AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She throws me a questioning look.
“You have to understand, Thomas was perfect. Still is.” She opens her mouth to interrupt, but I keep going. She needs to understand the whole picture. “He got the perfect grades, said the perfect things, dressed in the perfect way. He was the measuring stick I was always held up to and found lacking.” I squint my eyes, thinking of an example. “In fact, I’m pretty sure my father said those exact words on my seventh birthday when I swung at the piñata and missed, only to have Thomas swing next and crack the thing in half in one go.”
“Jesus.” Bell sounds horrified.
“Yeah. That’s what it was like growing up in Casa de Moore. It wouldn’t have been so bad if Thomas had been a good brother or had even tried to be friendly. But the kid always had a stick up his ass, was always going off with Stan to do father–son things, never inviting me to come with. Though the old man probably wouldn’t have allowed it anyway.”
“What about Liz?”
“Ah.” I smile, thinking of my sister. “The best day of my life was when Liz was born. I was ten years old, and I finally had a real sibling. Being that she’s ten years younger than me, she was probably a bit of a surprise baby, but having a sister was awesome. Still is.”
“I agree that Thomas isn’t the easiest person to talk to, but why ignore his calls?” Bell gestures to the screen. “If he’s trying that hard to get to you, it might be important.”
I take a moment, trying to put my thoughts into words. “Hmmm.” Actually, more like my feelings into words. “Well, I know it may sound childish, but Thomas was given everything. As Moore descendants, we all have equal shares in the business, but as firstborn, Thomas was primed to take over the reins from Stan. Until he gave it up.”
Bell sits up straighter. “He gave it up?”
I nod, changing lanes and turning the corner.
“But why?” She sounds as confused as I felt that day at lunch with my family.
“I don’t know, and I don’t care.” At her look I try to explain myself. “See, I have always loved Moore’s. Susan and Raymond are basically the parents I never had. I grew up with the store as my playground, and I loved every second of it, even though from the moment I could understand, my father drilled it into my head that it wasn’t for me. That it was for Thomas.”
The many, many memories of my father saying those exact words has me choking the steering wheel.
“Thomas never once called me before he quit the family business,” I continue. “Not for birthdays, to catch up, or even if there was a family emergency. Only Liz did.” I shrug, conceding, “Mom called on occasion.”
Bell squeezes my hand.
“So if Thomas is calling now, I can only imagine it’s because he regrets giving up the job. Or he wants to tell me how to do it.” I sneer at my reflection in the windshield, seeing too many similarities between my brother and me for comfort. “Well fuck you, Thomas. You don’t get to take this from me too.”
I think I’ve shocked her into silence. I’ve shocked myself too, if I’m honest.
After a minute, Bell speaks, her voice soft and distant. “Hey.”
I’m kind of embarrassed, so instead of answering, I concentrate doubly hard on turning into the hotel’s valet drop-off point. If I can just get to the doors, maybe I can hold off whatever words of pity she’s about to deliver. Bet she’s wishing we went somewhere to dinner now. Nothing kills the mood like a pity party.
“Hey,” she says more forcefully.
The valet still has one car to deal with. So close. Ready for whatever, I press the ignition off. “Sorry about that.”
“Don’t apologize. I mean, it isn’t surprising that someone with an uncaring father and absent mother could have so much baggage to work through. I had loving parents, and I still have at least a carry-on.”
That gets a light chuckle from me. Another valet runs over, but Bell holds him off with a wave of her hand.
Damn it.
She takes off her seat belt before fully turning toward me. “You, Chase Moore, are amazing.”
That’s unexpected.
She leans in, clasping my face in her palms, the smooth skin of her hands tickling my five o’clock shadow.
“Despite being told no, that you weren’t good enough, you still grew into one of the most capable and confident people in business I’ve ever met.”
Uncomfortable with her words, I make to pull back, but she holds me in place, touching her forehead with mine. The valet’s peering through the windshield like he thinks we’re crazy, but Bell ignores him, clearly not done.
“You not only deserve to run Moore’s, you’ve earned it. Your father may never admit that, but you know who would? Raymond. And Susan. And everyone else at that store. They love you. I love you. And you are very much enough.”
