day.
Thankfully, his dad had come into the kitchen looking for the platter Slade never brought out and caught the last part of the spectacle.
Slade let out a deep sigh and opened his eyes.
The only way she was going to listen to him—and it was still a stretch—was if he showed up in person.
But all that could do was invite a door slamming in his face or a restraining order.
Not exactly the entry into early retirement he’d dreamed about.
A soft knock on the door made Slade bolt upright.
When his mom stuck her head into his bedroom, he couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m so sorry, honey.” His mom sat on the bed, and Slade slid over to make a little more room.
Slade shrugged. “These things happen.”
“They don’t have to, though. Don’t let this stop you.” His mom smiled. “You two have a connection. She’s brought out a side of you I haven’t seen in years, even before your brother’s passing.”
Hearing his mom talk about his brother made Slade look away. He didn’t want his mom to see the sorrow in his eyes.
“You don’t have to turn away. We all hurt. We all always will.” His mom’s voice was soft. “But it’s how we live our future that can be a tribute to my son, your brother. Don’t forget that.”
Slade brought his gaze back to his mom’s, and he smiled. “Thanks, Mom. I guess I’m never too old to have you come into my bedroom and help me out.”
She let out a soft chuckle. “I’ve seen the difference, Slade. I don’t want you to lose all the progress you’ve made because of a misunderstanding.”
Slade laughed and shook his head. “It’s quite a misunderstanding.”
His mom’s eyes sparkled with a lightness that had quickly replaced the sorrow. “Yes, it is.” She patted Slade’s hand and chuckled. “And I think you’re the only person who could fix this problem.”
Slade smiled. “Why’s that?”
“Because I swear to God, you’re the only one who could create a problem like this.”
Slade chuckled and nodded in agreement. “It does tend to feel that way.”
“For good reason. It’s true.”
Slade let out a sigh and nodded. “I think I’m going to head on out to Silver Ridge.”
“Tonight?” His mom shook her head. “Wait until morning.”
“Why push off what I can do now?”
“You’re so stubborn,” she muttered under her breath.
“I need a head start, and I need some time to think up a plan. It’s not like I can just show up on her doorstep and ring her bell.”
“Yeah. She’d probably have you arrested at this point.” His mom smiled.
Slade playfully scowled. “Don’t look so happy about it.”
“It’s not that. I’m just so happy to see you energized about something.”
“Even if that something is a woman?” Slade asked.
‘Especially if that something is a woman.” Slade’s mom stood and leaned over to give her son a hug. “Do what’s right. Make it right. That poor girl doesn’t need any more crushing blows to her heart.”
“I know, Mom. That’s why this kills me. Just kills me. Can I borrow the car?”
Slade’s mom nodded. ”Yeah. Just bring it back with a full tank.”
His mom said goodnight and left him to pack his bags.
One way or another, Slade was going to prove to Erika that what she saw wasn’t what was happening at all.
He couldn’t stand Penny. Just the sight of her turned his stomach. There was nothing redeeming about that soul at all, and for Erika to have seen what she did?
Slade shook his head in disgust.
He managed to hop down the stairs, grab the car keys, and hit the road in record time.
It would give him plenty of time to think. He turned on the tunes, and his brother drifted into his mind.
“Lucas, what would you do?” Slade asked as he pulled onto the highway. “I’m at a loss.”
Music filled the tiny space as Slade anxiously waited for an answer that wouldn’t come as he expected. He watched the scenery go by, which eventually turned to the vast darkness of pasture. It was going to be a long drive, but not nearly as long as it must have been for Erika.
When Erika had ignored all his calls, he’d managed to get ahold of Shannon, who’d informed him that she’d driven to Idaho and was driving back.
She was a nervous wreck with her sister deciding to drive back to Washington with everything that had happened.
Slade tried to explain to Shannon exactly what had unfolded, and he thought he might have gotten through a little bit, but he couldn’t