Chapter 4 #2
Gramps cleared his throat. “Let’s all relax.
There are things that have happened that you aren’t aware of, Demi.
It’s not my story to tell, but Slade has caused this family a lot of pain, and he’ll need to earn your parents’ trust back.
I can tell you this… they’ve been in his corner for a lot longer than many parents would have been.
He’s depleted his trust fund, and he’s hurt his family tremendously over the last several years. ”
They were all in on some big secret that had gone down while I was away at school. But for whatever reason, they hadn’t shared it with me. But something had changed the last time my brother saw my parents.
“And he’ll work hard to support himself now.
He’s an addict. It’s not his fault. He’s sick,” I said, as a lump formed in my throat.
I was tired of defending Slade. I wished he’d prove me right one of these times.
How many times had I insisted he was better and then he’d be gone just as fast as he’d returned?
“At some point, he has to take responsibility, Demi. He’s an addict, and we’ve put him through rehabilitation eight times.
We’ve paid for the best programs money can buy.
But he’s done some serious damage to this family, and I’m not quick to believe him anymore.
” My mom’s eyes watered, and I hated that I’d upset her by talking about him.
But I needed to try because she missed Slade, too.
We all did.
“I totally agree. But having our support will help with his recovery.”
“He has our financial support. He’ll have to earn back the rest over time.” My father tossed his napkin on the table as if the conversation had completely ruined his appetite. “We’ve heard you out, and we’ll take it into consideration. And now I’m going to ask you for one favor.”
“Okay,” I said, swallowing past the gigantic lump in my throat.
“I don’t want you to meet with Slade alone. It’s not safe, regardless of what you believe. If he reaches out, you let us know, and we’ll arrange to be there with you.”
It wasn’t perfect, but it also wasn’t the worst answer. He agreed to see Slade at some point. That was progress.
“I can do that. Maybe we can all have dinner when he visits next.”
Dad and Mom shared a look again. I couldn’t read what was happening there, but my mother’s gaze looked almost haunted. I wondered if there’d ever be a time when talking about my brother wasn’t so heavy.
“Let’s see how he does with his new job and take it from there.” Mom sighed. “How about we talk about the white party? The date is on the calendar for the last weekend in May.”
“Oh, it’s my favorite time of year,” Grammie said.
The Magnolia Falls White Party was an event in town hosted by my family, and it had been going on for as long as I could remember.
My grandmother and my mother planned the epic spring celebration and charity event, and everyone in town attended.
It was something that locals looked forward to all year, and it took place out on our ranch.
My mom spent months preparing, and each year, it grew even larger and grander.
“I’m going to have a few local bands perform this year, which will be fun for all the young people in town,” she chuckled.
“I’m happy I’m living here this year so I can help out wherever you need me,” I said.
“Absolutely. I’m so glad I’ll have you here to help.”
“It sure is nice having our girl back in town,” Gramps said.
It was great to be back home. Now, I just had to find a way to repair my family.
We spent the next hour talking about the white party, and my dad and my grandfather talked about an investment that Patrick Waterstone had brought to them.
Even the mention of the Waterstones made me cringe.
Patrick was my father’s business partner, and his father was a senator for the state of California. He and my grandfather had been political allies for the two terms my grandfather served as governor.
The connection ran deep. Two political families who’d known one another for many years and invested in several businesses together.
The Waterstones had a summer home here, and I hoped like hell that Ronny wouldn’t be visiting. He hadn’t come here often once we started college, and if he was smart, he’d keep it that way.
I hugged everyone goodbye and let my parents know that I would be coming by early in the morning to ride Teacup before I opened the shop. I made my way outside in the cool, crisp air and glanced down to see a text from my brother.
Slade
Did you talk to them?
Yes. It’s going to take time, but they miss you. Just work hard and prove you can stay clean for a few weeks, and then we’ll see if we can set up a dinner when you come visit next.
Slade
Love you, D. I can do that. It’s just hard because I’m making shit money right now, and I’m working hard to get back on my feet.
I chewed my thumbnail as I settled into the driver’s seat of my car and buckled my seat belt.
Do you need money?
Slade
If you could slip me some cash, just so I can buy some clothes and not feel like a complete loser, that would help. A couple thousand bucks would be amazing.
This was not out of character for Slade.
He’s always had rich taste, and we’ve joked about his outrageous spending habits for as long as I could remember.
But then prescription drugs became his first love.
I guess I should be grateful that he was interested in clothes and worrying about how he looked again.
But after all he’d gone through, I’d expected him to be a bit humbled. But that wasn’t really Slade’s style.
Money is a little tight for me as I’ve put everything into the business. But I could send you a couple hundred dollars to help you get on your feet. I’m sure Gramps would help you out, too.
Slade
Gramps said he isn’t giving me a dime until I’m clean for six months. Fuck, D. It’s hard to fight for something when no one believes in you. You’re the only one left in my corner now.
You know I always will be. What happened the last time you saw Mom and Dad? They seem different now.
Slade
I was fucked-up, and I guess I scared them because I didn’t tell them I was coming over first. I didn’t know they needed a warning before getting a visit from their son. It’s my own fucking house.
Nothing about it added up. It pissed me off that they were all keeping it from me.
I know when you’re lying, Slade. We both know it was more than that.
Slade
I can’t do this right now. I’m taking it one day at a time, and I don’t want to look back. Can we just try to move forward?
Of course. I want that, too.
Slade
So, you’ll Venmo me the cash so I can get a decent meal instead of eating canned food?
Yes, Princess. I’ll do it as soon as I get home. Give me fifteen minutes.
Slade
Love you, sis.
Love you.
I started up the car and made my way around the circular driveway before heading toward town.
I turned down the alley and parked behind the coffee shop.
I pulled out my keys, stepped out of my car, and headed for the back door that led to my apartment.
The sound of a door slamming behind me had me turning on my heels.
I glanced over to see Romeo Knight locking up the gym.
His gaze met mine, and for whatever reason, I held up my hand, waved, and said hello.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, and the light above the building shone down, creating a spotlight on him.
He was tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms. His dark, wavy hair fell over his forehead, and his chiseled jaw clenched as he looked at me.
“Are you not going to say hello back? We are neighbors, after all,” I huffed as I stared at him.
“Hey,” he said, with no emotion in his voice.
“Was that so difficult?” I asked.
“Get inside. You shouldn’t be out here alone this late.”
“It’s nine o’clock at night, and we’re in Magnolia Falls. Are you serious?” I laughed.
He glared. “Just get the hell inside and lock up.”
My eyes widened, and I wanted to argue, but I was exhausted from a long day of work, attempting to repair my family, and now my rude neighbor thought he could boss me around.
“I’m fairly certain that you are the worst person I’ll run into out here,” I hissed, before pulling the door open and then slamming it closed.
I didn’t know why I let him get to me every time I saw him.
But I also didn’t know why I was disappointed that I hadn’t seen him in a few days.
Nothing about Romeo Knight made sense.