Worth the Trouble (St. James #2)

by Jamie Beck

  Vivi continued packing up her equipment while Cat stood, frozen, watching Meg and her son, aka mini-Hank.

  Every detail of their interaction stood out: the casual affection of Meg’s pat on Eddie’s little bum, the way she brushed a curl of his hair from his forehead, the similarity of their eyes and jaws. The mother-son bond, so pure and trusting, planted a lonely ache in Cat’s chest, the roots of which coiled around her lungs until she could barely breathe.

  Meg’s stern glance over her shoulder broke the spell. The woman clearly resented Cat and Vivi’s presence.

  As Meg stood, Cat caught her resemblance to Hank, too. Strong genetics, just like Cat and her siblings.

  Meg’s sharp voice asked, “What’s going on here?”

  Cat extended her hand. “Hi, Meg. I’m Hank’s business partner, Cat. This is my friend, Vivi. We were taking a few pictures of his work for our website and marketing brochure. Hank should be back any minute.”

  Meg acknowledged Vivi with a brief nod and reluctantly shook Cat’s hand. “You’re Jackson’s sister . . . the model.”

  Her mildly derisive tone surprised Cat.

  “Yes.”

  “I have no idea what business you’re talking about—” Meg began.

  Hank hadn’t told his family? Cat could scarcely believe it. Why would he keep it a secret, especially when he had always been so aware of its effect on his mother and Jenny? She suppressed the queasy gurgle brewing in her gut.

  “Rick?” Mrs. Mitchell called out, the creases in her face broadcasting anxiety as her glazed eyes scanned the room.

  “He’s not here, Mom.” Meg focused on Cat again even as Eddie trotted to her and wrapped himself around her leg. “Since my brother’s not here to supervise, I’m going to ask you two to shut down for the day. Your work is upsetting my mother.”

  “Of course. We were just wrapping up.” Cat flashed an apologetic smile that failed to melt Meg’s icy demeanor. “Your son is beautiful. He looks so much like you, and Hank.”

  “Thanks.” Meg’s tone softened at the compliment. “He’s a joy and a handful at the same time.”

  A handful Cat envied—a novel sensation considering she had never been particularly fixated on kids until she learned she couldn’t have any.

  “Cat, I’ll take these things out to the car.” Vivi smiled in an attempt to ease the tension in the room. “I’ll wait outside for David while you finish up in here.”

  Traitor.

  “I’m sorry we disturbed your mom.” Cat moved another chair back under the table. “We thought we’d be in and out before she woke up.”

  “Mm hmm.” Meg lifted one of the dining chairs, miraculously able to maneuver around her son, who never left her side. Eddie warily stared at Cat, unaware of how the sight of him wrung her heart. “Why don’t you go with your friend and leave the house to me?”

  “Let me help and we’ll have it finished in no time.” Cat smiled, but her attempt to befriend Meg failed.

  Meg set the chair by the table. “Really, Cat, Helen and I have got it covered. It’s fine. Please just go.”

  Unaccustomed to being summarily dismissed, Cat couldn’t stop herself from asking, “I’m sorry, but have I somehow offended you?”

  “Aside from turning the house upside down and upsetting my mother?” Meg finally hoisted an insistent Eddie onto her hip.

  Perhaps Cat should’ve backed away quietly, but Meg’s excessively rude tone made her defensive. This was Hank’s home, and he’d permitted the photo shoot. No one had meant to harm Mrs. Mitchell. “I’m very sorry about that. But I promise, you happened to walk in at the worst possible moment. Your mom came out of her room only five minutes before you arrived. Helen thought we could get one or two last shots without causing problems.”

  “Fine. But you might as well be on your way since you’ve gotten whatever you came for. It’s Friday night, surely you have plans.”

  “Actually, your brother and I had planned to discuss business tonight, among other things. He’s expecting me to be here when he gets back.” Meg’s presumption to kick Hank’s company out of his own house rankled her. Understandably, the woman wanted to protect her mother, but Cat sensed more to Meg’s cool attitude. “Would you prefer I wait in the kitchen, or is there an office where I can sit without disturbing you all?”

  Sighing, Meg deposited Eddie in the corner of the living room and opened a drawer full of toys. Once she’d gotten him settled with blocks, she returned to the dining area.

  “The first time Hank met you he’d been excited. Hopeful. Hank hasn’t had much to be hopeful about in years, so we were all thrilled. Then you dropped him for someone else. Now you’re here and getting involved in some kind of business together. That worries me.” Meg locked eyes with Cat. “He hasn’t mentioned it, which tells me he’s uncertain about it and you, too. So now I’m wondering what kind of shape he’ll be in when you disappoint him this time around.”

  Meg’s pointed accusations struck hard, nearly knocking the breath from Cat. Fortunately, her self-assured persona could be summoned precisely to deal with this kind of situation.

  “You certainly don’t beat around the bush.” A defensive tone wouldn’t help, and on some level Cat understood—applauded, even—Meg’s protectiveness. “I’ve apologized to Hank about last year. Then, when I saw all of his beautiful furniture, I suggested we could work together to sell it. Frankly, I think he’s excited to get out of construction.”

  “He quit his job?” Meg’s wide eyes and high-pitched voice made Cat wary.

  Cat chose to frame the situation in its most positive light. “He’s still working for Jackson now, but we already have one order for a dining table, so soon enough he’ll be spending all of his time doing what he loves. I’d think that would please you, considering everything he’s done for all of you.”

  Meg absorbed the subtle censure and then tilted her head, her eyes quickly studying Cat from head to toe. “You’ve already got a successful career, so why get involved in such a small business?”

  “I can’t model forever. I wanted a new challenge, and I admire your brother’s talent. He’s due a lucky break, and I can help him and his work get the recognition they deserve.”

  “So there’s nothing more personal between you two?” Meg relaxed her stance.

  “I’m not sure that’s your business, but Hank and I are very honest with each other.” As the words passed through her lips, she realized the lie. She hadn’t been completely honest, but she didn’t feel obligated to share her infertility yet. “We’re taking everything one step at a time. No promises or expectations.”

  “I don’t know what kind of men and relationships you’re used to, but Hank’s not a player. He never was. So I’ll ask you nicely, once. Please don’t lead him on and break his heart.”

  “I’m not leading him on.” At least on that score she could hold her head high. She’d been honest about her reservations regarding a relationship. All she’d promised him was to take things one day at a time. “We’re on the same page.”

  “I seriously doubt that, but I hope I’m wrong.”

  Cat rubbed her thumb over the creases between her eyebrows. Before she could form a response, Hank and Jenny walked in with David and Vivi.

  Eddie jumped up and ran straight at Hank. In one fluid movement, Hank scooped up his nephew, twirled him upside down, and cradled him in his arms, tickling him. Eddie squealed with delight, and Hank looked just as happy.

  Cat’s heart squeezed, like paper crumpled in someone’s fist. The bond between Hank and Eddie made obvious what she’d suspected all these weeks. She could hand him this business opportunity, pamper him with gifts, maybe even risk exposing herself completely to give him everything she had—body and soul. But even if that made him happy, none of it would give him a son or daughter who shared his eyes, his gentle attitude, his bloodline.

  Grief chafed like sand inside a shoe.

  “Rick?” Mrs. Mitchell’s eyes fixed on her son.
>
  Hank set Eddie back on solid ground, graced his mom with a beautiful smile, and kissed her head. “It’s me, Hank. I’m right here.”

  Mrs. Mitchell’s entire body relaxed in Hank’s presence. Could that mean, on some subconscious level, she did still recognize him? Was that why Hank insisted on keeping her close?

  Hank glanced at Meg and Cat, then frowned. “Is everything okay?”

  “It will be now that you’re home,” Meg said with affection before shooting him a shrewd look. “I’ll start dinner. Can’t wait to hear all about your new business venture.”

  Hank’s guilty expression appeared to satisfy Meg before she turned on her heel and strode from the room with Eddie following close behind.

  “How’d it go?” Hank asked Cat.

  Before she responded, David interrupted. “Excuse us. We popped in to say good-bye, but need to hit the road now so we don’t miss the ferry.”

  Vivi added, “I’ll e-mail you the photos as soon as possible.”

  “Thanks, Vivi,” Cat and Hank replied in unison, while Cat avoided David’s assessing gaze.

  After her brother and friend departed, she looked at Hank. “I think we got what we needed, although your mom got upset at the very end. I’m sorry.”

  “Not your fault. I should’ve stuck around and asked Jenny to find another way home.”

  Yes, he should have. He’d promised to make this business his priority, and yet he hadn’t even mentioned it to his family. “Why haven’t you told them all about our plans?”

  Hank glanced at Helen, Jenny, his mother, then back at Cat. “Come out back to the garage for a minute.”

  “Fine.” She followed behind him, eager to leave the house.

  Once they’d secured a little privacy, he placed his hands on her arms. “You look a little shaken. I’m guessing Meg bit your head off?”

  “Something like that.” Cat stared at him, narrowing her eyes. “So, ’fess up. Why have you been keeping the truth from your family?”

  Hank scrubbed his hands over his face. “With all the stress around here, I thought it would be better not to worry them too soon. I hoped, if we got an early order, then the fact I’d only be working for Jackson for a couple more weeks wouldn’t seem so risky. If Vivi’s serious about that table, that should help soften the blow.”

  “So you’re not having doubts, or thinking of backing out?”

  “No, Cat. I made you a promise. I’m all-in.”

  Cat heaved a sigh to relieve the tension coiled in her gut. “I wish Jackson weren’t punishing you by kicking you off the payroll so soon.”

  Hank shook his head. “It’s not a punishment. He’s a little pissed at us, but in his own way, he’s trying to help.”

  Maybe, but Cat knew her brother well enough to know how strongly he valued loyalty. If Jackson had a weak spot, it was his inability to handle slights or betrayals, so she couldn’t help but wonder how long he’d view her and Hank as disloyal.

  “You’re still going to stick around, right? Meg’s a good cook, and she’ll leave after dinner. Jenny will probably go out. My mom will sleep.” He reached for her hands. “I know your priorities, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little privacy later. If you’re nice, I’ll give you a private tour of my room.”

  Tempting as he was, Cat eased out of his arms.

  “That last part sounds nice, but it’d be a mistake to force myself on Meg tonight. Besides, I think it’s time I go see Jackson. He and I haven’t spoken since you dropped our bombshell. Looks like we’ll both be facing off with siblings tonight.”

  The pungent odor of garlic filled Hank’s nostrils when he walked into the kitchen, rousing a growl from his stomach. Meg, Jenny, and his mother were already seated at the table, with Eddie practically falling out of his booster seat.

  “Grab a plate,” Meg said.

  “Smells good, thanks.” Hank approached his mother’s wheelchair and kissed her head before sitting between her and Eddie.

  His mother’s expression remained passive, staring vacantly at her untouched meal. He shook his head, trying to hide from his sisters his increasing concern over her lack of appetite. After sticking a straw in a can of Ensure, he raised it to her mouth.

  Within minutes, she’d spilled her drink down the front of her shirt just as Eddie spilled sauce on his own. Jenny hung her head at the sound of his special toddler wail.

  Meg nodded toward their mom. “You help her; I’ll deal with Eddie.”

  Guess it’d be another lukewarm dinner. Sighing, Hank dabbed the soaked cotton of his mother’s shirt with his napkin and then wheeled her into her bedroom to help her change.

  “No!” She batted his hands. “No.”

  “Mom, let’s get this on first.” He calmly helped her into a clean shirt, despite her swatting his hands. “Do you want to rest in here?”

  “Want home.”

  “I know.” He knew she meant she wanted to go back to a time when the house and family were familiar. When things made sense and life had been easier and filled with laughter. Hell, he wanted to “go home,” too.

  Hank helped her into bed and locked the wheelchair wheels after parking it next to her. “I’ll check on you in a bit.”

  She stared at him from the bed, unperceiving. Each day she drifted further from reach, he thought wearily. I’m so damned tired. He squeezed his hand over his eyes to stop the stinging.

  When he returned to the kitchen, Jenny and Meg fell suspiciously quiet. Hank sat to finish his dinner while they loaded the dishwasher.

  “Thanks for cooking, Meg.” He speared a meatball. “This is good.”

  “You’re welcome. Maybe now we can talk a bit about this new business you’re starting with the model.” Meg wrinkled her nose.

  “She has a name. It’s Catalina.” He set his fork down and leaned forward. “Why the face?”

  Meg cast a quick glance at Jenny then inhaled before answering.

  “Imagine my surprise to find her here, moving things around, and announcing a new business that you never bothered to mention.”

  “I didn’t want to worry you two before things were more settled.” He spent five minutes filling them in on Cat’s proposal and the upcoming trade show. “Whatever your opinion, ‘the model’ is offering me a chance to own my own business doing what I love.”

  “I’ll bet the business isn’t the only thing she’s offering.” Meg raised her eyebrows.

  “What’s with the attitude? And if you think I’m going to talk about my personal life with you now, think again.”

  Meg ignored his reprimand and shot back, “After the way she flaked out on you last year, how can you trust her with anything, let alone your livelihood? This has disaster written all over it, for you and our family. Mom’s already been more agitated with you out of the house for longer stretches these past weeks.” Meg folded the dish towel, shaking her head. “Honestly, I never thought I’d see you, of all guys, let your little head control your big one.”

  “Meg!” Jenny gasped, wide-eyed. “Gross!”

  For Eddie’s sake, Hank repressed the urge to toss the kitchen table on its side. With utter control, he set his silverware down, wiped his mouth, and then spoke to Meg in a deadly calm tone. “For the first time in forever, I’ve got something more in my life than working to take care of everyone else. Someone who is helping me with my dreams. Someone who goes out of her way to do thoughtful things for me, and who hasn’t asked for a single thing in return other than for me to take advantage of the opportunity she’s tossed in my lap. I’d think, after everything I’ve done for all of you, you’d cheer me on, not set out to destroy my happiness.”

  “I’m trying to keep you from getting hurt.” Meg sat, arms crossed. “Do you honestly think this flirtation will last? And how long until she wants to flee the workshop and paperwork to return to life in the spotlight? You and I both know you’re not the type to traipse around Manhattan at fancy restaurants and clubs, let alone make the income to keep som
eone like her satisfied for long.”

  Jenny buried her face in her hands, ill equipped to deal with the conflict between her much-older siblings.

  Hank shoved his plate away. “Jenny, take Eddie in the living room, please.”

  Jenny’s gaze darted from Hank to Meg before she lifted Eddie off the booster and left the room. The second she disappeared, Hank tore into Meg.

  “You know, maybe I’d have more fun and money if I hadn’t given up everything I ever wanted so you all could go to college, pick a career, fall in love, start a family. Deb and Anne barely stuck around for five minutes once they graduated, neatly getting away from all this stuff by living up there in Boston. Jenny’s almost got her degree. Meanwhile, I haven’t done a damned thing for myself since I left high school. When do I get a turn to have a life?”

  “Don’t act like I never help you and Jenny.”

  “A couple hours a week and two hundred bucks a month, Meg.”

  “Hey, I work full-time, and have a mortgage and other expenses.”

  “So do I!” Hank’s hand slapped against the table before he lowered his voice. “I work ten- and twelve-hour days. I’ve practically raised Jenny by myself. I’ve paid off this house even though I don’t own it. I’ve helped each of you with your tuition, and I’m carrying the bulk of expense for Mom’s care. Meanwhile, I’m up several times a night with Mom and haven’t been on a real date in six months!”

  “I didn’t know you carried all this resentment.”

  “I don’t resent you, but I thought, at the very least, you appreciated all my sacrifices. Yet here you are, sabotaging me with your doubts and suspicions.” He stood and dropped his plate in the sink.

  Adrenaline pumped through his veins. Sensing himself being too close to shouting things that couldn’t be unsaid, he stormed toward the back door.

  “Hank, wait!” Meg’s voice followed him as he strode outside and into his workshop, slamming the door behind him.

  Much as he hated to admit it, Meg’s remarks weren’t the sole source of his fury. After all, his gamble did put Jenny and his mom at some risk. If this venture failed, like Jackson seemed certain it would, he’d be out of work. He hammered his fist against a table. The thought of starting over with another contractor depressed the shit out of him.