Our Broken Love

by Terri Anne Browning

  I had to give it to her, she was hot, what with her big breasts, tiny waist, and curvy hips. She also had big green eyes, thanks to the help of colored contact lenses. Her nose, I noticed on closer inspection, had also been redone, and her chin looked a little less square than I remembered. Wow, I thought as we neared the woman and her small group of followers. She must have spent a fortune on herself.

  Only a few feet away from Cookie, I noticed one of her groupies was Nina, Grayson’s fiancée. She gave me a disdainful look as we stopped in front of the bleachers where the group sat. “Good afternoon, ladies,” I greeted cheerfully.

  Cookie’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Erin Calloway. Why it’s been ages since I last saw you. How are you, girl?”

  “I’ve been great, Cookie.” I put my arm around Lilli’s shoulders so she was included in our conversation. “You know my cousin Lilliana, don’t you?”

  Cookie gave Lilli a once-over, seeing just how beautiful the girl was. I watched Cookie grit her teeth, knowing she was jealous for her stepdaughter’s sake. But she gave us a sunny smile anyway. “It’s lovely to see you again, dear.”

  “Mrs. Webber.” Lilli inclined her head respectfully.

  “So what brings you home after so many years, Erin?” Cookie asked.

  “Just needed a vacation. Being an RN is tiring work. I’ve worked for three years straight without a break, and I thought I would come home and check up on the family.” I turned my blue gaze on Nina. Now that we were away from the family, I saw exactly what Matt and Drew had been talking about. “We missed you at dinner last night, Nina. I’m sorry you couldn’t stay. I would have loved getting to know you better.”

  “Yes, it was a pity.” But she sounded far from sorry she hadn’t stayed.

  A whistle was blown, and a group of names was called. Brandie Webber’s name was among them, and we all watched as the fourteen-year-old made her dive. I was less than impressed as the girl landed in the water with an ungraceful splash. But Cookie was screaming and cheering as if the girl had just qualified for a gold medal at the Olympics.

  “That’s my girl!” she called, and because peer pressure didn’t go away with the end of high school, her friends cheered right along with her.

  “She has nothing on you, Lil,” I assured her, unafraid of the others hearing.

  “Oh?” Cookie’s eyes lost some of their friendliness. “Lilliana can dive too?”

  I shrugged. “She’s planning on joining the team next year. I’ve seen her practicing, and she’s incredible.” I was not overstating it in the least, even if I was biased. “I think once the coach sees how good she is, she will put her as her grand finale. With Lilli, the team is a shoo-in for first place in the finals.”

  The judges seemed just as unimpressed with Brandie’s performance too, because they all gave her scores below five. I gave Cookie a sympathetic smile. “Too bad. But I’m sure you can find someone to help train the girl. That’s one of the reasons why we stopped by. I was going to ask the coach if she could spare some time to help Lilli with some pointers. But from what I see, she doesn’t need them. Maybe I should ask the coach if she can help with Brandie instead,” I suggested sweetly.

  The fire in Cookie’s eyes could have lit up the pool house. Her new nose flared, and I tightened my arm around Lilli’s shoulders. “Excuse me?”

  I raised a brow. “No, excuse me. Did I offend in some way?”

  “You’re damn right, you offended me. You’re just jealous that your ‘little cousin’ isn’t popular enough to fit in with Brandie and her friends.”

  “Oh, wow. You think Lilli is so shallow she wants to be friends with…” I waved my hand in Brandie’s direction. “That.”

  “That?” I could tell Cookie was losing hold of her temper, and it only made me gleeful.

  I gave the girl a once-over from a distance, not even a little sorry for how mean I was about to after all the pain and humiliation she had caused Lilli. “Raggedy bleach blond—but I guess you take her to your hairdresser. A body that lacks a little feminine curve. Oh, but I think you know a good plastic surgeon who can take care of that problem for her. Her smile is on the toothy side, but some people like that sort of thing. And her eyes, they seem to lack a little of something.” I frowned at Lilli. “What do you think it is, Lil? I can’t seem to put my finger on it.”

  “Knowledge? She’s dumb as dirt.” Lilli scratched her elbow, but I could see the glee hidden in her blue eyes. “She tries to copy off me in Algebra then gets mad when I won’t let her.”

  I snapped my fingers. “Yes, that’s it exactly. The light isn’t on in there.”

  “You bitch!” Cookie jumped up, her assets bouncing as she did so, and causing at least twenty people to turn to look at us.

  I wasn’t any more intimidated by her than I was by a mewling, angry little kitten right then. Cookie was all talk, but the one time she had gotten into a fight, she’d cowered in a corner, begging for the other girl not to hit her. “All in all, I would say she was your daughter, if not for the fact that you’re more of the age to be her big sister. How is Old Man Webber anyway? Still good in the sack at his age? I bet he couldn’t be much younger than Uncle Ram.”

  “How dare you?” she seethed.

  “Oh, I dare very easily, Cookie dear.” My eyes grew flinty, tired of playing the game and getting straight to the point. “It doesn’t feel all that good, does it? Having some home truths tossed in your face, instead of being smothered in adoration by your team of groupies.” With a look over Cookie’s shoulder, I made sure Nina knew I put her in that category.

  “I’ll sue you for slander, you bitch.” Her voice was screechy now, causing everyone else in the pool house to tune in to our conversation.

  “It’s only slander if what I say isn’t the truth, dumbass. And I’m sure that we are all aware I didn’t speak one little lie.” I smiled sweetly before narrowing my eyes on her in a way that told her I meant every word that was about to leave my mouth. “So, listen up, and listen good. You have a talk with your little clone over there, and I can go away and never have to bother you again. But choose to ignore my warning and not make that little brat start acting like a decent human being for once in her life, and I promise you, this whole town will know all the ‘truths’ about you and yours.”

  Some of the fire died in Cookie’s eyes. She knew I was aware of more than a few of her little indiscretions from our high school days. I was pretty sure she didn’t want her husband to know about most of them. I watched her swallow twice before giving a jerky nod and walking away. She grabbed Brandie’s arm and practically dragged the girl out of the pool house. I was pleased to see that none of the groupies followed, but they did send me hard glares. That was okay, though, because I knew just as much dirt on them as I did on Cookie.

  I gave them my best southern hospitality smile. “It was nice seeing you girls again. And, Nina, I do hope we can get together soon.”

  My arm still around Lilli’s shoulders, I turned and walked us over to the coach who was still watching us. The woman seemed delighted Lilli was interested in joining the team, and I asked her if she was willing to work privately with the pre-teen to get her ready for the team the following year.

  “It would be a pleasure to work with you, Lilli,” the coach, who was also the English teacher, enthused. “You’re a joy to have in class, and I would love to have you on the team whether you can dive or not.”

  “Oh, she can dive,” I rushed to assure the teacher when Lilli blushed at her teacher’s praise.

  Mrs. Kyle gave me a warm smile. “You wouldn’t be at all biased.”

  “I am, but on this, I’m not overselling it. She’s incredibly graceful.” I stroked my hand over her hair, and Lilli hugged my waist.

  “I’ll drop by over summer vacation, Lilliana,” Mrs. Kyle promised her. “Should I come to your grandparents’ house or your father’s?”

  “Nana’s house would be better. I spend most days there during summer break.�
��

  We left a short time later, smiling. Lilli seemed more carefree than when we had arrived. I had fixed something for her, and I knew for sure she wouldn’t be bothered by Brandie Webber again.

  six

  “Where have you been?”

  I parked the SUV and put on my sunglasses as I stepped out. Rhys held my door open and caught my elbow as I moved to go into the house. Lilli got out and came around to greet her father.

  “Daddy, Erin is the coolest person ever!” Her smile was so radiant, it put the sun to shame. She hugged me close as she gazed up at him. “Tell her she has to stay forever, okay?”

  Rhys raised a brow. “I’ll do my best, angel face.”

  “I know you can do it, Daddy.” She gave me another tight squeeze before rushing into the house, no doubt to tell Christa about our trip. I stared after her, wondering if maybe I should stay. But that was something to think about later.

  “I repeat, where have you been?”

  I shrugged. “We went to watch the divers…” He stiffened. “And I made a point of speaking to Mrs. Webber.”

  He groaned. “Erin…”

  I held up my hand to stop him from scolding me. “Please don’t. I took care of it. If she has any more problems, let me know, but I seriously doubt she will.” If Cookie knew what was good for her, Lilli wouldn’t have any more problems out of Brandie for the rest of her high school years.

  His eyes narrowed. “How? I’ve tried everything but murder for this whole school year. But you spend a few hours out on a Saturday afternoon and fix it? Was there a catfight?”

  I couldn’t help my grin. “Almost. But no, I didn’t resort to violence. I just put it into words that Cookie Webber could understand.”

  Rhys scratched his chin. “Really? I’m impressed.”

  My eyes rolled involuntarily. “Thanks. So, what have you been up to? Been here long?”

  “Just a few minutes. I had to go into the office this morning, but when I called to tell you I was coming, Christa said you had taken Lilli out.” When I started to head in the direction of the house, he grasped my elbow again, tugging me in the direction of the hothouse. “We can’t talk in there. The walls have ears.”

  I had nearly forgotten about the temporary housekeeper, Linda. But it was hot outside, and I didn’t feel like going into the hothouse. “Can it wait, Rhys?” I asked, wiping away the sweat that had already beaded on my upper lip. “It’s hot as hell out here.” When he glared down at me, I nearly stomped my feet. “It’s waited this long, damn it. It can at least wait until the sun goes down.”

  Big, long-fingered hands thrust deep into his slacks pockets. “Then have dinner with me tonight. This is too important for us to have interruptions—or eavesdroppers.”

  My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly explained to myself this wasn’t a date. It was absurd to even think that it was. It was simply two parents having dinner to discuss the well-being of their child. “All right. I’ll see if Aunt Chris can watch Sophie.”

  Some of the tension left his face. “Good. Wear something nice, and I’ll make a reservation at Carlo’s.”

  “How do you plan on us having this conversation in a public venue like Carlo’s?” I demanded.

  He gave me a smile that was so much like the old Rhys I knew so well that my heart melted a little. “I’ll reserve the whole damn place if I have to, baby doll.”

  “That isn’t necessary.” The smile that teased the corner of my lips kept growing. “But maybe one side of it, for an hour or so, will do.”

  “As the lady wishes.” He inclined his blond head and opened the door for me. “Now, how about a relaxing afternoon being spied on by the busybody hag while you tell me how your afternoon went down?”

  We found Lilli in the family room with Christa and Sophie. The TV was on, but no one seemed to be watching the Nick Jr. show as Lilli gave her grandmother details. Lilli’s face was animated as she made me out to be some kind of superhero, followed by details of our conversation with Mrs. Kyle.

  Christa sat back with a grin once Lilli’s story was over. “I figured you would get this taken care of. Only you could be so sweet as you threaten social death to someone, my darling.”

  I bowed grandly before taking a seat on one of the sofas near Sophie. “It is something I happen to excel in, yes. But I just spoke the truth. Nothing hurts an airheaded, gold digger more than the simple truth.” I pointed to Lilli. “Always remember that, chickadee.”

  “I’ve been taking notes all afternoon, Erin.”

  seven

  Rhys took me seriously and reserved half of Carlo’s dining room. But the place was huge, so there were plenty of people already dining in the other half when we arrived. As it was Saturday, most of the patrons were couples, and I knew the majority of them.

  I was surprised to see Drew there with Cammi. On our way to our table, I broke away from Rhys’s side and rushed over to greet my old friend. She hadn’t changed all that much, I noticed quickly. She still had a killer figure and long, red hair. Her natural honey complexion and her exotic green eyes—not enhanced by colored contacts, unlike Cookie’s—lit up when she saw me.

  As soon as I reached their table, she got to her feet and embraced me. “Erin!”

  We hugged tightly before I pulled back enough to grin at my friend. “How are you?” I slipped a glance at my cousin. “And please tell me you will be joining our crazy family soon!”

  Cammi wrinkled her button nose. “Not yet. But he’s weakening my resolve.”

  Drew, hearing this, pushed between us. “Really now? Go away, Erin, so I can weaken her some more.”

  My brow rose, but I was pleased to see the loving way Cammi snuggled into Drew’s side. “All right, then. I’ll just leave you to your dinner.” Rhys had reached us, and he dropped a large hand on my shoulder. “I need to go anyway. But call me, Cammi. I’m going to be in town for a while.”

  The brothers shook hands, but we didn’t stay longer. Rhys clasped my hand, probably so I wouldn’t run off again, and tugged me away. Drew didn’t even seem to notice that his half-brother had me in one of the town’s most romantic restaurants alone. I was more than a little thankful for Drew’s love-clouded mind.

  Halfway across the crowded section of the dining room, I spotted Cookie Webber with her husband. The blonde was sending me dagger-filled glares, but I only smiled at her. “Look, Rhys. My fan club is here too.”

  He followed my gaze and grinned. “How about that. Should we say hello?”

  I was about to suggest that we didn’t need to when Charles Webber turned his head and spotted us. He raised his hand at Rhys then waved him over. Rhys chuckled. “Well, it looks like we’re both popular tonight, baby doll.”

  I sighed, wondering if we would ever get to sit down to eat. I was starving and anxious to get our conversation over with. But in a such a small town, there was no getting out of not speaking to the man without appearing to be a bitch. Even if that was what the man’s trophy wife thought I was.

  I put on my best southern hospitality smile and greeted Old Man Webber when Rhys introduced me. “Mr. Webber, what a pleasure.” I offered him my hand, only to wish I hadn’t. His big, beefy hand was damp with sweat, and he held on a little too long for my tastes. His beady eyes were busy sweeping over my little black dress and the cleavage that was exposed.

  In the end, I forcefully pulled my hand away and made no attempt to hide the fact that I wiped my hand on my dress. I latched on to Rhys’s elbow to keep from slapping the guys face. But the old man seemed more attracted than before. Rhys mad a noise in his throat that caught Webber’s attention, and he quickly cleared his throat as he turned his attention back to the big man beside me.

  “I understand my Brandie has been causing some trouble. On behalf of my daughter, I would like to apologize for her behavior and assure you that I will be taking care of the problem.” He glanced at his wife with a cool smile. “Had I been aware of this situation sooner, it would have already been ta
ken care of.”

  Rhys lost his polite smile, and my hand tightened on his arm as I felt him stiffen. “Had you been doing your job as a father, this wouldn’t have happened in the first place. The girl has grown uncontrollable under the so-called watchful eye of your new wife.”

  “Now, now, my man.” Charles Webber gave a small laugh, one filled with anxiety. No doubt not wanting to be part of a scene. “It has been taken care of now. And Brandie knows if she continues to behave in such a way, she will be shipped off to boarding school.”

  I grinned. “I’m told that French convents are all the rage now. I’m sure the Mother Superior would be more than willing to beat out any of Brandie’s obvious demons.”

  Rhys tried to hide his snort of laughter behind a cough but failed. “Well, good to see you, Charles. But we need to be going.” Before the other man could object, or even comment on my suggestion of boarding schools, Rhys pulled me away.

  When we were out of hearing range, Rhys couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer. “I nearly bust a gut back there.”

  I loved to watch the lights twinkle in his eyes when he laughed. It was one of the reasons why I had always let lose my humorous side around him years before. The way the different shades of blue danced in his eyes was so incredibly breathtaking that even after everything else, all I wanted to do was stare into his eyes for hours.

  Finally, we reached our table. We were in a dimly lit corner with nearly twelve tables separating us from the other dinners. I would have thought it extremely romantic if it hadn’t been for the fact that I knew it was anything but. We were there to talk about Sophie.

  After the waiter took our orders, I sat back. “So…”

  “You can relax, you know,” he murmured, sipping at the red wine he had chosen for us. “I’m not going to beat you. Or even yell at you.”

  “I think I would prefer the beating to having this conversation, actually.” I grimaced. “Rhys, you have the power to take away the most precious thing in my world. I’m scared and anxious. Not to mention still irritated over the way that old man was ogling me over there.”