He looks out toward the ocean. “We used to be close. Really close. There are times I remember laughing so hard with them that we’d all be on the floor, clutching our stomachs. And we’d get away with mischief around the house, like taking Dad’s stash of gummy bears and trying to toss them in each other’s mouths. The one who missed the most had to replace the gummies we ate. Just . . . small things, you know? And now, well, it could be better. I know it could be way better, but I’m not sure what to do. We all seem to be stuck in our own lives. Beau and you make the time to hang out.”
“We also only have each other,” I answer as my phone dings.
Ford nods toward my phone. “What does he say?”
Opening the text, I read it out loud. “‘The history between me and Palmer is going to stay that way—between us. Sorry, sis. Not dishing any info on this topic.’” I glance up at Ford. “Damn it. It’s got to be good if they’re both not saying anything to us.”
“Think it would be wrong to get Palmer drunk again?”
I laugh. “I mean, I think that needs to be our last resort.”
Ford stands from the wall. “Want to jog back with me?”
“Jog back . . . or race back?”
His eyes sparkle. “You know you can’t handle this speed.”
“I think you might be surprised. Last one to the bed-and-breakfast has to buy dinner.”
“You know I’m buying dinner on the business, right?”
“Yeah, because you’re going to lose.”
And then I take off, pushing up the hill, letting my legs propel me forward. When I glance over my shoulder to see where Ford is, I catch him closely behind, his eyes attached to my ass in my short spandex shorts. I quickly look forward, a blush staining my cheeks.
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: The Party
What has been done for the party? Obviously the cake and invitations have been fixed, but what other things can we check off the list? We have less than a month and we really need to make this party amazing. Mom was telling me how excited she is about it . . . and grateful. It needs to be good.
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Everything is taken care of
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
Cooper!! Stop doing that. Seriously, you’re just being a pain in the ass.
And when you say everything is taken care of, what exactly is everything? Because I had to go change the cake. Your choice of butterscotch and fudge? Might as well hire a clown and balloon artist for entertainment.
Also . . . what did you book for entertainment? In your invitation, you said there would be “fun.” So, what’s your version of fun?
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
Funny you mentioned it, I did hire a balloon artist.
And don’t worry, your buckets of wine will be there. I have a crane dropping in a bathtub of fermented grapes just for you.
Oh and P.S. I went back to Cake It Bakery and changed the cake again.
TO: Ford Chance, Cooper Chance
FROM: Palmer Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
I don’t see how you find this so funny. Don’t you care about Mom and Dad at all?
We need to make this spectacular. We need to blow their socks off. We need to show them how much we love them.
TO: Ford Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Cooper Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
I think you’re failing to realize something, Palmer. I show them how much I love them every goddamn day by showing up at their house for dinner because they want to see one of their kids. I take care of them and the house. I help them with their projects even if they seem simple and mundane. I show them I love them through being present, not through some party. Check yourself before you start shooting off what needs to be done.
TO: Cooper Chance, Palmer Chance
FROM: Ford Chance
SUBJECT: Re: Everything is taken care of
I think what Palmer is trying to not so eloquently say is that we should go over the party plans and make sure everything is locked in. We appreciate all the work you’ve put into the party, Cooper, but now that we are here, present, ready to help, we want to make sure we’ve got everything covered.
I propose we meet up at Mom and Dad’s this weekend, surprise them with some brunch and then when they go on their Sunday hike, we finalize all the details of the party.
Does that work for everyone?
And remember, we are in this together. We might have different opinions, but we have one thing in common, our love for Mom and Dad. Let’s remember that moving forward into this meeting.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
PALMER
“What are you doing?” Laramie asks over the phone. “Do I hear . . . nature?”
“I’m walking.”
“Walking where? To get coffee?”
“No, just walking.”
“For the hell of it? Girl, I know you bonked your head a couple days ago, but are you sure nothing more serious happened? You know I’m all about fitness, but when have you ever just gone for a walk?”
“When I came back to Marina Island.” I let out a harsh breath as I stroll along the stone wall that lines the harbor. “I had to get out of the house. Mom keeps wanting to teach me to knit, and Dad is blaring a podcast about how things are made. And then there’s the constant nagging about cleaning out my room and sifting through what I want to keep and what I want to get rid of. I needed a second to breathe, so I told them I was going to go around and take some pictures of the island.”
“Have you?”
“No, I called you instead.”
“A commendable choice, but since you’re already there, why don’t you follow through on your farce? You know, really create a checklist of must-see places in the Pacific Northwest? Might not hurt.”
“You mean actually come up with some sort of PNW extravaganza?”
“Why not? Who knows, maybe it’ll lead you to something more. What else are you going to do while you wait around for the next best thing?”
Up ahead, I spot the bed-and-breakfast. Its quaint white picket fence bordering the sidewalk is filled with colorful flower beds, so it’s hard to miss. Ford was smart staying there. I wonder what he’s up to. Since I have nothing better to do, might as well go bother my older brother.
“Maybe you’re right,” I say. “I think I’m going to need some sort of outlet. My family is already starting to drive me nuts, and unless I figure out a way to get a paycheck in the bank, I’m here for a while.”
“You still haven’t told them?”
“Oh hell no. And I won’t be telling them about my lack of job, money, or roof over my head.”
“The trifecta of accomplishment. But seriously, your family is loaded—don’t you have some sort of trust fund you can lean on?”
“No,” I say as my mind immediately goes to the night of the fire and how that changed everything.