by Laina Turner
“Yes, they can be. I’m done with them for now,” Athena said and immediately regretted it. She didn’t want a relationship right this minute, but how stupid to give him that impression.
“I know what you mean.”
There were a few seconds of what Athena felt was uncomfortable silence. They both should have known better than to talk about recent breakups and exes. That wasn’t casual coffee hang out talk.
“So, Tristan, what are your holiday plans?” She thought maybe a change of subject would bring back that easygoing interaction they had been having prior to relationship talk.
“Nothing, actually. I will be hanging out in my apartment watching the fireplace on the television, eating frozen pizza. Though I did buy some pumpkin pie ice cream. I’m in love with anything pumpkin this time of year,” he said, his voice lowering to a whisper, pretending it was a secret.
“I’m with you on the pumpkin thing. I can’t get enough. I think it’s because it’s only this time of year. If I had it year-round, it may get old.”
“But, then again, maybe not,” Tristan said.
“Don’t you have any family to spend the holidays with?” Athena asked, and then winced, thinking maybe this was a little too personal for their first conversation. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business. It’s the lawyer in me. I’m nosy and tend to just ask what I want to know.”
“Don’t worry, it’s fine,” he said. “I’m an only child, and both my parents died in a car accident many years ago. We were never close to other relatives, so now it’s kind of just me. He said all this without a hint of emotion, but Athena immediately felt bad. No one should have to spend the holidays alone.
“Why don’t you come home with me?” Athena said, shocked that the words she had been thinking had shot right out of her mouth.
Tristan smiled. “I can’t do that. I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Having all of two seconds to think about the idea, Athena realized it wasn’t completely terrible. “It wouldn’t be, I promise. My parents love having tons of people around during the holidays. They are always taking in strays, not that you’re a stray, but you know what I mean.” Geezz, he was going to think she was an idiot. What was it about him that made her say things she wouldn’t normally say?
“Really?” he asked skeptically.
“Really,” she said and found she did mean it. “You would actually be doing me a favor. My mom is expecting me to bring home Ethan. That’s my ex. If I bring you, she will be forced to be polite, somewhat, and not grill me. You’d be a great buffer.”
Tristan sat there for a minute. Probably trying to decide how to politely get away from her. He surely thought she was crazy. Who invited a total stranger to stay at their parents for the holidays?
“Okay. I’m in.”
Athena did a double take. Did he really just say yes?
Apparently he could tell what she was thinking and started to laugh. Then he repeated, “I’m in. When do we leave and what should I pack?”
Chapter 10
When are you going to get down here?” her mother asked as soon as Athena answered the phone. Athena hadn’t answered her last two calls, but figured she had no choice and had to pick up at some point.
“Hello to you too, Mother.”
“Athena, there are a lot of people I’m trying to coordinate for Christmas Eve dinner. You’re not making it easy.”
Athena sighed. She was the one who wasn’t making it easy? Abigail was the one who was adamant everyone be there exactly at six, and no one could eat unless everyone was present. “We plan on leaving the city about noon. So we should be to your driveway about threeish, four at the latest, depending on the traffic. What time are Robby and Tim coming in?”
“I’m not sure. They haven’t returned my calls. You know your brothers.”
Did she ever. Athena was an adult and knew she shouldn’t care at this point in her life, but it wasn’t fair that her mother let them slide, whereas she was all over Athena for every little thing. Her mother had always said she expected more out of her, being a woman, and that was something Athena had never really understood. It was almost like reverse gender discrimination.
“Now, because your Aunt Kate and Uncle Peter are coming, Ethan will probably have to bunk with Robby and Tim with you. You know I don’t believe in sharing a room when you’re not married. I am so excited to finally meet him,” her mother said breaking into her thoughts and bringing up the exact reason Athena had been avoiding her mother’s calls.
“About that,” Athena said hesitantly.
“Don’t tell me. He’s not coming now,” her mother said in a tone that clearly conveyed her annoyance.
“Well, no, he’s not coming. He’s not coming because he’s a lying jerk and we broke up.”
“You sure know how to pick’em,” her mother said in her usual curt fashion.
Thanks for asking how I’m doing, Mom, Athena thought, though she knew better than to expect warm and fuzzy sentiment from her mother. That just wasn’t how Abigail operated.
“I guess Robby and Tim won’t have to share a room after all, then.”
“About that, Mom. I’m bringing someone else.” Athena took advantage of the pause— rendering her mother speechless wasn’t a frequent occurrence—to continue saying, “He’s just a friend. He has no family, so I invited him to spend the holiday with us. Be nice to him. See you at three,” she rushed to say and hung up before her mother had a chance to respond. Hopefully, her mother would be a little polite with a stranger present. And the whole conversation about Ethan and how Athena wasn’t getting any younger could be avoided, or at least postponed for another holiday.
Athena looked at her watch. Yikes, it was almost eleven thirty. She needed to hurry up and get her bags down to the car if she was to pick up Tristan on time.
Chapter 11
Athena pulled her silver Mercedes C-Class—a present for herself on her thirty-fifth birthday—up to the address Tristan had given her and saw him waiting outside. Her heart leapt a little, and she hoped this wasn’t going to be one of those impulse things she ended up regretting, but somehow she didn’t think so. She leaned over to open the door, and he pulled it the rest of the way open. Throwing his bag in the back, he hopped in and shut the door.
“Are you sure you haven’t changed your mind?” Tristan asked.
“Nope. My mom knows you’re coming, so you can’t back out now.” She laughed.
“What was her reaction?”
Athena shook her head. “Not sure. I sort of told her and hung up. It’ll be fine.”
Tristan shrugged. “If you say so.”
The three-hour drive passed quickly, and there was never a moment of silence in the car. They talked about everything from music to movies to sports, which Athena knew little about, but the way he talked about it was surprisingly a little interesting. They had a lot in common, and on the things they didn’t have in common, were polar opposites. It made for some lively conversation. Athena pulled into the familiar driveway she had called home for eighteen years, parked behind her brother Robby’s Yukon, and shut off the engine.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked.
“Probably not, but like you said, no turning back now. Let’s go.”
As they walked up to the front door, it swung open. Her brother Robby stepped outside and grabbed her up in a big hug.
“How’s my favorite sister?”
“Just because I’m your only sister,” Athena said, untangling herself from her brother’s grip. “Robby, this is my friend Tristan. Tristan, meet Robby. Big brother.”
The men shook hands, and Athena asked,” Where’s Tim?
“Watching the game with Dad in the living room.”
“And Mom?”
“Anxiously awaiting your arrival.” He smiled.
“I bet.”
“Yeah, she was pretty vocal about who you were bringing to dinner.”
“I hope me being here is
n’t a problem,” Tristan said, sounding worried.
“Man, don’t worry about it. Mom just loves to fret and complain. She enjoys a house full of people. She will be fine.”
Athena turned to Tristan. “Let’s get this over with and then we can relax.”
He smiled at her and it was strange, but she felt she had known him for years and this seemed so normal. Would she have felt this way with Ethan here? Tristan grabbed her hand for a second and squeezed it as if to give her more reassurance that facing her mom wasn’t going to be a big deal. What a sweet guy.
She thought so even more after he charmed her mother and was able to relate to her father about sports. She had never seen her mother so taken with someone she’d brought home. Abigail usually scared them away. This was definitely different. Maybe because her mom knew Tristan was just a friend. Was that the difference? Athena’s mom had asked her to join her in the kitchen to start dishing out the sides, as her aunt and uncle had just called and were minutes away.
“He seems like a good guy, Athena.”
Here we go. The moment Athena had been waiting for. The criticism from her mother “We’re just friends, and I know I probably shouldn’t have just invited someone I just met to the family holiday…”
“Calm down, Athena. I was simply trying to convey that he seems like a nice guy. I’m glad you invited him. You know I don’t feel anyone should be alone for the holidays.”
Athena was pleasantly surprised and somewhat puzzled by her mom’s pleasant reaction, but she wasn’t about to argue. Maybe her mother was feeling the holiday spirit. Just then, the doorbell rang.
“That must be Kate and Peter. Can you carry these bowls into the dining room? One of your brothers can get the door.”
Athena heard voices of introductions being made around the room as she set down the steaming bowls of homemade mashed potatoes and stuffing. She walked out into the living room to greet her aunt and uncle.
“Athena, you look so good,” her Aunt Kate said, giving her a hug.
“The city must be treating you well. How’s our favorite family lawyer doing?” her uncle said.
“Thanks, Aunt Kate.” Turning to her uncle she said, “You know I’m not practicing law, Uncle Peter. I manage a practice and teach. I’m teaching more next semester, and hopefully a full time position will open up. It’s what I really want to do.”
“If that’s what makes you happy,” her uncle responded warmly.
Athena turned to Tristan. “Did you meet my aunt and uncle? Uncle Peter is the one I was telling you about in the car. He got me interested in the law and is the main reason I went to law school.”
“Yes, her mother is a fairly successful attorney, and it was my brother who had to convince her not to waste her talents. She wouldn’t listen to me,” said Abigail, walking in on the conversation. It was something that still bothered her mom, but it was the truth. Athena didn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps, but her uncle had convinced her she was doing it out of spite and that she needed to do what her heart wanted regardless.
“Let’s not have this conversation again, Mother,” Athena said, as it never ended well, even after having it for the last fifteen years.
“Fine with me. Let’s eat, everyone. Into the dining room.”
They spent the better part of an hour gorging themselves on food and conversation. Her mother was a great cook and Athena was delighted to see how easily Tristan fit right in. Again, she found herself wondering if Ethan would have fit in the same way, and for some reason she didn’t think so. Interesting.
After dinner, in an uncharacteristic move, her brothers offered to clean up, while her parents and aunt and uncle went into the living room with their coffee.
“You want to grab some fresh air on the porch?” I asked Tristan.
“That sounds like a great idea. I ate so much I’m about to fall asleep. I need some cold air to wake me up.”
Athena got their coats out of the closet and handed Tristan his. Wrapping her scarf around her neck a couple times, she stepped out into the cold air. Tristan followed, shutting the door behind him. Athena took in the view of the trees in the front yard that were all lit up with twinkling Christmas lights. It had started to snow softly, and coming down in front of the lights it made a beautiful rainbow. Tristan walked over to stand next to her, leaning against the railing as she was doing, there hips just touching.
“Thank you for inviting me. This has been even more fun than I expected and much more fun than a frozen pizza.”
Athena turned her face toward him to speak. “You’re more than welcome. I’m just amazed at how well you’ve handled my mother. She’s your biggest fan. I’ve never brought home a guy whom she doesn’t try to scare off.”
“Maybe you haven’t brought home the right guy,” he said, raising his eyebrows.
He was looking at Athena in a way that made her feel warm and tingly. “Maybe you’re right,” she said as he bent down to kiss her lips gently.
The front door opened, and Athena and Tristan jumped apart like teenagers caught making out. It was Robby, who quickly figured out what had been happening and winked at Athena.
“Mom wants you to come in for pie.”
“Okay,” Athena said, giving Robby a dirty look and wishing they hadn’t been interrupted. Tristan put his hand on the small of her back as he followed her in through the door, and it gave her a chill. This was not what she had expected when she invited him for the holidays, but she wasn’t going to reject it. There was something there between them. She owed it to herself to explore that.
They ended up on opposite ends of the room after dessert, but it was fun to look over at him and catch him looking at her. Unfortunately, Robby wasn’t missing any of it either, and she knew he would be teasing her later. No matter how old they got, some things never changed.
“Where did Uncle Peter disappear to?” Athena asked her mother after an hour went by and he hadn’t returned from taking his plate to the kitchen.
“I’m not sure. He asked to use the computer in my office, so maybe he had to check email or something.”
“I’ll go see what he’s up too and drag him back,” Athena said, standing up and glancing over at Tristan, who was having a conversation with her brother Tim about his favorite pastime: football.
She walked down the hall past the bathroom to the office her mom kept at home. The door wasn’t closed all the way, so she pushed it open to find her uncle scrolling through something on the computer screen.
“Please tell me you aren’t working, Uncle Peter. You should be in the living room with us.”
Peter turned toward her with a serious look on his face. “How well do you know this Tristan, Athena?
“I admit not well. Why?”
“There was something that seemed so familiar about him, and it bothered me all through dinner. I came in here to look at some press clippings I had archived, and I finally came across the one I was looking for. You might want to see this.”
Athena walked up closer so she could read the screen over Peter’s shoulder.
Franco Lugios’s son, Devon, agrees to testify against his mob boss father and uncle in exchange for his freedom, read the headline. And below it was a picture of Devon Lugios walking out of the courthouse with two US Marshalls flanking him. The article continued on, but she stopped reading. The headline and picture was all she needed. Devon Lugios was Tristan West.
Athena looked at her uncle in shock. “I had no idea. So, do you think he’s lying about who he is?”
“I would need to do some more digging, but my assumption would be that he is in witness protection.”
Athena was floored. Once again she had thought she might have met a good man, and he turned out to be someone other than who she thought. What was wrong with her?
There was a knock on the open door and Athena looked up. It was Tristan.
“Your mom asked me to get you two so we can start Trivial Pursuit.”
Ath
ena just looked at him blankly. She didn’t even know what to say.
“What’s wrong?” Tristan asked, frowning.
Athena stepped out from in front of the computer so Tristan could see the screen.
The colored drained from his face. “Oh, shit.”
“Oh shit is right. Care to explain?”
The End
Thank you for taking the time to read this book and I hope you enjoyed it. I encourage you to read about the rest of my books below or head to my website.
If you loved this book, I know you’ll enjoy the rest of my novels. Scroll through the titles below, or check out my website at http://www.lainaturner.com/. Thank you for reading!
Stilettos & Scoundrels FREE
Presley tells her boss what he can do with her job in HR and embarks on a new career as a freelance journalist. What seems like a simple interview with a Senator turns to murder when the day after her interview the Senator turns up dead. Does the fact that Presley was one of the last people to see him alive make her a suspect? Her ex-boyfriend Cooper, who was in charge of the Senators security, might think so. Presley is determined to clear her name but can she do it and resist Cooper’s charms?
Get it here!
Necklaces & Nooses
When Presley’s boss is found hanging she thinks its suicide until the police discover its homicide. Who would want to kill a boutique owner? Presley’s not sure but she’s determined to find out. The cute detective assigned to the case makes it all the more exciting.
Get it here!
Handbags & Hooligans
Presley went to Vegas to watch her friend Anna get married and the event turned into solving the mystery of her brother’s girlfriend disappearance. But Ashley wasn’t exactly the schoolteacher she appeared to be. Who was she and was she kidnapped?
Available on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords and as an audio book on Audible.
And the holiday short…Mistletoe & Murder
In this holiday short story, Presley goes home for Christmas expecting it to be a relaxing holiday until her old boyfriend, Brian, asks for her help finding out who has been stealing from him and it turns from theft to murder. Why would anyone want to kill Tommy and what was he hiding?