Here’s hoping.

It was a trudge up the hill to a house that could use a coat of paint, new windows, and a hundred other things. My calves burned with every upward step. I shuffled into the kitchen and saw Becky at the table waiting for me.

She stared long. “We need to talk about what you did.”

I swallowed hard and spoke fast. “I didn’t do anything.”

Her voice was flat. “Yes. You did Peter.” She closed her eyes temporarily before she continued. “I know we don’t always get along.” Her mouth opened several times as if she were trying to come up with the correct words. All the while my heart raced.

“Still... I didn’t think you would do this.”

Shit.

She reached under the table, “I won’t tell Pa if you won’t...”

Oh, God...

In her slender hand was a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. She set it down then reached down and got a glass full of two inches of dark, brown fluid. Then she reached toward the floor, got another glass, and held it up to her nose. “Good stuff.” The glass slid over the table top and I raised an eyebrow.

She breathed in deep. “I’ll kill you... if you ever tell Pa about this.” Her lips pursed into a quick frown. “Thank you.”

“W–What?”

“For what you’re doing. I know the Volardi don’t make anyone go through the change but... I... I still think it’s great you’re trying to help. Most guys would be too macho to do that. Not you.”

My eyes narrowed. It sounded like a mild insult, but the drink offer told me otherwise.

She smiled slightly. “Figured that was worth a drink.” She held it up. “To my brother. May all your plans come true.”

“Uh... yes. Thanks.”

I took a swallow and grimaced at the bitter, sour taste. Pa was the drinker in my family. I went for the occasional beer as opposed to the hard stuff.

Becky swallowed hers without effort or a choked gasp.

She shrugged to my unspoken question. “It’s not my first bottle.”

On another day that might be a segue into an insult. Didn’t feel like doing it now.

She poured me another full shot while she got up to get some ice. “I like mine cold. You? Ice like me or like Pa?”

I waved her off, “Like Pa is fine.”

I looked down at the glass. “Is he...”

“He’ll be back later. He’s discussing options with the bank now. You know, now that he’ll have the Volardi money soon.”

It was less than one third but something to bargain with.

Her tone softened. “He can do that because of you. He’s proud you know. So much he’s about to burst. Kept gushing about how you were putting aside your pride to save us all like a real man.”

My shoulders rose. “He said that?”

She nodded. “Even saw the beginnings of a tear in his eyes. Course he turned away quick. Didn’t want anyone to see. You know how he is with emotions.”