“That doesn’t mean he won’t try, and you know how he likes to play dirty.”
“Trust me, when it comes to my father, I’m bulletproof.”
Savannah nodded. “I should also tell you that before I spoke to a lawyer, I offered to settle with Siggy. I offered him the shares back for the million in debt I owe.” When Trent shook his head, she rushed on. “I know it was foolish, but I’m sick to death of the whole thing and just want to be done.”
“What did he say?”
“He told me he’s going to take back the shares and not pay me a cent.”
Trent nodded. “He’s a pretty good poker player, and he knows you pretty well. He probably expected a bluff like that would scare you. Was this before or after you told him about Fred and Gerry?”
“Before.” She didn’t want to admit that she’d been scared. “His arrogance made me so mad. And after what he pulled the day I closed on my house, I don’t see him as an all-powerful threat anymore.”
She didn’t care about the shares and she didn’t care about the money. Once she was working again, she could pay off the debt she owed. The only danger she faced was if the lawsuit made public the truth about Dylan’s biological father.
“Don’t get between a mama and her baby.”
“Darn right.”
Trent laughed. The sound made Savannah smil
e. She was enjoying being on the same team. Being estranged from him this last year and a half had plunged her into a bleak, gray world. They might not ever be together as a family the way she wanted, but being able to laugh with him and watch him with Dylan was pretty great, too.
When the trio entered the house, Melody was in the kitchen fixing dinner while Murphy sat at her feet, his huge brown eyes luminous as he begged for handouts. Trent had given Rhoda the night off. After having her offer of help rejected, Savannah took her suitcase to the guesthouse and unpacked while Dylan sat on the bed and checked out the new puzzle she’d bought him.
Half an hour later, the four of them sat on the terrace and ate hamburgers loaded with jalapeño, guacamole and fresh tomatoes. It was a familiar family gathering. While Melody and Savannah had lived in New York City, they’d made an effort to eat together at least twice a month—more often when Trent visited.
“I really liked the duet you and Trent sang,” Savannah said as talk turned to Melody’s new album.
“He played that for you?” Melody shot a surprised look at her brother.
“I don’t think he meant to. It was on the same CD with the song you and Dylan sang. Which was amazing, by the way.” Savannah saw Trent drop a bit of hamburger to the waiting Murphy and frowned at him.
“Wasn’t he great?” Melody said. “I think if the album doesn’t work out I might do one for kids.”
“Your album’s going to be great,” Trent said. “But you might think about recording your other songs, as well. I can hear kids singing about noses, roses and toeses all around the world.”
“I second that,” Savannah said. “So when do I get to hear more of the album?”
“She’s not including the duet on her album,” Trent insisted. “As a matter of fact, I’m going to get Nate to destroy the master.”
“So I’ll have the only copy?” Savannah rather liked the idea.
She recalled the first time she’d heard the song. Melody had written it during their days in New York. It had been a collaboration of sorts: Savannah’s life put to Melody’s music. Trent had never caught on that the song was about him. Originally the song had been titled “He’s the One,” but that had hit a little too close to home. Once Melody had changed the gender, Savannah could pretend that the lyrics were about anyone.
“Can we talk about something besides my album?” Melody said.
“Sure,” Trent said, sliding a look his sister’s way. “Kyle’s coming into town next week. He, Nate and I are going to talk about a new business venture.”
Noticing that Melody hadn’t commented on Kyle’s imminent arrival and was instead fussing with her nephew, Savannah picked up the conversation. “Another club?”
“Kyle wants to open one in LA. Something he can manage on a day-to-day basis.” From Trent’s manner, he was trying to engage his sister. Obviously Melody hadn’t divulged any details about what was going on between her and Kyle. “He’s been scouting properties and has narrowed it down to three.”
“I’m not surprised you’re looking to expand, given how well Club T’s is doing.”
“Of course, LA is a different market. But one that Kyle knows pretty well. He said he’s been out a lot lately. I suppose it’s because he’s been missing you while you’re on tour.” This last was directed at his sister.
“It has nothing to do with me,” Melody said. “Kyle’s never been one to sit around for long. He likes being busy. I’m surprised it’s taken this long for him to take this step. I know whenever you need him to fill in for you at Club T’s he really enjoys it.”