Chapter 48

NATHAN “Fuck me, I couldn’t eat another fucking thing,” Mason says with a loud groan, earning him a clip on the ear from our father, who he obviously hadn’t realized had walked back into the kitchen. “No cursing at my table.” Dad takes a seat and promptly lights up a cigar. “You’re supposed to have given those up,” Elijah reminds him. Dad shrugs. “What’s the point of living if you can’t indulge in life’s simplest pleasures, son? I have two vices, cigars and whisky, and I’m not about to give up either of them.” “Don’t forget the women, Pop.” Mason chuckles and receives a withering glare to go along with his sore ear. Our dad sighs wearily, but he doesn’t dwell on it any longer. Of all of us James boys, Mason is the one who can push him the most before he snaps. “You had a heart attack, Dad. Those things aren’t good for you,” Elijah persists, but our father dismisses him with a wave. “It’s New Year’s Eve. I have four of my boys here with me, and life is good. Can you at least let me enjo