Indian Summer

by Eve L Mitchell

  “It was my mother’s,” she said as she stood behind me and put it round my neck. “I rarely take it off. However, your neck can’t be bare, so if you would take good care of it, I would appreciate it.”

  “Oh no, I can’t possibly,” I protested. She shushed me and gave me a sly wink. She stood back as she appraised me.

  “Well you look lovely. Thank you.” I frowned at her.

  “Why are you thanking me?” I asked with a bemused smile. Mary Ellen reached out and fixed a lock of my hair.

  “Because you let me be part of this day for you.” She took a hesitant breath and slightly flushed. “And you make my Matthew smile. He avoids home these days, always with Colton and what Colton wants. I know he gets frustrated with his sisters, wants them to be more independent. But I see the way he is with you and I know I have a good boy.”

  I took her hand and squeezed. “The best boy.” I said solemnly. Mary Ellen looked suspiciously teary eyed and I didn’t hesitate, I pulled her in for a hug, she squeezed me tightly in return.

  “You are a good girl Arielle, I do not profess to know what was wrong with your mother, but she was a fool for never loving you the way you deserved. I am not the best mother, I know my failings, my children like to remind me of them daily. However, if you ever need anything, anything, you come to me. You have Matthew for life I know that, please know you have me too.” It was my turn to be emotional and I was so scared I was going to start bawling like a baby. “Well I think the car should be here by now. Dinner awaits.”

  The drive to Boulder Country Club took about twenty minutes. The three of us rode in comfortable silence, broken occasionally with a question or murmured comment. I was so nervous about this dinner, Mary Ellen was as unmovable as a mountain when it came to trying to get out of this. I couldn’t tell her why I didn’t want to be in the same room as Jake Dawson and his sons. Matt was enjoying my discomfort too much to assist me. Asshat.

  I ended up just going with it. After all, if I had to be on my best behaviour, Jake Dawson had to be on his. Mary Ellen was not a woman to be trifled with and she would not tolerate a scene of any kind. Armed with the knowledge she would probably behead him with her butter knife. I relaxed a little.

  I asked if my outfit met the dress code, country clubs always had dress codes and Matt confirmed it did. He also reminded me Theo would meet us outside with a coat for me. Though it wasn’t cold. I needed to have a coat, it was a club thing. I think. Maybe it was a Mary Ellen thing. I wasn’t sure and I wasn’t arguing.

  We pulled up outside and the driver opened the door for us. Matt had gone to do it, but his mom had placed a hand on his knee and he had pulled back. Right, so we don’t open our own doors I thought to myself. How was I back in this again? I didn’t belong here. I liked my little apartment. I didn’t like fake and it always seemed like there was fake in these stupid clubs.

  Boulder Country Club was a pretty wood clad building. The main club was on the upper level with a wrap-around terrace and the lower level was stone. The grounds were immaculate. As we ascended the stairs to the upper level, Matt informed me there was a swimming pool and tennis courts too. He also commented that the venue was very popular for weddings. I saw Mary Ellen frown slightly, must be too commercial for her tastes I thought to myself.

  Matt caught sight of Theo who came swiftly towards us. He dropped a kiss on my head as he handed me a black velvet blazer. It was slightly snug as I shrugged it on but opted to keep it anyway, I wasn’t about to make a fuss.

  “Amy gave up her coveted blazer?” Matt seemed incredulous as the blazer caught his attention.

  Theo grinned and winked. I saw Matt pale and Theo’s straight face crumbled. He earned a punch in the shoulder for his tease and I grinned at both of them.

  Mary Ellen turned to us all and her gaze swept us all and after we must have passed the appraisal, she led us forward to the main dining area.

  “It’s warm enough to sit outside,” I commented, looking out over the beautiful grounds.

  “We are not picnicking Arielle, dinner will be held indoors,” she commented as Theo leapt forward to open the door for us.

  On entering the dining area, I saw Colton before I registered anything else. He was standing next to a window, pointing something out to Amy. I was transfixed by him. He was wearing all black. Black trousers, black shirt, black tie. His hair was deliberately messy, his face clean shaven. He was impeccable. He must have felt me staring at him as he turned, and I was awarded with a small warm smile as our eyes met. He was simply breath-taking. His eyes shifted to Mary Ellen and his smile transformed into a beam as he quickly crossed the room, she was crushed in a hug. She protested but I noticed she hugged him back just as tightly.

  Those green eyes were suddenly on me again and I felt nervous. His eyes swept me from top to bottom and I got a nod and an “Ari” in greeting. He turned back to Mary Ellen and held a chair out for her. A hand on my back startled me and Matt guided me to a seat to the left of his mom, a few chairs down, he must have been planning on sitting beside me I mused.

  Amy came bounding across the room then, her long blonde hair captured into a French braid. She was wearing a long-pleated skirt and simple white blouse.

  “Ari!” She squealed. I was in an enthusiastic hug and then she declared, we had to sit triangularly. Matt teased her that it was a round table and she explained the girls needed to be situated like an isosceles triangle, so we were evenly spread. I shook my head but moved my seat and sat as instructed. To my horror I had Colton on my right and his father directly across from me. Long night ahead for me, I mused.

  Matt’s father had popped back to the hotel for a tie and Theo’s parents hadn’t arrived yet. Connor was also missing. Looking round the table that meant dinner was for eleven people? With that many people I may not have to speak at all, I could always hope.

  “You look well.” Jake directed at me.

  I felt myself stiffen. I nodded in acknowledgment.

  “I must pass on my condolences for the passing of your father,” he continued. A quick glance at him and I gauged he was sincere. Another nod from me. “He will be sorely missed, I hope you are doing well?” He continued.

  I couldn’t speak. Jake Dawson being civil to me wasn’t usual behaviour. My hands were clasped tightly under the table. A warm hand covered mine discreetly and I loosened my grip automatically as Colton took my right hand in his left and softly squeezed. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I scolded myself to behave.

  “Thank you,” I answered, although in that moment I wasn’t sure which Dawson I was thanking.

  “Arielle your hair is amazing,” Amy exclaimed. “It’s so pretty, I can’t believe how much it has grown.” I felt myself relax a little as I turned my attention to Matt’s younger sister. She started talking animatedly about the amazing day she had spent with Theo. Matt’s face was paling rapidly and it was too easy to tease him.

  “What did you guys do?” I asked her, leaning forward. Colton let go of my hand and although I immediately missed the contact, I was grateful. I couldn’t think straight with him as close to me as he was. With him touching me, there was no point trying to form coherent sentences.

  Amy launched into great detail about how Theo had hung out in her room and watched movies with her and made sure she had plenty of fluids. Matt was ghostly white when his little sister told the entire table that Theo the manwhore, had spent the day in her room. Colton was holding back laughter at Matt’s face, but he was doing a poor show of it. Amy was completely oblivious to the rising hysteria at the table.

  Theo wasn’t helping things as he simply sat back and grinned at his friend. I was finding it hard to contain my own grin as she rattled on. Amy was 15 but she was what my dad would have called a young 15. Her movies had been Disney choices and she was so innocent and naïve she was completely adorable. She was super smart in book knowledge though and had an uncanny ability to wind her brother up. At this moment in time, she was merely a 15-
year-old girl whose biggest crush had spent the day with her watching the High School Musical franchise.

  Mary Ellen had been listening also. “You don’t seem like you have been sick.” She mentioned quietly.

  Amy turned to her mom in exasperation. “Of course, I was sick mom, Theo had to help me get dressed and everything!”

  Mary Ellen’s eyes snapped to Theo, who quickly lost the grin. Matt choked on his water and sprayed a mouthful across the table. With that, Colton lost it completely. I couldn’t help it, I started giggling too. Even Jake Dawson’s shoulders were shaking with laughter.

  “What does she mean you dressed her?” Matt spluttered with his chair half pushed back. Theo immediately raised his hands up in surrender.

  “I didn’t physically dress her man, be sensible. I helped her pick out an outfit and then went and got one of the female staff to attend to her in case she needed help. Amy Lou tell him,” Theo almost pleaded. Matt’s demeanour relaxed slightly. I saw Mary Ellen crack a small smile and Amy just looked at us all bewildered.

  Colton had tears running down his face at this point and my sides had a good ache from laughing too hard. It was the closest to normal I was going to get in this company and I felt my chest loosen a little more.

  “What’s so funny?” Connor asked as he approached the table. He wasn’t alone, Corey was with him. She was wearing a floaty soft chiffon pale mint dress and looked exquisite. Amy muttered about her triangle being disrupted as introductions were made and Theo leaned down to remind her his own parents were yet to arrive. Amy beamed at him. Mary Ellen arranged for another chair and service to be set.

  People shuffled round as Theo’s parents and Matt’s dad still had to arrive and Amy declared all couples needed to sit together. Colton didn’t move and neither did I. Matt slid into the seat to my left, giving his seat up for when his father arrived. I caught the quick warning glance Jake sent to his son and didn’t miss the fact that Colton completely ignored him. I smiled on the inside, which was absurd, but I couldn’t help it.

  Theo plonked himself down on the other side of Colton as Connor sat down to the left of his dad and pulled Corey down beside him. A muffled giggle escaped from me, it looked like we were picking sides. Which was silly and a misconception, but it appeared like we were making choices.

  Just as the rearrangements were made, the rest of the party arrived. I hadn’t seen Theo’s parents since my mother’s funeral and even then, I have no recollection of seeing them. They both hugged me and murmured their condolences.

  Mary Ellen took control of the table and let us all know we were to consider ordering as we were already late. I saw Matt’s dad dip his head and Matt frown slightly. Everyone looked at their menu and soft conversations began between seating partners about what to order.

  “I genuinely almost died when she said Theo helped dress her,” I whispered to Matt smiling. Colton snorted in amusement beside me. Theo leaned over Colton to speak.

  “What’s wrong with you man, she’s like fifteen...and your sister!” Theo hissed at Matt. Colton leaned back slightly to give Theo room, but he was still chuckling. I hide my grin behind my menu and looked at Theo. I caught Colton’s eye and the two of us dissolved into laughter again.

  “Children if you could behave?” Came the soft rebuke from the right of the table. I looked at the boys, they looked at me and we all just dissolved into fits of laughter.

  “Seriously, what’s so funny?” Connor snapped from across the table. I sobered as I registered his agitation. I glanced quickly at Colton and saw his smile dim also.

  “It’s nothing Connor – something that happened before you turned up,” Theo explained. I groaned inwardly, well that was going to be a red flag to a bull.

  “Connor…” Jake Dawson interrupted his son’s rapidly climbing temper, “What time are we meeting Corey’s parents tomorrow?” Connor swung his attention to his dad and I think all four of us let out a relieved breath as he engaged with his dad. He leaned over and took Corey’s hand and then made a huge show about how he was meeting her parents. I didn’t say anything. I studied my menu and asked Matt what he was having. I knew this was for my benefit which seemed stupid to me.

  I wasn’t a jealous ex-girlfriend, we had already had this conversation. I liked Corey. I was pleased Connor had moved on. I felt Colton shift beside me, I had drifted out of the conversation again but tried to focus when I realised Matt was gripping his menu with more force than necessary.

  I gave him a quick searching glance. He didn’t meet my eye. I turned my head to Colton to see if he had noticed. I looked over the table to note that Jake Dawson was also watching his other son from the corner of his eye. Colton was watching his dad and brother seemingly impassively, but something wasn’t right. I tuned into the conversation.

  “Yeah you know how we always had that tension with Ari when you were home dad?” Oh my God he wasn’t doing this was he? “Well it’s such a relief to know how well you get on with Corey. I’m sure that I’ll have that instant connection with her mom and dad. I mean we’ve spoken on the phone but to meet them in person will be so cool.”

  Jake had said nothing on the alleged tension, I noted. Corey looked slightly mortified and I was pretty sure my own cheeks were flaming.

  “I mean, Jeff was always, well kinda ok?” He asked me as if it was a question. He shook his head ruefully “God though, your mum was a complete bitch Ari,” Connor looked at me.

  I let out a dry laugh. “She was indeed, so much easier with her dead right?” I heard the gasps from the other table occupants. They wouldn’t have missed the scorn in my comment, aimed at Connor.

  Connor snorted a laugh, “You’re playing the dead mom card? Seriously?”

  Fuck the butter knife. I was going to gauge his eyes out with a spoon.

  “That’s enough,” Colton directed calmly at his brother – he didn’t even look up from his menu. The table was deadly quiet.

  “It’s fine Cole. Connor obviously has something he wants or needs me to hear,” I was not sitting here letting someone else speak for me or letting this go.

  “Always so serious Ari. I was merely saying I was looking forward to meeting my girlfriend’s parents. I get on with them so much better than I ever did with yours.”

  Why not just kick me in the teeth Connor?

  I shook my head in disbelief. I was seriously about to let loose when the waiter turned up to take orders. Mary Ellen quickly regained control of the table as she checked we were all ready to order.

  “You ok?” Matt asked me softly.

  I didn’t raise my eyes from the menu. I nodded once. A warm hand placed itself on my leg, Colton squeezed once in support and withdrew his hand. It was small comfort, but it was comfort.

  The waiter was looking at me. I had absolutely no idea what was on the menu.

  Colton quickly saved me, “We’re both having the soup and then the salmon. One without sauce please.”

  How many times did he need to save me? It was my turn to slip a hand under the table and give a grateful squeeze of his hand. I went to withdraw my hand, but he tightened his grip and I left my hand in his. Under the table cloth, safe from prying eyes.

  He’s just a friend giving you comfort Elle. I reminded myself. Tell that to the butterflies in my stomach though.

  You’re no better than me…a whispered memory.

  I withdrew my hand from his, as the rest of the table ordered and conversations started up again. Connor sat staring at us speculatively. I avoided looking his way, however, his brother didn’t. I could feel the tension rising.

  “I need air,” I announced standing, “If you’ll all excuse me?” I walked away without a backward glance. Theo muttered something – I heard him push his chair back.

  “What you both need air too?” I heard Connor scoff.

  I turned back just as Matt stood, “No man, I just don’t want to sit here with you anymore.”

  Holy shit.

  “Matthew!” His mot
her scolded. Matt shrugged and turned and walked over to me, Theo followed.

  “You’re in so much trouble,” I whispered as we went through the doors.

  “I don’t give a fuck, I’m going to punch him out soon,” Matt admitted as we walked outside.

  The three of us walked over to the far end of the decking. Theo kicked a chair in frustration when we settled into a dark corner. Matt scolded him for being destructive.

  “No!” Theo retorted, he raised his voice slightly. “I’m sick of this shit. What the fuck was that in there? He’s getting worse, I thought we had this under control?”

  Matt said something and Theo turned, he crossed the decking and I was in his arms.

  “I’m so sorry Ari, he’s a complete dick, are you ok?” I slid my arms around his waist, taking comfort from my friends. I nodded and muttered I was fine.

  “Oh my fucking God. You two at it, again!” My eyes squeezed shut as I heard Connor behind us. Theo didn’t immediately let me go and I was genuinely grateful. As we separated, Matt was at my side and I had Theo standing strong beside me.

  “What the fuck is your problem?” Matt took a step forward, he was so very angry. Connor had obviously lost his senses somewhere along the line because he stepped up into Matt’s space. Like he was challenging him. Was he crazy? Was this how he had always been? I did not like this Connor.

  “Every time I turn around, Ari is with you or with Theo…or my brother. Again! She was gone for months and then she comes back and she’s kissing guys in bars. Kissing Theo. She’s probably been kissing Colton again too.”

  Oh no. This was not going to go well.

  Matt turned to me and Theo still standing together. I didn’t quite meet his eyes, he was angry but also confused. Theo would be wishing he was anywhere but here. I was with Theo.

  Connor glared at me, “I told you. I told you in the kitchen, you weren’t to be involved with any of us!” His eyes were glassy and his face was flushed.