Chapter 23
What the hell was Victor thinking? The entire table sits with their mouths gaped open at the sight of Taylor standing in the foyer, staring at us. His smile drops, and I realize he didn’t know that we didn’t know he was coming.
“Hey, thanks for coming. You are right on time.” Victor guides him toward us.
“Thanks for having me,” Taylor quips.
He stands slightly annoyed until he looks at Leland. We all shoot a look at Leland, who has a fiery look in his eyes.
“Hey, everyone. Leland …” Taylor’s voice is weary, realizing no one knew he was coming.
Silence. We continue to sit wide-eyed.
“There is an empty seat next to Leland.” Victor points.
“Oh, yeah, sure.” He takes a seat next to Leland, who turns away, refusing to look at him.
The awkwardness is seeping around. No one is talking.
“So, this is weird!” Lawson calls everyone out.
“Very weird,” I have to add. I couldn’t help myself.
“You two stop,” Massey whispers.
“What?” I shrug. She should know me better.
“Now that everyone is here.” Victor is still standing.
“Are you sure about that? No one else to pop out of the magician’s hat?” I tease.
“Nope, important people are here.” He smiles at me.
The tension in the room is suffocating. Mr. Withers coughs and reaches over and scoops a large spoonful of Alfredo onto his plate. He continues with the herb-crusted chicken and sautéed asparagus. We all sit dumbfounded, watching the radiating tension between Leland and Taylor.
“Maybe I should leave?” Taylor says.
“No,” Victor and I say together.
“Yes,” Leland says at the same time.
I can see Leland internally fighting, and although I want to be on his side, I really want this to work out for them. He loves Taylor and always has. Taylor, clearly, still loves him.
I grab my brother’s attention. “You two go talk outside and squash this once and for all. Leland, he’s staying. Figure a way to accept it.” I motion to the back door for them to have a space to talk. Leland looks at me like he will feed me to the sharks. “You went on about if Lawson and I wanted better and wanted to move away to better our lives, you’d support us. Taylor did that to better his life, and now you are punishing him for it? How much of a contradicting ass can you be?”
“Excellent point, Collins. And I’ll add to that - we are good now. Look, Collins caught a good one, and I finally got my head out of my ass. Got an out-of-this-world catch of a woman.” Lawson nudges Massey, who would completely fall apart if it wasn’t for Lawson holding her up. “You’ve been miserable all this time,” Lawson continues. “Seriously, you deserve to be happy.”
“Go talk it out and come back so we can finally hear what Victor has to say,” I beg, gently. Maybe a softer touch might encourage him along.
Leland grumbles while standing, knocking his chair backward. I try to offer a smile at Taylor while Taylor follows Leland outside. Usually, I’m not this persistent. I just remember how happy my brother was when they were together. As soon as the door shuts behind them, Lawson and I scurry over to hide under the open window from the living room.
“Collins! Leave them be,” Victor whisper yells toward us.
“Shhh! Hush!” I hold my finger over my lips. Lawson is next to me, waving his arms at them to keep it down.
I giggle as Victor throws his hands up in surrender. Listening to Leland breaks my heart, but this was a needed conversation. They both need to reconnect and salvage what they can of their relationship or gain closure.
“Okay, out with it,” Leland demands.
“Seriously!” Taylor shuffles around the deck. “We didn’t get to finish our date because of what happened to Collins. You haven’t given me one fucking chance to make things right.”
“It’s been a few years, Taylor.”
“And I’ve been trying to get ahold of you the entire time I was gone. I called, texted, and I even tried to visit you. Nothing!” Taylor retorts.
“I don’t know what was I supposed to say?” Leland grumbles. I can imagine his big arms covering his chest in defense. He’s always been the kind of person who doesn’t let many people into his circle. So, for Taylor to get as close as he did, it must have really hurt Leland.
“At least hear me out. I couldn’t come sooner because of the contract I signed. As soon as it was up, I came back.” Taylor is still trying to explain. “Here, with you, is where I want to be.”
“So, what happens the next time an amazing job opportunity comes? Huh? That nice little incentive dangling the carrot in front of you? Are you going to accept it without telling me?” Leland states.
Oh, I internally cringe. That’s what happened? My heart cries for him. Then again, did he feel this way when Lawson and I ran into the same problems?
“Taylor, we were talking about marriage and kids. Then boom, you accepted a job somewhere else. You made a huge decision, and you didn’t even talk to me!” I hear Leland’s fist slam against his chest. “You hyped me up for a future together, but in the first moment something better came along, you left.”
“It wasn’t like that.” Taylor defends himself. I hear his steps as they cross the concrete patio toward Leland. I turn and peek up from under the window. Taylor has Leland’s face in his hands.
Leland stands hesitantly, keeping his hands in his pockets, and he’s still fighting internally.
“Love, I’m so sorry it came off that way. I wanted to give you this.” He turns and gestures behind Leland. “A big house for a family. A life where you could want for nothing. You’ve worked so hard for those people in there, and I wanted to give you a life where you could finally enjoy the time with them.”
My heart is tearing away from my chest. Leland has always been so adamant about taking care of us and being there for us. It didn’t register that it took a toll on him.
“Taylor, the big house didn’t mean anything to me. You know that! Could we have gotten a better place, yes? But if you had talked to me and allowed me to have a say in how our lives would go together, it would’ve been so different,” Leland explains.
“I saw that too late. Leland, I made a mistake! A huge mistake that cost me the best thing. I knew as soon as I landed in San Francisco and walked into that apartment. I said every curse word I could think of knowing that I was legally obligated to finish out my contract. The day that contract ended, I packed up everything and came straight home. Here is where I belong. I’m hoping to be with the man I desperately want!” Taylor pours his heart out to Leland. “Tell me now! Tell me now to leave and never contact you again.”
Taylor is still holding on to his face. I’ve never seen my brother cry before and watching him completely break down is heart-wrenching. I so badly want to run to him and give him a big hug, but I’m staying put. Against every urge, I’m staying put. Leland needs to do this on his own.
“Leland, tell me,” Taylor whispers, his thumbs wiping away the fallen tears.
Lawson and I sit and wait for his response. God, he knows how to do a dramatic pause.
“You can never leave like that again!” Leland finally responds.
“Oh, thank God!” Taylor lets out a relieved breath. He pulls Leland into one steamy kiss. Lawson and I are squealing for our big brother.
Lawson and I whisper to each other. “About fucking time.”
“It took forever!” Lawson adds. “Alright, let’s give them some space now.”
“Collins and Lawson, get the hell away and back to the table!” Leland screams from outside.
Lawson and I run away laughing like we were kids. We stumble over each other as rush back to the table, slinking into our chairs.
“You are so loud.” I giggle at Lawson.
“It was your gigantic head that got us caught.”
“Probably,” I shrug in agreement.
Leland and Taylor are still outside as we listen to Massey and Lawson’s day. He sat in her office all afternoon, waiting for her to finish up. Then he dragged her to our super-secret spot where they did some snorkeling after catching a few waves. We are going on in silly conversation, making fun of Lawson. I am glancing back at the doors, waiting for Leland and Taylor to come back. Internally jumping for joy that I won’t have to worry about him anymore.
They finally emerge from the back patio and, seeing my brother smile again, has my universe feeling complete. He’s got a genuine smile. I never knew how badly he was hurting until now. The physical difference is noticeable. Sitting next to each other, they are holding onto each other. My guys.
“Leland and Lawson, we done grown up,” I say in the most obnoxious voice.
“You are stupid, Collins.” Lawson just shakes his head at me.
I think our mom would be proud of us. Sitting around a dinner table, with the ones we love. Worries are a thing of the past, and for the first time, we are focused on our future.
“Okay, okay. We are all here, Victor. What’s your news?” Massey brings the point to the front of the room.
“So, you all know I quit the firm and the reason behind it. My dad, he’s a selfish ass. I just can’t be a part of a place like that. So now, I have a new venture and I’ve set my sights and roots down here. I’ll be opening my law firm here in Hawaii,” he announces.
The room erupts with congratulations. Mr. Withers sits at the other end of the table, leaning back in his chair. He lays his hands on the corner of the table, his body leaning forward. His brow pitches up with interest.
“I already have a partner that I know will help keep us on track,” Victor proudly states.
“Who?” I ask.
“That would be me,” Massey’s dad interjects. He leans back in his chair with a smirk crossing his jubilant face.
Everyone stares at her dad, mostly because we forgot he was here. He hadn’t said a word while he was here. He just observed our eccentric antics.
“Dad?” Massey questions.
“I’ve been thinking of doing this for years, and after how everything went down with this deal, Victor made a persuasive case. I couldn’t say no to a fresh start.” Mr. Withers looks at his daughter with such relief.
“Just a small firm, nothing fancy,” Victor states.
“And I’ll have more time to enjoy my family. It will be a lot of work in the beginning but to be a boss, and not have to answer to any shareholders… I welcome that change.” Her dad smiles.
“This is what you want?” Massey questions her dad.
“You are settling into a new life. You’ve established yourself career-wise. Lawson, you’ve been great to Massey. I no longer need to worry about her.” He pats the top of her hand.
“Thank you, sir,” Lawson utters with pride. Besides Leland, Lawson has never had a father figure. His words ring deep into the reassurance that Lawson so desperately wants.
“So, you and Massey’s dad are partners?” I ask, pointing between both men.
“Yeah, probably the easiest decision I’ve ever made,” Victor says.
“Same,” Mr. Withers agrees.
“So, when do we start?” Massey questions.
“Massey, you don’t have to quit. You are doing great things there.” Mr. Withers looks shocked.
“Are you kidding? You are not leaving me there by myself! The place is a shark tank. I stayed because you were there, Dad. I’ll be damned if you leave me behind.” She points to him.
“We can’t afford your salary, sweetheart. Maybe if we wait it out…”
“I have enough saved away. Plus, Lawson is moving in.” She proudly states.
“I’m paying my share of the bills. Don’t worry, sir.” Lawson puffs his chest and looks at Leland and me as if to say he’s made it.
“Dad, I am so good,” she informs him.
“Massey, honey…”
“No, you’ve provided a good life for me growing up. Now, this is my decision. You need marketing done? I’m your girl. And if needed, I can do freelance work to subsidize anything in between,” Massey continues. “I’ve got my back-up plan to the back-up plan, right Leland?”
“You are correct.” Leland smiles.
“What do you say, Mr. Withers?” Victor pushes.
“Well, I guess I am outnumbered.” He shakes his head.
“Welcome aboard!” Victor beams, clapping his hands together.
“Hold up. You asked this filthy heathen to move in with you?”
Massey laughs and nods. “Yeah, I did. I like the mess.”
“I’m not that bad. Not at her house at least.” Lawson places his hand in hers.
“Our place, it’s our place, Law.” Massey sweetly looks at Lawson. She turns back to Victor and asks, “So, tell me more about this venture. I need all the details.”
Victor and Massey’s dad go over everything with Massey and we all sit and listen intently. This is a huge undertaking. Long days and lots of planning, but Victor and Mr. Withers have planned the initial parts out.
“Now, we need to talk about the acquisition of the area. It’s not looking good in my favor,” Victor says.
“I figured money can pull some weight,” Leland states.
“So, if you want to continue your shop, let’s look at a few properties. I already have my realtor on the lookout for what you need.” Victor pulls his phone up to bring up listings.
“No. If I don’t have that shop, then I won’t continue an actual business. I’ll just do it as a side job. Just like when I started,” Leland surprises us all.
“But you live at the shop. Where will you go?” Lawson looks at Leland with such concern.
“Take my place. I’m here now, you can stay at mine,” I offer before Leland can answer that.
“Or move in with me,” Taylor adds.
“No… I mean, not right now. I’d like to, but let’s get us straight before we take that step.” Leland gives his shoulder a nudge.
“Ok.” Taylor nods in acceptance. “I can do that.”
“Then let’s fight for your property. Let’s take them out at the knees,” Victor yells.
“I’m good for a fight. It’s been a while, but hey, let’s make them bleed,” Mr. Withers agrees.
“I’m in.” Massey throws her hands in the air.
“Hell yeah!” Lawson slaps the table.
“Count me in! What do you say, Leland? Want to destroy that acquisition?” I stare at my brother.
Leland sits there for a moment and scans the room. He takes Taylor’s hand in his. “Let’s feed them to the sharks.”
“Hell yeah!” I thrust my fist into the air.
“It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it,” Victor proudly concludes.
We raise our cups, clicking the glass against one another. Vowing to save the place we all grew up in. I’ll do all that I can to help… anything for my brother.