“A teacher,” Nick said. “I never would have guessed.”

“I’m not planning on settling down, so I don’t see it happening.” He finished his beer, then passed Nick the bottle. “You like working here?” he asked, motioning to the bar.

“Sure. The hours are good and the pay is decent and I spend my time hanging out with people I like.”

Del wondered which was the most important. Based on what he’d seen of his brother’s sculptures, he would guess the working schedule that freed Nick’s mornings and early afternoons. When he could be outside, creating. Because for so many artists, it was all about the light.

“You hear from the twins much?” he asked.

“Not really,” Nick said, getting him another beer. “Mom said they’ll be back for Dad’s birthday. We’ll see if that really happens.”

“They took off, what? Three years ago?”

Nick nodded. “Right after Dad’s heart attack. One day they were here, the next they were gone. Sort of like you.”

Del sighed. “You’re never letting that go, are you?”

Nick grinned. “As long as it bothers you, we’re all going to keep poking at the wound. You know that, brother.”

“Yes, I do.”

It was the law of the Mitchell jungle. Only the strong survived. Or left. Of course, he was assuming that getting out was a sign of strength. Ten years ago, he’d known he hadn’t had a choice. But things were different now. He was a grown man with a lot of success. He was more confident. He had money in the bank and he had options. But he also had questions, and as of now, no way of getting answers.

CHAPTER EIGHT

MAYA OPENED THE back door of her car and Sophie jumped down. “You’d go with anyone for a car ride, wouldn’t you?”

The beagle gave a happy wag of her tail, before heading into the house. Elaine turned to Maya.

“Thank you for everything. I appreciate your help.”

“You’re welcome. You’re sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m not really in any pain. You’re a good friend.”

Maya hugged her, careful to avoid the side with the still-healing incisions. “I’m here for you. If you need anything, call me.”

“I will.” Elaine straightened. She gave an impish smile. “I’m going to tell Ceallach that I have a hangover from our girls’ night. That way I can relax for the rest of the day and he’ll fuss. It’ll be good for both of us.”

Maya nodded, even as she thought that what would be good for the family was Elaine to come clean. But it wasn’t her problem and she would do well to remember that. She’d supported her friend and would continue to do so. Even if she didn’t like keeping the secret.

Maya drove home. On the way, she considered what she was going to do with the rest of her day. She had the usual weekend chores—laundry, a bathroom to clean. Neither of which sounded especially inspiring. Or interesting.

She pulled into the driveway and noticed the plants on her front porch. They’d looked a little pale a few days ago and now were hanging down as if they’d died in the night.

“What on earth?”

She’d never had plants before, so didn’t know what she was doing wrong. She studied them, thinking they looked desperately sad. She’d been faithfully watering them. Had they needed food or something? Was she starving her plants?

“Those don’t look good.”

She glanced up and saw Del standing on the sidewalk. At the sight of him, her entire body seemed to get a little lighter. Tiny tingles ignited in her stomach and fingertips. She hoped she didn’t look as happy to see him as she felt.

“I don’t know what I did wrong,” she admitted. “Any gardening experience in your past?”

“Sorry, no.”

“Me, either.”

“You done with your girls’ weekend?” he asked.

“Yes. I just took your mom and Sophie home. I was going to get replacement plants.”

“Want some company?”

The unexpected question had her nodding. “Yes, please. You can carry the plants back.”

“What about equality between the sexes?” he asked, his voice teasing.

“What about bite me?”

Del laughed. “Let’s go.”

She joined him on the sidewalk and they went north on Brian Lane. The neighborhood was quiet, with smaller, one-story houses and wide lawns.

“There’s such a suburban feel to this part of town,” she said. “However do you survive?”

“I like the suburbs.”

“No, you don’t. You’re world traveler guy. You’re probably counting the days until you leave.”

“I’ll be ready when the time comes, but it’s okay to be back. Sort of.”

“What does that mean?”

“Aidan’s not talking to me. I know he’s mad I left ten years ago. That, I get. But Nick told me that Aidan bought Mom out of the business. He owns the company outright. So if he’s so unhappy, why does he stay? He could sell and go somewhere else.”

“Have you asked him about that?”

“He doesn’t stay in the room long enough for me to have a conversation with him.”

“How hard have you tried?”

Del was silent. Maya shook her head. “You’re such a guy. Maybe he needs to see you make a little effort. I don’t pretend to understand all your family dynamics, but what I can tell you is that people want to feel like they’re being heard. Maybe he needs to know you’re interested in listening to his side of things.”