Chapter 6

ROSE

My mother was older but not as frail as she could’ve been. Her skin was more taut than most people her age. Her hair still had shades of the fiery red I’d inherited from her. She wasn’t as spry as she used to be. That was expected. But it was nice knowing she’d be around for a long time.

I sat at the dining room table, looking out of the window and enjoying the view. There were parts of Ivory like this where the sky was a little clearer and the air was a little crisper. The sun was out today and my father was in the distance, enjoying it as much as he could.

“What’s he doing out there?”

My mother poured me a cup of tea then glanced out the window to see what I was staring at.

“Oh, he’s just trying to keep himself occupied,” she sighed. “You know your father.”

“It’s a little too hot to be moving around bales of hay like that. Maybe you should tell him to take a break.”

“I never told your father what to do when it came to working. I’m not about to start. Don’t worry. He’s not so old that he’ll keel over just from some light labor. He knows his limits.”

“I guess so…”

My mother took a seat in front of me while I stirred a spoonful of sugar into my tea.

“You shouldn’t have too much sugar now,” she said. “I read it can be real bad for you…”

“I know, mom. I read whatever it is you did. You don’t have to worry about me. A spoonful of sugar won’t kill me.”

She smiled softly at me. As annoying as it was for her to hover over me, I’d gotten used to it a long time ago. I knew she was just being a mother.

“You’ve been back in Ivory for a few months now. How are things?”

“I can’t complain.” I took a sip of my tea and smacked my lips. “Ivory is a lot more peaceful than anywhere I’ve ever been to. Some parts of this town are so quiet, I can actually hear myself think. When I was in school, I got so used to all of the chatter that I couldn’t live without it. When I was studying. When I was working on a paper. Even when I was sleeping. There always had to be some noise to make me feel comfortable. It’s nice to have to get used to peace and quiet.”

“And have you thought about what you’re going to do here?”

“I’ve got a few applications. I’ve been looking at job listings. I don’t think I’ll have a problem filling any vacancies. A lot of businesses in Ivory are hiring, especially for a college grad. You don’t have to worry.”

“I’m not worried, sweetie. You just make sure you relax as much as you can before you get into it. You shouldn’t do anything you don’t wanna do unless your heart’s really in it.”

“I know… Believe me, I’ve worked my way through four years of college. This little time off while I find a job in Ivory… I’m not about to take it for granted.”

My mother sat quietly, smiling at me while I turned my attention back out to my father. He was still working out in the sun, shifting the bales of hay from outside into the barn.

My parents had a modest farm but it was more than accommodating for the two of them. It was nice to have a place to stay for awhile that was more comfortable than any apartment I could find in town. The farmhouse wasn’t fancy but it did the job.

I was halfway through a sip of tea when there was a knock at the door.

“Expecting company?” I asked.

“Your father and I never get any company… I’ll be just a second.” I didn’t think much of it as she left to answer the door. A few moments later, I turned around and saw my brother standing there.

“Joey?” I was half-surprised even though there wasn’t any reason I should have been. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to talk to you.”

My brother took my mother’s seat. His hair and clothes were just as disheveled as they were the last time but I didn’t think much of it.

My mom walked up next to us. “Can I get you a cup of tea, Joseph—”

“I’m fine. I just… I need to talk to Rose here. Can I get a second?”

“Of course.”

My mother and I exchanged glances before she turned around and left. Joey watched her the entire time until he was sure she was gone. He turned back to me. There was something in his eyes. His hesitation was enough for me to know something was up and for a second, I wondered if I wanted to know what was up.

“I need a favor,” he said.

“I expected as much. What is it?”

“I need to borrow some money.”

“That… I didn’t expect.” I scrunched my face in confusion, not sure I’d heard him correctly. “You know I’m not working, right? You know I just graduated college. Student loans are actually a thing…”

“I don’t need much. Just enough to get some equipment. I’ll get you the money back in a week tops.”

“All right…” I took a sip of tea and sighed then leaned back in my seat. “You know I can’t just give you money no questions asked.”

He leaned forward, whispering like he wasn’t sure my mother had left. “You’re not giving it to me. I’m borrowing it. You’ll get it back. It’s for… It’s for equipment.”

“And how much do you need for this equipment of yours?”

“Just a grand. You’ve gotta have at least that much on you.”

“I do. That kinda money isn’t something I’m completely comfortable with though…”

“I know. That’s why I’m asking you and nobody else. We trust each other, don’t we, sis? Like I said, you’ll get the money back. I’ll even pay you a little interest if you want.”

“Interest over a week-long loan. Funny.”

“Are you gonna gimme the money or not?”

If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought Joey was upset with me. But the longer I stared into his eyes, the more desperate he looked. Always a troublemaker, now wasn’t any different.

“Gambling?” I asked.

“It’s not a gamble if it’s guaranteed.”

“Drugs?”

“If I used drugs, there’s no chance I’d be able to pay you back.”

“How about you just tell me what it is you’re up to?”

“I…” He looked away from me and I already knew the answer that was coming. “I can’t. You just to have to trust me on this, sis.”

He turned back to me. His eyes were almost pleading. It didn’t feel right, not knowing what the hell he was up to. But he was still my brother.

“I don’t have the money on me,” I sighed.

“I don’t need it right now. Just get it to me in a few days at the most. I’ll give you a call.” He got up from his seat, the smile I was so used to seeing returning to his face. “Thanks, Rose.”

I didn’t say anything more. I just nodded and turned back to my tea while I listened to him leave. I looked back out at my father still working with the hay. My mother took her place back where she was before.

“Everything all right with your brother?” she asked.

“Joey’s fine. Joey’s always fine. Nothing I need to worry about.”

“He’s always been that way but he’s still young. You can’t blame me for worrying about him.”

“Mom… Can I ask you something?”

“What is it, sweetie?”

“Joey… How much do you really care about him?”

“Rose.” I could hear the surprise in her voice. “What kind of question is that? I knew what kind of man your father was when I was with him. I accepted all of his faults as well as all of the things that made him who he is. He had a wandering eye but he’s a good man. Your father lost himself in a moment. I won’t forget that but I do forgive him.”

“Yeah… I guess that makes sense.”

“If there’s something wrong with Joey, I’m more than willing to help.”

“Nothing’s wrong with Joey. Things are the same as they used to be.”

It was a quiet day at the farmhouse. With nothing on my schedule for the rest of the day, I could relax and bask in the glow of my temporary vacation. I thought about what I would do later on that night when I felt my phone rumble in my pocket. I looked at the message from Ashton and smiled. Tonight was gonna be a little more special than usual.