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There’s the Odette I know …

We pull into the driveway, and I tell her I have to make a call and I’ll meet her inside in a bit Really I just need a second to breathe A hts and eof file drawers and the rustle of paper

Peekingfor, Odette?”

My father’s study is his private office We both know not to go rifling through it without asking

“I was looking for his last will and testament” She collapses into his desk chair before a heap of files

“Odette” I cluckthe worst here … I don’t think this is the ti you up some chamomile tea?”

Gray-eyed and weary, she nods, shoving the papers back into the desk drawer and shuffling up to bed

I’ve done enough character studies over the years to know that grief—or the threat thereof—does strange things to people It makes them act in ways they ordinarily wouldn’t She’s scared And she’s worried And I need to remember that

My father is an astute businessman and a true provider I have no doubt that in the event of his eventual passing, he’ll ensure everyone he loves gets exactly what they need to carry on without him

I fix Odette ait off on her nightstand Her bathrooht underneath, and her bathwater is running Her tea will be cold by the tiets the rest she needs tonight

And I hope I do too

It’s been a long week—and it’s only Wednesday

At least it can’t get any worse from here

20

Wyatt

I take ht As soon as Cash spots ers of Tennessee whiskey on the rocks

Scanning the roon of the beautiful brunette who invaded my life this past week, but she’s notably absent fro, cowboy-hat-infested place

I’m equally relieved and disappointed

“Where’s your girl?” Cash places my tumbler in front of me