“It was a secret from us. From you and me. It was their private place.”

Robbie put down his empty bowl and slid down into the chair. “They needed to keep a secret from us?”

“You should see it. It’s like something out of a 1930s movie, all sleek white silk. When they told us they were going to cattle auctions or wherever, they were probably going there.”

It took Robbie a moment to digest this. “And now you’re using it. So who are you cheating on Vera with? Anybody I know?”

Adam gave his brother a look of disgust. “I go there alone. I need time to think about my future. I spent years living in an African village. Then I came back here and found out that my life had been plotted out for me. Everyone knows what I’m going to do next. From the wedding to flying back to Africa. I thought maybe Mom and Dad’s spirit could help me.”

Robbie was blinking at him. “I never thought you had any problems.”

“What an idiot thing to say.”

“Any problems other than me, that is. It’s always been you and Vera. So if you’re there, what’s she doing when she goes away for the weekend?”

“I have an idea but it’s private.”

“She hasn’t told you?”

“She knows I wouldn’t approve.”

Rob was taking this in. Never before had he and Adam talked as equals. Even when they were kids, it was always Adam the Wise and Robbie the Screwup. “Why don’t you ask Vera to spend the weekend at the apartment with you?”

“No!” Adam nearly shouted. “I mean, Vera wouldn’t fit in there. She’d start talking about some massacre that happened a hundred years ago. She told me about one and I was sick to my stomach for a week. She...” He took a breath. “None of this matters. I just need some time to think. I’m fine. Really.”

“I can tell that you’re doing well. You’re drinking in the morning and you look like crap. Did something happen last night?”

Adam snorted. “It was just a double date. Nothing special. Vera and me, with Kelly and Miguel.”

Robbie frowned. “Miguel with Kelly? He’s going to marry Gabby. The whole town knows that.”

“He doesn’t seem to know it. He had his hands all over her last night. They’re not right for each other.”

“Why not? Miguel is a good guy. He’s smart and a hard worker. He’ll probably inherit Rafe’s place.”

“I’m sure he’s a paragon of virtue. They should make a statue of him and put it on the Plaza. Better yet, build a church around it. We could light candles at its feet.”