“I’m happy to see that neither of you are sore with me.”
“Heavens why?” Grammy asked.
“Well, a couple months ago, another eviction notice had to be served to your father, and I had to have one of my deputies serve the notice. I was undermanned. I hated having to have someone else go do it. I just feel bad a lot of times because I grew up with Greg.”
We all smiled knowing Kevin was only speaking the truth. He was a country boy through and through, and he wouldn't know a lie if it came up and hit him in the forehead.
“Kevin, we knew it was coming. He has been the same my entire life.” I motioned to my Grammy and me. “But why would we be upset with you?”
He took a deep breath. “Just for letting someone else do it. I know it is embarrassing for you, Breigh”
“I appreciate you letting us know,” Grammy said sweetly. “For the record, as you well know, we aren't blind to Greg’s actions. I have been putting up with his silliness for over thirty years. And so has Breigh.”
“Understood. I just have a feeling he is up to something. He was at Ben’s Diner, and I overheard a conversation between him and Charles. They were discussing Galloway.”
My head immediately turned to listen in effectively. Charles used to run in the same circles with my father. He got clean and stayed that way, unlike daddy dearest.
“What was being discussed?”
“I only heard a small amount but it was about Galloway’s family. I’m not going into more detail because it isn’t my business.” He stopped.
Grammy piped in, “Now, Kevin, sweet boy, you run half the rumor mill in Hilltop so don’t give me that, but I hope you really are working on it. Any talking about someone else is gossip, unless it is said by the person themselves.”
“Yes, ma’am. Well, I better get going. Y’all have a great day. Pleasure again to see you both.” He waved and walked toward the counter to order his food.
“What a shock? Greg being up to something…”
“Maybe it was innocent.”
“That man has never done anything innocent, everything is for him. Selfish son of a bi…”
“Grammy….”
“You’re right, darling. You are right.” And the plot thickened. I knew my dear old father was up to something, and in time I’d be a victim again of his selfishness.
15
WYATT
Cash: Are you around?
Wyatt: Yes, are you coming to town?
Cash: Going to be, thought we could get a beer and go out.
Wyatt: We can get a beer but I’m not going out to Kellye Joe’s.
Cash: Why?
Wyatt: I already have someone I’m dating. Not interested in looking or being brought into one of your schemes.
Cash: That’s called a good time, Brother.
Wyatt: I am having a pretty good time right now.
Cash: Emma’s friend?
Wyatt: Yes. When will you be in town?
Cash: Not sure yet, will let you know.
I was sure he would, and he’d be ready to start a tidal wave when he came. Regardless, my eye was on Breigh and that is where it was going to stay. She was in my life now, and I wasn’t going to let her slip away, not if I could help it anyway.
BREIGH
“Anderson Law Office,” I answered the phone frustrated, not sure I could handle another problem today. I had been cleaning up mess after mess and was ready to scream.
“May I speak to Breigh, please?” a deep voice asked, sounding every so professional.
“This is her, how can I help you?”
I continued to shuffle through the files and papers I had scattered around my desk.
“Hi, Breigh. I don’t know if you remember me, but we met a while ago when I was in town. I met you and Emma. My brother, Wyatt…”
He said his name like he wanted to say more but stopped. “What can I do for you?”
I wasn't sure why he was calling and frankly didn't have an extra minute today to deal with it.
“You wouldn't believe the trouble I had getting your office number.”
I waited and found myself reading the paper that was in front of me, jotting down a few notes in the margins that I needed to have initialed and the document retyped.
“I wanted to see if you would be willing to meet me for dinner.”
“I don’t think that is really appropriate, do you?” I questioned. I wasn't going to do anything to put my feelings for Wyatt in jeopardy. Why would Cash think I had any interest in going to eat with him?
“Okay, I guess this has to happen here then. I just wanted to make sure you were talking to my brother for the right reasons.”
“Are you questioning my intentions with Wyatt?”
“Yes, I am. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. My brother can be his own worst enemy, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about your brother. He knows how I feel about him, and I know how he feels about me.”
“You probably don't know what he stands to inherit one day…” And I don't care.
I cut him off quickly, surprising us both. “I am so sick of hearing about money. What is with people and money? Between my father and you, I am ready to pull my hair out.” I paused. “For the record, what makes you think I don't have money myself? You know nothing about me.”
“I know what Emma has told me about you. A lot of that isn't good, although she would never intend for it to sound that way. You seemed to have gotten around a lot when you were younger, have a father who is a drunk, and a mother who is…”
“I’m a grown woman, Cash. I really couldn't give a shit about how you feel about me, and I’m sure your brother would feel the same. If you have something to ask Wyatt or something to question about me, you can do it in front
