Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
“Oh! Oh, really?” She blinks rapidly, breaking into the strangest smile. “Patton Rory, you wonderful man—that’s too kind!”
She flings herself forward, smothering my cheeks in old lady kisses.
Chuckling, I push away as she laughs along with me.
But her smile fades a second later.
“I must ask again, you wouldn’t mind keeping this between us, would you? The others, I’m not sure they’d understand. And poor Delly, you know how she is! She’ll start giving away your inheritance if she thinks I’m in trouble.”
“Already done,” I say. “How much do you need?”
“Oh, not too much, I hope. Although…” She hesitates, wincing again, sucking her thin cheek into her mouth awkwardly. Her skin seems so slack it makes a flapping sound.
“Evelyn, come on. I deal with big figures all the time. Don’t be afraid.”
“Yes, I know it’s just a few—well—”
“Is twenty thousand enough?” I pull out my wallet and my checkbook. She stares at me. “Forty?”
Again, that pained smile.
I try not to sigh, unsure if I’m feeling bad for her or legitimately surprised she needs so much for living expenses.
“Could we round up a touch? An even six digits will do.”
A hundred thousand dollars?
Whatever.
I hide my surprise as I pull out a pen and my checkbook, quickly scribbling out the amount.
“Here you are. Let me know if you need more.”
Her hand shakes as she takes the check I hold out.
“You’re so generous, young man. So human.” I’m a little concerned she’s about to start ugly crying, so I pat her on the back and motion to leave.
“I should probably get back to Salem and help her with Arlo before someone trips on his army men.”
“Of course, of course! You’re a natural with the little boy, by the way. I can’t wait for the wedding, Pat.” She scurries to her feet with a wink and throws open the door for me like I’m some sort of king.
It’s a little disturbing, honestly, the way she needs to grovel like I’m her very own guardian angel. I’ve handed out business loans and attended my share of charity events, but this feels more personal.
I’m relieved when I find Salem just up the hall. Her face clears when she sees us coming, and Evelyn hurries forward, her hand outstretched.
“I never did tell you, dearie,” she says as Salem gives her a hand—and me a confused look. “You make such a perfect match with Patton, and your little boy looks cute enough to eat right up!”
“Thank you,” Salem says, flashing me an amused look. Evelyn pats her cheek and continues on with a spring in her step. Salem looks up at me. “What was that all about?”
“Oh, she just wanted to ask for a favor.”
“What favor? The Minnesota deal again?” She frowns, the corners of her mouth pulling down.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s under control,” I say with a smile.
To my surprise, Salem doesn’t smile back.
She just tugs at her wrap, pulling it down her arms to cover them. For the first time, I wonder why she left the others.
“Care for a walk?” I ask, offering her my arm. “It’s pretty mild outside.”
Her gaze flicks to my face and away again. “You don’t have to do this. It’s supposed to be a family dinner.”
“If Mom wants to complain, there’s plenty of that to go around with her other two sons. Hell, we’ll probably find them out there too.”
After another second of hesitation—just long enough for me to wonder if she’s really okay—she slides her hand through my arm and follows me down the hall to the side door leading into the backyard.
The stars are underwhelming tonight. The Utah desert will always put Kansas City’s clouds and light pollution to shame, but Salem still tips her head back and inhales the evening air with a smile.
“Want to tell me what’s wrong?” I ask. “If you like, we can walk over to that bench first.”
For the first time, a smile touches her lips, and she nods at the bench.
“It’s my dad’s old spot,” I explain as we get closer. “He used to love sitting here. He was big into poetry and history books when he wasn’t busy with numbers. He’d waste away whole evenings with a book in his hand, always somewhere else.”
“You should read more like your dad,” she says, hesitating next to the bench. “But do you really want to sit—”
“Yes. Come sit, Salem.” I pull her down on the cool metal next to me. Dew glimmers everywhere in the evening, coating the faint outlines of budding trees.
Normally, I don’t linger around Dad’s old brooding spot much.
I have to admit, there’s something calming about being outside tonight—or maybe it’s just her. The air isn’t fragrant yet like it’ll be come summer, but it cools my skin and gives me space, a distance I appreciate from the enormous house I grew up in.