Chapter 21 #3
“Have you thought any more about selling your mother’s house?” Dad asks after we pass on dessert menus.
“No,” I say without explanation. When we first found out that she’d left the house to me and Victor, that was Dad’s first, and only, suggestion: Sell the house. He didn’t have a lot to say when I left. Like my brother, I imagine my dad assumed I’d hightail it back before they could miss me.
“I hear you’re renovating it?” He’s switched from vodka to an after-dinner coffee.
“Nothing that drastic. Just small projects that Mom started and didn’t finish.”
He lifts the mug. “Sounds like her. She had big ideas but rarely saw things through. Like raising her children.”
“Dad, can we not?” My nerves are fried, and I’m running out of energy and patience. “Not tonight. I’m only here for a few days, and I don’t want to spend it arguing over someone who isn’t here to defend herself.”
I take a deep breath. It’s more than I usually say to stand up for Mom. I learned a long time ago that there was no point. I’m not even sure I’m right in defending her, but talking shit about her isn’t the bonding experience he seems to think it is.
“Sure.” He accepts the bill from the server with a polite nod.
I’m antsy to get out of here and go cuddle Bella. I check my phone again and get a jolt of excitement when Conrad’s name pops up with a text.
Conrad
I can’t wait until Thursday. How about tonight? Are you free after dinner?
I squint at the message like that will help me understand it. Did he forget I’m out of town?
I’m about to respond when he sends another text.
Conrad
You were right. Dr Pepper tastes different in Texas.
I gasp and lift my head up to look around the restaurant. I don’t see him, but my skin prickles like I’m being watched.
“You’re still coming to the house tomorrow, right?” Dad asks as we stand to leave.
“Yeah.” I’m smiling bigger than the prospect of spending another day of tense conversation with my dad and Victor deserves, but I need to get out of here and find Conrad.
“Thanks for dinner.” I hug him outside the restaurant. Victor shakes his hand, then our father heads toward the cigar bar down the hall.
Victor and I go downstairs to the hotel lobby. The restaurant and bar down here are busier than before. I look for Conrad here too. I don’t see him, but there are too many people to be positive he’s not somewhere inside.
My phone buzzes again.
Conrad
You’re getting warmer.
I stop walking. Victor’s steps slow, and he looks back at me.
“Would it be okay if I went out with some friends tonight?” I ask, then add, “I think I saw an old friend at the bar.”
He laughs. “You don’t need my permission.”
“No, I know, but—”
“You’re my ride.” He nods slowly as he realizes the predicament.
“I could take you back first.”
“No. Take the car. I can grab an Uber.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yeah. I could use the quiet anyway.”
I give him a reassuring smile. “You’re in a rough patch. It won’t last forever.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yes.” I step forward and hug him. “You’re a great hockey player and a great brother.”
“Now I know you’re lying.”
“Fine. You’re an okay brother.” I move back and grin at him.
His expression softens.
I tilt my head toward the hotel’s front doors. “Go cuddle with Bella. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He nods and pulls out his phone to call a car service as he heads out the front entrance of the hotel. My boots click on the marble as I turn and scan, looking for Conrad. I check my phone again, then send him a text asking where he is.
While I wait for his reply, I walk the lobby, then head out the patio door to check for him there. When I don’t see him, I move to go back inside, but strong arms circle around my waist as I reach for the door.
I whirl around and smile up into bright blue eyes. Conrad’s grin is all charm and mischief.
“How are you here?!”
“Surprise.” He lets go of me, then steps back. He’s wearing black dress pants and a matching sweater—obviously he was prepared for Montana weather too.
“Wow,” I say, giving him a second, appreciative appraisal.
“Yeah, you too. It took everything in me not to crash your dinner. I figured that wouldn’t go over too well.” His stare lifts over my head. “Are your brother and dad still here?”
“My dad is upstairs, but Victor left.”
His gaze finds mine again, and his lips curve slowly. “Does that mean you’re free for a drink?”
“You flew all the way here just to have a drink with me?”
“I told you. I couldn’t wait until Thursday to see you again.”
I’m speechless and more turned on than I’d like to admit. How could Victor think this guy is fake when he just did something so nice, I can’t even comprehend it?
“You’re adorable when you fly across the country to see me.”
He huffs a small laugh. “I have something even more adorable for you in my room.”
“You’re staying here?”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d be free and I needed a place to stay either way.” He shrugs. “This place is nice.”
I crowd into him, holding his gaze as I lift onto my toes and bring my lips close to his. “I’m free.”
I’m so totally free.