“I love you, Dad,” I whispered. “I don’t want to hate you.”
My dad’s eyes widened at that, and he looked at all of us as if seeing us for the first time. He swallowed hard. “Okay, okay. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“I think you love us, and you want what’s best for us, but I think you forgot how to make that happen,” I whispered.
“Come on now. You kids say you’re adults. So get to work,” Mom said, her voice shaky. “I love you all. We’ll work this out. All of us.”
And then they left, and I looked over at my siblings and just shook my head. “Did that just happen?” I asked.
“I think I need to sit down,” Paige said.
Benjamin pulled out a chair as she sank into it. He kissed the top of her head and then put his hand on her shoulder. “Well, shit,” he said.
“I’m really glad Clay wasn’t here today,” Archer said, and we all looked at him. “I mean, we keep inviting him into the family, but this would’ve just been awkward.”
I snorted, and then we all looked at each other and laughed, even though Archer hadn’t said anything funny.
“What are we going to do?” I asked, looking at all of them once we quieted down. But I answered my own question. “No, I know what we’re going to do. We’re going to get to work, and we’re going to be the best Montgomery Builders ever. Because that’s what dad taught us. That’s what we’ll remember. And we’re going to forget that Dad seems to have lost his mind.”
“I just hope he means it this time,” Beckett said, looking over my head at the empty doorway.
I reached out and hugged my brother. It took a moment, but Beckett hugged me back.
“I hope so, too,” I said before I rose to my tiptoes to kiss his chin.
“Okay now, Mr. Project Manager. Let’s get this shit done.”
He grinned, rolled his eyes, and I somehow knew that everything would be okay. At least, with some aspects.
For everything else? Well, I didn’t have any answers there, but I didn’t need them. Not yet.
Chapter 17
Jacob
* * *
“Once again, I am questioning how I got talked into this,” I said, looking over at Annabelle’s twin. Archer just grinned and fixed his imaginary cuff. Considering that Archer had rolled up his sleeves, I knew he was only doing it to annoy me.
“Well, you were asked to come to the Montgomery cabal. And, here we are.”
“We’re at Riggs’, a bar where I’ve seen you all before. Are we sure Annabelle and the girls aren’t coming?” I asked, hoping they would be here later. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for a guys’ night out with the Montgomerys and their crew.
“Sorry, they have their own girls’ night thing tonight,” Marc said as he came up to Archer’s side and slid his arm around his boyfriend’s waist. Archer leaned into the other man as Marc kissed the top of Archer’s head.
They looked happy, and I was glad. I didn’t know Archer that well, mostly because I was doing my best to keep from getting to know the Montgomerys beyond what I already did, but since he was Annabelle’s twin, I wanted him happy.
I didn’t know what that said about me. Therefore, I wasn’t going to focus too hard on it. I was allowed to want somebody to be happy without wanting anything more.
“Okay, they’re all already here, that’s good.”
“Considering we met in the parking lot and you practically dragged me in here, are you sure they didn’t all get here early so they could gang up on me?” I asked, not sure if I was joking or not.
Archer didn’t answer, and that probably should have worried me.
“Over here, Archer,” one of the twins called, and I narrowed my eyes as I studied them. It was Beckett. Although the two were identical, Benjamin was broodier, Beckett a bit angrier—at least that’s what I could remember from back in the day. And now, for that matter.
“Okay, buck up, it won’t be that bad,” Archer said. I wasn’t quite sure I believed him.
We made our way over to the corner, and I realized it wasn’t only the Montgomerys at the table. A couple of other people I didn’t recognize were there, but they seemed comfortable enough with the people that I did know. I figured they must either be cousins or friends. Annabelle kept joking about her family and the massive size of it. I wasn’t sure which one this could be.
Beckett sat in the corner, Benjamin on his other side, and he tilted his head at me.
“Hey, you came,” he said to me, and I nodded. “I did. As long as you guys don’t take me out back and make sure I never see the light of day, I’m here.”
“We won’t hurt you,” Archer said as he put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. Though he squeezed a little too hard, and I narrowed my eyes at him. He grinned innocently. I went to take a seat on the other end of the table and Archer took the spot near Marc.
“Jacob, this is Clay. He works with us down at the office,” Beckett said, and the others nodded, waving at the man who seemed to be about my age. He looked exhausted. He had a kind smile and didn’t throw anything at me for daring to date one of the Montgomery girls, so I counted that as a win.
Beckett continued, gesturing to the other man at the table. “And this is my friend, Lee. We rarely get him to come out these days since he works too hard. But here he is, in the flesh.”
A man with dark hair, light eyes, and a grin that seemed to say he knew more than he was saying waved. “Hi, I’m Beckett’s friend. Although most days, I try not to claim him.”
Beckett just rolled his eyes and took a sip of his beer.
“Okay, I guess it is a guys’ night and not a murder-me night.” I took a seat on the other side of Lee, and the man just shook his head.
“I don’t know. The night’s still early. I hear you’re dating my Annabelley.”
I frowned at the nickname, ignoring his use of the possessive. “She lets you call her Annabelley?” I asked, scoffing.
Lee winced, and the Montgomery brothers laughed as Clay looked between them. “Not in the slightest,” Lee said. “But you should try it. See how far you get.”
Marc looked down at his phone and cursed. “I need to take this. I’ll be right back.” He kissed Archer quickly and made his way out to the front of the bar as Archer watched him go, longing in his gaze.
“I do believe our little brother is smitten,” Beckett said, and Benjamin snorted.
“Smitten?” Benjamin asked.
Beckett shrugged. “What, it’s a good word. Smitten, like a kitten.”
Archer just flipped them off. “Wait, I thought we were here to demand answers from Jacob, not me,” Archer said.
My eyes widened. “Hey, just toss me under the bus a little harder, why don’t you?”
“I thought that’s what our plans were later,” Lee teased, taking a sip of his beer.
“They’re all very confusing sometimes,” Clay said, laughing. “However, I don’t think they’re going to kill you. I hear the paperwork’s a bitch. And you’re a lawyer. You probably have friends with connections.”
I met the man’s gaze and grinned. “I do. And there are little notes everywhere saying that the cops should talk to a Montgomery if I ever disappear. Be warned,” I said, and the others just laughed, rolling their eyes.
“Sure, whatever you say. However, why don’t you tell us what your intentions are with our sister?” Beckett said, leaning across the table.
I gritted my teeth. “That’s none of your business. And Annabelle would be the first person to tell you that.”
“He’s got you there. Remember when I tried to date little Annabelley?” Lee asked, and a little spout of jealousy seeped into me. I scowled over at the other man.
“You tried to date Annabelle?” I asked, my voice low.
Lee whistled through his teeth. “Not really. We nearly went on a date just to piss off Beckett, but I would never do that to my best friends,” Lee said carefully. “And it seems we don’t have to ask too
much about your intentions if you’re already getting all growly at the mere mention of me almost fake-dating Annabelle.”
“I don’t remember this fake-dating thing,” Beckett said, narrowing his eyes.
“I do,” Benjamin said, sipping his drink. “You pissed off Annabelle while we were all in college, and she went to a frat party with Lee.”
I scowled at the other man again.
“We went to the same frat party with our groups of friends. I did not go on a date or anything like that with Annabelle. Hey, why am I in the spotlight here? I thought we were here for Jacob,” Lee said, and I laughed, shaking my head. “Enough of this,” Lee said as Beckett started to question him again, although it was all good-natured. Even their teasing of me.
“For real, though,” Benjamin said as everybody quieted down. “We’re not going to hassle you over Annabelle, mostly because we’re afraid of her, and it’s her choice to date whoever she wants. However, if you hurt her, we will hurt you. Nobody messes with our sister.” Benjamin’s words were so calm, so infused with truth that I let a little fear slide through me, even as I narrowed my eyes.
“Annabelle and I know what we’re doing. And if I hurt her, it’d be by accident. And I’m sure she’d make me pay all on her own.”
“That’s the truth,” Archer said, leaning into Marc as the other man sat down again.
“Anyway, let’s talk about better things. Like where is Paige’s boyfriend?” Lee asked, grinning. “I still haven’t met that one. What’s his name?”
“Colton,” I answered, surprising myself.
“Colton. He sounds interesting. Is he treating our little Paigey right?”
“Paigey? Annabelley?” I laughed. “You need to do better with the nicknames.”
“I tried to call her Strawberry Shortcake once, but it just took too long to say. I’ll come up with something better to annoy her, don’t worry,” Lee said, grinning.
I shook my head, and then Riggs came up from the bar, walking directly to our table.
“Hey, lowering yourself to take care of us on your own?” Beckett asked, and Riggs just shook his head, pulling his hair back from his face.
“No, we’re short-staffed today. Two of our people called in sick. So, I said I’d take care of the lot of you because you’re exhausting. Tracy started the tab, but I’m here to help you with food.”
Clay looked up at Riggs. “Can you make my check separate? That way, I can pay for my beer now. I need to head out. The kids are with a sitter, and I said I wouldn’t be too late. We have story and bath time tonight, so it’s going to take a bit.” Clay pulled away from the table and reached for his wallet.
“I got you,” I said, looking up at the other man.
“You don’t have to do that,” Clay said, his expression guarded.
“I don’t mind. You’re the only one who stood up for me a bit with regards to Annabelle tonight, so I’ll buy you that beer.”
Clay just rolled his eyes. “Okay, then put that beer on his tab. And I’ll get you later,” Clay said, waving at the others. “I’ll see you guys at work. Or around. Thanks for inviting me.” Clay made his way out, and I didn’t miss the fact that Riggs watched how Clay moved.
Well, that was interesting.
Riggs seemed to shake himself out of whatever he was thinking and smiled. “Okay, Montgomerys, and whatever other strange members have joined. Let’s figure out what all of you are eating for dinner.”
We ordered enough food for a banquet, another round of beers for them, and my first, and I leaned back and got to know Annabelle’s brothers. It was complicated because they probably thought Annabelle and I had something more. We didn’t. We couldn’t. We would eventually have to figure that out because it would be difficult when the brothers—and Paige, for that matter—realized the truth of my and Annabelle’s relationship.
Annabelle had told me I needed to come out tonight. Not to get to know her brothers for anything nefarious, but because she’d said I needed friends. I hadn’t liked how close to the mark that was, but I was here, wasn’t I? Getting to know people. Even if I was afraid that once Annabelle and I called it quits, her brothers would never speak to me again.
But that was something to deal with later. For now, I just enjoyed myself.
I was tired, and I didn’t get to go out much other than with Annabelle, so by the time I got home, even though it wasn’t too late, I was ready to fall face-first into bed. My phone buzzed, and I looked down at it, expecting to hear from Annabelle so I could ask how the night went. But it wasn’t Annabelle. I froze before I quickly answered the phone. “Dad? What’s wrong?”
“Everything will be fine. Your mom’s just having a bad night. We’re headed to the emergency room because we think she needs fluids.”
“I’m on my way,” I said.
“We’ve got this, Jacob. You have to work tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll be tired. I’m on my way. This is why I’m here, Dad. To help you.”
“Okay.” My dad paused so long that I was afraid he’d hung up. I held my breath. “It’d be good to see you.”
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”
We disconnected, and my hand shook. I reached for my keys again. I’d only had one beer and three glasses of water at the bar, so I was fine to drive, but all I wanted to do was reach for my phone again and call Annabelle, tell her where I was going.
But that wouldn’t make sense. My parents would call her if they needed her. I couldn’t call her and lean on her. That’s not what we were. We were friends with a connection, sure, but I didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
When my phone buzzed again, the choice was taken from me.
Annabelle: Did my brothers harass you?
I cursed and got to my car, calling her on Bluetooth rather than texting her back.
“Hey. You’re calling? What’s wrong?”
“First off, everyone’s okay. I’m just on my way to the hospital because Mom needs fluids.”
“You’re already in your car? Wait, you should’ve come and gotten me. I would have gone with you.” I heard her rustling, and I cursed under my breath, just not loudly enough for her to hear.
“No, get some sleep. They’re only going to let family back there anyway.”
“I’m on their list as their daughter-in-law,” Annabelle bit out. “Remember? I know this is hard for you….”
“You’re right. So, I guess I’ll see you there.” She paused, and I heard so much in the silence. “We can talk about dinner with my brothers or something to make your parents laugh. They’d like that, right?” she asked, and I heard the fear in her voice. It echoed mine, but I tried to ignore it for both of our sakes.
“Sure. We can do that.” I inhaled deeply through my nose. “We can do that.”
“I’m getting in my car.” She paused. “We should have gone together, Jacob.”
“Maybe. I’m still trying to figure this out, Annabelle.”
She was silent again, and I heard her car start, and the sounds as she pulled out of the driveway. “You’re right. We’re figuring it out. I’ll see you soon.” She paused again. “Jacob, she’s going to be okay.”
“Yeah, she will.”
“Jacob?”
“Keep your eyes on the road, Annabelle. I don’t want either of us to get into an accident tonight. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay. I...well...bye.” She hung up, and I gritted my teeth, taking the turn onto the highway.
Everything was so fucking complicated. This wasn’t what either of us had wanted, and yet, here we were, going late at night to the hospital together to see my mother. I hated that I couldn’t take away Mom’s pain. There were so many things I couldn’t do for her, but I had to find a way to help her however I could.
So, here we were, meeting at the hospital because my mother loved both of us. I’d almost said those words to Annabelle casually over the phone just now. And I was fucking worried that she’d almost said the same to me. But
that wasn’t what we wanted. Wasn’t what I wanted. Something needed to change.
I didn’t know how I was going to do it, not when change was the thing that inevitably crept up and smothered me these days.
Annabelle and I needed to talk, to get things situated. But first, I needed to hold my mom. And my dad. And I needed to remember why I was back in town.
Chapter 18
Jacob
* * *
I rubbed my temples and did my best not to scream in frustration. I didn’t push everything off my desk and pretend that it would make it all go away. I didn’t shout to the heavens and rage and confusion. Instead, I took a deep breath and searched my desk for water.
We had won the case yesterday, but I wasn’t sure about my next one. I was so pissed off about everything, and it wasn’t even about the defendant or the prosecution. No, it was about the fact that I couldn’t focus. And it wasn’t just one thing. It was a thousand of them.
“Jacob?” Seressia asked, walking into the room hesitantly. Seressia never walked hesitantly. But the fact she was, told me that I was likely scowling once again, something I didn’t do before we moved here. Now, she was afraid of me. Damn it.
“Yeah?” I snapped. Even after that deep breath, I was still snapping. Today was not a good day.
“I wanted to see if you were okay. It’s been a tough day, and with the internet down for those three hours, I know we’re all a little behind. Can I get you anything?”
I closed my eyes and counted to ten. “I’m fine. Just get back to work.”
“Okay, we can do that.” She paused as Dustin whispered over her shoulder, and I opened my eyes to glare at them both.
“What?”
“It’s your father. On line one. We’re transferring it back.”
I met Seressia’s gaze, then Dustin’s, and cursed.
After the incident at the emergency room, my entire family was on edge.
Inked Persuasion: A Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Novel Page 16