Page 106 of All This Time

The Night that Changed Everything

“You did the right thing, George.” My mother’s voice stops me in my tracks as I head toward the kitchen.

“I know, but I still feel shitty about it. What if he tries to sue us?”

I peek around the corner and see my mom framing my father’s face with her hands. “He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. You had just cause for firing him.”

“Everything okay?” I ask, interrupting their moment even though I probably shouldn’t.

My mom smiles at me as she releases my father and moves back to the stove. “Everything isfine, Laney.”

“Dad?”

“Just work stuff, kiddo.” He walks over to me and kisses me on the top of the head. “How was your day?”

“Ugh. Boring. I can’t wait to graduate.”

“Only a few more months,” my mother says. “I can’t believe we’re going to be empty nesters soon, George.”

“I know, honey. You remind me about it every day.” He looks over at me and winks.

“At least Laney will be with Rhonan at Florida State. That makes me feel better,” Mom says while stirring the contents of the pot in front of her. She reaches up and rubs her temples a few times.

“Still have that headache?” my father asks.

“Yeah. I don’t want to take any more medicine, but I think I should.”

My father goes to the medicine cabinet to retrieve some pills, handing them to my mom along with a glass of water. “If you’re in pain, you need to take something.”

Rolling her eyes, she obliges my father’s request. “There. Happy?”

“I’d be happier if you didn’t push yourself so hard.”

My mom eyes my father over her shoulder. “Well, that’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

“You both work too hard,” I interject. “But with me and Rhonan down in Florida, perhaps you guys will be forced to take a few days off and come visit us.”

My mom rolls her eyes. “Good luck with that. I’ve been trying to get your father to take a vacation for years, Laney, and haven’t had any luck.”

My dad crosses his arms. “Fine. Let’s go somewhere this weekend.”

My mom freezes. “What?”

Dad shrugs. “You’re right. We never go anywhere, and after this week with Daniel, I think I need it.”

“You’re serious?”

My father walks over to Mom and wraps his arms around her waist. “Yes, Elizabeth. Let’s get away for a few days. Laney will be fine by herself. Besides, Rhonan said he’s coming home this weekend to visit and grab a few things from his room, so she won’t be completely alone.”

My mom turns to me. “Are you okay with this?”

I nod enthusiastically, not only because I think my parents deserve some time away, but because I know that Fletcher is coming back with Rhonan, which means there’s an opportunity for us to be alone and there will be two less people to worry about finding out.

“You two deserve it. Maybe go to the coast. I hear Carrington Cove is beautiful this time of year.” My father smiles. “That’s what I was thinking. And while we’re there, we can sit down and plan that trip to Aruba you’ve always wanted to go on.”

My mother’s eyes widen with excitement. “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?”

Dad laughs. “I’m just a man who loves his wife and was reminded this week that running this winery has robbed me of time I’ll never get back. I’m trying to live in the moment, honey. Let me, will you?”