After that, they pull Derek aside for a talking head about his plans, and I go inside and bury myself in bathroom tile work.

Twenty minutes or so later, there’s a knock at the door.

“We have mudders for that,” Daniel says.

“I don’t mind. I’ve been watching some videos on YouTube. Wanted to see if I could do it.”

“Apparently, you can,” he says, his tone approving.

“I’m slow. Professionals would have had this laid down already.”

Daniel grunts noncommittally.

“Your brother left. Said he’ll be back in two weeks with a crew to get to work on the terrace.”

This time I grunt noncommittally.

“He seemed to linger longer than necessary. Like he was waiting for you to come back.”

I plop down a tile, adjusting it carefully along my string level.

“He wanted to talk to you, Cameron.”

I sigh, getting to my feet and brushing my hands together, shaking off some dried mud. “I’m sure he does. I imagine he has all sorts of things to say about how he’s glad I finally came home and found a real job, even if it’s in television. I bet he’d even like to point out how old his kids are and how I’m a terrible uncle for only sending them Amazon gift cards for Christmas because I have no idea what a five-year-old likes. He, for sure, wants to mention how he’s taken care of our mom, since I desert her time and again to travel the world in search of stories.”

I slump, embarrassed at the emotion strangling in my throat. I know exactly how childish I sound, but I can’t seem to help myself. “He’s better off without me. They both are. Lyle’s just fucking with things for drama’s sake.”

Daniel moves farther into the space and leans a hip against the vanity, crossing his arms. “That’s true. Lyle’s pulling the strings, and he shouldn’t have brought in your brother without asking. Much like with Shelby’s mom. But I think you’re wrong about everything else. Derek wasn’t here to lecture you. He was here to see his brother. I know things are rough between you and your father. I get it. Both sides, if I’m honest. I never really understood Shelby’s career either and certainly never approved of so much exposure and responsibility so young. I should have stepped in, but I didn’t. I let Ada Mae do what she wanted, and that was my fault. I was the dad, and I didn’t do my job. But I wasn’t there with her in L.A. I didn’t have control of the day-to-day things, like what she ate for breakfast or what time she went to bed.