He heard his dad chuckle, which didn’t surprise him considering his father had amassed a nationally known empire with Cutler Construction. “Still on that soapbox, I see. You do realize little towns like yours depend on amenities to draw tourists, right? Your business needs those very same tourists, so count your blessings.”
“I’ve made Sterling Canyon my home because of its natural beauty and ample outdoor adventure. I’m not looking to get rich here. Just want to make enough money to ski, climb, drink a good beer, and eat a good burger.”
“Easy to say when you’re already very wealthy.”
Reluctant acknowledgement tempered the hot streak of indignity that flashed through Trip. He closed his eyes, wishing he hadn’t needed that trust fund money for this deal. “This is the first time I’ve ever tapped my trust, and I’m barely touching it.”
“I don’t want to argue, I was just making a point.” His dad paused. “Maybe Mason and I should jump on the jet and come see you. You could give us a personal introduction to Wade before he chooses a contractor.”
Trip scrubbed the back of his neck. The office suddenly seemed muggy and hot. He did not want his dad—or worse, his pompous half brother—snooping around town. Of course, Mason would probably be all too happy to come cast judgment on Trip’s lifestyle.
“Silence isn’t exactly the warm response a father wants from his son.” His father’s voice jerked him out of his daze. Just like that, guilt seized Trip’s shoulders, tugging them back.
“Sure, Dad. I’ll introduce you.”
A defeated sigh came through the other end of the phone. “One of these days we need to have a heart-to-heart, Gunner. I realize our family isn’t picture-perfect, but I’ve been there for you since your mom died.”
For the first decade of Trip’s life, his mother and her father—his beloved Poppy—had raised him. But when his mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she’d introduced Trip and his father to each other. Trip’s dad spent the ensuing months convincing his mom and her father that he could better provide for Trip’s future than Poppy could. But when Trip had finally been taken from Poppy’s home just two weeks after his mom died, Deb’s resentment had made it impossible to openly grieve his losses.
As a man, Trip understood why Deb had disliked having a constant reminder of her husband’s infidelity staring her in the face each day. But as a boy, it had been brutal. At first, Trip had been eager to meet his older brother. Unfortunately, Mason turned out to be an entitled, self-centered brat who despised sharing his father. Trip suffered through almost five years of torment before Mason went off to college.
His father continued, “Don’t you think it’s time everyone made peace with our situation?”
Trip pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled slowly. “No one’s fighting, Dad. I just don’t live in Denver or work for the family business. I’m pretty sure Deb and Mason are happier without me in the picture, too.”
He imagined his dad waving his hand dismissively, scowling.
“Dammit, son. You and Mason are brothers. It’s time you two talked, man to man. Don’t think I haven’t spoken to Mason about all this, too. Meanwhile, I’m not getting any younger. And Mason’s been having a tough time since Jen filed for divorce. He could use a brother.”
Trip pounded a fist against his breastbone, trying to break up the ball of acid burning through his esophagus. “Mason may be my half brother, but I doubt he wants to confide in me. He’d probably take out his best Remington and shoot you if he knew you just shared that tidbit about Jen. So can we not argue about him right now? Let’s focus on why I called, and deal with the rest some other time. I really need you to release the funds before I lose this opportunity.”
While Trip had no sympathy for Mason, he didn’t feel very proud of disappointing his father. Every fiber of his being resisted being hog-tied by guilt, but those ropes were chafing him anyhow. Dammit, he knew there’d be a steep price to pay for tapping into his trust fund.
“Send me the financials so I can give them a look and make sure you’re not getting ripped off. If everything is in order, I’ll wire the funds by the end of the week.”
“Thanks.” Relief trickled through Trip, easing the muscles in his back. “I’ll email the most recent statements. Call me if you have other questions . . . ,” he paused, “or if you decide to come to town.”