Max
Two months later…
I can’t say I’ve handled Avery leaving well. I spent the greater part of the week after searching for the answers at the bottom of a whisky bottle. I didn’t even show my face in the office. Losing someone you love will make you lose interest in all the things you love—my winery being one of them. I tried texting and calling her a few times, but to no avail. She never responded or answered.
Every time Easton and Zach stopped in, I’d want to fight them just to get them to leave. I wanted to be alone to wallow. I wanted time to myself. Time to work through my emotions. The ones that touched every fucking spectrum of the emotional wheel. I’ve ranged from hurt to pissed, heartbroken to over it.
I moved through them.
I picked myself up and put one foot in front of the other.
Two weeks after sobering my ass up, I let my heart lead the way. Call it part of my healing, but I needed to do what I felt was right. At my attorney’s office, I had him sign part of the land that included the house to Avery and deliver it on a date I specified. I didn’t have to put a lot of thought into it. It was the right thing to do.
Jade comes into my office, annoyed being an understatement. “That stupid wine cooler under station three has gone out again. Can we replace it?”
I peer up from my papers. “Again? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
“The week you were off on your drinking vacation, it went out twice.”
“Then why haven’t you already replaced it?”
“‘Cause you’re the boss and I needed to have you sign off on it first. But if you’re saying I can buy what my little heart desires, count me in.”
“I trust you to make the right business decisions.”
She bobs her head. “Right. Business. Yep,” she jests taking a seat in the chair. When her smile morphs into concern, I know what’s next. “Are you okay?”
“I am,” I reply simply.
“Did you go through with the deal?”
Jade can’t grasp why I did what I did, and I wish I’d never said anything to Zach about it. Slowly, I pull a breath in, exhaling it through my nose. I don’t care to talk about it, but I answer anyway. “I did.”
“You’re sure about it?”
“Yes, Jade. I don’t need the house. I was planning on tearing it down anyway.”
I watch her tears well up in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Max.”
This is what happens when she doesn’t listen to me. I’ve told her so many times to not plan, not to put all her “my brother needs a good woman” in one basket.
I smile. It’s fake, but it’s a smile. “Shit happens.”
“You know I’m here if you want to talk?”
That won’t be happening. “I’m fine, Jade,” I’m sterner this time.
But she doesn’t listen. “Are you though? Like deep down okay or are you playing macho man and hiding it?”
“I’m giving her the house and land for my own personal closure. I’m moving on. I’m fine,” I lie. I’m still fucking heart broken, but I’m doing what I have to so I can move past this.
She walks around the desk and wraps her arms around my shoulders, kissing my cheek. “I love you, butthead.”
“Love you too,” I tell her and then swallow the itch at the bottom of my throat.
“Maaassss!” Caleb comes screaming through the door.
“Tyke!” I smile, scooping him into my lap. He genuinely makes me happy. “How was your day?”
“Goo,” he replies. “Pway san.”
“You played in the sand?” Deciphering what he’s saying takes a damn detective.
“Uh-huh.” He nods. “Down.” He points and I move him.
“Figured you’d need a pick me up since you’re still pissing on your feet,” Zach smiles at the door. “You up for Lucy’s this weekend?”
I arch a brow. “Preferably not.”
“Our house for supper then?” Jade chimes in.
“I’m good.”
She shoves my shoulder. “I really wasn’t asking.”
I chuckle. “And I’m really good, but you don’t listen.”
“That’s because we know your brooding ass pretty well,” Zach says. “Guys trip. Douchebag, douchebag number two, and me. Hit a cabin or fly our asses to Florida and enjoy some damn warmth. We’ll have a guys’ weekend. A mancation.”
“Not without me,” Jade bellows out.
“What part of mancation did you miss?” Zach teases.
“I’m really fine,” I say.
“When’s the last time you’ve gotten laid?” Zach asks.
I tilt my head, gawking him. “Do you really want to be jealous?” I bluff, unless you want to call jerking off getting laid.
“Pffft. I have to beat him off with a stick,” Jade speaks up and I want to gag. It’s one thing to joke with my best friend. It’s another hearing your sister is involved.
Zach must see the agony on my face and he busts out laughing. “Well, my offer stands. Get out of the house for a little bit. Guy time. Get shit off your chest.”
“Daddyyy,” Caleb interrupts. “Potty.”
Zach grabs his hand. “Alright, little dude. Let’s do it.” He looks over his shoulder at me. “Saved by the pee. Think about it.”
There’s nothing to think about. Right now, I’m not interested in drowning my worries in pussy. Although a fabulous Band-Aid to get your mind off things, it’s momentary. I’ll get myself back up to par on my own time.