Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,22
I chuckle. “Since when do we live in the south, Mother?”
“Pish-posh, you know what I mean.”
“I know you’re putting your nose in my business when I should be putting mine in yours.”
“We’re not talking about me.”
“Who’s the new beau? Who’s the man who stole you from me all weekend?”
“Like that’s a bad thing?” She yanks her hand from my arm and sulks beside me. “You should be happy I found someone who tickles my fancy.”
“As long as it’s just your fancy he’s tickling.”
“Stop.” Mom halts in her tracks, which causes a commotion considering the line of ballet goers trailing behind us. They split and flow past us as we stare at each other. Like always, I’m the one to give in first.
“Fine!”
“Good.” She makes a show of taking my arm and resting her hand in the crook of my elbow again. “Now, speaking of old friends…”
This is how my mother works around to a problem. I listen with half an ear while I navigate us the few blocks to the ballet. My senses are on high alert. San Francisco is not a gentle town. With all the homeless and beggars on the street, I do my best to shield her as I can.
Only after we make it to the theater do I take a breath. We won’t be walking back to the garage. Not at ten in the evening. We walk up the stairs, joining an ever-growing throng of eager theater hopefuls. I present our tickets, and we’re permitted inside.
With plenty of time to spare, I take her to the bar and order drinks. I keep a reserved box, one I share with Hawke. Most nights, he doesn’t fill his seats, leaving me and Mom in peace. Tonight is one such night.
The performance is magical. Brilliant actually. The dancers are on pointe, literally and figuratively. Their performance captivates me, but only because I imagine Grace dancing before me. With my thoughts wrapped up in Grace, I find myself wholly unprepared for Mom’s comment.
“So about Grace…”
It takes a second for my heart to start beating again.
“Excuse me?”
“Let’s just say a little bird told me something might be coming your way. I told her not to worry. That ‘my boy’ would make things right. Are you going to make your mother a liar?” I stare at her. Mom’s a lot of things, but emotional blackmail? It’s way beyond her, or so I thought.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No doubt, you do.” She sniffs and rolls her eyes. “I’m just saying sometimes the universe throws you a bone.”
“Mom.”
“Take the bone. Don’t miss. Catch the damn thing.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I know exactly what she’s talking about.
“Be the man I know you can be. Do the right thing.”
“And what exactly is that?”
“You’re a smart man, honey. Figure it out. In the meantime, call us a car. It’s late, and I’m tired. I’m assuming your guest bedroom is free?”
“It’s always free.”
No one spends the night.
Ever.
Ten
Grace
“Are you sure about this?” Mark paces in the kitchen. He tugs in a deep breath and lets it out on a slow exhale.
“I know, but desperate times…” I can only shrug. Desperate times leave desperate people to do questionable things, like accept an appointment with the devil. My gut tangles in knots. “I’m worried too.” I lay my hand on his arm. “But there really is no alternative.”
“That’s not true. I have my savings.”
“Mom doesn’t want you to dip into your savings.” Mom’s terrified Mark will blow through his retirement. With her medical bills, her entire savings is gone. I inject confidence in my voice. “This is going to work.”
“I guess it’s best to investigate all our options.” He doesn’t look convinced and shoves his hands deep in his pockets.
“I agree.” I give him a hug. "We’re going to make this work.”
We’re small fry when it comes to Sterling Enterprise's usual clients, which is the only thing that makes this whole thing bearable. Hopefully, our case is assigned to some lowly functionary in Acquisitions. My goal is to get in and get out without any accidental encounters with the company’s CFO.
“It’s just…” Mark drags the toe of his shoe in an arc across the kitchen floor. “Our loans have always come from banks before, with terms I understand. I’m concerned about what we might have to agree to. The loss of control bothers me.”
“I’m worried about that too, but if they take us on, it’ll be because they think we’re viable.” I look