Page 87 of The Rebel

“She’s worried.”

“I bet she is. If something like that happened to any of our grandparents or even parents, I’d lose my shit.”

“So would I. Sorry I stood you up.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll check if Chad has time to discuss some numbers. I looked them over with Xander last night.”

“Irregularities?” I asked, frowning.

“No, just things we could do better.”

That was one of our unspoken mottos. Things could always be better.

“I can log into a call if you do need me,” I said.

“Dude, you just said you want to take care of your woman. Why don’t you focus on that?”

“You’re right, but keep me in the loop.”

“Sure. I’ll copy you on any emails.”

I expected my brother to hang up after that, but he didn’t.

“What?” I pushed.

“Nothing. I’m just surprised at this development. First, that you’re crossing that line again.”

I groaned. “I don’t like that description.”

“No, you’re right. Shitting where you eat again. Is that better?”

I groaned. “Beckett, come on.”

“Sorry. Someone has to give it to you straight.”

“It’s different than before. It’s more different than anything I’ve done in my life.”

“Well, at least that’s good. Just be careful.”

“Daisy is not like her,” I said.

“I wasn’t implying that. We all like Daisy. Even our grandfathers, and they barely met her.”

“They said they’d keep quiet about our run-in on the bayou.”

“I believe they told you they wouldn’t tell the grandmothers.”

That’s true. Details like that were very important in my family.

“So, who else knows?” I asked.

“Just me. I asked them specifically not to share it with anyone else.”

“That’s awfully thoughtful of you.” I was downright suspicious.

“Nah, that just means I’m the only one who can give you shit for a while. But they will put two and two together when I tell them you’re off with Daisy.”

“I know.”