Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,67
Your family misses you. May this one visit turn to many. Ganbei.”
“Ganbei.”
We tipped our glasses to our mouths, draining them. I was never a huge fan of baijiu. It was funky and tasted a bit like rotting fruit, but I would never insult Dad and tell him that. This was a special moment for him.
Dad studied me for a long time. If he could have delved inside my brain and found all the answers, he would have. Unlike Mom, he tried not to push too hard, likely hoping I’d open up someday and find honesty—admit what they already knew was the truth.
“Tell me about your work. Are you in the lab?”
“No. I gave up my lab time this summer. I’m trying to relax and not push myself so much. I thought being here would help stop that urge. Mom’s always telling me to take a vacation.”
“Ah, yes. It’s good to have a break. Your mother, she is always nagging about how much I work.”
“You work seven days a week, Dad.”
He waved a dismissive hand. “Pff. That is nothing. It keeps our minds strong, yes?”
“Yes. I’ll have to prepare my curriculum while I’m here, but the rest can wait.”
“Any more articles in journals?”
“I’d have sent them to you if there were. I know you collect them.”
“Right there.” He pointed to a low bookshelf with a spot designated to magazines and journals where my articles had been printed over the years. They went back to high school when I had written about the physics club and our competitions in the school newspaper. On another shelf were all my trophies and awards. I’d left them behind, and Dad displayed them proudly.
It was no wonder Shay always felt left out. He didn’t have a special bookshelf dedicated to his hard work. Glancing around, I did notice Mom had a few framed pictures of Shay on some of his crazy adventures. At least his successes weren’t ignored. My kid brother had carved a name for himself in a different way.
Mom clanged and banged in the kitchen while Dad caught me up on how the store was doing. He ran the only computer and electronics shop in town. The advancement in technology and the fact that he did repairs and fixed virus-infected computers onsite kept him busy. Dad singlehandedly helped Jasper keep up with the rapidly changing times.
As Mom arranged place settings at the table, there was a heavy knock at the front door, followed by Shay calling out as he came in. “Hey, hey. Something smells disgusting.”
Dad and I chuckled and shook our heads. “Your brother eats nothing.”
“He was always like that. Some things never change. He could learn to keep his mouth shut about it. It’s rude.”
Dad pointed a finger at me as he slid forward on his seat. “You two get along. For your mother. No fighting.” It was the most serious he’d looked since I’d shown up.
“I know.”
We met Shay and Josiah at the front door as they kicked off their shoes onto a mat. When Shay saw me, he flinched. “Holy shit. Is someone dying? You’re who’s parked in the driveway. I thought Dad had a friend over.”
“Hi, Shay. No one’s dying.” I pulled up a smile, doing all I could to ignore the intensity of Josiah’s presence beside him. “I came to visit. Mom didn’t tell you I was coming?”
“She didn’t. Just insisted we come for dinner tonight.”
I shoved my hands into the pockets of my slacks. “I’m here for a month.”
Another flinch. “Wow. Okay. So … hi. Where are you staying?” Wariness crossed his eyes.
“I got a hotel room. Didn’t think you needed company.” I dashed my gaze to Josiah for the first time. He watched me carefully.
When our eyes locked, he smiled. “Hi, Tomi.”
“Hey.” I shuffled. “Good to see you again.” The words tasted bitter, and I knew he wouldn’t buy their sincerity. In fact, I could have done without seeing Josiah.
“You too.”
“Josiah, a drink,” Dad insisted, waving us into the main room. “We must have a drink.”
I chuckled at Dad’s enthusiasm. He must have felt pretty damn happy having his family together. Breaking out the baijiu twice in one day was rare.
“I’ll pass.” Shay shuddered.
“I would never waste my good drink on you.” Dad slapped Shay on the shoulder playfully. “Josiah will appreciate it, yes?” Dad looked expectantly at Josiah.
“Sure.”
We moved to the sitting room, and while Dad poured three tiny glasses of baijiu, Shay slid up beside me. “Why are you really here?”