I placed my hand at the small of her back and gently urged her to the front door. “So what’s in the gift bag?”
When she entered the door, she turned back around at me. “I almost forgot until you mentioned it. Here it’s the picture you wanted.”
“You gift wrapped it?”
She gave me a shy smile and shrugged looking around the foyer. “It’s the small things in life that make things that much better.”
I peered into the bag and saw a square pile of tissue paper. I removed it from the package and started to peel off the paper. She had put it in a frame after coloring it to perfection. The scene of the bayou before a storm looked more like a photograph than a work of pencil. “My god that’s stunning. Thank you.” I wrapped my arms around her in a hug when my mother walked in the foyer.
“Quit pawing at her boy and introduce me.” She chuckled.
I took a step back arm still around Roxy’s shoulder. “Roxy this is my mother Evangeline Savioe. Momma this is Roxy.”
My mom came up and gave Roxy a hug. “Please call me Eva or Mom. It is so nice to have another female in the house. I swear sometimes Marie and I feel overwhelmed with all this testosterone floating around.”
My cell phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw that I had six missed calls and over twenty texts from Christie. I shrugged and turned off the thing and set it on the table next to the door.
“What do you have there, Lucien?” Mom asked nodding at the frame.
“Oh this is the picture Roxy gave me that I told you about yesterday. She put it in a frame and filled it in with color.” I handed it over to her to look at.
She gasped, her hand flying to her throat. “This is incredible. It looks like you just went down and snapped a photo.” Roxy ducked her head blushing. “Honey, you have a gift. Nathaniel come in here and look at what our guest gave Lucien.”
I leaned down to Roxy’s ear. “My father.”
She slowly nodded. “I kinda guessed that.”
*****
Roxy
Damn, their house is huge and beautiful. I don’t know why I expected something smaller than mine or as rundown as Jess’s place. I guess it’s the image they present at school just that rough bad boy thing. The one that makes you picture a one-story house with tiny rooms packed full of trinkets and knick-knacks with a dog or two chained in the yard. Boy was I wrong. Only thing missing is a Bugatti or Ferrari sitting out front. They definitely don’t flaunt their obvious wealth like most of the others in school do. Well, I don’t either but it’s not like my parents are uber rich or anything. My dad just happens to be one of the best divorce attorneys in the state and my mother is a therapist of some kind, she hasn’t really told me what kind yet. Wonder what his dad does?
His little brothers are pretty cute. I can tell just by the little glimmer in their eyes that they usually get into everything. I’ve observed people long enough to recognize that trait. I really didn’t expect his mom to be so nice or short! It’s nice to be around someone my height that isn’t six years younger than I am.
When his father entered the room, he towered over everyone. He was even taller than Luke was. He walked over to Eva and kissed her on her head. “What is it, love?”
She smiled up at him and held up the frame. “Our guest Roxy gave him this picture she drew.”
He grabbed the delicate frame in his large hands and gazed at it with a longing in his eyes. “That is beautiful.” He looked up at me with hazel eyes hand outstretched. “Nice to meet you Roxy. I’m Nathaniel. Just call me Nate or Dad. I’ll answer to anything really.”
I grabbed his hand and shook it with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I still had hold of his hand when realization hit me. “I know you. I met you a few years ago at my father’s office. He had a really nasty divorce case that ended up taking a turn for the worse.”
Recognition lit his eyes, as he looked me over. “Daniel Saintshill’s little girl. He’s a good man a bit stuffy at times but a real terror in the courtroom. A shame about how things turned out on that case. Your father said she was a nice woman, but I’m happy to say that her husband is now behind bars with the other murderers.”
“Now, no more talk of nasty things. Lucien, go entertain your guest while I get started on dinner.” Eva scolded us then handed Luke the picture frame. She patted her husband on the back.
Nate smiled down at her and winked. He clapped Luke on the back and whispered loud enough for me and Eva to hear. “Keep the door open though, son. Don’t want to end up a grandfather just yet.”
My eyes widened in shock and cheeks heated up before I turned my head away from them. Eva caught my eye, shook her head and whispered to me. “Don’t mind him, child. He said that to embarrass Lucien not you.”
Nate laughed and escorted his wife into the kitchen. “I’ll lend you a hand with supper, love.”
Luke turned to look at me his cheeks lit with a light hint of a blush as he rolled his eyes. “My parents. They love to try to embarrass us when they get the chance. Come on upstairs. I’ll show you around.” He held out his hand for me to take.
I swallowed a bit and took his hand. He led me up the flight of steps and showed me the master bedroom door. His hand was warm and a little calloused around the palm. The sensation of his flesh on mine even in such an innocent fashion sent a tingling sensation straight to my core. So this is what Jess means by getting all lusty. Good to know.
We walked past the twins’ room. The door was closed with a sign that read ‘keep out danger zone’. Charles’ room was also closed. When we went past Marie’s her door was wide open and Marie was standing in the door arms crossed glaring at me. I ducked my head breaking eye contact and took a deep breath. This is not going to pleasant.
Marie huffed away from the door jam and stepped in front of us. “Luke, can I talk to her for a minute.”
Luke bristled and glanced down at me. “Marie, I don’t think mom would want any fights in the house.”
“Oh don’t worry I’m not going to hurt her.” Marie grabbed my wrist and pulled me into her room. Just as she shut it in his face she said, “I’ll bring her up when I’m done.”
She turned around to face me giving me an odd look before she hobbled over to her vanity chair. I stood in the middle of her room my hands clasped in front of me. Just waiting for her to say or do something. I decided to say something before she did. “Marie, I just want to apologize for causing you to twist your ankle. At the time, it seemed like the only way to get you to stop hurting Jess. I really did not want you to get hurt in the process. I also never told anyone about the scuffle. It was the vice principal’s son who did that.”
She chuckled and waved her hand at me. “Don’t worry about that. I understand you were just protecting your friend. That’s commendable. I just wanted to say that I loved how you told off that stupid bitch dating Luke. Charles showed me the video. Gawd, I loved that. The real reason I wanted to talk to you is to find out just what you are doing.”
“What do you mean?” I asked curiously.
“Why are you here?”
“Luke was supposed to ask Beau if I could sketch him. He said he’d text me with the when and where. He did that last night with the offer of food. I really cannot pass up a home cooked meal. My parents can’t cook worth anything so I try to get my food where ever I can.” I nervously fidgeted with the bottom of my t-shirt.
She pursed her lips tightly studying me before she snorted and shook her head. “You like him don’t you?”
“Um… which one are you talking about?”
“Luke. Duh.” She smirked in that same mischievous way Charles usually did. “You just don’t want him to know it. I get it now. The ignoring in class when he’d try to talk to you and the way you walked down the halls. You are not use to any attention are you? So when he talked to you a few weeks ago you just froze unsure of what to do or say. Am I right?”
“Yeah, you’re right. I’m not use to any ty
pe of attention. In fact, yesterday at school was the first time since middle school I’d talked to anyone other than Jess for more than just a simple question about the class work. But I am not going to confirm your thoughts over who I might be crushing over.” I pushed my hair behind my ear.
“Oh you don’t have to say anything I can tell by just how you are acting. And you said you are supposed to draw Beau? I’ll go get him if you want. So you can go ahead and get started before dinner is ready.” She still had that sneaky grin hinting at her lips.
“Sure, that’d be cool. I just need my bag from Luke. It has all of my stuff in it.” I shrugged in acceptance.
She nodded, got up and hobbled over to her opened window. “Hey Beau! Roxy is here to draw you now get up here.” Her lips twitched in amusement as she turned to me. “How are you going to draw him? Is it going to be a nude? Cause yeah, you’ll have to go to another room to do that. I really don’t want his naked butt around my things.”
“Oh gross.” I cringed a bit in disgust. “Yeah I do not sketch, paint or draw nudes. It’d be way too weird.”
Marie giggled, “Want to play a joke on my brother?”
“I guess.” I nervously agreed.
“I’m going to tell Luke that the portraits that you do are nudes.” My eyes widened as she continued. “Then after I grab your bag from him and bring it to you. Say let twenty minutes pass I’ll just let it slip that Beau is in here with you.”
“Are you serious?” I laughed so hard I grabbed my stomach. “What makes you think he’ll believe that?”
“Well, I want you to clue Beau in on it when he gets up here. Then after twenty minutes pass just start giggling and act like you are flirting with him.” She hobbled over to the door and opened it.
“Big problem. I have never flirted in my life. I don’t think I even know how.”
She pursed her lips and scrunched her nose up as she thought. “Hmm, Beau will help you. Just tell him about everything okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.” I said as she walked out the door. She must be crazy. Hell, I must be crazy for going along with this. I don’t even know how this is considered some kind of trick or joke or whatever. I sighed and sat in her vanity chair staring at the mirror at my reflection. What have I got myself into?
*****
Luke
I sat on my bed with Roxy’s bag next to me waiting for Marie to bring her up. My curiosity got the better of me as I stared at the bag. Is her sketchpad in there? I pulled the bag onto my lap and opened it. She had a pair of shoes and socks in there, a small purse, a pouch of pencils and the pad in question. I pulled it out and opened it just as I heard the footsteps coming up the stairs. Quickly tossing the pad back in the bag, I closed it, got up and opened the door.
Marie was standing at the top of the staircase smirking. “I need her bag. She’s wanting to sketch something.” I grabbed the bag off my bed and handed it to her as she kept talking. “Did you know that she sketches nudes? Totally shocked the hell out of me. Who’d have thought something that sweet would enjoy drawing naked models?” She shook her head and carefully maneuvered her way down the stairs.
I stood there in shock. No wonder she said she was embarrassed to show me the sketchpad in the car. It must be filled with nudes. Maybe she isn’t as innocent as Beau thought she was. That could be why Bus is panting after her too. The bastard must have heard about it or even saw them. Well, I was in a good mood. I sighed and headed down to the kitchen. Mom and Charles were sitting at the kitchen island peeling potatoes. I heard dad and the twins in the living room laughing at a cartoon on TV.
“Hey, Lucien. Come down to get a drink for your little friend?” Mom asked not even looking up from peeling the potatoes.
“Yeah. Do we still have a few bottles of soda?” I asked heading toward the fridge.
“In the fridge. Dinner will be ready in a few. I still have to make the salad and start slow-cooking the pork chops.”
“You are too good to us, Momma.” I kissed her on the head and grabbed two bottles out of the fridge. I bounded back up the stairs and heard giggling coming from Marie’s room.
“Hey bro.” Marie purred from behind me.
I spun around in surprise. “Shit, Marie. You scared me. Wait if you are here then who’s in your room with her?”
Marie smiled as she headed downstairs. “Beau. She said she was here to draw him.”
Another round of giggling came from behind Marie’s door. My eyes narrowed at the sound. What the hell. I went up to the door and pressed my ear against it to hear what was going on.
“So how would you like me, Roxy?” Beau asked his voice muffled.
Roxy giggled. “Why don’t you lie down on the bed? That’s it. Now put your hand behind your head. No not like that.” Another bout of laughter. “Here let me help you.”
“Gawd, girl. Your hands are cold.” He exclaimed.
“Well, you can always help me warm them up.” He voice lowered to a husky whisper.
My jaw clenched in frustrated anger. Left hand tightened to a fist around the lids of the soda bottles that dangled from my grip. I clutched the doorknob so tight my knuckles morphed to a pale white. Beau’s deep laugh and her giggle were muffled through the door conjuring images of them with their limbs entangled as the embraced on the bed. I rested my forehead against the smooth surface of the door. A deep growl of resentment emerged from my throat as I slammed the drinks down on the decorative table beside the entrance and pushed away from the door.
I stormed my way upstairs to grab my keys from my room. I have to get out of this house right now. If I stayed, I’d just end up barging into that room and making an ass of myself. I ran out of the house to the garage and jumped on my bike. I sat there for a few moments trying to gather my thoughts when my dad walked in the garage.
“What are you doing, son?” His concern evident in his tone and gaze. He sauntered over to the bike and grabbed the keys from it before I could take off.
I shook my head jaw clenched hands resting on the handlebars. “I dunno, Dad. Dis girl’s got me all twisted and tangled. I tink I know what she is ‘bout den Marie says someting dat makes a little more sense den what I had tought and it has me all confused.” I ran my hand over my face and continued. “I go up dere ta give her da drink and she is in Marie’s room gigglin’ wit Beau wit da door closed. And dat has me so mad I could jus' rip da hinges off and go after dem. I know da two of us have fought ‘fore but dis is da first time I’ve really jus’ wanted ta hurt him.”
My father nodded his head listening to me vent. He lifted his hand and scratched the back of his neck. “Son, sounds like you might have some strong feelings for this girl.”
I snorted. “I barely know her, Dad. We’ve only talked yesterday and today fo’ a little bit.”
“And in that time you have brought her here to meet the rest of the family which you have never done with any girl before, blown off your girlfriend to hang out with her and are jealous over your brother making her laugh.” He leaned against the workbench arms crossed in front of his chest.
Jealous? Could I really be jealous?
*****
Chapter Six
Roxy
I put my phone back in my bag after snapping multiple pictures of Beau’s face in different lighting. The lamp next to Marie’s bed created some interesting shadows. I only hope I can match them on paper. He was standing by the window staring out at the garage when I told him. “You do realize that I think your sister’s little joke or whatever it is, is kinda odd.”
He glanced at me with a half-smile before turning his attention back out the window. “You don’t have any siblings do you?”
“No. I’m an only child” I walked over to the window to see what he was staring at. Marie’s room had an excellent view of inside the garage. Luke was seated on his bike with their father leaning against an old workbench talking.
“The four of us have always given each other shit since… hell since we could walk re
ally. Then when the twins came around we started playing pranks and well cruel jokes on each other. When you told me about Marie’s scheme to make him think you’re seeing me nude. Gawd, I could resist it.”
“But why would he care if I did or not?”
He laughed and turned toward me. “You really don’t know? He has a crush on you, girl.”
“I don’t think so.” I mumbled feeling my cheeks heat up. He placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled before he left the room. As I stood in the room, I gazed out the window at Luke and his dad talking. Was it possible that he liked me? I shook my head. There is no way. He already has the tall blonde as his girlfriend why in the world would he want someone like me.
*****
“Eva that was possibly the best meal I have ever eaten. I am stuffed.” I sat back in my chair with a hand resting on my stomach. Luke sat to my left, Beau to my right, Marie to his right. Charles and the twins sat on the opposite side of the table. Eva and Nate sat on the ends. Luke had not spoken one word to me since leaving me with Marie earlier. When he came in with his dad from the garage he just glared at Beau went upstairs and locked his door. One of the twins went up his room to get him for dinner and came back down with tears in his eyes. Luke stomped down the steps moments later and sat at the table not saying a word to anyone.
She looked down the table at me. “Thank you, honey. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Before you leave, I could give you some to take home. Marie told me that you don’t really get a chance to have a decent meal.”
“I would love that. Thank you. Do you need a hand with the dishes?” I asked.
“Pssht. Beau and Charles will take care of it tonight while Marie keeps the twins out of trouble.” She waved her hand dismissing my comment.
Charles gasped in horror. “But it’s Luke’s turn tonight.”
“And he has company over.” She explained.
“Not like he has spent any time with her since she’s been here. Just been pouting up in his room like a kid that had to share his favorite toy.” Charles mumbled under his breath.
Tangled Up In You (A Savioe Family Novel) Page 6