Page 114 of Finding Us
“So, what’s the plan from here?” I ask Connor as he takes a seat at my dining table.
“There’s enough evidence to excavate the backyard.”
“They’re going to knock down the shed and pull up the slab?”
“Yes, with your permission of course.”
“I don’t give a fuck about that place; they can bulldoze the entire thing for all I care, I just want to find out what happened to my mum.”
“I was able to track down his will,” Connor says, pulling a manila envelope from his briefcase and sliding it across the table towards me.
“I’m not interested in that.”
“He left everything to you … the houses, his extensive share portfolio, the bank accounts, all of it.”
“I don’t want it.”
“Half of what he owned rightfully belonged to your mother. His estate will go into probate, and if you decide you still don’t want any of it, give it away. Think about what that kind of money could do for Bridge. You said yourself you’re struggling to keep your head above water. We’re talking multiple millions here, Mason. You could even donate some to a charity for battered women, in memory of your mum.”
I lift one shoulder, because as of right now I want nothing from that man … not a damn penny. But Connor’s right; that kind of money could help a lot of people. It would be enough to help me fully realise Betty’s dream, and I like the idea of doing something in my mother’s name. I couldn’t help her, but I might be able to help others in the same situation.
“I’ll think about it.”
“It’s probably going to take a week or so to get everything organised, but do you want to be present for the dig when it happens?”
“Would you think I was a coward if I said no?”
“Of course not. If I was in your shoes, I doubt I’d want to be there either.”
“Then no, I don’t want to be present.”
“I’ll be there,” he says, “and I’ll make sure that if she’s found, she’ll be treated with the utmost respect.”
My nostrils flare and my eyes burn as I push my chair back and stand. When I turn and leave the room, Connor lets me go. I’m not mad at him, not in the slightest. I’m grateful that I have someone like him in my corner. He’s been amazing, but knowing that my mother may be lying underneath that slab of concrete is something I don’t know how to deal with.
Blake’s eyes move from me to Red. “Can I go back and finish watching my movie now?”
“Do you want seconds?” she asks.
Like always, she made us a beautiful dinner. Tonight, when she invited me to stay, I accepted. Although I still don’t know where I stand with her, I like being around her. In a way, it feels like old times, and the fact that she even wants me here gives me hope.
“I need to leave room for my ice cream,” Blake answers.
“Who said you’re having ice cream?” I chime in.
“Jazzie.”
My attention moves back to her; it gives me the perfect excuse to stare without looking like a creeper. I arch a brow. “Did she now?”
She looks gorgeous today. There’s a light dusting of make-up on her face that only enhances her natural beauty. Her long hair is down, and she’s wearing a sexy, little white sundress, which has large blue flowers printed on it … it makes her pretty eyes pop. I want to eat her up.
“What?” she asks. “I always give him a small bowl of ice cream after dinner.”
“Do I get one too?”
“If you behave yourself.”
I push my plate away and rest my arms on the table. “Define what you mean by behave?” When she looks away and her cheeks pinken, I know exactly where her mind went. Leaning forward in my seat, I swipe my tongue along my bottom lip. “Are you going to answer me, Red?”
