Page 126 of Thorns and Ashes
“No one is innocent,” he sneers.
“Well,father,” I say slowly, leaning in close to the glass. “You’re certainly not.”
His eyes narrow, and he shakes his head in disgust.
All I feel now is pity for him. With a sigh, I let my shoulders drop, my hand gripping the phone tighter as I look down and back up at him. His eyes search mine, and for a second we remain like this, staring at each other without saying a word.
“Take the deal,” I say finally, letting my words settle between us.
I move to hang up and leave, but his hand comes back to the glass.
“Take care of your mother,” he says when I put the phone back to my ear.
There’s a small hesitation that flickers in his steely blue eyes, but it’s enough to give me hope that one day, maybe, he’ll forgive me.
My father took the stand and testified. He cooperated and agreed to the deal, so they didn’t throw the book at him, although the sentence of fifteen years with the possibility of parole is still daunting. When he saw me in the courtroom, the coldness in his eyes was gone, and in its stead was only regret.
That was the hardest part.
With the money the U.S. Attorney returned, I was able totake care of my mother, just as my father had asked. I figured it’s one request of his that I don’t mind fulfilling. With the money, she was able to afford rent at the townhouses here, and it’s enough to hold her over until she can find a job. I also let her know that if ever the time comes when she wants to file for divorce, I have Jerry on retainer. I didn’t know what to expect when I told her that, but her breaking down in tears and hugging me wasn’t it. I couldn’t remember the last time my mother actually hugged me before that. Our relationship is far from good, but at least there’s a bridge built there now.
“I’ll be fine,” I tell Levi again. “Besides, it’s been a good day.”
I beam up at him. “I shipped the orders to those stores I told you about, and Ms. Dot placed another large order today for the doggy birthday party she’s having next month. This one is triple the amount of the last one.”
He grins, his face filled with pride as he looks at me.
“That’s amazing,” he murmurs.
“Right. I asked Callie if we could add another oven in the back at the cafe today to keep up with all the orders, and she said yes.”
“Of course she did,” he says. “Callie knows good business when she sees it. She’s a DuPonce after all, and Ellie’s Biscuits will be a household name someday. You’ll see, babe.”
I look away with a laugh, but can’t wipe the smile that’s growing on my face. Ever since Ms. Dot bought those first biscuits, I have had requests for more. With a little encouragement, I took the leap and officially formed an LLC, making Ellie’s Biscuits a real business. And of course, there’s no better home for them than the Cozy Pines Cafe, bringing the two together in a way that’s as sweet for our customers as it is for business.
Of course, even with their new circular shape, Ainsley, Rory, and I still sometimes refer to them as ballsack biscuits when no one is around, but my customers don’t need to know that. It’s funny to think about where it all began and look back on all the moving pieces that somehow came together to get me here. So much can change in a year. It wasn’t without some growing pains, but I’m proud of the person I’ve become and the future that I’m building.
“Hey, Tris,” Billy and Mark say as we enter the kitchen.
“Hey, guys.” I pull out the box of goodies I brought from the cafe and place it on the table as Chief walks in.
“I brought these here as a gift from Rory.” I wink at Chief, whose face turns a deep shade of pink. “Apparently, someone has a sweet tooth and has yet to decide which flavor of cake he wants for his birthday coming up.”
“Ha, no worries,” Mark says as he opens the box to reveal a ton of pastries. “We’ll help him decide.”
“I’m sure you will,” I tease.
Beside me, Levi groans. “Great, just what I need. These two idiots hopped up on sugar. What could go wrong?”
“Lighten up, big guy,” Billy quips. “Maybe a little bit of something sweet is exactly what you need.”
Levi stares at him, lips pressed together, eyes unblinking, expression flat, but Billy simply grins.
“Children,” he grumbles. “I work with adult-sized children.”
“You still working on the duplex after your shift tomorrow?” I ask Levi when he finally stops glaring at the guys.
Levi’s been helping with rebuilding the duplex so we can eventually get out of the hotel. It’s been fun living there these last few months, but a hotel is not a home. If he’s not working, he’s spending his time there. I’ve barely seen him, but he keeps reassuring me that repairs will all be finishedsoon, whenever that is.
