Page 27 of Spending Forever With You

“Ten years later and that’s how you’re choosing to greet your cousin-in-law?” Her smile was wide but her tone was everything but welcoming. I knew there would be some pushback, but per usual, Kay stayed doing the absolute most.

I playfully rolled my eyes as I held my arms out for a hug.

“You’re right. Hi, Kay, it’s been a while. You looking good, girl. Did you get the card and flowers I sent for Jimmy?” Of course she ignored my arms, walking around them and heading into the same room I had just left.

“Yeah, I got them. I’m sure your attendance at his homegoing would’ve been better recei⁠—”

“I was there, just didn’t view the body.” I cut her off because at this point she was just yapping.

“Hmm… well, I’m sure it would’ve been longer if it was up to you.”

Much longer, like never again for you and your cousin.

I had a feeling Kay would be more hurt by my decision to leave Luke all those years ago, but damn, I was getting bitter shoulder pain right now and it wasn’t necessary. I was only here to help Luke and that was it.

“I doubted I had much time left on the avoidance path. The Falls aren’t that big. So what brings you by? Luke told me to call if I needed anything. I didn’t call.” I retook my seat, picking my laptop back up and resumed working.

“I know. Why are you here? Did Deacon offer you money or something? That why you back here?” I snickered as I retook my seat, putting my gaze on my screen. I was being interrupted for nothing.

“He did and I turned him down until he insisted. I mean, once we sell, technically the profit will be half mine. So really I’m getting my just due.” I shrugged, typing away.

“Your just due? Little gi—Hollis, sweetie, your marriage lasted long enough to pay off the deposit on the cake. If anyone is due, it’s me for that backyard full of wasted time and money.”

My mouth dropped at first before I laughed humorlessly.

“Kay, the marriage has lasted ten plus years at this point,” I spat, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I plastered on the same fake ass smile she waltzed in with, to match her energy.

There was a pregnant pause before she spoke.

“Again, why are you here? Don’t give me no bullshit either, Hollis. I don’t have time for it. Is it for some story for that nasty gossip blog you call work? Because he doesn’t need anything from you.”

I released an irritated sigh.

“Just to help Luke get what’s his. I really did tell him I wanted nothing from this but to help. I mean, it’s the house. We…” My voice trembled a bit, shocking me. I closed my eyes, trying to gather my words. This wasn’t about me. This was about Luke and the promise Jimmy made him, no matter if I was included.

“He grew up there. It was always supposed to be his. And I know we’re planning to sell it, but to anybody else but Ray. You and I both know your brother is the worst and will make it hell for him to get it. That’s it, that’s all. So you can back down a bit, Kay. No hidden tricks,” I said, tired of going back and forth with Luke’s cousin on day one of being back in his life.

“And your plans once this is done?”

“To go back to my normal life that doesn’t include Luke. My lawyer is already on standby to file the papers, just need to process this probate thing.”

“Oh yeah. Is it the same lawyer who gave the advice about the statements?”

“Yes. It’s Nasira. You remember her, right?” I knew she did. Her expression softened a bit.

“Oh yeah. Deacon didn’t say it was her. I’m happy to hear she went all the way through law school. Good, now how do you plan on being a good wife to Deacon this time around?” I scoffed at her question.

A good wife? As if I wasn’t one last time.

Instead of responding verbally, I set my laptop on the couch, letting her know she had my full attention. She obviously had a plan and only wanted me to listen.

“You tell me.”

“I have some ideas. Like first, you need to be at his games, sitting with the other WAGs. Public date nights so it helps to sell the word of your family when they vouch for y’all being a happy married couple.” I snorted. Her tone was authoritative.

“Anything else?”

“Plenty, but let’s start there.”