Chapter 36
Vee
Sunday morning, I met Hayden, Leigh, Lip, and Chris for breakfast. It felt odd to have spare time on a game day. My gaze went across the table to Lip as I grinned. Chris was up at the buffet as I whispered. “This is Chris’s first family away game.”
Lip smiled as a soft pink hue filled his cheeks. “You’re okay with him and so are Mom and Dad. I figured we’re not getting any younger. It was time to embrace what’s right in front of me.”
His statement brought to mind Fin’s request.
Lifting my coffee mug, I took a drink. “I think you’re very smart.”
Lip sat taller and squared his shoulders. “Thank you?” He said it like a question.
“I do. I don’t know what I’ve been afraid of when it comes to men.”
“I do,” Leigh volunteered. “They weren’t the right man.”
My thoughts filled with Fin. “I never thought Fin and I would find our way back to one another.”
Leigh nodded. “You have. It’s kismet.”
Lip leaned across the table, his eyes meeting mine. “Sorry, cousin, you’re not getting any younger either.”
“I’m not old. I do think I’m tired of wasting time and energy.”
Leigh lifted her eyebrows. “You think you’re wasting your time with Fin?”
“No,” I answered immediately. “I’m not wasting time with Fin. We’ve both wasted years being apart. I guess, I’m still scared.”
Chris sat next to Lip and set his plate on the table. “Sorry, I’m late to this conversation, but if you want to talk about scared—that was me when we climbed the steps to the plane yesterday.”
My cheeks rose. “You did it.”
“I did. And lightning didn’t come down from heaven and zap me. Grant even said hi.”
“Well, he’s in a better mood,” Leigh said, “since Joe Eads hasn’t been around.”
Grant and Daphne became the topic of discussion as I mulled over Fin’s suggestion.
While I wasn’t ready for a house with a picket fence and babies—mine or Bre’s—over the last few months, I embraced sharing living space with Fin.
There was comfort in knowing I wouldn’t be alone but rather coming home to someone I love.
I cherished falling asleep next to him and waking up in his arms. His cooking was a plus I couldn’t deny.
And then there was his inability to throw clothes into the hamper and leaving shoes by the door. Honestly, I was guilty of the same. We weren’t perfect, yet those imperfections were as endearing as the perks.
“Earth to Vee,” Leigh said.
I lifted my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I was thinking about something.”
“Since we have time to kill,” she said, “we’re talking about going to the Space Center. Would you like to come?”
I shook my head. “I have work to do. I’ll stay here at the hotel as long as I can and head over to NRG Stadium. My operations crew is already there.”
“All work and no play makes Vee…” Hayden said, his eyebrows lifting.
“Are you saying I’m boring?” I asked with a laugh.
We all laughed.
A passing thought of Dad came and went. Dad enjoyed laughing and family.
It was time to remember him that way. Having completed the commemoration, it seemed like it was time to gather the pieces and move forward.
We wouldn’t forget my father; instead, we’d honor him with our love and laughter.
For the first time in a long while, outside Fin’s-in-control-bubble, I felt at least a little lighter.
After calling for a later checkout, I spent time in my suite. There were plenty of emails to take my time. Instead, it was something I’d said to Fin last night that was on my mind.
Dad overslept.
My father never overslept.
The morning he died, he overslept. That meant he was late for his meeting with Don.
Was he in a hurry because he was late?
Did that affect his driving?
I opened a new screen and researched Benadryl for the umpteenth time, hoping to find something new. The definition appeared on my screen:
‘Benadryl (diphenhydramine) was a first-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms (sneezing, itching, hives, runny nose), cold symptoms, motion sickness, and as a short-term sleep aid. It works by blocking histamine receptors but commonly causes sedation, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.’
I typed a new question.
How long does it take for Benadryl to work?
The answer appeared.
‘Benadryl typically starts working within fifteen to thirty minutes after oral consumption, with peak effects occurring around one to two hours after taking it.’
I referred to my notes from Dad’s autopsy. He also had benzodiazepines in his system. Daphne told the police Dad only took medication for high blood pressure. Bre said Dad took sleep aids to avoid sex with Daphne.
I typed a question to the internet gods—yes, I knew there were more reliable sources, but my curiosity was taking me on this journey.
Is it safe to take benzodiazepines and Benadryl?
The answer appeared.
‘Combining Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ativan) is generally unsafe without direct medical supervision.’
I leaned back and stared at the screen.
My dad may have kept secrets from me, but he wasn’t dumb. He wouldn’t knowingly combine two medications that a simple internet search determined unsafe. I remembered something; Daphne said Dad had whiskey before bed.
“Seriously, Dad?” I said aloud. “Benadryl, sleeping meds, and whiskey?”
Something felt off.
All my thoughts went to one person.
That person wasn’t Bre; it was Daphne.
The police arrested the wrong person. No matter who I believed, Dad and Daphne’s marriage wasn’t as perfect as it appeared. Maybe she knew about Dad and Bre. Maybe Joe told her. Maybe Dad wasn’t the only one being unfaithful.
There were a lot of maybes.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I went to my satchel and found the card Detective Oldson gave me months ago. My pulse thumped within my circulation as his phone rang.
“Ms. Hubbard.”
“Detective Oldson, I’d like to give a statement regarding my father’s death investigation.”
“Ms. Hubbard, you’ll be contacted. This takes time.”
My hands shook. “I believe you arrested the wrong person.” There was a moment of silence, making me wonder if our call had disconnected. “Detective?”
“The prosecutor agreed to charge Ms. Stanton.”
I nodded. “I know. I know about my father’s affair. However, buying medication doesn’t make Bre Stanton guilty. Dad was with family at the game and went home with his wife. He didn’t see Bre even the day before he died.” I took a breath. “I ask you, who was with my father before his accident?”
“Mrs. Hubbard. However, the officers who went to her home after the accident stated that Mrs. Hubbard had to be awakened. She said she hadn’t spoken to Mr. Hubbard since the night before when they went to bed.”
“My father was an intelligent man.” My mouth felt suddenly dry. “He wouldn’t knowingly take medications that when combined are deemed unsafe.”
“This is a serious allegation, Ms. Hubbard.”
“I’m aware. Is this phone call enough for you to investigate or do I need to make a statement?”
“I’ll take your concern to our captain and let you know next week.”
The breakfast buffet churned in my stomach. “Thank you, Detective Oldson. I look forward to hearing from you.”
I let out a long breath as I hit the red icon, uncertainty washing over me. I couldn’t go back and erase the call.
What the fuck have I done?
How will I face Daphne on the plane ride home?
Is my suspicion based on the facts or because Daphne threatened my ownership of the Coopers?
I looked upward. “Dad, I’m sorry if I’m wrong. However, I can’t live with myself if I’m right and I didn’t pursue this.”