“It’s part of my repertoire of lies,” I confess.
“You still take care of him.”
“He’d do the same for me if I needed anything,” I say without hesitation. “It’s what we do for the Sinners. We’re a unit.”
She closes her mouth and moves her lips from one side to the other. “I hope you two can fix your differences. You used to be inseparable.”
“That’s the goal,” I grant. “Zeke hated that I was hiding, among other things.”
She gives me a curious look, but instead of asking anything, she says. “I’ll talk to human resources about the new hire. If you ever need to talk to anyone, I’m here for you.”
“Thank you, Nana,” I say, relieved that she’s not pushing me to tell her more about Zeke and me. That is a conversation for another day.
Chapter Twelve
Zeke
My first night in the city is uncomfortable as fuck. I’m used to being in a cabin where everything is open. The only noises I’d hear were the waves, the birds, and sometimes the breeze shaking the leaves. I had a spectacular view of wildflower fields, mountains, and the rehab center. I’m not saying that I hate the city, but my window faces the building next door.
What was I thinking when I told Hannah, it’s okay, take it?
It isn’t okay, but I won’t complain. I’ll stick to this for the next six months. Next year, once I know more about what I’m going to do with my life, I’ll be happy to find a better place to live in. I deal with my frustration during my morning meditation. I practice some sun salutations and take a shower before heading to the kitchen. After I finish my breakfast, I start my mission. It’s time to make amends with those who I wronged.
My first stop is Tristan.
“Hi, Coop,” I greet him as I enter his office.
“The prodigal son is back,” he says, giving me a hug. “How are you doing?”
I tilt my head toward the chair. “Can I take a seat?”
He waves his hand, “Please.”
“I came to apologize for my behavior while I worked here.” I pause. “You’ve been nothing but kind and helpful since you guys welcomed me to The Coop. I was ungrateful, not on purpose, but it’s all the same. I hurt you guys. I never thought about the consequences of my behavior. I want to thank you for believing in me and helping me become who I am, even if I messed up during the last decade.”
He stands up and gives me a big hug. “I wish I had been able to help you more. It pained me to see you go through all this,” he confesses. “If you need anything, my door is open. You can call me at any time. I’m here for you. It's a lifelong process, but I know you’re strong enough to stand for yourself and to ask for help when you need it.”
“Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you for everything you’ve done for me.”
“You don’t need to. You’re like a son to us,” he states. “I wish we had done things differently. Or that you guys had allowed us to guide you. I think in some instances we sheltered you too much, and in others, we exposed you too early.”
“The past is behind us. We can’t fix any of that. I just want you to know that I’m sorry, and I hope I can still be part of the family.”
“You are a Decker. We expect you every Sunday for brunch or dinner. You have a place in our hearts and our homes forever.”
“Thank you,” I say before I leave.
I spend my morning visiting all the Deckers, and I leave the best for last, the Hades.
When I enter the flower shop, Sadie is putting together an arrangement.
“Hey, gorgeous lady,” I greet her.
She wipes her hands and walks toward me, giving me a hug. “You’re back!”
“So it seems,” I answer, glancing at the store where everything started. In a way, this place saved me. Breaking and entering not only gave me a chance to find a life but to find a family. I wish I knew it at the time or that I appreciated it back when I was young.
She frames my face with her hands and studies me. “You look well. I heard that you left the rehab center yesterday morning. How are you feeling?”
I shrug one shoulder. “It’s a process.”
“If you want to come home, we have a room ready for you.”
“That’s an amazing offer, but—”
“Listen,” she interrupts me. “I know you’re strong, and I have faith that this time you’re ready, but I’d feel better if you have your family with you, at least for the next couple of months. Your birthday is in just a couple weeks. There’s Thanksgiving… It’s not about you, but me feeling less anxious because I know you’re safe.”
I grin. “You’re a mother hen.”
“I should’ve kept you with me until you were old enough to leave home,” she states, cupping my cheek. “If I could change anything—”
“We’re not going to talk about regrets, are we?”
She shakes her head. “No.”
“I’m sorry for letting you down.”
“You didn’t. We’re proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished.”
A few times I told my therapist that I wished the Hades had fostered me from the beginning. Life would’ve been so different. They are the parents I wish I had.
“I haven’t done much,” I remind her.
“You’re a good man. You graduated from college. You have a master’s degree in business.”
“Technically, I didn't graduate, or I could’ve claimed my inheritance.”
“You know what I think,” she asks, giving me a suspicious glance.
I cross my arms and smirk because I love her conspiracy theories. She’s never right, but I like to humor her from time to time. “What is it?”
“You don’t think you deserve what your parents left you and that’s why you’ve applied for degrees that you don’t care about at all,” she states.
“One of my therapists told me the same,” I agree, remembering the session I had with Mr. Arnes. “He agrees that I set myself up for failure. For years I believed I wasn’t worthy of what they left.”
“And now?”
I shrug. “I don’t need the money, but maybe I need some closure. I might be emotionally mature to handle visiting the house.”
“Well, enough with the impostor syndrome,” she says with a firm voice. “You’re capable of greatness. What are you planning on doing? I can use a manager in this or the Bellevue store.”
“Why don’t you let me help you while I figure out my next step?” I propose instead of telling her that I don’t need charity. It’s hard to recognize that people try to help me because they genuinely love me.
“As long as you move in with us at least during the holidays.”
I’m about to speak when she lifts her index finger and waves it. “I won’t accept no for an answer. Grady and Audrey will love to have you home.”
I frown. “Where’s Kieran?”
“In Boston. He couldn’t choose a college further away from us because Kade refused to pay for Oxford,” she protests. “But he’ll be here for the holidays. I might be able to convince him to come earlier to celebrate your birthday.”