Dude Interrupted (G-Man Next Generation Book 2)

by ANDREA SMITH

  “Hey, this is a first for me, Sarah. I already told you I’m not good with this stuff. I would’ve gotten around to it eventually, but as you already know, there’s been an interruption in our relationship. I’m trying to do the right thing. Mandy was a one-night stand. We were never together,” I explained.

  “What does Mandy want from you?”

  “I’m not sure. She says she wants me to take responsibility for the kid—which I am willing to do once paternity is established. But I gotta be honest here, I can’t figure out why the hell she waited so long to spring this on me. It doesn’t make sense.”

  It was quiet for a moment. “Maybe time will give you all the answers, Bryce. In the meantime, don’t try to explain and defend yourself to Avery. Be professional. Do your job and give her some space to figure things out for herself. She’s hurting. She is trying to act as if she’s moving on. I guarantee you that is not Avery’s style. Hang in there.”

  Sarah stood up, brushing some pieces of straw from her backside. “Good luck, Bryce.”

  “Thanks,” I said, standing up and stretching my arms, “I appreciate your reaching out and especially your advice. Take care.”

  I got back to work, but her words played over in my head. I hoped to hell she was right. In the meantime, I needed to make a trip home. I needed to get my truck. And I needed to let my parents in on what was going on in my life.

  Chapter 21

  Avery

  October 21st

  Mandy Reynolds had been shacked up with Bryce now for nearly a week. It was finally Saturday and I needed to catch my breath. I’d been so busy with classes, labs and making “To Do” lists for Bryce this past week, I hadn’t had time to stop by for a neighborly chat with her.

  I had no reason to hate the girl even though she’d torn my world apart and, quite frankly, her attitude at our one and only encounter upon her arrival had not impressed me.

  Still, I knew Bryce had left early this morning to take a bus to his parents’ home to pick up his truck. The reason I knew this was because I scheduled some overtime for him on his Friday list. He’d called my cell yesterday evening. I’d let it go to voicemail.

  “Hey, Avery. This is Bryce. I appreciate the OT, but I need Saturday off. I’m going up to Decatur to get my truck. Taking a bus out around six in the morning. I should be back late Saturday evening. If you need me to do this on Sunday, I can. Just let me know. Take care.”

  I had played it over three times because I’d been missing the sound of his voice. It made sense for him to go get his truck. The old beater Mandy had driven down looked like it was on borrowed time. Which is why it occurred to me that maybe I should stop by the cottage and see if she needed anything since I was making a trip into town this afternoon. It was the neighborly thing to do what with her delicate condition and not knowing the area.

  It was a crisp, sunny day. The temperature was in the mid-60’s. My favorite season. I had placed some of Martha’s freshly baked apple cinnamon muffins onto a clean checkered cloth and arranged them, along with some fresh fruit into a wicker basket and headed up the path to the row of cottages. Most of them were now empty; closed up and winterized for the season. The year round permanent help didn’t live on site during the off season. Only Cottage 3 and Cottage 7 had occupants at the moment. Bryce and Carter Sims.

  Carter had been a late season hire when the rest of the summer help was packing up and preparing to go home to start college classes. He was hired as a handyman for some special repairs we were doing over the fall and winter. He was extremely quiet; kept to himself. Maybe thirtyish. Bryce had said he thought he had something to hide with how closed-mouthed and unfriendly he was. He wasn’t a bad looking guy, kind of an introvert. I chose to believe the man wanted his privacy. That he wasn’t some shady criminal with a past. He seemed to do good work. Always completed the lists he was given by the main office. He had nothing to do with the horses so he didn’t report to me. I only had Bryce under me now–but not literally any longer.

  An idea sprung to mind as I walked past the first two empty cottages. As I approached Cottage 3, the front window was open, I could see the mini blinds rustling with the soft breeze that was blowing. I stopped short when I heard a female voice.

  “I told you, Sami, I’m not coming back.”

  Pause.

  “You don’t need to know where I am. It’s none of your fucking business where I went! As far away from you as possible. That’s all you need to know.”

  Pause.

  “Yeah, good luck with that! I haven’t talked to my parents since they booted my ass out three months ago. Do you really think they give a shit?”

  Pause.

  “Oh whatever! You played, you need to pay. Do you think being pregnant doesn’t cost me? The doctor’s appointments, the freakin’ pre-natal vitamins, not to mention the clothes I needed to buy. Do you really think two grand is a lot for what you’re putting me through?”

  Pause.

  “Yeah, you go ahead and call the cops. Whatever. Prove that I stole any of your shit. And good luck finding me, asshole. You’re blocked!”

  I was frozen in my tracks trying to comprehend exactly what that conversation meant. Especially what it meant for Bryce. Who was Sami? Should I mention any of this to Bryce?

  I collected my thoughts and took the steps up to the front porch and knocked on the door. She answered immediately, wearing a pink terrycloth bathrobe, her hair all disheveled, and mascara smeared under her eyes.

  “Hi, I’m Avery…” I started.

  “Yeah, we met, remember?”

  “Of course, I just wanted to bring you some baked goods and fruit. I wasn’t sure if you needed anything. I’m going to town in a bit, so if you do need anything, well–”

  “Well aren’t you a sweetie?” she said, pushing open the screen door to allow me inside. “And with Bryce gone for the day. Of course, you must’ve known that, right?” She stepped back as I entered the cottage. I immediately looked around, noting the disarray inside.

  Bryce was not a neat freak by any means, but his cottage was typically tidy. It looked like Hurricane Mandy had hit it full force. Empty soda cans had been left on the coffee table, along with partially eaten bags of chips and pretzels. I noticed blankets and a pillow folded at the end of the couch. Was Bryce making her sleep out there?

  “I’m getting ready to clean up,” she said, running her fingers through her tousled hair. “Kind of getting a late start today. Bryce and I keep late hours. Mostly my fault. I’m a sucker for old movies and I make him watch them with me. Not to mention the odd food cravings I’ve been getting. What can I do for you, Avery?”

  It was clear she was uncomfortable having me inside the cottage, but I didn’t really give a damn. I handed over the basket to her. “Maybe these will curb your cravings,” I said. “I hope you enjoy them.”

  She pulled back the cloth and breathed in the sweet cinnamon scent of the muffins. “Umm, smells good. Did you bake them?”

  “No. Martha, one of the housekeepers up at my grandparents’ house, did.”

  “Ah…wealth does have its privileges, doesn’t it? Not that I would know about that. But thank you and thank Martha for me,” she said, walking over to the counter in the kitchenette where she placed the basket. I noticed the sink was full of dirty dishes.

  “So, I’m off to town. Do you need anything while I’m there?”

  “No, I’m good. I gave Bryce a list before he left this morning. I’ve got plenty to tide me over until he gets home.”

  Home. Yeah, right. This wasn’t her home.

  “Speaking of that, Mandy, I know these cottages are really small. They’re meant to accommodate one person. I see you’re sleeping on the couch and I wanted to offer–”

  “Who said I was sleeping on the couch?” she snapped, her eyes narrowed as she looked over at me. She was clearly pissed.

  I nodded towards the sofa. “I just saw the blankets a
nd pillow over there and figured–”

  “Well, you figured wrong,” she said. “Bryce takes the couch occasionally. Just because that double bed isn’t all that comfortable for two people. Especially when our baby is kicking between the two of us.”

  If her last statement was designed to burn me, she succeeded. I felt myself tense up, but I was not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing she got to me. Had she somehow figured out that Bryce and I had been involved?

  “I’m sorry,” I forced the words out with a sweetness I didn’t feel. “I only wanted to say that I could have Carter open up one of the other cottages that isn’t being used right now if you’d be more comfortable having your own place.”

  She studied me for a moment. “Now why would you want to do that for me? I can’t pay rent.”

  “No rent is necessary. We have several sitting empty. I just thought it might be more comfortable for the both of you, that’s all.”

  “I see. What about when the baby comes? I’m due around the New Year, you know?”

  “No, I didn’t know. But you need to understand this is all just a temporary arrangement.”

  “Is that what Bryce told you?” she asked, a smirk gracing her lips. “I’m not so sure about that. At any rate, let me ask Bryce when he gets home. He’s awfully protective with me being in this delicate condition. I’m not sure if he’d want me in another cabin. I’ll have him let you know, how’s that?”

  “Fine,” I said, smiling sweetly. “Have a nice day, Mandy.”

  “You do the same, Avery,” she called after me. “Oh, and by the way—would there be anything I can do around here to earn a little bit of my own money? I’m not picky… well, except I refuse to shovel horse shit the way Bryce does all day,” she finished with a snicker.

  “Oh?” I replied, “Do you have any skills, Mandy?” I asked, knowing damn well I was being a shit, but hell, she deserved it. Bryce was a hard worker who was making an honest living. How dare she make like she was above any of what he did to earn his pay?

  She bristled just like I knew she would. It had been a fairly obvious slam, but I didn’t regret it. “Well, I might just surprise everyone with my skills,” she said, “but as far as around here, any clerical work would be great. Even if it’s only a few hours a week. I’m a whiz on the computer, I know all of the MS Office applications. I’d be grateful for anything. I hate having Bryce totally supporting me, you know? A girl has her pride.”

  The bitch made my skin crawl for some reason. I didn’t believe a word she said. She was up to something and my gut instinct said it didn’t have a damn thing to do with Bryce.

  “Let me ask Becky over at the office. This isn’t a busy time of year, obviously, but there is a large Christmas gala being planned over at the Belle. I’ll see if she needs any help organizing it and let you know.”

  “I really appreciate it, Avery. Bryce is right. You are a sweet kid.”

  I wanted to claw her eyes out with my fingernails. Her saccharine statement was clearly a revenge dig for my previous question. I doubted very much if Bryce had said any such thing to her, but I had better things to do with my time than spar with this bitch.

  “Don’t mention it, Mandy,” I replied with a smile. “Take care. I’ll get back to you.”

  Chapter 22

  Bryce

  My time of reckoning with the parents was here. I’d been on that damn bus for six hours, and, at this moment, I debated on if what I was about to walk into was going to be worse.

  But it couldn’t be helped. I had to man up and let them know that there was a possibility, although I thought slim, that I was going to be giving them a grandchild in a few months. Her due date was January 10th. At least that’s what she told me. With Mandy, the truth seemed to be a stranger. I didn’t know shit about females. I knew less about pregnant chicks. But it seemed to me like she was ready to foal any day now.

  I gathered what bit of courage I could muster and walked up to the front door. They were expecting me so I knew it would be unlocked. As soon as I stepped inside, my mom was right there, grinning ear to ear and pulling me into a hug.

  “Oh Bryce, we’ve missed you baby boy,” she said, sounding totally emotional, as she squeezed the ever loving hell out of me.

  “Mom,” I said, dragging out the word, “Sidney’s the baby boy, remember?”

  “Nonsense,” she replied, taking inventory of me. “You are both my baby boys forever.”

  I felt his presence before I laid eyes on him. The alpha male in the household. My mother’s strength and true love. My father.

  “Bryce,” he said, closing the gap between us. “Good to see you, son.” I felt his arms around my shoulders and, for a split-second, I was frozen in confusion.

  He didn’t hate me anymore?

  “Dad,” I replied, “Where’s Sidney?” I asked, trying to change the subject and break the emotional moment. It was too foreign to me…too raw…too temporary. I knew they’d flip when I gave them my news.

  He loosened his grip on me, studying my face as if he couldn’t believe I’d ask about my younger brother who I mostly had treated like a royal pain in the ass six months ago.

  “Basketball practice,” he replied. “He’ll be home soon. Take a load off. Fill us in on what’s been going on in your life.”

  “I will,” I replied seriously. “But I’m going to let you know from the start, you’re not going to like some of it.”

  My news hadn’t gone over as bad as I’d expected. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it was no picnic for sure. My mom had actually reacted more negatively than my dad. I wasn’t sure what that was about. Maybe it was a “dude thing,” you know? I knew my old man had bagged his fair share of chicks back in the day. Not that he’d bragged about it, but shit, my brother-in-law could run his mouth after a few beers and I’d been within earshot as a kid.

  My mother was the first to ask about a paternity test.

  “Yeah, Mom. I absolutely will have that done. I’m not a total idiot, you know?”

  “I just can’t understand this, Bryce. You’re a smart kid. You know about protection and abstinence, right?”

  “Samantha,” my dad interjected.

  “No, Eric, he damn well knows how babies are made. There’s no good excuse.”

  “I get it,” he replied, and then looked at me. “Are you prepared to take full responsibility if the baby is yours, Bryce?”

  “Of course, Dad. I’m not a total dick. I understand my responsibilities. I’m fully prepared to assume them.”

  “Good to know,” he replied.

  “Good to know? Good to know? Are you serious, Eric?” my mom interjected. “He’s eighteen years old! How in the hell is he supposed to assume responsibility?”

  “Samantha…”

  “No! Don’t Samantha me! This is going to change his life forever, don’t you get that?”

  “Samantha,” he said, his voice not masking his authoritative tone, “I’m well aware of that. The same way you were when you were pregnant with Lindsey at seventeen, alright? Let’s keep our cool here. Nothing is to be served by getting over-emotional about this. Bryce is doing what needs to be done.”

  “Oh, okay,” she snapped, “If you’ve blessed this situation then I guess my job is done. I don’t have to remind you of how that turned out for me with Lindsey’s father, do I?”

  “Whoa, wait a second Mom,” I piped up. “I don’t want this to be something for you and Dad to fight about. I’m doing the best I can under the current circumstances. Please trust me to use my head this time?”

  I watched as she released a sigh, and then turned to me. “I just don’t want this to turn into a nightmare for you, Bryce. Taking responsibility financially and emotionally for the child is one thing, just please don’t feel you need to be tied to Mandy for life in the deal.”

  “I get it, Mom. Believe me, I get it. Hey, I’m gonna go upstairs to pack up some more of my stuff. I can�
�t stay long. I’ve got to drive back this evening.”

  She was disappointed I could tell, but I didn’t think I should leave Mandy by herself there overnight. Not in her condition. “What is the due date?” she asked tentatively.

  “January 10th.”

  Upstairs in my room, I grabbed another backpack from my closet floor and started putting some of my fall hoodies, long sleeved shirts, and more jeans into it. It was surreal being back in my room after nearly five months away. Five months seemed like a lifetime.

  My mind drifted to Avery. My gut ached every time I thought of her which was an unfamiliar reaction for me. It was new. It was raw. And I didn’t want the feeling to settle in and become familiar. I was tempted to pull out my cell and call her now. I missed every part of her.

  But what could I possibly say at this point? I may have fucked up royally, but let’s not let it change everything we had?

  Right.

  My door opened and my kid brother came in.

  “Hey Sid,” I said, “Damn have you gotten taller, dude?”

  “Probably. It’s been a while. But hey, I need to tell you something, Bryce.”

  “Listening,” I replied, stuffing more shirts into the backpack.

  “Check it out, I got home early and was in the kitchen when you were talking to Mom and Dad. I seriously wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. When I heard Mandy’s name, I had to keep listening. Dude, you need to know something about that chick and your situation.”

  I checked out my little brother who wasn’t so damn little anymore. When had that changed? The truth was, it had been much longer than five months since I’d really paid attention to Sidney, the perfect one.

  In that moment, I knew I’d used the fact he hadn’t followed in my fucked-up footsteps as a reason to resent him. But now I realized Sidney was his own person and that was a really cool thing. He blazed his own path and I respected him for that. He was fifteen, almost sixteen, and he seemed to care about me despite all the reasons I’d given him not to give a damn.