Eleanor’s next words spoke directly to Sally’s thoughts. “I can’t say we were wrong to break you and Jack apart. I saw attraction and affection between you, but not the commitment.”
Her anger rose quickly and as rapidly cooled with recognition of the truth. “I know, and you’re right.”
“People grow, don’t they?”
“With luck and work, yes.”
“I never thought I’d say this, Sally, but you and my son, I believe you belong together now. Give him the opportunity to show himself to you. He needs you.”
She brushed at her chest, her heart a mass of conflicting emotion. “I understand.”
“Do you? Leaving him now, when the media is on him like a hound pack to a fox, would inflict lasting damage. I don’t think I’m being dramatic when I say he wouldn’t recover emotionally. We mothers, we know these things.”
Of all things, she’d trumped Sally with the mother card.
“You don’t need to use the Liberty Bell to hit me over the head.”
“No? I seem to recall you were quite stubborn,” Eleanor said.
“I don’t like to feel pushed into decisions.”
“We can agree on that. Now, what will we do to help Abby?”
After a short discussion, Eleanor agreed to handle Margaret. Sally ended the call and stepped into the suite’s living room. The large area was flooded with sunlight. Jack perched on the end of a couch, plucking out a series of chords. She saw the notebook beside him and recognized he worked on a new song. He’d always been able to turn his experiences into a melody and lyrics that spoke to everyone who’d gone through similar events. She’d found peace through meditation. Beliefs and practices didn’t matter as much as growing and adapting the best you could.
He looked up but continued strumming. “Hey, babe.”
“Keep working. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Nah, I’ve got the major idea nailed down.” He swung his guitar onto the couch next to him and stood. “I’d ask if you wanted to use the pool or go down for lunch, but Mitch says to sit tight.” He moved his head from side to side. “Don’t know why, but that makes me want to go somewhere.”
“You always were a rebel.”
“Yeah. You too. Who’d have thought Carlos would turn out as he did?”
“Not me, though he reminded me of you more often than I liked.”
Jack raised his eyebrows.
“Practical, focused on what he wanted, stubborn.”
“Nuh, uh, that stubborn part is you.”
Her lips quirked. “Then I’ll say he’s persistent. Sound familiar?”
“Okay, fine, he got a dose of stubborn from both of us. Didn’t seem to hurt him any.” He pulled her against his chest. “If stubborn will get me more time with you, I’ll dig my heels in right now. I want you, more than I can say, sing, play, anything.” He lowered his head and murmured against her lips. “I hope you’ll stick with me. For the rest of our days together.”
Sally wondered at his comment. She’d heard basically the same worry from Eleanor a few minutes earlier. What had Jack told his mother? And why did they both think she’d flip out and leave? She’d never thought herself a quitter.
Jack deepened the kiss. She tightened her arms around his waist, her worries drifting away on a rising tide of warmth and sensuality.
“Ah, geez. Guess I need to learn to knock.”
They’d been too involved to hear the lock click. Jack’s lips turned up in a smile, but he didn’t pull away. Sally ended the kiss but couldn’t move from his tight embrace.
“Hi, sweetie,” she said. “You didn’t leave the floor, did you?”
“Abby and I were getting to know Cristal. Abby is still down the hall.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Women aren’t all that subtle when they want to talk female stuff, so I came back here. I’ll hang in our bedroom.” He grinned. “I’ll turn the television up loud, so don’t worry about making noise out here.” He shook his head. “I knew I’d have to warn my kids about making noise, but not my parents.”
Sally pulled away from Jack. “I should call the store. You guys can hang together.”
“I’m waiting for your answer on sticking,” Jack said.
She avoided his gaze. “We’ll talk. Promise. I’ll be right back.”
****
Jack watched Sally walk into their room. Why the hell did he never get a break with her? Every time it looked like they’d win, life happened.
“So. You and Mom?”
He glanced at his son. “She’s keeping me waiting.”
“Nah,” Carlos said. “She’s made up her mind, but she won’t admit it. Stubborn to a fault, that’s Mom.”
“You know this, how?”
“She wouldn’t have slept with you if she weren’t ready to commit.” His face scrunched. “Yew. Did I just say that about my mother?”
Their glances met and laughter bubbled up. Carlos’s expression sobered.
“I have to admit, having parents who get along has been my dream. The possibility of that dream coming true means more now, with Abby’s mother flipping out.”
A chill traveled his body. “Tell me.” He listened to his son’s report with growing anger. “What a bitch.”
“You’re referring to my future relation, but yeah. She’s got some screwed up notion about status and reputation.”
He rubbed his forehead. What the hell else would get cocked up because of his re-entry into his son’s life? He should have rebuffed Carlos at the first phone call, or kept his distance at minimum, but the lure of finally knowing his son had been too great.
He’d put off telling Carlos about the investigator’s reports because he’d wanted to talk in person, not over the phone. Confessing when they’d been out West together would have been a good time, but he hadn’t wanted to jeopardize their early relationship. He still worried Carlos would think him a loser or sick stalker. Time he knew what Jack had done.
On the other hand, Sally could easily cut off his balls, make them into pate. and serve them back on rustic bread she’d baked fresh. Her privacy had always been important to her, and knowing a stranger had reported on Carlos’s life would send her into a temper he didn’t want to experience firsthand. Not that he’d have a choice, now. Screaming headlines threatened everything they could become. Fuck.
“I’ll call my mother,” Jack said.
“No need. I spoke with her earlier.” Sally returned to his side.
He couldn’t read her expression, but her color was high.
“She’s agreed to contact Abby’s mother. I suspect Marge’s protest about the wedding will disappear once those two are through talking.”
“Great.” He inhaled but couldn’t catch his breath. “Look, I need to tell you both something.” His ex-wife and son moved closer.
“What’s wrong?” Sally asked.
“Do you want us to leave? We’ve caused you problems, haven’t we?” Carlos’s expression caught him in the chest.
“What? Christ, no. The thought of you coming to see me here made the rest of the tour bearable.” He shook his head. “Balls. That’s not nearly honest enough.” He pulled them into a three-way hug. “Now that I have you back, I can’t face living without you.”
He hung onto them knowing the secret he had to reveal would change how they viewed him, perhaps drive one or both of them away. On the other hand, he might get lucky, and they’d see his actions for what they were: desperate attempts to be involved with his child the only way he could, from a distance.
They broke from the hug but remained standing close together. He leaned to inhale the scent of Sally’s freshly shampooed hair, brushed his palm over the silky tresses. “What I did well, I thought it was for love. You may think otherwise. Know this.” He caught their gaze one by one. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“What the hell, Dad. You’re scaring me. Tell us already. Waiting sucks.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Yeah,
you got that right.” He motioned to the seating area. “Let’s sit down.”
Abby burst through the door. “You have to do something, Jack. Those sleaze balls are going after Cristal.”
He stilled. “Tell me.”
“We went down to the exercise room.” She held up her hand. “I know we shouldn’t have, but we figured no one would bother us. We’re not you or the other guys in the band, Jack.”
He noted and then ignored his increased pulse rate. “What. Happened.”
“We were using the treadmills when a reporter came in.”
“You need a room key to enter, so how’d he get in?” Carlos asked.
Jack already knew the answer. “He slipped someone on staff money. Where is Cristal now?”
“I left her behind and ran to get the manager’s help.”
“Son-of-a…I’d better go down and get her,” Jack said.
Sally placed her hand on his arm in a staying motion. “I’ll go. No one knows me, and while I’m down there, I’ll speak to the manager about his staff.”
“Rip him a new one for me, babe,” Jack said.
She nodded and hurried from the room. Jack watched the door slam shut then put it on the latch. “She forgot her key,” he said as he rejoined them. “Now, let’s sit down, Abby, and you can tell me what you heard.”
He noted her hands shook until Carlos put his arm around her and pulled her close.
“The guy asked if she knew her mother’s whereabouts. No, wait, he mentioned Glynnis’s name. When Cristal said she had no idea, the reporter asked what she thought about being your daughter but shuttled off in adoption to your friend.”
Jack snarled a curse. “Anything else?”
She nodded. “Yes, he wanted to know how she felt about meeting her long-lost brother.” Abby moved closer to Carlos on the facing loveseat. “That’s when I ran to the manager and came back.” She leaned forward. “Jack, I’m sorry. We never should have left the floor.”
He dredged up a smile. “Not your fault.” He sighed. “I guess I was right to leave all those years ago.”
She straightened. “Jack, no.”
Carlos leaned forward. “Dad, that’s bullshit. The past is gone.” He gripped Abby’s hand. “But I do want to know what you were about to tell Mom and I before the interruption. Unless you want to wait until she returns?”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “I should probably hold off, but I think I’ve waited too long already.”
“Geez, Dad, you look like the world is ending.” He rubbed his chin. “Does this have to do with Cristal?”
“No.” He took a deep breath. “Shit, there’s no easy way to tell this. I, um, I wanted to know you were doing okay. That you were safe after your mother divorced…I mean after we split.” He rubbed the nape of his neck. “Yeah, so um, I hired a private investigator and got regular reports, photos.”
“I see,” Carlos replied.
“You see what?” Jack asked. “That I was a gutless wonder? Hiring someone to check on you when I should have done that myself?”
“Crap, Dad. You really need to do something about that guilt complex you haul around in a tractor-trailer behind you.”
“Huh?” He stared at his son. “You mean you’re not pissed?”
Carlos shook his head. “Nana Young told me. I’ve seen the photos and reports. I saw that photo of you sitting in the bleachers during one of my swim meets.”
“Yeah, well, more than one meet. I was there when your team won State Championship. I couldn’t, you know—”
“I do know. Threw me off at first, but I understand your motives now. I’d probably do the same thing.” Carlos hugged Abby. “Not that you’ll have a chance to turn my very smart fiancée against me the way your father worked on you.”
“Wouldn’t think of it.”
“One thing. You need to tell Mom, sooner than later.”
Jack’s stomach dropped. “I know. Want to run interference for me?”
Carlos shook his head. “No way.”
They shared a grin, but Jack’s stomach muscles cramped. He’d stop procrastinating and tell Sally as soon as she returned.
“Dad, is Cristal my sister? Half-sister.”
“Yeah, Jack, it’s time you told the truth.” Cristal stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “The whole truth for a change.”
“But not with the door open,” Sally said. She settled next to Jack on the couch. “By the time I arrived, the reporter had left. The manager escorted us back.” She nodded. “Yes, he was walking funny by the time I finished with him.”
“Good.” He focused on Cristal seated in the chair next to him. “Are you okay?”
She grinned. “Are you kidding? Watching Sally was a tutorial in telling someone off while making them almost enjoy the process. The manager would have jumped from the moving elevator if he could have found a way out.”
His muscles loosened. “She was a professor, you know.”
Cristal swung her legs over the chair’s arm. “Is Sally as proud of that fact as you are?” She stretched her arms. “The worst part was not getting to finish my workout.” She looked to Abby. “We were having a great talk.”
Abby nodded and winked, then glanced between Sally and Jack.
He wouldn’t ask about the wink. Some things were better left unknown. “Did the reporter give you his name? I’ll have him barred from the concert tonight. If he shows, and I figure he will.”
Cristal shook her finger at him. “More important is telling Carlos the truth.”
He didn’t need to examine his son’s expression to know she was right. “Yeah, well, you may not be too pleased with your old man once I tell you the story.”
Sally snorted. “We had this discussion last night. Not. Your. Fault.”
He nodded then caught Carlos’s eye. “Here goes.” After relaying an abbreviated version he awaited his son’s verdict.
“Damn, too bad. I’d have liked a sister. I get your protecting Cristal and Billy. That’s pure you.” He tilted his head. “I kind of figured she wasn’t related though, given the family genes are so strong.”
That was it? No recriminations? He’d really lucked out in the progeny department.
“Besides not looking a lick like Jack, I’d rather play with a soundboard than a musical instrument,” Cristal said. “I’m sick of the rumors, though. You wouldn’t believe the people who’ve sucked up to me only because they think I’m related to Diamond Jack Reed.”
“How sad you had those experiences,” Sally said.
Jack’s pulse drummed. Was she preparing to say, “I told you so?”
“You had a lot to learn, and it’s made you stronger. You are an amazing young woman, one I’m proud to know.” She cleared her throat. “How should we proceed? Are there steps we can take to ensure our privacy?”
Jack shook his head. “Mitch is already working on the problem. Let’s see what he recommends.” He wished he could ensure continued secrecy but knew that option had passed.
“Well, I know what I’m going to do,” Cristal said. “I’d bet my new lap top that Glynnis has got something to do with these rumors. Why else would the reporter ask her location?”
Jack had the same thought, and so did the others if their expressions were an indication. He frowned. “What are you planning?”
“Glynnis may be my birth mother, but I won’t let her use me.” She caught Jack’s eye. “She’s counted on you and Tony protecting me. Time I did something about that.” She jumped to her feet and strode out before anyone glimpsed her intention.
Jack moved to stand, but Sally restrained him. “No, let her go. She’s an adult, and experienced beyond her years.”
“But cutting off her birth mother?” Carlos leaned forward and hung his hands between his knees. “At least Glynnis remembered Cristal’s birthdays, even if she sucked air the rest of the year.”
Silence fell over the room.
“Sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean—”
Jack held up a hand, palm out. “No, don’t apologize. I screwed up.”
Sally put her arm around his waist. “I screwed up, too. I thought…Carlos, I believed you would be hurt due to Jack’s growing notoriety. Now that I’ve met Cristal, I understand I didn’t give either you or your father credit for having a brain. Anger makes people do stupid things. So does fear. Sweetie, I deliberately kept Jack from you. I told myself I’d acted in your best interest, but that’s not true.” She kept her arm around Jack’s waist and leaned against him.
“Oh, shit,” Carlos said. “Neither of you had much of a choice when my grandfathers got involved. Grandmother Young told me all about the finagled divorce. Those two old coots knew exactly how to play both of you.” He glanced between them. “We talked for hours. I saw photographs.” Carlos raised his eyebrows as if sending a message to him.
Jack stiffened. His momentum for raising the private investigator topic with Sally had been broken with Abby’s interruption. Hell, there would be no perfect time. May as well dive in right now.
“Hey, Jack.” Tony pounded on the door. “Are you in there?”
He moved to admit his friend. Tony pushed past Jack and turned to face him with his fists on his hips.
“What the hell, man. Siccing the press on Cristal?” He shook his head. “Dickhead.”
Jack raised his hands in a surrender pose. “Not me.”
“Well, fuck me. Some reporter is claiming an exclusive story. Promises film.”
Sally rose. “Cristal said she was going to straighten out her birth mother.”
“Shit.” Jack’s nape hair stood on end. “No, she said she was going to do something about the stories. She said we’d protected her long enough.”
He exchanged a quick glance with Tony. They headed for the door. “Find out if Mitch is in the building,” Jack yelled over his shoulder. “Tell him Cristal needs help.”
“Where is she?” Abby called.
“With a freaking reporter. Tell him to check the lobby, dining room, and cocktail lounge. I doubt she’d go far and that dipshit reporter was likely waiting right outside.”
The two friends moved through the door and toward the elevator at a run.
Déjà Vu All Over Again Page 17