Vivienne's Guilt Read Online Free PDF Page B

sticking around to witness her reaction. I’ve already had more of her than I can take. Without a parting word or a backward glance, I stalk off toward the lake to blow off some steam. How dare she?
    I hear footsteps coming from behind as I approach the wharf and turn to see Abbott’s brother, Dave, following a few yards behind. I hope he’s not here to give me shit over his mother because I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I seat myself at the end of the wharf with my feet dangling over the edge and wait.
    I feel the wood give a little as he plops himself down next to me. “Hey, pretty girl. How ya holdin’ up?” he asks, and I’m relieved to see that he appears genuinely concerned. Dave is an older version of Abbott: same hair, same eyes, same frame. He is exactly what I imagine Abbott would have looked like ten or so years from now. It almost hurts to look at him. The last time I saw Dave, Tillie was barely a year old. He and Abbott were really close before his mother started shit over the family business, and they’ve hardly spoken since. I can see the regret written all over his face.
    “Ah, I’ve been better,” I respond honestly. “I don’t know if I can do this. I mean...I know I have to, but I’m scared. I’m so, so scared, and I just don’t know how I could ever be truly happy without him.” I use my sleeve to wipe my tears. God, I am such a fucking mess.
    “I know there’s nothing I can say to make this easier for you. I’m really sorry about Mother. I’m not sure what was said, but I know that you wouldn’t have started anything today of all days. She just doesn’t know when to quit,” he offers, shaking his head. “I have so many regrets where Abbott is concerned. I wish I could go back and change things, but I can’t. I’m sorry for that, too. More than you will ever know.” Dave stares out into the water. “I want to help you. I know you have the camp starting up next month. Reid is graduating next week,” he says with a smile.
    I return his smile with one of my own. “He can’t possibly be that old already. He is forever a ten-year-old little boy in my eyes.” I haven’t seen little Reid in years.
    “It’s been too long since we’ve gotten together. He’s all grown up, Viv. Starting at Tulane this fall...following in his uncle’s footsteps. He wanted to be here today, but he’s in Europe on his senior trip and couldn’t get back in time. I was thinking...maybe we could send Reid out here early to help you with the camp this summer. I know it’ll be hard on you with Tillie and just losing Abbott. Reid can drive a boat. He’s a great outdoorsman and kids love him.”
    “Oh, do you think he would want to? That would be amazing, Dave. I feel so overwhelmed right now. It would be a huge relief. I would love to get to know him again and for Tillie to spend some time with her only cousin. But only if he lets me pay him. No eighteen-year-old wants to spend their summer working for free.” Maybe something good will come out of this dreadful day after all.
    Dave’s face lights up. I can tell he’s truly excited about being able to do something for us. “Of course he’ll want to. We’re family, Viv. It’s time we start acting like it. If you want to approach it as a summer job and pay him, I won’t object. But you don’t have to. He needs to get out here a little early for football conditioning, anyway. It’ll give him a place to stay and the comfort of family. And it will give his old man peace of mind.” He pats me on the back and then pushes himself up off the dock. “I’m glad we had this time to talk. I’ll be in touch about Reid, but, unfortunately, I have to get going. My plane leaves in a few hours, and I need to get back to my hotel and pack my things...find Mother,” he says with an exaggerated eye roll. “Don’t be a stranger, Viv. We want to know that you and Tillie are okay.” He helps me up and gives me a hug. It’s warm and