Chapter 21

But just like that, Aaron was tired of pretending. He did it with everyone else. He didn’t have the energy to do it with Quinn as well. So instead of letting Quinn’s tirade spark another burst of anger, he took a swig of whiskey instead, and enjoyed a different burn. He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand, and said, “My mom died.”

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Shit.”

“Cancer,” Aaron said. “She got the diagnosis when I was in Afghanistan. She didn’t pass away until I was home though.” He flashed Quinn a bitter smile. “Everyone says I was lucky she held on that long. Doesn’t feel very lucky.”

Quinn looked away, as though Aaron had revealed something in his expression that he couldn’t bear to look at. He looked at the wall instead. “You doing the place up? You moving back?”

“Hell, no,” Aaron said, huffing out a breath. “I’d rather burn the place to the ground than move back. I’m selling it, though the housing market in Spruce Creek is worth shit. Gives me something to do for a while.”