When It Falls Apart (The D'Angelos, #1)(34)

“Where was home?” Luca asked.

“Seattle.”

“You commuted from Seattle?”

“No. I gave up my life to give my dad what he needed. I went home a couple of times, but basically stayed at my dad’s place the whole time.”

“That doesn’t sound easy.”

“Life is never easy.” She twisted the cap off her bottle of water, took a drink. “I just couldn’t make the trip back and forth like I’d planned. If I’m honest, I was happy for the break. But we talked on the phone. I knew Dad wasn’t doing that great, but everyone was struggling these past few years, ya know?”

“I know,” Luca said.

Brooke looked at her sandwich, then lowered her hands to her lap as if giving up on the effort to even eat. “A few months ago I got another call. He’s sick and needs surgery. I get here and everything is a mess. The condo is in disrepair, things are broken, and it’s pretty obvious that my dad wasn’t taking care of himself for a while. I find this damn car in the garage. Who the hell sells a brand-new car to a man on a fixed income that can’t even afford his own place to live? And what the hell was my dad thinking buying the thing in the first place? I was pissed, but since he was trying to die, I let it go. Bigger fish to fry and all that.”

Luca watched her as she told her story, never once looking at him. Flashes of hurt, worry, and pain swept over her eyes as she spoke.

“It sounds like a lot.”

“It was . . . is. He’s back in a wheelchair, and this time he can’t control his bodily functions. I can’t keep the condo and hire home health care for him. It’s too much. And I can’t do it myself.” Brooke glanced Luca’s way briefly. “I won’t do it.”

“You’re only one person.”

She waved a hand at the home. “Tell him that. He’s all pissed off today because the tests they make new residents take aren’t back yet and he is still quarantined in his room. I got here first thing this morning to bring him a microwave because he was complaining about cold food being delivered to his room, and I find out that they didn’t even test him until yesterday. He knows it takes three days, but he’s still bitching. Then he threatens to leave.”

As the story came full circle, Luca sighed. “So that’s why we’re sitting here.”

“That’s why I’m sitting here. I haven’t figured out why you’re here.”

“I’m a sucker for a crying woman.”

Brooke snorted. “You shouldn’t admit that.”

“True.” He lifted the last of his sandwich to his lips. “Where is this condo that your dad didn’t take care of?” He popped the food in his mouth.

“Upland. I hate it there. My friend Carmen came to help me and brought me to San Diego. Moving here was the compromise. I get a small place, sell the condo, and the assisted living home could literally be anywhere and it shouldn’t matter. I’m close enough to do what I can for my dad. Sell the condo so I have some ability to afford it all and wait for the next phone call.”

“I’m not following that part. What phone call?”

“The call. The one that always happens right about the time I think I’m on top of everything. The call that reminds me that I have no life.” She pushed the sandwich away. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself. Ignore me.”

Ignoring her wasn’t an option. “Is the condo sold?”

“Yes . . . no. That phone call is hanging in the sidelines, too. I’m in escrow, but we think it’s going to fall through.”

“Why?”

“The inspection found issues. I’ve been there trying to fix them or hire someone to help fix them. No one seems to want the work.”

“I understand that,” Luca said.

“I have backup offers. It will sell, it’s just going to take longer. And I want it behind me. I lied and told my dad it was already sold. I can’t have him thinking it’s an option to return there. It isn’t.”

“I’d do the same thing.”

“You would?” She looked his way, sounded surprised.

“If your father’s going to behave like a child, you can’t give him all the adult information. Does your dad have a way to leave?”

She narrowed her eyes. “He has the strength to wheel himself out of there.”

“And what? Roll to Upland? Does he have money or access to a credit card to hire a taxi?”

Brooke opened her mouth, then closed it. “Huh. No. I have all that.”

Luca patted the dashboard. “You’re driving his car, so he doesn’t have that. What about friends? Anyone stupid enough to pick him up and take care of him somewhere else?”

She shook her head. “He has friends, but none have been around much since he’s been sick. None stepped up to do much the last time, either.”

Luca felt he made his point. “So how exactly is your dad going to run away?”

“My father isn’t always known for making logical decisions. But I’m catching what you’re saying.”

“Chances are the heat of your father’s frustration has passed by now. And I’m going to guess that the home will call you if he attempts to leave.”