”

Cal shakes his head. “CQS is trying to bring him without raising any suspicions, yet they’re protecting him while he’s away.”

“What about Leonora?” Donna asks. “Is she safe?”

“CQS is looking into it too,” he states, and I have the feeling that he’s hiding something, but I choose not to ask in front of everyone. We can discuss that later, can’t we?

“Well, if that’s all, we should eat,” Donna proposes. “I hope you don’t mind helping me with the table. It’s the first time I’m doing this on my own.”

I’m not sure if she’s referring to not using maids or having to deal with all of us without Dad’s control. Either way, I’m all for helping her with what she needs. At least while we live here, we can pretend to be a family.

Chapter Thirteen

Drake

This pseudo-family reunion has been moved into a different dimension, far from our usual encounters with our father.

Typically, when he summoned us, we’d convene in one of his mansions or the conference room of TC corporations. If we happened to be in the comfort of his lavish residence, the multitude of maids and butlers would orchestrate the entire affair. From appetizers all the way to the evening coffee and drinks.

Our role was to attend, waiting for a chance to escape, unless Dad commanded an overnight stay. Engaging in civil conversation or lifting a finger was never required.

Tonight, Donna cooked the meal, and we had to set up the table and even assigned chores to help clean up the place when we were done eating. Surprisingly, there were no squabbles, and while some departed earlier, nobody concocted a ridiculous excuse to vanish immediately after dessert.

Callahan, Magnus, and I remain in the kitchen, likely because we’re assigned to washing dishes and tidying the kitchen. The clatter of cutlery and the swish of water punctuate the silence between us.

“We should suggest some changes to CQS, like investing in a dishwasher,” Magnus grumbles, his dissatisfaction evident as he carefully places the silverware I’ve just dried in the drawer next to the stove.

“You planning to foot the bill?” Callahan retorts.

A crease forms on Magnus’s forehead. “Aren’t we already paying them enough to ensure our safety?” he questions, his brows furrowing in deep contemplation. “Actually, are we paying them at all?”

Cal nods. “Indeed, but I don’t believe those resources are allocated toward renovating the cabins for your comfort.”

Magnus glares at him. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to take a shower in this place?” The frustration in his voice is palpable as if the simple act of basic hygiene in this small town is a daily struggle.

I gasp, feigning shock. “Oh, how dreadful. They don’t have a bathroom plated in gold, exclusively designed for your highness. Such nerve.” The words drip with mockery, intended to stoke the fire of Magnus’s anger.

He shoots me a seething glare, his fingers clenching into tight fists. “Fuck you,” he seethes, the words forced through clenched teeth.

Cal shakes his head, stepping forward in an attempt to defuse the escalating tension. “Don’t fucking start, okay? We have to learn to coexist. We can’t simply vanish from each other’s lives for a year like we used to. Get this through your thick skulls: we’re stuck in this place for years. Years.”

As Magnus’s piercing gaze fixates on Callahan, a storm brews within him. The subtle twitch at the corner of his clenched jaw hints at the inner turbulence beneath his stoic exterior. It’s a silent struggle for control, a display of restrained emotions. If given the opportunity, he might consider tearing me apart, but I won’t go down without a fight. I’ll take him with me if necessary.

“I never understood why your father fostered such animosity between the two of you,” Donna interjects, her voice breaking the tension as she enters the kitchen.

“Probably for the same reason he made sure to tell me I wasn’t part of your family,” I reply, methodically drying my hands and placing the towel on top of the counter. “Thank you for dinner, but let’s not do this again.”

I stride out of the house, my emotions still swirling within me, refusing to let go. I’m not fortunate enough to be done with this issue. Donna follows me. “Sometimes I regret allowing your father to boss me around,” she confesses.

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