“Yeah, I’m alright,” she responded with a frown. “Aren’t you going out?”
“Yeah, we’re about to go, but if you need me, I can stay home,” I replied sincerely. I didn’t like to see her looking bummed out. She was cheerful by nature.
“No, don’t … I’m okay. Just some stuff with Craig at school,” Gwen said, waving me toward the truck. “I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow. Go have fun with your friends, and let me know how hot Brock and his brothers look. Take pictures.” She forced a smile to get me to go.
I nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure … but I’ll see you first thing tomorrow. I’ll make breakfast.”
At least that got me a genuine smile, but I took one last look at her, swinging on the porch swing and staring up at the sky, as I walked away.
When we got to the bar, the guys were already there, holding a table with a pitcher of beer and six glasses. We were right on the outskirts of the dance floor, with a good view of the stage. I walked around, giving each guy a kiss on the cheek as I said hello.
When I got to Scott, I paused and put my hand on his cheek. “I’m glad you came,” I said sincerely, taking a minute to appreciate his casual attire. Scott looked amazing in his suits, but I loved him in jeans and a T-shirt. He held my gaze for a minute, then I dropped my hand and turned my head, breaking his spell.
“I want to run to the restroom before they start. I’ll be right back,” I said to the group before rushing toward the bathrooms in the back. I’d never seen Brock and his brothers play before, and I didn’t want to miss any of their performance. The fact that I knew each of them made the night that more exciting. I loved live music.
After I used the restroom, I turned down the corridor and almost ran right into a couple that was making out against the wall. I started to say excuse me, then noticed that they were really going at it. The girl’s back was plastered against the wall, her leg curved up around the guy’s waist, as he pushed into her. Her hands were fisted in his longish brown hair, and they were both moaning. Mesmerized, I jumped when I heard a voice behind me say, “Oh, my.”
I turned and barely registered the fact that it was Melody behind me, before I tore my gaze back to the couple, blushing when Brendan turned his head and winked at me. “Hey, Gaby.”
Embarrassed at getting caught gawking at Brock’s younger brother in the hallway, I gave him a finger wave, then scooted past them. I was still trying to compose myself when I got back to my group, so I picked up the nearest glass and downed the ice-cold beer.
“Hey, Gabs,” TJ protested. “That’s my beer. I’d have poured you one…”
I set the glass down, wiped my lip, and looked sheepishly at him. “Sorry, TJ, I was thirsty.”
I glanced up to notice Scott looking at me strangely, so I gave him a shrug and a smile, accepting the drink that Cal handed me.
“Thanks, Cal,” I said, taking another sip and finally feeling less jumpy. I really needed to get some action if seeing people make out put me into such a tizzy. “Hey, do you know what’s going on with Gwen and Craig?” I asked him.
Cal shook his head, his face thoughtful. “He mentioned them going to check out SC together, but that’s the last I heard. Why, something up?”
“I’m not sure. I’m gonna talk to Gwen about it tomorrow.”
We chattered a bit, and the bar started to buzz with excitement as the band’s equipment was set up and tuned. They were adjusting the lights when Scott said, “Hey, I talked to Brandt, and the company has a lake house that we can use for the holiday weekend next week. What do you guys say, four days in the sun at the lake. Michael said there’s a cool little country bar down the road, a bonfire pit, and a speedboat on the dock. I figured the timing’s perfect, right before the grand opening of the shop, and most places close for the long weekend.”
“Fuck yeah,” TJ agreed, bringing his glass up to toast Scott.
“Yes!” Sasha said at the same time, clapping her hands together. Sasha loved going on vacation.
Shelly smiled and added, “The bank’s going to be closed, so it works for me.” She turned to Cal, who was nodding his consent.
They all turned to me, and I smiled. A long weekend at the lake with my friends sounded like heaven, but, “I’ll have to check with Kat. I’m pretty sure she’s planning to be open at least Friday and Saturday.”
“Talk to her,” Scott said, his eyes intent on me. “If she can at least give you Saturday, you and I can ride up after work on Friday. I have to go in in the morning as well, so we can just meet everyone else out there.”
“That might work,” I responded with a smile, hopeful that Kat could get one of the other girls to fill in for me. “I’ll give her a call tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” Scott managed with a broad grin, before the lights lowered and music began to play.
Sasha, Shelly, and I moved closer so we could have a better view when Brock and his brothers came on stage. Brady was first, ambling across the stage without looking out at the crowd, getting himself squared away behind the drums. When I caught his eye, he gave me a quick grin before closing his eyes and raising his sticks. As he started to play, Brock sauntered in from backstage. He looked the same as he always did: frayed jeans, plain T-shirt, and boots, his hair messy and his face filled with scruff. But when he lifted his guitar and started to play, his face took on an expression I’d never seen before. One of pure satisfaction.
“Ladies and gentlemen … Whiskey Heat,” the girl Brendan had been making out with said into the microphone.
When the crowd began to scream, I tore my gaze from Brock, and watched Brendan take his place up front. Unlike his brothers, who looked like they were playing tunes in their garage for the thrill of it, Brendan looked like a star. His long hair was still messy, probably from the girl in the hallway’s hands, and he wore head-to-toe black. Combat boots, skinny jeans, and a T-shirt with the sleeves tore off. His tattoos were visible, and also black, and his body was thrumming with energy. When he opened his mouth and began to sing, the ladies in the bar went wild, and before I knew it Sasha, Shelly, and I were as crazy as the rest of them, dancing, yelling, and singing along, as they covered songs that we knew.
I was blown away. I’d had no idea that they were all so talented, and I never imagined I’d have as much fun as I did. They girls and I stayed on the dance floor through their entire set, thoroughly enjoying ourselves, as the guys hung back, drinking beer and taking in the music.
When they finished their last song, I trailed behind Shelly, holding my hair up off the nape of my neck as I tried to let the cool air reach my skin. “Thanks,” I said to Sasha as she handed me a hair tie that she grabbed out of her purse. I twisted my hair and piled it on my head, securing it with the tie.
“Weren’t they amazing?” I asked excitedly, accepting the beer that Scott handed me.
“Yeah, they’re really good,” Scott managed, his voice tight. “I had no idea they would be.”
I was puzzled at his tone, and wondered if something had happened between the guys while we were out dancing, but decided to let it go. I was having too much fun, and didn’t want to end the night on a sour note.
“Me neither,” I said brightly, hoping to turn his mood around as well. I stopped and turned when I heard commotion toward the back, and laughed.
The guys were trying to come out into the bar, but a bunch of groupies were waiting for them at the door, screaming out their names as they reached for them. Brady looked uncomfortable as he turned around and went back the way he’d come to avoid the crowd, and Brock just kept walking, his big frame maneuvering through the mass of women easily as he made his way toward us. Brendan, however, was enjoying every second of it, grinning and laughing as he talked to the women and signed things that they thrust at him.
“That was so awesome,” Sasha said, jumping up to give Brock a hug when he reached our table.
“Thanks,” Brock said with a grin for everyone. “I’m glad you could all make it.”
He walked around, slapping TJ and Cal on the back, and kissing Sasha and Shelly on the cheek, before holding his hand out when he reached Scott. Things had always been awkward between them, mostly because Scott made it that way, but Brock always went out of his way to be polite.
“Scott,” Brock said in greeting.
“Brock,” Scott returned, shaking his hand briefly, then pulling it back and letting it fall to his side. “You sounded great.”
Brock just nodded, then turned to me, his smile taking over his face.
“What’d you think, sweet girl? Did you enjoy the music? You looked like you were.”
I nodded happily, still excited over listening to them play. Brock leaned in to whisper in my ear, and the spicy smell of him made me heady. “I liked watching you dance to my music,” he said, his voice a low rumble. I pulled back to respond, but noticed Scott’s face harden, right before he turned and walked away from the table.
His reaction to Brock, and the way he acted whenever he saw the two of us together, made me wonder if his problem was with Brock, or the thought of Brock and I dating. I was aware of Brock watching me as I watched Scott’s retreating back, and my stomach clenched as I wondered what I would do if I was right.
Chapter 9 – Scott
I straightened the cuffs of my blue-striped dress shirt as I sat erect and formal in my mother’s living room. Yes, both of my parents co-existed in this monstrosity of a house, but there was no doubting that this room belonged to my mother. One hundred percent. It was cold, monochromatic, and boring in its perfection. Just like my mother.
I met her eyes as she walked in the room; she wouldn’t stand for poor posture, avoidance, or cowardice, so I met her steely dark gaze with one of my own. She handed me a glass of port, sitting down with her own and taking a sip.
“Well, Scott,” she began as she put her crystal glass on a coaster. “I’m ready for your explanation.”
The child in me wanted to roll my eyes at her words, but the adult in me needed to get this conversation done and over with, so I could leave.
“I don’t know what else you want me to say, Mother,” I replied, trying to keep the exasperation from my tone. “Victoria and I aren’t suited, so I’ve ended it. We’ll both be better off in the long run.”
“Tsk,” she responded. “Victoria couldn’t be more perfect. She was raised to be the wife that a man like you needs, Scott. She’s well mannered, perfectly groomed, and has already begun to volunteer at Club events. She comes from a good family, and will make a wonderful addition to ours.”
“No, she won’t,” I said sternly. “Not unless you have another son that I don’t know about, because I’m not marrying her. I don’t love her.”
“Love is fleeting, but breeding is constant. I thought you would have learned that by now.”
I stared at my mother, horrified and a little shocked. I’d always known that my parents’ marriage was less than perfect, and, Lord knows, my mother can be a nightmare, but I’d always thought that at the foundation, they’d at least loved each other.
“Preston,” my mother called out as my father passed the open doorway. He paused, tall and handsome in his Tom Ford suit, but didn’t enter the room. “Do you have anything to say with to your son about calling off his wedding to Victoria?”
My father looked at me, nodded slightly, then turned back to my mother and said, “No, Constance, I don’t,” before turning and walking away.
She scowled at his retreating back, and I felt a little relief that my father wasn’t going to join in on the guilt party. I should have known he wouldn’t; my father worked very hard at avoiding confrontation.
I set my glass down and eased up out of my seat, “Mother, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to bend to your will on this. I understand that you and Victoria spend a great deal of time together, and I don’t expect you to stop, but you need to let go of the hope that she and I will ever marry. I’m not going to enter into a loveless marriage, with a wife who is more worried about appearances than happiness.”
I eased in and kissed her cheek, hoping to take some of the sting out of my words.
“I have to go now. I love you.”
When she didn’t respond, instead watching me leave, disapproval apparent on her face, I sighed and walked away. Every step closer to the door was lighter than the one before it, and when I exited the house I breathed a sigh of relief.
I jogged down the steps and got into my car, which was waiting on the circular drive. I was on my way to Cal’s parents’ house to celebrate his mother, Rose’s, birthday. It was pretty sad that I was so eager to leave my own parents’ house so that I could rush over to Cal’s. That was where I’d always felt like I belonged.
In a home full of love and laughter. Rose had always treated me like one of her sons. She grounded me when she caught Cal and I sneaking beer from their fridge, she attended my track meets, and she was there at my college graduation.
When I arrived at their house, I walked through the front door and paused, allowing myself to take in the festivities, before joining my friends … my family. This was a family dinner in celebration of Rose’s birthday. She loved to be surrounded by family on her special day. I’d been a part of her birthday celebrations since the year Cal and I became friends. I never wondered if I’d be welcome, or accepted, I just was. Unconditionally.
Craig, Cal, and Calvin Sr. were sitting around the living room, which was covered in pictures, knickknacks, and mementos, discussing sports of some sort … baseball if I was to venture a guess, and in the corner of the room, Rose and Shelly were looking at a book of baby names, their heads close together and they spoke softly to each other, each wearing a beautiful smile.
This.
This was what I wanted.
I had it with this family, because they were mine, so much more than my own were. This was the family that I wanted to make for myself.
“Hey, brother,” Cal called out when he noticed that I’d arrived. I walked over and greeted the three men, clapping them on the shoulder and leaning in for the half hug before walking over to the ladies and hugging them deeply.
“Happy birthday,” I said to Rose as I held her close.
I pulled away and smiled down at her. “Everyone treating you like a queen on your special day?”
Rose laughed happily as she responded, “You know better than that, Scott. I don’t need to be a queen, but I will happily be a grandma.”
She smiled fondly at Shelly, who instinctively pressed her hand to her slightly rounded belly. I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “You look lovely as always, Shel.”
Shelly smiled slightly, but her eyes were worried as she brought her eyes up to search mine. “You okay?”
I nodded reassuringly at her, then turned to Rose and pulled the baby-blue Tiffany & Co. bag out from behind my back. Rose gasped, her hand coming to her mouth, looking at me with pleasure in her eyes.
“Oh, Scott … you shouldn’t have,” she whispered.
“I hope you like it,” I responded, joy filling me at her obvious excitement.
Her fingers shook a little as she opened the present and squealed with glee when she lifted the sterling silver flower ring from its package. She immediately put it on her finger, then held her hand up to inspect it in the light.
“It’s beautiful,” Rose said reverently before calling to her husband, “Calvin, come look at this.”
“Whatchya got there, Rosie?” Cal’s father asked as he came toward us. “Scottie here spoiling you again?” The last he said with a wink for me. He always ribbed me about the gifts I bought for everyone, but I knew he loved when his wife was happy.
“Nice bauble,” he said with a grin, leaning down to kiss Rose. “Good job,” he said to me, then asked, “Who’s ready to eat?”
Dinner was a loud and boisterous affair. Cal had smoked some ribs, and Shelly made macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and cornbread to go with it. Rose wasn’t allowed in the kitchen on
her birthday, which she complained about every year, even though everyone knew she secretly enjoyed being pampered.
After the hearty meal, we cleared the table and sat down to play spoons.
This was another family tradition.
While the cards were being dealt, I turned to Craig, who was sitting next to me, and asked, “Did you ever end up going on that trip to SC?”
Craig looked sad for a moment, then his face brightened as he said, “Yeah, I went last weekend. The campus was awesome, and I got a chance to meet with some of the coaches, which was awesome. I think that’s the school that I’m going to hold out for. I know Columbia is kind of far, but I can come home on holidays and stuff.”
I nodded as I looked at my hand. “Yeah, I’ve been to a couple football games. I really like the area. There’s a lot to do there.”
Rose sniffled a bit, and I looked up to see her eyes misting over.
“You okay?” I asked, even though I was sure the thought of her baby going away to college was a daunting thing.
“We’ll be fine,” she responded with a watery smile. “And I know that Craig will do great at any school he attends. As long as he’s happy, I’m happy. I just hope he doesn’t mind me showing up unexpectedly. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to go without holding my boy.”
“Jeez, Mom,” Craig replied, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was just giving her a hard time. There was no doubt that Rose was a beacon of light in this family.
When I was about to leave, Cal pulled me aside by the front door and said, “Hey man, I just wanted to let you know how excited we all are about going to the lake. Shelly’s been talking constantly about bonfires, swimming, and barbecues. We were thinking that on Sunday we could do a big barbecue, you know, to celebrate the holiday and stuff. Then we can leave Monday afternoon or evening. That way we can get the most out of the trip. Who knows when we’ll get to do something like this again, with the baby coming and all.”
I grinned at Cal’s obvious enthusiasm, I was stoked that everyone was as excited about this getaway as I was, albeit for different reasons. I was just about to let my best friend in on my plan to win Gaby over at the lake when he dropped a bomb on me.
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