Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Shit, whatever happened, it was long before we were a thought.”
“That’s the thing. No one seems to know what happened a generation, two, or even three ago, but people around town reference it like it was some great war with no details.” I look at him, wondering if I can trust him. Such a horrible thing to believe about your brother, but sometimes I’m not sure where his loyalties lie. And that’s the real issue, right? Our family is divided. We’re rarely on the same side. Except apparently, hating the Greene family is supposed to unite us.
Jacob’s a Greene as much as he is a Dover. It makes me question if that changes how my family will feel about him. Maybe Will is right, and it’s time to leave instead of feeling responsible for fulfilling the obligations of our parents’ demands.
How has everything changed so fast? It’s a whirlwind of emotions. I think I need to take one thing at a time. My top priority is Jacob and talking to him about his father.
There’s only one way to see if trust still exists between us. I won’t tell him anything about Jacob until it’s solidified, but I do have other information to drop. “Will?” When his eyes greet me, I ask, “Will you keep Griffin’s last name a secret?”
“Not wise, Buggy. They’re going to find out. Wouldn’t you rather be the one who tells them?”
“No, I wouldn’t, if I’m being honest. Nothing will change their reaction, so my trying to convince them he’s a good person won’t put a dent in their aggravation.”
I can see the moment his eyes get over shadowed by deviousness. He grins, and then says, “You help soften the blow about me moving to France full-time, and I won’t say a word about your boyfriend.”
Boyfriend?
I’ve never thought of him as a boyfriend before. That might fit someone else I just started dating, but it doesn’t encapsulate what Griffin and I are together. Everything is bigger and better with him. We’re even co-parents, for God’s sake. The thought alone has me smiling, though that secret is staying under lock and key for the time being.
So yeah, boyfriend just won’t do for what he means to me. Or my son.
But this isn’t relevant for the deal being struck. His silence is, though. “When are you breaking the news to them?”
“Not sure. I’m taking suggestions.”
“Hmm.” I glance over at him but don’t stare. My brother was a big hit in high school with my friends. Annoying. He’s always been the golden child to my parents. Their first and proudest accomplishment. This news will send them to an early grave. Maybe that’s his plan. Will always had a slightly evil side to him, which has me asking, “How did you know Griffin’s last name was Greene?”
Shaking his head like it’s obvious, he replies, “They used to have a billboard off Ranch Road 23. Peachtree Pass’s pride and joy, all-star baseball player. Don’t you know, it’s the home of the great pro-baller?”
“I didn’t know that. I don’t even know where Ranch Road 23 is. Why were you in Greene County back then?”
“The girls were hotter over there in high school, and I’m not related to them.”
I snort. “It’s hard to escape the family in this county.”
“Or get away with anything.”
“Good point.” Same one Griffin once made. And a billboard? Can’t wait to ask him about that. I bet his ego loved that.
Some of the party goers have started taking off their ties and shoes to get down on the dance floor. This is when I usually take my leave after a long day of making sure everything turns out perfect for the newlyweds and their guests. I stand on my tiptoes to look for Savvy, but don’t see her. “Listen, I need to wrap some stuff up. I’ve been here since ten this morning, and we’re just past eleven. I’m exhausted. Let me think about things, and let’s talk this week. You’re not in a hurry, right?”
“I’m not unhurried either.” That changes things and is highly interesting. My brother doesn’t act on whims. He’s honestly the most uptight guy after my father. For him to be making what must feel like a rash decision, my mind lands on a theory.
“You’re seeing someone. In France.” Cocking an eyebrow up at him, I challenge, “Tell me I’m wrong.” He laughs, but it’s faker than fake, and all for show to throw me off the scent. “Oh brother, I can see right through this ruse.” Grinning like Sherlock Holmes after solving a case, I say, “She must be something special for you to risk the wrath of the Dovers to make this move.” I start to laugh.
“She is.”
It’s then that I see the brother I used to know so well. Maybe he’s been there all along, but villainous was never a good look on him. Though I must admit, he played the role well. I take a step to the side and bump against him before nudging him with my elbow. “You got yourself a deal.”