happy and smiling Gwen’s mouth twists into an unlikely grimace. “Oh, that. I’m working on it too. Every single night I spend a few hours doing research. I know there has to be a way to get them off our backs. A positive way.”
Chief snorts. “Consulting the cards again? I wish you wouldn’t be so flippant about my motherfucking livelihood. And the farm that’s been in our family for generations. When our grandpa was a kid, he planted hay with his own hands. But I guess that doesn’t mean anything anymore.”
Chief doesn’t take the time to notice Gwen’s crestfallen expression. But I do. And I don’t like it. Grows Like A Weed wouldn’t be anything without Gwen and her new strains along with her healing expertise. And if that includes some pretty awesome tarot card readings along with everything else, that’s a small price for a non-believer to pay.
In a snap second, I’m totally over my boorish brother. His dismissiveness of my help. His cool tone that he uses on Gwen and Cora. If this is how he handles stress, he’s in the wrong line of work. And if he thinks being a lawyer is going to be less stressful than being a business owner, he’s got another thing coming.
Once Gwen is safely out of earshot, arranging some of the CBD varieties on a twirling wire rack, I lean in toward Chief and lower my voice. “That was out of line. You better apologize to her. If we lose her over you acting like an asshole, that would be disastrous. Especially right now.”
He opens his mouth as if he’s about to argue with me but then snaps it shut and just nods. After I’m certain Chief knows the score, I search out Gwen before I leave.
Reaching out, I take Gwen’s hand in mine. “I really appreciate everything you’re doing for us, Gwen. We wouldn’t be here without you. You’re the best.”
A genuine smile splits her face wide, and I can finally exhale as she hugs me. “Thank you, Blaine. That means the world to me. We’ll figure this out. I just know it!”
Chapter Eighteen
Cora
By the time I wind my way past the hostess stand at the Crazed Corral Steakhouse where Blaine called an eminent domain strategy meeting for all of us, I can already hear Chief’s voice raised in anger. And then I hear Blaine’s smooth as silk voice defending himself. I can’t believe this is the first time I’m going to see him since…
Steel your spine, Cora. You can do this. You can pretend like nothing is wrong. You can help your friend and then you can excuse yourself right back out of his life.
I’d still admit I love him in a heartbeat if I thought it would change things. But I don’t. Not anymore.
“You need to butt the fuck out of my personal business, superstar! I’m pretty sure I made it clear I can handle this,” Chief screams.
The hostess winces and clutches the leather-bound menus even more tightly as we approach the small private dining room toward the back of the quiet restaurant featuring kerosene wall sconces, worn leather booths, antler chandeliers, and mahogany wood.
She hovers outside the doorway, probably afraid to walk inside, so I skid to a stop behind her. Chief stands by the wood-burning fireplace with his hands shoved into the pockets of his dress pants and a scowl creasing his normally handsome face that could rival one of Dylan’s.
“Um… your server, Lindy, will be right with you,” the hostess says, shoving the menus into my arms and escaping as fast as her high heels can carry her.
For some reason, I don’t want to interrupt what is obviously an emotionally charged discussion, especially when I have no idea where I stand with Blaine. I’ve always hated fighting, arguing, and aggressive confrontations. The last thing I want to do is get into the middle of something between two brothers with stubborn personalities and opposing views. And their family farm is on the line—hundreds of acres and the old homestead. There are so many memories that live there, so I can’t even imagine what that must feel like. Pressing my back to the wall, I strain my ears, and peek inside with my peripheral vision so I can make my entrance once the heat decreases to a comfortable level.
“What did you say to me?” Blaine retorts. His back is to me and neither one of them appears to be aware of their surroundings. Chief doesn’t make eye