Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,91
respects. “I’m your mother and need to believe there’s a chance for grandchildren someday.”
I squint at her, searching for more signs of deception. But my mother has no connection to the blonde seductress. Although, there is one possibility. “She actually adopted a dog from Rover & Meow for her daughter not too long ago.”
Her brows shoot up. “Is that so?”
“Sure is. They couldn’t be happier with Elsa.”
My mother hums, a smile dipped in pure glee curling her lips. “Keegan and Millie, right?”
I grunt and shake my head. “Figures you’d remember them.”
“They’re difficult to forget. I’m sure you’re well aware of that.”
“Unfortunately,” I mutter.
She pats my shoulder. “One problem at a time, Ford. Maybe mending fences with Grant will open your eyes to other possibilities.”
“Highly doubtful.”
My mom pushes me toward the patio door. “Give it a whirl. Good luck.”
I follow her orders, like a puppy. But what choice do I have? None when faced with my estranged brother who apparently wants to make amends.
Grant is sitting in one of the wooden Adirondack chairs when I step outside. He turns toward me, offering up a beer. “Peace offering?”
“I hope you have more than Coors planned for that.” But I take the bottle and twist off the cap.
He guzzles liquid courage before spitting out, “Our dad is a dictator.”
I exhale a dry chuckle. “No shit.”
“Mom was smart to find a way out.”
Another noncommittal noise dips off my lips. “I guess there’s still something we can agree on.”
“I quit,” he blurts.
I startle from the force in his voice. “Already? Damn, that was easy.”
Grant chuckles. “No, you asshole. I left the practice. That lofty corner office wasn’t for me. Not sure it ever was. Dad’s borderline insanity pushed me over the edge. I’ve been thinking about how he treated you and that little girl. It’s been haunting me. Why didn’t I stand up for you?”
“That’s a good question. And who are you calling an asshole?”
He shrugs. “Eh, I deserve that. The reason I’m here is for you, Ford. All these years and we’ve barely spoken five words to each other.”
“Whose fault is that?” I shoot him a glare severe enough to slice his skin.
His head bobs to a slow beat. “Mine. I’m well aware and take full responsibility. That’s why it’s also on me to restore what I broke.”
I rip my gaze off of him. “You’ve got one helluva uphill battle to conquer.”
“Dammit, Ford. Just give me a chance to explain.”
“I was willing to in the beginning, but you fucking left me. My big brother. My idol. My best friend. I was alone and lost and crushed with disappointment. It’s no wonder how I ended up hating most people. You can take credit for that, too.”
He holds up a palm. “I will. That’s all my fault. When I should’ve been protecting you, I abandoned you instead. There’s nothing I can say to take that pain away. But I wanna right my wrongs.”
Disbelief forms a clump in my throat. I choke it down with a swig of beer. “Why now, Grant?”
His exhale seems to weigh two tons. “Because I’m tired of pretending to be happy. I don’t want to be a sniveling coward who runs from his problems. The accident didn’t just damage my body. When I left, my head was all fucked up. Nothing made sense. Leaving was the easiest solution, but I never should’ve stepped foot out of Silo Springs. I realized that after only a month. It already felt too late. With each year, the choice to return only got harder. I got stuck in a dead-end routine. Enough was eventually enough, though. We’re brothers. You’re my blood. Nothing is stronger than that.”
“Not even your bond with father dearest?”
A deep scowl carves his features. “I was wrong about following him. It’s my biggest regret and worst mistake. I’ll be paying the price for it until I’m old and gray.”
“You’re fucking right about that.”
Another forced breath claws out of him. “Am I too late, brother?”
“Fuck off,” I mutter.
“That’s not really an answer.”
“Only because I can’t give the one you truly deserve.”
“How’s Iron Throttle?”
His abrupt change in direction makes my brain swell. “Oh, are we moving on already?”
“I can talk in circles about my bullshit excuses for hours. Let me have a few moments of rest. Tell me about your work.”
“Why are you taking a sudden interest in my business?”
“Always have, Ford. I’m so damn proud of you. Sure, I’ve done a shitty job showing it. That’s another thing that needs fixing.”
I scoff into the