I got home and plopped down on the couch, then put my tacos and French fries on the coffee table. After settling in, I flipped the TV on and watched the evening news for a while. My phone rang, and when I checked the caller I.D., it said “unknown caller.” Typically, I didn’t take those kinds of calls because they were most likely sales related, but on impulse, I hit the answer button. “Hello.”
“Dexter.”
I sighed and wiped my tired eyes. It was just my luck. “Dad. How did you get my number?”
“I have my ways.”
“I don’t even want to know.”
“Can you blame me? You gave me no choice.”
“What do you want this time?” I stood and paced in front of the window, looking out. “Or are you still trying to beat a dead horse?”
“It’s time you assumed your position at Mitchell Manufacturing. In ten years, I plan to retire and I want my son at the helm.”
“We’ve been over this before. I like my job. I like my life. As it is.”
He scoffed. “You’re a bit old for the rebellious teenager act. Don’t you think it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do some real work? Get a paycheck worth having? I can provide a house, a car, and all you have to do—”
“You can’t buy my love.”
There was a long stretch of silence, and then he cleared his throat. “I’ve made some mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
I shook my head and laughed bitterly. “Care? When have you ever cared about me? I’ve always been the hidden son, the one you didn’t want anyone to know about.”
“I want everyone to know about you now.”
“Why? Because the stigma isn’t as bad twenty-six years later? Or is it because you have no one left in your life, and I’m the best you’ve got?”
“Dexter, you’re making this into something it’s not. If you’d just be reasonable—”
“You made your choices, and I made mine.”
“Family is important. You’ll realize that one day.”
“I already have a family.”
“That ridiculous biker club? They aren’t your family, Dex.” His voice rose until he was practically shouting. “I’m your father. Listen. To. Me.”
It sounded like he was about to have a heart attack, and even though he wasn’t my favorite person, I didn’t want to be responsible for something bad happening. I softened my tone. “Dad, I’m sorry, but I can’t fix this between us. I tried long ago, and you burned that bridge. You’re going to have to find someone else to run Mitchell Manufacturing because I’m not your man.”
“Dexter, don’t do this.” He sounded frustrated, and if I didn’t know better, a little sad.
“Look, I have to go.” I ran a hand over my hair and squeezed my eyes shut. “I’m not saying we can’t have some sort of relationship. But I don’t want what you’re offering.”
“I’m asking you to think about it. Please, just give it some thought.”
“Fine. I will. That’s all I can promise.”
After I hung up, I took my Bible and went out back. I settled into a lawn chair Tank left behind the guesthouse and sat down, staring up at the stars in the sky. Taking a moment to calm myself, I poured out my heart to the Lord.
Father, it’s like I have a gaping wound in my chest that won’t heal. I’ve always been the outcast child, the one my father didn’t want. Now he wants me because it suits him, but I don’t know how to forgive.
I flipped through the Psalms and stopped when I came to Psalm 147. Verses two and three said: The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
That often happened. I would pray about something, and God would show me scripture that fit. I was the outcast son, yet here was God showing me that He cared about the outcasts, and He healed the brokenhearted.
I continued to read the Psalms for a long time, and then I came to Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Try as I might, I couldn’t figure out what the desires of my heart even were. Did I want my broken relationship with my father healed? Did I want to take over his business one day? What about Tizzy? It was all a huge fog.
I didn’t have answers, but after reading for a while longer, I went inside, feeling more at peace. I said the first part of Isaiah 26:3 out loud, a verse I memorized not long ago when I needed reassurance. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you...”
Whatever came, I had to keep my mind fixed on the Lord.
Because I really needed that peace.
Dex, 18 years old
“I can’t believe my baby is graduating from high school today.” Mom gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and then went back to putting her earrings on. “Take your shower and start getting ready. We need to be at the school in an hour and a half.”
“Stop worrying. My showers last like…five minutes.” I tossed a smile her way, and she pinched my cheek.
“You might want to extend the length seeing as it’s a special day and all.” She snickered.
I threw my arms out and grinned. “Hey, what are you trying to say? I’m stinky?”
She put her hands on her hips and gave me a look. “All I’m saying is you should spend a little extra time pampering yourself.”
A burst of laughter escaped from my mouth. “Pamper? That’s something a woman would do, Mom. I’m a guy so…”
“I’m well aware. I was there when you were born, remember? Now, go on.” She swatted me on the rear like she used to do when I was a kid.
I headed to my bedroom and took off my sneakers. My television was still on from earlier, and it appeared as if some kind of talk show or news program was on.
The host was a woman, and she spoke in front of a studio audience. “I’m Vicky Morison, and we’re here to today to shine the light on entrepreneurs and their families: how they cope with a fast-paced lifestyle and how they make their family a priority. Wentworth Mitchell was gracious enough to join us with his son, Garrett. Find out how this manufacturing mogul works hard, plays hard, and yet, manages to keep his priorities straight when it comes to his son. We’ll return in a moment.”
The camera zoomed in on my father and brother as they sat next to each other, laughing and talking with Vicky like they were celebrities. My stomach soured, and a wave of hurt slammed into me so hard I stumbled back. It was so severe, I could scarcely breathe for a few moments.
They were there to talk about family priorities? While I got ready for a graduation they didn’t plan to attend? Nice. I understood that the program wasn’t live, and the producers had most likely filmed it weeks before, maybe even longer…but still. The timing was impeccable as always when it came to my father.
Mom knocked on my bedroom door.
“Come in.”
She peeked her head in. “What’s the hold-up? You need to hurry. I don’t want us to be late.”
“Hey, Mom, what do you think Dad’s excuse is for not attending my graduation?”
Her brows furrowed, and she instantly went pale. “I’m not sure why you’re asking that, Dex. He’s never been in your life. Why would he suddenly show up?”
The invitation had gone in the mail weeks ago—Mom sent it herself—but there had been no response. I stiffened my spine in an attempt to hold back the sadness. I didn’t think about it a lot, but on days like this, I felt his absence as if a part of me had been ripped away. “I don’t know. I just hoped…”
She swung the door open all the way and walked in, giving me a hug. “Don’t let him ruin this day for you. I love you. Isn’t that enough?”
I wanted it to be, but it seemed as if a piece of my life was missing—like a giant hole took up space he should have filled. Still, Mom had been the backbone of our family, and I would never discount how hard she fought to make me feel loved. “Yeah, you’re enough.”
“Now, finish getting ready. And don’t forget how pr
oud I am of you.”
Chapter 12
Tizzy
Several days passed, and I continued to help Delia in the office at Bailey Mechanics. Sometimes I filed, sometimes I answered the phones, and occasionally I helped the customers. Delia was training me on their new computer system, and it was taking me a while to learn, but I was enjoying myself. It was nice to be useful, to have a regular routine.
Every day Cass invited me to lunch, and every day I accepted. Mom and Dad would’ve freaked out if they’d discovered what was going on, but I didn’t plan on telling them. They didn’t want me around the bikers, but I couldn’t stay home alone all day—it just wasn’t safe. I had to eat, so why not go with Cass? He was a nice guy, and I felt comfortable with him. Grandpa seemed a little wary, but I assured him that Cass had been a gentleman and we were just friends.
He and I had an easy time conversing, and I enjoyed his infectious humor. But as much as I liked his friendship that was all it was. In other words, there wasn’t a spark or a giddy feeling in my stomach when I was around him. I never felt drawn to him, and I didn’t think about him during other parts of the day.
And then there was Dex. The huge bear of a man who liquified my insides with one single look. Unless I wanted to get up close and personal with heart break, I needed a way to make myself forget about him. He watched Cass and me leave for lunch each day and didn’t say a word. Every time that happened, my heart withered a bit more. Of course, how could I expect him to say anything after I told him not to come?
When Friday rolled around, I expected Cass to peek his head in the office like he normally did. I was just getting off the phone with a caller when Dex stepped in.
“Tizzy, do you have a minute?”
The energy in the room shifted, and my stomach tightened. I felt my face go hot and hoped he didn’t notice me blushing. We hadn’t spoken to each other in several days—well, we had but not a real conversation. It was mostly “good morning” or “have a nice day” type of thing.
“Sure. Do you need something?”
He nodded towards the hallway. “Let’s talk out here.”
I turned to Delia, and she smiled. “Go ahead.”
I followed him to the hallway just a few steps from the door and waited for him to share what he came to say.
He was wearing that gray t-shirt again, the one that hugged his shoulders and revealed how muscular his arms were. It made me uncomfortable because I had to make an extra effort to keep my eyes on his, but, then again, he was working with a bunch of guys doing physical work, so he should feel comfortable. The fact that I was thinking about all that caused my face to flame with embarrassment again, and I glanced away, feeling like a complete idiot.
“So…” Dex swiped a hand along his jaw and met my gaze. “I was wondering if you would have lunch with me today.”
“Have lunch…with you?”
“Yes. I know this great place around the corner that makes the best Indian food.” He stopped short. “Do you like Indian food?”
“I’ve never had it before.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Oh, well, if you aren’t up for it, we don’t have to go there, but it’s delicious.”
“Why are you asking me to lunch, Dex?” I tilted my head to the side and studied him, trying to figure out what his motives were. Grandpa had said he didn’t want a relationship. If that were true, what was going on here? Was it a competition with Cass?
He just stared at me like it should be obvious. “Because I want to get to know you better.”
“Why?”
I heard Delia giggle and realized I’d been speaking too loudly. I lowered my voice to nearly a whisper. “Why?”
He looked incredulous but lowered his voice as well. “You want to know why I’d like to get to know you better?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m asking.”
He scratched the top of his head and glanced to the side. “Because…you’re Tank’s granddaughter and…and because I like you.”
“So, this is about pleasing Grandpa?”
He chuckled softly and looked down. “Are you always this inquisitive when a guy asks you out?”
“Mom and Dad arranged for me to marry Peter, and they didn’t allow anyone else to come around so, no, I’m not used to guys asking me out.”
“Did you ask Cass these same questions?”
No, I hadn’t. But when it came to Dex, I had to protect my heart. The last thing I needed was to misinterpret his intentions. “No.”
He waited for me to elaborate, but I couldn’t exactly do that since my answer would make me redder than a rose on Valentine’s Day…but then again, could I get any redder than I probably already was?
“Cass receives the golden pass while I get the third degree?” he asked.
“No, I mean…” I trailed off.
“It’s a simple yes or no question, Tizzy. You either want to have lunch with me or you don’t.”
I gaped at him and didn’t really know what to say. The only word that was circling around in my brain was “yes,” but I still needed to be sure. “What prompted you to invite me to lunch?”
He looked at me for a long moment and then his mouth quirked up on one side. “You’re not going to quit until I tell you.”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Then I’ll say this. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I want in life, and your face keeps coming to mind. I don’t know what it means, but I’d like to spend more time with you to find out.”
The idea of him thinking about me in that way made my heart flutter like an overactive hummingbird. “Okay…I’d love to go to lunch with you. And Indian food sounds interesting. I’d like to try it.”
“Great. I’ll come get you in an hour.”
“All right.” I walked back into the office and saw Delia smiling to herself while she did her work.
“You were laughing,” I said. “Did I say something funny?” We both knew she’d heard the entire conversation since we were standing at the doorway.
“Sorry, sweetie, but it’s so much fun watching young love play out. Makes me remember my younger days when Sam asked me to be his girlfriend.”
“You never said stuff like that when I went out with Cass.”
“You never blushed when Cass was around, and, besides, Cass plays the field. We all know that.” She glanced up and smiled wider. “But I laughed because you made Dex work for a date with you, and I liked that. Dex needs a little challenge now and then. He’s used to women always vying for his attention, saying yes before he asks a question.”
If that was supposed to make me feel good, it did just the opposite. “I wanted to make sure he was asking for the right reasons.”
“I can’t see into his heart, but I know one thing. Dex Mitchell hasn’t dated anyone for years, so if he invited you to lunch, it means something.”
I started to tell her I hoped that was true, but then I stopped myself. What was I doing? I was acting as if my real life in Pennsylvania didn’t exist. Like eventually I wouldn’t have to return to my parents’ house and go back to the only life I’d ever known. They would search for a new candidate from our church for me to marry, one who met their specifications and who they approved of. Dex would never be that man.
Just thinking about it put a damper on things, but I shoved the thoughts away. No sense in ruining my day over it. Dex might not be my future, but he could at least be my present.
***
“This is amazing,” I said, taking another bite of my coconut curry chicken. “I’ve never tasted flavors quite like this before. Dad is more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy, and Mom prefers classic American dishes.”
“American style food is great,” Dex said. “But one of the best things about California is the diversity. There are so many great ethnic restaurants, and the food is out of this world.”
“Note to self. Try as many new ethnic foods as possible while I’m here
.”
“I can help you with that.”
A smile spread across my lips and even if I’d wanted to hold it back, I couldn’t. I looked at him from underneath my eyelashes. “Promise?” Was I flirting? Impossible. That was so unlike me.
He leaned in over the table, his eyes meeting mine, and they didn’t dip to my lips like they had before, but I wanted them to. I really, really wanted them to. Every time he did that, it sent a jolt of electricity right through me from the top of my head, all the way to my toes. He smiled, and it lit up his features. “Promise.”
I had to get ahold of myself. These random thoughts would be the death of me if I didn’t control them more. My emotions were rushing through me like a thunder cloud releasing a torrent of rain, but, eventually, I would have to deal with the fallout after the storm. There was always a fallout when emotions were involved. Or at least that was what Ebenezer Windom said in his book. It was one of the main reasons he recommended parents do the choosing when it came to a future spouse. Emotions clouded one’s judgment, but parents could look at it from a more objective point of view.
I had to stop thinking about that. Looking for a diversion, I asked the first thing that came to mind. “So, Dex, tell me, what do you like to do in your spare time?”
He settled back in his chair and moved his fork through his Basmati rice. “Well, I’m sure Tank told you the club stays busy with outreach.”
“He mentioned it a little. What kind of outreach?”
“All kinds. Street ministry, prison ministry.” He took a bite of his rice, then speared a piece of Tandoori chicken and brought it to his mouth. “During Christmas we help out with Toys for Tots, and we participate in a lot of fundraisers.”
“What sort of fundraisers?”
“We join with other clubs in rides across the state. Everyone has to pay a fee, and the money goes to a good cause.”
“Neat.”
“Yeah, I love doing it.”
The waitress came to refill our drinks and check on us. After she left, I turned back to Dex. “I think it’s great you guys are so involved, but I’m having a hard time understanding why you’d go to a prison. That’s the last place I’d ever want to go. Who wants to be around a bunch of criminals?”
Blind Date with a Billionaire Biker (Blind Date Disasters Book 3) Page 11