Free Celebration by Fern Michaels Page B

certainly no authority on stuff like this, but if I had to take a guess, I’d say for some time. I think the first clue was last summer when he kept going away for weekends. He never did tell any of us why. Mom said it was secret business, but even I don’t think she believed that. Mom just took his word for everything and believed everything he said. I bet he started planning this two years ago, when he had that kidney operation.”
    â€œAre you saying our father, Colonel Logan Kelly, had a mid-life crisis?” Cala asked in awe.
    â€œYep. That’s what I’m saying,” Mike said. “Listen. I have an idea. Let’s drag our mattresses down here and sleep in the living room. If we do that, we won’t have to lug firewood upstairs every day. We can all use the bathroom down here because it’s the warmest one in the house. We can eat junk food until it comes out of our ears. We won’t do dishes for the whole week until we know for sure when Mom is coming home. No beds to make, either. We can live like slobs for a whole week. What do you say?”
    â€œI say that’s the best idea you ever had,” Cala said.
    â€œI made up my mind to go to Georgia Tech,” Mike said.
    â€œGreat school. I might consider it myself. I haven’t crossed off Tulane or Georgetown, though,” Cala said.
    â€œHe’s never coming back, is he?” Tyler asked, a sob building in his throat.
    â€œIn my opinion, no, Ty,” Mike said.
    â€œI agree with Mike, Tyler. He’s got eight million dollars; why does he need us? He always liked you the best if you need consolation. Mike and I are okay with that.”
    â€œNah. You don’t know the half of it. He was harder on me than you because, as he put it, I was just like him. I’m not like him, am I?”
    â€œNo way,” Mike said.
    â€œAbsolutely not,” Cala said.
    â€œLet’s go get those mattresses,” Tyler said, knuckling his eyes.
    â€œWe need to look into student loans, aid, and all that stuff. Come August, one way or another, I’m outta here,” Mike said.
    â€œWhat about Mom? If Dad doesn’t come back, she’ll be alone,” Cala said.
    â€œLook, let’s all understand something right now. I love Mom, so do you. She’s all grown-up. Maybe this will give her some incentive to take some courses or better yet, get the degree she’s always talked about. If she starts up the business again, she doesn’t need a college degree. It’s her decision to make, not ours. She’s not old. I’m sorry to say I am not feeling too charitable where Mom is concerned. When was she there for us? If she was, why did we spill our guts to Sadie on a regular basis? Well?”
    â€œWhat if she has a breakdown or worse? She’s drinking a lot,” Cala said miserably.
    â€œThat’s by her choice. Not ours. That’s her weakness, not ours. We’re tough, remember. Why didn’t all that bullshit rub off on her?”
    â€œBecause Dad kept her under his thumb. He liked her submissive. She lived for those little pats on her head and the few kind words he doled out when he was in the mood. She bought into it. Let’s not forget she was the rich one, not him. I hope he goes fucking bald. ” Mike’s words had the desired effect on his siblings, and they burst into laughter.
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    â€œSadie, how nice of you to meet me. Thanks. Lord, it’s freezing. Are you sure you don’t mind me staying with you for a few days?”
    â€œNot at all. I’m worried about you. Do you have any idea how ghastly you look? I’m saying this because I’m your friend. Friends are allowed to say things and worry about their friends. I guess I do and don’t understand why you’re here. What is it you hope to accomplish? If Logan is gone, then he’s gone.”
    â€œJust like that. If he’s gone, he’s gone. If he is gone,