Page 28 of A Place Like You

I release a chuckle. “This isn’t LA. If I were you, I’d be more concerned about bears and mountain lions than a thief trying to steal my lawn chairs.”

He shrugs. “You can’t blame me. I’ve always lived in big cities.”

“So, where are you from? Boston, New York . . . Atlanta maybe?” I mention some of the major cities I can recall, trying to uncover more about his past. But before he responds, I add yet another question, “So all those guys are your real brothers?”

His raised eyebrow reveals a momentary surprise at my unexpected question. “Why would I lie about it?”

I chuckle, amused by his response. Is he for real?

“It’s hard to believe any of what you say when we know your name isn’t even Drake Kershaw. How do I know that you’re actually related to them?” I say, holding up a finger to emphasize my point. “So, you’re seriously telling me you have that many brothers.”

I begin to count as I recall all the Kershaws I’ve seen around town, including the ones who walked by earlier tonight. “That’s like five of you running around town?”

A hint of mischief dances in his eyes as he corrects me. “Six. I have six brothers. You’ve only seen five because one of them isn’t with us just yet.” He offers a glimpse into what I believe is a complex family dynamic. “Plus, we also have two sisters, Elle and Genevieve.”

Skepticism creeps back into my expression as I process the information. “And two mothers?”

Drake meets my gaze with unwavering honesty. “My father was married four times, and he also had several mistresses and lovers,” he admits, his words tinged with a mixture of resignation and acceptance. “Donna and Flora are wives one and two. We’re your average American family.”

I scoff, a mixture of surprise and amusement bubbling within me. “Of course you are,” I respond, unable to hide the hint of sarcasm in my tone. “So, wow, nine children. Should I assume your mom is number one? You look like the oldest.”

He shakes his head, a mixture of resignation and sadness crossing his features, as he opens up about his mother, Donna, Flora, Leonora, and Suzie.

Listening to him speak, I can’t help but empathize with the boy who never had the chance to meet his mother or be fully embraced by the families his father created over the years. He gets along with Gael, because he’s a people person, but can’t tolerate Magnus due to the rivalry his father set up between them since they were children.

“My sisters are okay, I guess. All we have in common is our father’s microscopic attention,” he says, and I understand exactly how he feels.

Our experiences may not be the same, but the scars of childhood neglect run just as deep within our souls.

My mother never gave us the attention we needed, even less after she divorced our father. Her career was more important. Not that our dad was any different. He didn’t give two fucks about us either. The only thing that separates them was that our father got custody of us, and our mother never acknowledged us after she signed the dotted line that gave her the freedom she wanted.

“Does your family live here?” he suddenly asks, and I turn to look at him in surprise.

No one ever broaches the subject of my family or life. Everyone just focuses on the little boy who owns my heart and my attention.

“Well, yes, you’ve seen my son,” I say, smiling at him as if it’s evident that I have my family with me.

He frowns, a hint of horror in his eyes. “What brought you here?” he asks, and I’m relieved he doesn’t pry further into my family history.

“There was an opportunity to work at the clinic,” I state. “At the beginning, it was only for a couple of days a week and weekends. Then, I just took over.”

It sounds simple and easy, right? I’m aware there are parts of my life I’ll never be able to share with him or anyone. Like my family, the reason why I own the clinic, or . . . well anything about my personal life. Only my best friends know about it, and that’s how it has to stay.

“You don’t have to be stuck in this town,” he states. “Why not get a job in Denver?”

I chuckle, because this is in fact cluing me to something, and I can divert the attention away from me too. “Ah, so we know the root of your problem, and you’re trying to protect yourself.”

Confusion flashes across his face, his brow furrowing slightly as my words catch him off guard. “What problem?” he asks, seeking clarification.

“You’re stuck in this town, and you’re wondering how someone like me is living here willingly,” I tease him.

The slight furrowing of his brow and the tightening of his jaw betray his apprehension. The burden of having to spend all that time not only in this small town, but with his estranged family is evident.

“Families,” I mumble with a hint of resignation. “You can’t choose them, but you can choose to stay away from them.”

“Usually that’s how it goes, but currently I can’t escape them,” he reminds me. “After living alone for years, I have to live close by them and share my cabin with one of my brothers, Callahan.”

I seize the opportunity to probe for more information, aiming to learn more about Drake’s personal life and his family. “So, I take it neither one of you have a girlfriend or a wife.” I venture to nudge him to share a bit more, but I’m not as subtle as a detective. I probably sound like Jez’s grandma trying to get the latest gossip from the neighbor.

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