Roadside Assistance

by Marie Harte

  “Yes, you do.”

  “I sense you know him too. You see more than the surface, don’t you? My boy is much more than all that muscle and ink he insists on getting.”

  “Yeah.” God, Cyn was feeling the urge to tear up. Nothing like hearing how much a woman loved her child. This was how she’d always hoped Ella might feel for her. Pride, love, concern. A true desire for her child to be happy, and not just because it reflected well on herself.

  “Now that that’s out of the way, what do you think of Jacob?”

  Finally, a change of subject. “He’s a lucky man, and he knows it.” Cyn paused. “I think you two are perfect for each other. You’re both smart, funny, and you look at each other like you can’t imagine the world without the other in it.”

  Eileen’s smile grew. “You’re not just a pretty face, are you? Intelligent too. You’re right. He’s a wonderful man. I’m going to marry him.”

  “Congratulations.”

  “Shh.” Eileen glanced warily at the door. “They’re out there watching a basketball game, but Foley has ears like a bat. I’m going to tell him about us over pie.”

  “I hope it’s a big pie. Soothe the savage beast first.”

  Eileen chuckled.

  “He worries about you.”

  “I know.” Eileen toyed with a plate Jacob had dried and left on the counter. “He needs to worry about his own life.” She gave Cyn a sly glance. “I’m not getting any younger, you know. I’m more than ready to be a grandmother.”

  “Well don’t look at me. Foley and I are just dating.”

  Eileen watched her, saying nothing.

  “I mean, we just met, really. Heck, we didn’t even like each other at first.” That wasn’t exactly true, but what should she tell his mother? That she hadn’t liked him, but she’d lusted after his fine body?

  Eileen continued to say nothing.

  “What?” Right then, mother and son distinctly resembled each other, both masters of intimidation, this despite the fact that Cyn towered over Eileen’s petite frame.

  “Do you love my son?”

  Cyn sputtered, trying to answer without confirming or denying a truth she’d only just come to understand. “I—well—I—I… That’s pretty personal, isn’t it? Besides, Foley and I just started going out.”

  “Is that a no, then?”

  “You can’t—I mean, that’s just not—Foley and I are friends. We’re dating. He’s my boyfriend, and he calls me his girlfriend.” So lame, she left it at that, feeling like a complete moron. A simple no would have sufficed.

  Eileen nodded. “Right then. Tell your boyfriend and my fiancé that it’s time for dessert.” The woman winked at her.

  Cyn tore out of the kitchen to find Foley and Jacob arguing about the Lakers’ chances in the playoffs.

  “Time for dessert,” she said with more pep than she felt.

  Jacob rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait.” He left for the kitchen.

  Foley held her back when she would have followed him. “Hey, you okay?”

  “No. Your mother is a barracuda,” Cyn snarled in a low voice, not pleased at the way Eileen had dug the truth out of her without trying too hard. How pathetic was Cyn to fall in love with this rough Adonis of a man after so little time? It’s like I’m begging to have my heart stomped on and torn to tiny pieces.

  Foley frowned. “Hell. I’m sorry, Cyn. I’ll talk to her.”

  Before he could step away, she stopped him. “No. Wait.” She took a few calming breaths. “She loves you, as much as you love her. And she has a big announcement to make.”

  Foley groaned.

  “You’ll like this one. Jacob is a good man, Foley. He really loves your mom. And from what you both have said, he’s loaded. So he’s not after her for her money. You met his daughter, and you liked her, right?”

  “What does that have to do with it?”

  “It tells you the character of the man. His daughter isn’t spoiled or shallow, right?”

  “No.”

  “So he’s a decent dad. Follows that he’s probably a decent guy. I mean, he fell for your mom, right?”

  Foley stared down at her and wiped a strand of hair from her cheek. “Yeah, I guess.” He let out a sigh. “I need to let go, don’t I?”

  Funny, it felt like talking to the father of a child, not the son of a parent. She fought a smile and answered in a tender voice, “Yeah, you do. If you love her, set her free,” she sang.

  He chuckled. “Okay, Red, let’s eat pie.”

  “I’ll be eating pie. I’m thinking you’ll be eating crow.”

  “What’s that?” He slapped her ass.

  “Foley. Stop that.”

  “Fine. But you owe me when we get back to your place.”

  “For what?”

  “For that kiss at the door before meeting my mother. What were you thinking, you hussy?”

  She glared at him, but he was saved by Jacob’s entrance.

  “Come on, you two. Last one to the table gets the smallest piece of apple pie.”

  “With ice cream?” Foley asked.

  “Is there any other way to eat pie?”

  Foley nudged Cyn ahead of him, a hand on her hip, and squeezed. “Well, maybe he’s not so bad after all.”

  * * *

  Eileen gave her son a hug and watched him leave with his girlfriend.

  “What did you think?” Jacob asked as he hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, his hands on her stomach.

  “I think my son is in way over his head with that one.” She sighed. “But he did wish us well, didn’t he?”

  “That growling was well-wishing?” Jacob laughed. “Then I guess we have his approval after all.”

  She stroked his hand. “I know it’s foolish. I’m his mother; he’s not my father. But it’s been the three of us for so long.”

  “Speaking of three, when are you going to talk to Sam?”

  “I’m having him over for dinner tomorrow night. He’s quiet but caring. Don’t let him scare you off.”

  “If I can handle your son and his Amazon girlfriend, I can handle Sam.”

  She thought the description apt. An Amazon, but with a vulnerable heart. She’d seen the affection in the girl’s eyes every time Cyn looked at Foley, along with a bit of puzzlement. “What did you think of her?”

  “I liked her. She’s smart, and she’s not afraid of him.”

  “Yeah.” Eileen had liked that about the girl. “Did you see the way she watched him at dinner? Like she’s half in love with him but not sure what to do about it.”

  “Oh, I’d say more than half.” Jacob told her about his conversation over dishes.

  “Is that right?” She smiled, imagining the babies Foley and Cyn would have. Tall and beautiful and cared for—especially with a proud grandma on standby. “I think my boy has that girl flustered.”

  “I’d say you’re right. Just as off-kilter as he is about her. Did you see him watching her during dinner? How many times he bragged about her businesses? Her smarts? Hell, everything about her?”

  “Yes.” It had done Eileen’s heart good to hear her son infatuated with a woman she actually liked. Eileen had been able to tell that Cyn wasn’t a stripper, barfly, or tattoo groupie, the kind Foley usually hung around with but didn’t think his mother knew about. Please. She kept a watchful eye on her boy, even if he didn’t know it. Good old Liam always kept her in the loop.

  “I have a feeling my son is falling for that girl, and she has no idea.”

  “Not a one.” Jacob hugged her. “Poor thing. It’s tough when a Sanders has her claws in you and you don’t know it.”

  “Is that right?” She turned her head and kissed him. “Well lucky for you, I’ve decided to take you up on that offer of marriage.”

&nb
sp; “Lucky for me indeed.” He kissed her again.

  “Oh, don’t let me forget. After we talk to Sam tomorrow night, we’re on for lunch on Wednesday with some friends of mine I’d like you to meet.” Liam and Sophie—a woman after her own heart. A lady who’d finally found love after a lifetime of searching.

  “Sounds good to me. Any friends of yours are friends of mine.”

  Such a sound, down-to-earth man. She glanced into his bright blue eyes. “I love you, Jacob.”

  “I love you, Eileen.” He paused. “Even if you did raise a thug who wants to rip my head off.”

  Since she’d never made any bones about her son or Sam, she laughed. “Just think. In a few more months, he’ll be our thug, dear. And don’t forget about Sam.”

  Jacob groaned and hugged her tight. “Now you have to take me into the back and make me forget all about my angry future family.”

  “You poor man. What you’ll go through to be by my side.”

  “Anything for you, Eileen. And I mean that.”

  Eileen had finally found the right man after so many empty years. She could only hope her son recognized his own happily ever after in the dark-eyed woman who was not sure of his feelings…or hers.

  Chapter 20

  Foley did his best not to have the confrontation with Sam he knew was brewing. He’d said little to Sam in the morning. They took separate vehicles after an obnoxious comment Sam had made about Foley no doubt going to his girlfriend’s house after work.

  Considering Sam hated mornings anyway, it was no problem to basically ignore his friend before heading to Webster’s—in his own car.

  Ignoring the dick had taken effort, but now, after a full day at the garage, he figured he and Sam were due.

  Everyone but Lou had cleared out. Del and Liam had sequestered themselves in the office, doing paperwork the pair dreaded.

  Lou looked from Foley’s set expression to Sam’s mulish features. “You guys okay?”

  “Yeah.” Foley nodded to the doorway. “I’ll lock up. Sam and I need to talk.”

  Lou grabbed his things and clapped a hand on Sam’s shoulder before leaving. “Go easy on him, Foley.”

  After Lou left, Sam scowled at the doorway through which Lou had departed. “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “It means that Lou, like the rest of our friends, knows you almost sabotaged my relationship with Cyn over New Year’s, you asshole.” Foley spoke in a low voice, but his anger grew at the thought of what Sam might have accomplished with his stupid trick.

  “Oh please. If she’s that upset by a few exes, what good is she?”

  “A few? You had five of them there.”

  “More like eight, but she never got around to meeting Tanya, Jill, and Micki.” Sam shrugged, as if unconcerned. “Not my problem your old fuck buddies are hot. Joaquin told me to bring ladies. He had no complaints.”

  Foley put his hands on his hips so he wouldn’t plant a fist in Sam’s face. “What’s going on with you? Why would you do that? You know I like her.”

  Sam ripped off his coveralls and threw them to the ground. “So what, you like her? She’s just like all the rest, right? You’ll fool around then dump her like the others.”

  Foley studied Sam. Sam looked annoyed as hell, but he sounded…worried. “Has Louise been bugging you?”

  Sam’s face darkened. “What the hell does she have to do with this?”

  “Your mother has a way of making you unhinged.” Foley offered no apology for the truth. They both knew it.

  “No, asshole. Louise didn’t call.” Rage lit Sam’s eyes. “Eileen did. Funny how you and your fucking girlfriend spent the night with Eileen and Jacob while I was home alone.”

  “You’re jealous?” Foley knew Sam didn’t like the attention he’d been giving Cyn, but he hadn’t realized how deep the envy went.

  “No, Foley. I’m not jealous.”

  He sure as hell sounded jealous.

  “I don’t get you.” Sam paced, his huge fists swinging back and forth. “I understand the newness. I get you two fucking like crazy. And you know, good for you. But what’s with spending so much time with her? You’re never around anymore. And when you are, you’re not really with us.”

  “Us?”

  Sam shrugged. “Me and the guys. Ray’s too good for you now?” He sneered. “Is your redhead too fine for us shit kickers you used to hang with? Funny I haven’t seen her there yet. You embarrassed about your real family?”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Foley hadn’t seen this coming, and a part of him felt badly that he’d misread the situation. This went beyond resentment to something deeper. “Sam, I love you guys. You know that.”

  “Oh, so it’s just me then.” Sam stopped pacing and walked into Foley’s personal space.

  Foley held his own, ready for a fist aimed his way. Sam seethed with hostility. “What is this really about, Sam?” he asked in a calm voice.

  The hurt in Sam’s eyes tore at him. “It’s about you, dickhead. All of a sudden you’re getting laid and you’re dumping me—again. I’m nothing when you’re in heat.”

  “Sam, I’ve been with plenty of women. I didn’t dump you before, and I won’t now.” Foley shoved Sam back, feeling threatened. “Jesus, man. It’s only been a few weeks. It’s not like I’ve ignored you for years. Cyn and I are new. And you made it pretty clear you don’t like her. Why would we hang with you?”

  “That’s my point. All this we bullshit. Since when do you and some chick need to hang with me? Everything lately is you and her. There’s no just Foley anymore. Christ. It’s like Johnny and Del and Liam. Everyone’s all of a sudden fucking paired up, and none of them can breathe without their ‘significant other’s’ permission.”

  “Sam, that’s not how it is.”

  “Bullshit. You took her to meet Eileen and Jacob? Why wasn’t I there?” Sam thumped his chest. “I’m the one who lived with you for the past ten years. Just you and me against the world, right, Foley? Well, what the fuck was last night? Eileen tells you and Cyn that she’s getting married?”

  Hell. His mother might have thought this through better.

  “It’s not like that, man. Mom and I love you. You know that. You’re like a brother to me.”

  “Like a brother, not a brother.” Sam trembled, his fists clenched. “Don’t you see? This chick won’t last. None of them do. It’s just you and me, Foley. What do you need her for?”

  The door to the garage behind them opened, but Foley ignored it. Sam looked awful. Pale, shaking, and his blue-gray eyes were pained. Behind him, he saw Liam and Del in the open office doorway, watching with caution. He gave a subtle shake of his head, and they closed the door.

  Terrific. Now they knew Sam was upset. Foley had done his best through the years to protect his volatile friend, and he thought their time at Webster’s had proven Sam had what it took to be considered a valued employee, with or without Foley present. But Sam hadn’t become violent in the garage, hadn’t destroyed things here the way he had at other places.

  “Sam, let’s take this argument home. This isn’t the place for—”

  “This is exactly the place,” Sam roared, and Foley braced for a physical fight. “You’re getting some fine pussy, and you forget everything else? What the fuck, man? She’s not even up to your usual standards.”

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “She’s not exactly slim and trim. Yeah, she’s got a nice rack and she’s pretty, but please. All that mouthy attitude,” he huffed in disgust. “She must be really good in bed, because something’s got to make up for that big personality that—”

  Foley hit him before Sam could finish. His friend had gone off the deep end for sure, but Foley refused to listen to insults about the woman he loved. Cyn had spent so long dealing with size issues, that to hear Sam—someone Fole
y considered family—say the same, hurt deeply.

  “She’s more than what she looks like, you jackass. You of all people should get that.”

  “Why me? I’m not some fat-assed—”

  Foley hit him again. Hard. No holding back this time.

  Sam stumbled then hit him back. The fight got down and dirty in no time. They wrestled, swung, and landed punches that hurt like a bitch. The fight might have gone on except that Liam and J.T.—Del’s brother—were suddenly between them.

  “Whoa,” J.T. said and ducked Sam’s fist. “You bruise this pretty face, and I’ll shove your head up your ass.”

  “Try it, shithead.” Sam shoved J.T. back.

  Foley struggled against Liam for a few seconds, then relaxed. He had no beef with his boss.

  “You okay?” Liam asked.

  “Yeah. But you might want to double-team Sam.”

  Sam started in on J.T., his rage building, blinding, and it took Liam, J.T., and Foley to pin him down, face-first, on the floor.

  “Jesus. Is he on something?” J.T. asked. As large as his father but with considerably more muscle mass, J.T. was a force to reckon with. But Sam in a fury was no laughing matter.

  “A heap full of jealousy, from what I heard,” Del offered.

  Hell.

  Sam stopped struggling, especially when she gripped him by the hair and yanked his head off the ground. “Get the fuck out of the garage and cool off.”

  “You—”

  J.T. knifed his knee harder into Sam’s back. “Didn’t you hear my sister, Hamilton? Fuck off.”

  “I said cool off,” Del growled at J.T. To Sam, she said, “You don’t come back until you and I have a talk.” After a pause, she added, “You got that?”

  Worried for his mental state, Foley gripped Sam’s arm. Hard. “Don’t blow this, Sam. Think, damn it. You’re pissed at me, fine. But don’t bring it to work. You like them, remember?” Meaning Liam and Del. “You keep flailing around, you might hurt Del. You want that?”

  He stilled immediately. “No. Sorry, Del.”