We got back into our trucks, and I drove after him, past the gate and up the long road that slanted over an expansive hill. And once we reached the top and started descending, it became clear exactly where we were. This was the background to most of their cooking videos.

A large ranch sat at the bottom of the hill, pristine white against the green grass. Only the center of the house had two stories. Then there was a left wing and a right wing.

Did the two live here alone?

A stand-alone building was to the left, a large carport, housing three cars already.

As I got closer, I drove past a sign that directed left for parking and right for “staff only.” That dirt road disappeared somewhere behind the house.

I followed King past the circular driveway and toward the garage, where I took the last available spot next to his truck.

Everything was mind-numbingly big, and I hadn’t even seen the entire property. But mannaggia, coming from New York, everything larger than a shoe box was impressive.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as I left my truck, and I opened a message from Nicky.

Just remember.

There was a link to one of the songs we’d performed together. The title, “Count on Me,” made me smile. He was a good kid, my brother. I appreciated his reminder that I could call him whenever.

Pocketing my phone, I stepped out of the carport and took in my surroundings. Clear blue sky, trees in bloom, sun shining, and fuck me if I didn’t hear country music coming from somewhere nearby.

“This is some sight, man.”

August slid me an easy smile. “Welcome to the South.”

Aside from being all but dead on my feet from driving so long, my mood had lifted. The nerves and unsettlement—gone.

The house appeared to have two main entrances, one on each side of what I banked on being the kitchen. I knew that large window at the center from all the videos.

“Is this a workin’ ranch?” I asked.

“Oh yeah. My sister breeds horses here,” King replied. “A bit of a drive, though.” He gestured over the house. “She has her own house about two miles that way.”

Jesus. Two miles on the same land.

King led the way indoors through the left entrance, and I was met by the scents of wood, coffee, and spices.

Past the small entryway, you could veer left down a hall with several doors, or right, which led straight into the wide-open kitchen and dining area. Old and rustic met trendy and state-of-the-art. Flooring, rugs, beamed ceiling, and built-in shelves looked like they came straight from the 1800s, whereas the appliances and work surfaces appeared brand-new.