“Oh dear. Should we go home now?” Zoe said. “I have everything we need for the week.”
“Yes.” Ginger shoved her phone into her purse. “Let’s get back before Trevor does something.”
* * *
Shane gritted his teeth at the way his muscles were protesting. He exercised regularly, but hoisting barbells and dumbbells in an air-conditioned gym was nothing like farm work. He could see Trevor smirking, and Shane buckled down to push harder. He’d rather smear cow shit all over his face than to admit he couldn’t do the work.
There was no way Trevor was related to Ginger by blood. He was a complete jackass, and proud of the fact that he was a complete jackass. Guess every family had an asshole. The only saving grace was that he wasn’t juvenile on top of that, refraining from tripping Shane when it was obvious he wanted to.
Or maybe it was Fraser’s presence that was stopping him. The man didn’t miss much. Shane bet he’d controlled his classes with the same kind of mastery.
“There they are,” Fraser said, looking at a Honda coming their way.
“I’ll go give them a hand bringing the groceries in,” Trevor said. “You can help Dad put away the rest of this stuff.”
Damn it. Shane wanted to see Ginger immediately, but there was no way for him to do that without appearing to be a shirker.
Fraser shook his head as Trevor jogged off. “He just wants to see what they brought home for dinner.”
“I guess.” Shane probably hadn’t gotten along with Trevor before.
“Ginger told me you’re suffering from amnesia. That you still don’t remember everything, and that was the reason why there’ve been some problems with your relationship with my daughter.”
“That’s right.”
“She also told me you don’t want anyone to know about it.”
“It’s not something I’m interested in advertising.” When Fraser waited, Shane added, “I’m sure you’re aware of my background. Some people would try to take advantage.”
“I understand, but there’s nothing wrong with relying on your family and loved ones.”
Shane squinted at him. “Was I ever in your class?”
“Yes. Trigonometry.”
“Then you
must’ve seen how it was between me and my family even back then.”
Fraser pursed his lips, then sighed. “But they’re still your family. If you can’t rely on them…” He put his hands on his lower back. “I think I’m going to go in now. This stuff”—he gestured at the pile of hay—“can wait until tomorrow. Zoe made some of her amazing lemonade before leaving. Come, join me.”
Chapter Thirteen
The dinner wasn’t as bad as Shane had feared. Zoe’s cooking was homey and quite good, and the farm workout had given him quite an appetite. Apparently Trevor felt the same because he kept quiet, too busy shoveling meat and potatoes into his mouth…although he still glared at Shane from time to time.
Zoe was an older image of Ginger, silver threading her golden hair. She gazed at her husband with deep love as he spoke about how the vegetables were doing. Shane’s heart felt funny as he watched them and Ginger, who was doing her best to pretend he wasn’t there.
“Wine, Shane?” Zoe asked, ever the gracious hostess.
Don’t want a repeat of last night. “No, thank you.”
“I’ll have some,” Trevor said.
Ginger had seated herself as far from Shane as possible. He couldn’t decide if it was her decision or Trevor’s maneuvering. She was a bit pale, the dark circles under her eyes more pronounced. Must be tired from the trip and the drama from the night before. She didn’t look at Shane or speak to him. But at least she finished everything on her plate, Shane noted with approval. She needed to gain back the weight she’d lost.
Fraser and Zoe asked about Shane’s travels, ignoring Trevor and Ginger’s behavior. Zoe sighed. “I always wanted to visit Johannesburg. Maybe one day.”
“You can go any time. Right now if you want. Say the word and I’ll have it arranged,” Shane said.