Page 4 of The Getaway
Shaking my head, I stare down the hallway toward my kitchen.
“There’s still so much to do. I have to finalize the inventory transportation schedule for after the holidays. The fence at the back of the property got damaged during last week’s storm, I need to fix that so none of the animals sneak through to the vineyard. Which then reminds me that the cows need—”
“Dude, stop,” Connor cuts me off, stepping forward and drapes his arm around my shoulder to usher me toward the door. “I know how to do all that. Dad taught me, too.”
“Yes, and that reminds me of another point.” I shrug out of his hold, crossing my arms and raise a brow at him. “You’re supposed to be on winter break. Shouldn’t you be ‘livin’ it up’ at some resort instead of me?”
He avoids my gaze, shoving his hands in his pockets and staring toward the front door.
“We both know why I wouldn’t be anywhere but here right now.” His voice is barely above a whisper, but I hear him loud and clear.
Which only adds to my protests about this whole stupid plan.
“Exactly!” I exclaim, not bothering to keep the desperation from my voice. “Dad needs us both here. Yet you expect me to get on a plane, go to an island—in the middle of the freaking ocean—at a time like this!?”
Connor meets my gaze again and I freeze, the air in my lungs whooshing out.
He’s the spitting image of Dad.
“The last thing Dad said to either of us was how much he wanted you to go,” he says softly.
“And what if something happens to him while I’m gone?” I snap.
Pinching the brim of my nose, I suck in a deep breath before speaking again. “Our dad is in a medically induced coma and the doc all but said his time is limited. How can I leave when he’s…”
Unable to put into words what’s happening, I simply watch as Connor opens the door with a heavy sigh.
“Noah, he booked everythin—”
“You mean, you booked everything,” I interrupt.
“Semantics.” He waves a hand in dismissal and continues. “Everything is all set. Dad wanted to make sure you know how to take time off when needed. And honestly, I agree with him. When was the last time you went on vacation or even just a weekend away?”
I open my mouth to respond, but stop short, realizing the answer will not help my case.
“Let me guess,” he continues. “Fifteen years ago?”
I push my tongue against the inside of my cheek, unable to deny it.
“Can you really blame me for not wanting to leave? The last time I took time off, we lost one parent. Now we’re on the verge of losing another and you want me to leave again?” My chest tightens and I step back, retreating back into my house with a shake of my head. “I can’t…”
“Yes, you can.” Connor turns to me but stays put at my front door. “If something happens with Dad, there’s nothing either of us can do to stop it. But what you can do is follow his wishes and go live a little. Even if it’s only for five days.”
“Con…” I start but can’t think of anything new to say. He takes the opportunity to continue.
“If anything changes with Dad’s condition, I will call you. Immediately. I already verified that there’s flights leaving regularly from the closest airport, so if needed, you can catch an earlier flight home.” He steps toward me, placing his hands back on top of my shoulders and holds my gaze. “Noah, just go. If nothing else, go for a night or two. If you still feel like you shouldn’t be there, then you can cut it short. You can say you did what Dad wanted and be back on your happy land.”
I roll my eyes at him calling the farm my happy land and try to think of any final arguments that would get him on my side but come up blank. If I back out now, dad would have spent this money for nothing and undoubtedly be disappointed that I didn’t go.
Not wanting the last thing he feels toward me to be laced with disappointment, I bend down and grab my suitcase.
“You sure you got everything under control?” I question. Connor nods seriously, which I appreciate him not brushing me off. “And you’ll call me if anything goes wrong? With the farm or Dad?”
“I promise, I will call you if anything goes wrong that I can’t handle or if anything changes with Dad,” he responds.
Reluctantly, I head toward my brother’s truck, letting him lock up the house behind us.
Taking a moment, I look out over the land and wonder how in the hell I’m supposed to actually enjoy five days away while things are falling apart here.