Dad lets out a chuckle and grins. “You know I was thinkin’ about your brother, and how hard it’s gonna be for him when he gets out of prison. Tyler’s in the same situation, with his record, so I thought I’d give him a chance. He’s a hard worker and seems disciplined enough to handle the responsibility, especially with his military experience. Y’all hung out together, so he can’t be too bad. And back in the day, he helped me a few times over the summer when I needed a hand.”
I lift my eyebrow, still annoyed he didn’t give me a heads-up.
“Plus, your old man ain’t gettin’ any younger. It’ll be nice to have some help, but if it makes you feel any better, I told him it was a trial run.” He finishes his drink, then throws the can in the garbage. “You’re not mad, are ya?”
“No, no. I was just curious. Hopefully, he works out for you.” I understand where my dad’s coming from because when Noah’s released, he’ll need all the help he can get. It’s a small town, and gossip travels faster than lightning around here. Most won’t see my brother or Tyler for who they are, but rather as convicts. It’s a stigma that’ll follow them around for the rest of their lives. I pray someone offers Noah the same opportunity if he decides to come home when he’s released. He calls me twice a month, always asks about Katie and Dad, my job, and other town gossip. I don’t visit much—he doesn’t like us to see him like that—but when we do, it’s better than nothing. I miss him so much and can’t wait until he’s released. Though I know it won’t be easy for him, he deserves the chance to start over.
Noah might’ve made a tragic mistake, but he’s not a murderer. My brother has the kindest, most honest heart, and I don’t care what the assholes at the grocery store mutter under their breaths when I walk in. Over the years, it’s gotten better, but the wounds aren’t fully healed, especially Katie’s.
Dad always talks about paying it forward and treating people the way you want to be treated. It’s one of his core values, one that Noah and I were taught growing up. While Tyler needs this job, it won’t make seeing him every day any easier. There are a lot of hard feelings and buried emotions when it comes to him, and it was easy to forget what happened when he wasn’t in town. Now, he’ll only be feet away from me; a constant reminder I wasn’t enough to make him stay.
My heart races thinking about it.
I glance up at the clock and notice I’m late to a lunch date with Robert. Dad pulls out his sandwich and sits at the little table, and I give him a quick squeeze and tell him I’ll be back in an hour. That’s one good thing about working here. Dad doesn’t care if I go out during the day. I have leniency, and pretty much can do whatever I want, though I never leave him hanging. It’s a cushy job, and I get paid well. My dad always wants the best for his kids, but he makes me earn it too. Handouts don’t and won’t ever exist around here.
As I drive across town, my mind spins. Mindlessly, I drive to one of the only fine dining restaurants in town.
Before I get out, I check myself in the mirror and notice how frazzled I look. I tuck my wild hair behind my ears and pull some lipstick from my purse to add some color to my lips. After a few deep breaths, I walk into the restaurant with a smile planted as I search for him.
As soon as Robert sees me, his hazel eyes light up, and he stands. I quickly realize we’re not dining alone since a couple of other men are seated at the table. Once I reach him, Robert leans in and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Before sitting, he whispers in my ear how pretty I look. Then being the doting fiancée that I am, I smile at all the men at the table and sit next to Robert.
His hard work and determination are admirable. Business is booming right now, and he works himself to the bone. While I understand why he’s always on the go, this typically means we don’t get to spend as much time together as we’d like. The moments we do have, I want to treasure and not share him with other people, but I make exceptions.
I should be used to this by now, though, because it happens so often. I’m lucky to have found a loving man who wants to make me happy. Most people assume that since we’re fifteen years apart, I’m only with him because of his wealth. Being with Robert has nothing to do with his money or businesses. Though he’s every woman’s cliché of the perfect man—tall, dark, and handsome—I wanted a relationship based on mutual love and respect. I don’t care if he can buy me the world. Large diamond rings, mansions, and fancy cars don’t matter to me.