Page 56 of Bit's Bliss

“It isn’t that. With everything my dad has done, I feel like I’ve been living with a stranger.”

I took her hand in mind. “While I understand why you might feel that way, that house, even the winery, represents good memories too.”

“You’re right. It was a wonderful place to grow up. Like you said about Los Cab, I took it for granted.”

“I won’t pretend I know how you feel, Eberly. I cannot imagine how hard it is, believing your father has been dishonest with you. Worse, that it appears he committed fraud. What I do know is that holding on to good memories is what sometimes helps me get through the bad shit that’s unavoidable in life.” I wouldn’t say it now, but there had been times when doing that kept me alive.

“So, house? Cottage? Clothes? No clothes?”

Eberly rested her head on my shoulder. “Thank you for being so sweet to me. Oh and, cottage, but I should pick up more clothes.”

“You got it.” I put the truck in gear and was about to pull out, but saw an SUV barreling in our direction. I turned the truck so it was farther off the shoulder.

“What is it?” She glanced behind us. “Oh my God.” She grabbed my arm. “I think that was Tiernan,” she said when the vehicle flew by us.

If Eberly wasn’t with me, I’d follow, but there was no way I’d put her in danger. Instead, I sent a group text to thecaballeros, then one to Vader. Both said the same thing.

Tiernan Burke spotted heading in the direction of Eberly Winery.

17

EBERLY

Less than two weeks ago, I’d almost married a man who left me in a state of panic just by thinking I’d seen him in the SUV that passed us.

“Do you think he’s stalking me?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Eberly, but that we saw him earlier and again now is something the sheriff needs to know.”

“Is that who you sent the message to?”

“Him and my brothers.”

“Right. You said they were on the property.”

Trevino didn’t respond or even look at me, which wasn’t like him.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked.

“Not in the way you’re thinking.”

“In what way, then?” I pressed.

He put the truck in gear and pulled onto the road but turned around and went in the opposite direction of my house. “I’ll try to explain once we’re at Los Cab.”

He’dtryto explain? He wasn’t making sense. I’d push harder, but since we were less thantwo miles from the entrance to the estate and winery, I’d wait. Once there, if he didn’t explain sufficiently, I’d call my uncle and ask if I could stay with him and Aunt Evelyn. I’d had enough of people—my father in particular—keeping secrets from me. I couldn’t accept it from Trevino too.

When he pulled in and parked, I was stunned to see my uncle, Michael, was already there, waiting. Zin was also with him.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I’m not sure.” Trevino got out of the truck, helped me down, then held my hand as we walked toward the cottage.

“Hi, Eberly. Uh, Bit, can we have a word?” Zin asked.

I tried to let go of his hand, but he held on tight. “Let’s go inside,” he said, motioning to them, then leaning closer to me as we walked up the porch steps. “I have to make one very quick call to my brother. It’ll only take a minute.”

He opened the door and led me over to the sofa. “Take a seat, guys,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”