[Shelby Alexander 01.0] Serenity by Craig A Hart

Author:Craig A Hart [Hart, Craig A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781539311881
Amazon: B01MA43ZX3
Barnesnoble: B01MA43ZX3
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
Published: 2016-10-12T06:00:00+00:00

18

Leslie called the next day. Shelby answered, although he and Mack were in the middle of a hotly contested game of chess.

“Did you get the package I sent?”

“Yes, I got it.”

“What do you think?”

“I think it was very thoughtful.”

“Are you using it?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because you’re old and stubborn. What’s your favorite flavor from the variety pack?”

“Columbian Sunrise.”

“Are you just saying that?”

“No. And why are you being so suspicious?”

“You answered very quickly. Like you had it prepared.”

“I did have it prepared, because I knew you’d ask. That doesn’t mean it isn’t true.”

Mack reached out and moved his bishop, putting Shelby’s king in check.

“Have you tried any of the others?”

“I’ve only been drinking the Colombian.”

“I’ll take your word for it. But you better keep using it. I’ve set up a subscription for you so you’ll keep the pods in stock. I’ll send more of the Colombian, but if you decide you like something else, let me know and I can make the changes.”

“You really don’t have to go to all this trouble and expense,” Shelby said. He was trying to talk and study the board at the same time. Mack had managed to keep his pieces on the run for the last hour and distraction was not something he needed at this critical juncture in the game.

“Have you spoken with Mom?”

“Spoken with her?”

“Yes, as in a conversation. As in, exchanged words and pleasantries.”

“No, I have not. I haven’t spoken with your mother in…I have no idea. I think it was back when you were convinced you were going to marry that hippie from Portland. We conspired together to break it up.”

“I could never figure out what you had against Lupo,” Leslie said. “He wanted to bring everyone together.”

“Well, he brought me and your mother together, if only briefly and over a single issue. Maybe if he’d been around sooner, we wouldn’t have gotten divorced.”

“Maybe I should look him up.”

“You do and I’ll shoot him myself.”

“Lupo was a free spirit.”

“Lupo was a freeloader.”

“He had urgent business on the European hostel circuit. It’s pure coincidence he disappeared right after he discovered I wasn’t the wealthy daughter of a boxing legend.”

“You’re a funny girl.”

Mack was motioning for Shelby to hurry his move. Shelby studied the board and moved his knight to block the bishop’s line of attack.

“So what’s this about your mother? What makes you think I would have talked to her?”

“Just wondering.”

“Bullshit. You’re up to something. What have you done?”

“Nothing! Jesus, talk about being suspicious.”

“Leslie?”

“I said you mentioned how much you missed hearing her voice and then suggested she call you, that’s all.”

“I said no such thing!”

“But I know it’s true.”

“It’s not true.”

“Oh, come on, Daddy. I know you miss her. Don’t deny it.”

Shelby’s temper cooled when she said “Daddy.” It took him back to when Leslie was a little girl and getting tucked into bed. “Tell me a story, Daddy.” He caught himself smiling and felt a burning behind his eyes. He blinked before Mack saw the tears.

“You’re a very manipulative person,” he said.

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