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“Who would show up tonight, and why would it matter? It’s just furniture.”
Dad doesn’t seem normal. Maybe he just doesn’t want to work at the shipyard tonight.
It is Mom’s birthday.
I’ve stayed busy, so I wouldn’t think about all the lies we’ve recently uncovered. I want to hate her. I do a little, if I’m beinghonest, but she did it for love. I’ve tried to put myself in Mom’s shoes all day.
Would I fake my death to be with Alexandra?
Would I walk away from the family I created?
No matter which way I look at things, my answer is no. I wouldn’t put my children through the pain and sorrow for my own selfish wants like she did. Not in this day and age where divorces are more common than marriage.
“Have you heard from Francesca today? She didn’t answer my call earlier.” I ask, changing the subject.
“I didn’t even reach out. She needs time to grieve and heal.”
“It’s not like she did anything wrong. Mom would have shot her first. It was self defense.”
“Well, you know your sister. It takes her longer to deal with things. Give her space and she will call us if she needs anything. Rhett is there with her, so I know she’s safe.”
She’s been MIA all day. It’s not like her to not answer my text messages or phone calls.
“Yeah, I guess. Well, I guess I need to be heading out.”
Dad grunts in response.
I head to the garage and hop in my sports car. I drive toward the shipyard with the windows down and my music turned up.
Dad’s been pissed all day, barely speaking to me. And Alexandra has avoided me for several days.
She’s closer to Dad nowadays. It’s almost weird. She sits in on every meeting, even the ones that don’t involve the family business.
At first, I figured it was because she was interested in the team events, but now, I’m not so sure. She’s always taking notes and texting someone.
When I get to the shipyard, I park in my normal parking spot and get out in search of the new guy.
I look everywhere, but the only other person is Brian, the normal night worker. “Have you seen the new guy?”
Brian turns off the forklift. “What’s his name?”
“No fucking clue. I was told I need to train the new guy with the new shipment.”
He shrugs. “I don’t know of anyone starting tonight. Why would he start in the middle of the week and do a night shipment?”
“That’s what I wondered.”
“So I guess it’s just you and me tonight.”
I look around the empty shipyard and say, “It’s looking that way.”
Grabbing my phone, I send Spencer a message.
Sorry to ask on such a short notice, but can you help with tonight’s shipment? It’s just Brian and me.
He immediately replies.
On my way. Do I need to get Rhett?