by Natalie Ann
Carolyn was just coming down the stairs with more cloth napkins that were in the linen closet when she caught sight of Jody leaving the hall bathroom. She rushed to catch up with her.
“How are you enjoying your time in Durham?”
“It’s fine. Brock’s house is big. Too much space for him. But I do enjoy the guest house giving us all some privacy. It feels great cooking for him again.”
“It does,” she said. “I know I have my children over all the time for their one on ones with their significant others.”
“One on ones?” Jody asked.
“We’ve always made sure all the kids got individual time with us. We’ve never wanted them to feel like they couldn’t come to us or were being overtaken by another. It’s a balancing act, but I believe we did a good job with it.”
“Your family seems very successful.”
She wanted to snort but held it back. She was pretty sure Jody was taking it in a career path more than personal. “I’m more concerned about their personal lives and emotional well-being. They are all hard workers and determined. But a mother’s job is to look after other aspects of their life. It’s hard to lose one or let go. I know.”
“But you’ve got others.”
“And that means nothing to me. They each are the same in my eyes. Well, maybe not Wyatt at times. No, no, that was mean. My youngest son can get on people’s nerves, but it’s also what makes him endearing at times. Jade got the brunt of it from him though.”
“She seems like she can hold her own.”
“She can. She’s very independent and strong. But she has a soft heart and a caring one. For those she loves, they are her world.”
“I feel like there is a disclaimer in this talk for your daughter.”
Now she knew what Jade was talking about but no way was Carolyn going to drop her smile. She’d kill Jody with kindness if it was the last thing she did today.
“When my sons found the woman they knew was for them, I decided there was one of two things I could do. I could accept that woman myself knowing it would strengthen my relationship with my son, or I could lose my son altogether if I forced him to choose. I looked at it as gaining three daughters. It was a win in my book,” she said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my sister-in-law is probably wondering if I fell into the linen closet and got lost.”
She walked away and found Diane in the dining room and rolled her eyes. “What?”
“It’s not the place,” Carolyn whispered. “But I just had some words with Jody.”
“Oh. I can’t believe you are going to make me wait. Everything between Brock and Jade seems to be going so well I refuse to believe Brock’s mother could ruin this.”
“She won’t. And if for some reason Brock chooses his mother over my daughter then I guess he wasn’t the man I thought he was.”
And at the end of the day when the house was empty of everyone but Diane and Grant, Diane finally said, “Please tell me what happened with Jody now.”
“What?” Garrett asked. “What did I miss?”
Carolyn should have realized her husband would get worked up over being left out of something. “Nothing. I ran into Jody in the front hall and had a little conversation with her. I tried to tell her that I understood how it was to worry about losing my son, but to look at it like gaining a daughter.”
“What was her response?” Garrett asked.
“Did she look like she loosened up at all once dinner was served?” Carolyn asked sarcastically.
“No,” Garrett said, his shoulders dropping. “She almost looked more withdrawn. They were the first to leave too. Even I saw Jade was conflicted over that.”
“Jade would have wanted to spend more time with Brock, but I think she was happy to have his parents gone. She relaxed more after,” she said.
“So now what?” her brother-in-law, Grant, asked. “Brock’s parents are leaving in a few days so things should be back to normal.”
“Until the next holiday,” she said. “I wish Jody would give Jade a chance, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen. I suppose all we can do is hope that Brock stands up to his mother.”
Grant started to laugh. “If he’s anything like our boys, if he wants something, he’s going to end up with it.”
“Hey,” Garrett said, “that’s my daughter you’re talking about.”
“And my niece,” Grant argued back. “But she’s an adult and knows what she wants and, based on her almost sitting on his lap today, I’d say she wants Brock.”
Carolyn watched as Garrett narrowed his eyes at his twin.
“Boys,” Diane jumped in to say. “Don’t get into a fight. Grant, you don’t have a daughter and be thankful for that. I can sympathize with Garrett a little on this. But Jade knows her mind. And you two agreed Brock was the one for her, so you kind of have to let go too.”
“She has you there, Garrett,” Grant said.
30
Landed In My Lap
“Did you have to be so rude?” Brock asked his mother when they were back at his house.
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said, walking into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.
“I understand you don’t know Jade that well, but you could be a little bit more open with her. You barely talked to anyone today and we know you aren’t shy. You’re used to hosting and attending dinner parties all the time.”
“That was hardly a dinner party.”
“Jody,” his father said. “Now you’re being snooty and it’s uncalled for. I had a great time there today. Jade’s family is great. A little loud, but there isn’t anything wrong with that.”
“They are good people,” Brock said. “Jade is a wonderful woman that I care for and it bothers me to see you treat her that way. I’m not going to stand for it.”
“Brock,” his father said in a warning.
“No. Hear me out. I love you both. Everything you’ve done for me in my life, I’ve appreciated it. Mom, I know you sacrificed a lot in life for Dad and me. Sleepless nights, stress, and upheaval. You’ve never said much about it. You’ve always been supportive.”
“That’s right. I have been.”
“And now that I’m home, you probably don’t like the idea that I might have another woman in my life. I understand that.”
“It’s not that,” she argued.
“I think it is. And I’m sorry if you don’t like Jade, but I have a feeling you wouldn’t like anyone I might bring home. Maybe deep down that is part of the reason I never did.”
“Don’t blame me for you always being alone,” she said.
“I haven’t been alone. That is the difference. Being single and alone are not the same things. But what I’ve got with Jade, it’s different. I wasn’t looking for it and it just landed in my lap.”
He wasn’t about to say he was pretty sure he was hand selected for Jade. If he could he’d thank her parents for it, but the truth was, he didn’t think Jade would appreciate that if she knew. It was best if everyone just played dumb on this...for now.
“It’s new yet,” Jody said. “You don’t know what you are doing or how you really feel. You’re still recovering. You just bought this new house—one that is way too big I might add—and you’ve got a new career.”
“I’m a pretty smart guy,” he said. “I know my mind. As for this house, I wanted space. I’ve never had it and, for once in my life, I can tell you it’s nice at how quiet it is here. People can visit and not be underfoot.”
“Are you saying you are in love with her?” his mother asked him.
“I think that is a personal question that Brock doesn’t need to answer, Jody,” his father said. “Get your coffee and let’s go back to the guest house. We all need some space tonight and I’m glad he has it here for us to escape to.”
He was happy his father jumped in when he had. Before he admitted that he was in love with Jade. Because he wanted to say it to Jade before he told anyone else.
Not only
that, he suspected his mother would just get the steel rod in her spine to pop out the top of her head if he’d said it.
With any luck his father would be able to work on his mother. Either way, they were leaving in a few days and he was actually glad for it. As much as he’d missed them over the years, he was ready to have his privacy again.
He missed Jade too though. He needed to be with her and hold her tight.
He wanted her in his life more than he felt he needed air.
She settled him in a way he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt before and he wasn’t going to let something so stupid like his mother’s reaction or behavior make Jade feel bad.
“I’m sorry about today,” Brock said into the phone.
“I’m not sure what you are talking about,” she said, lying back on the couch and putting her feet up. She’d just gotten done with a quick yoga session after she’d left her parents’ house. She wasn’t the first one to leave after Brock, but she was probably the third.
She felt if she left so soon after Brock everyone would think she was running away. She wasn’t one to let others know she was upset over the day.
“Come on. My mother was acting...well, we’ll just leave it with it was pretty obvious.”
“She doesn’t like me. You can just say it.” Jade hoped she kept the hurt out of her voice. It was hard with the tears filling her eyes though and she was glad she was alone and no one could witness her little meltdown.
“I don’t know if she does or not,” he said. “But we had some words tonight.”
She didn’t want any fighting because of her. “You didn’t need to do that. I don’t want to come between you and your mother.”
“I did need to do it. She needs to hear it.”
She smiled, glad to know Brock was in her corner. And that her heart that was sliding headlong into love with him knew what it was doing. “What did you say?”
“Just that she needs to give you a chance. That I’m a big boy and that I understand she doesn’t like the idea of another woman in my life, but she needs to get over it.”
Wow. He’d said that? “That’s kind of sweet. Well, not if it caused a fight.”
“My mother doesn’t fight. She normally sulks or keeps it in.”
“Sounds a little like me,” she admitted. “I don’t like people to know when I’m upset.”
“Please,” he said, laughing. “The pretty face with the sharp tongue. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard not to cross you. Maybe that is why I had to stand up to my mom. I don’t want to end up in the doghouse again when I like you in my bed so much.”
Her heart was racing so fast she thought it was a propeller ready to launch her off the couch. “I like having you next to me in bed. And I’ve learned in life to stand up for what I believe in. Nothing more than that.” She hesitated a second and then said, “But that is anger or frustration. I don’t show it often to people outside the family but will and have. I said being upset. There is a difference.”
“If you say so,” he said, laughing again. There he was relaxing her. It’s like he always knew the right things to say and do. As if he heard her but wouldn’t push her. “Do I need to get you a drink for you to tell me what is really on your mind?”
“I had two glasses of wine today and didn’t tell you what I was feeling and I’m not going to right now.”
“Why?” he asked. “I just admitted I stood up to my mother. You can’t tell me how that makes you feel? Maybe I need you to praise me for it.”
She started to laugh. “You’re something else. If you were here right now or I was there, I’d praise you in another way. But I suppose I can tell you. You know I’m a bit insecure about things when it comes to relationships.”
“Because you’ve always dated the wrong men,” he pointed out.
“I think you’re right. But that doesn’t change the fact that your mother’s disapproval of me knocks me back a little. And it’s hard for me to even say that without you thinking I’m weak or emotional.”
“I think you can be plenty emotional but you don’t want anyone to know it. You’re not weak and never will be in my eyes. Showing emotion can be a strength if you look at it the right way.”
Interesting. But she still wasn’t ready to shed any tears in front of Brock. She could talk to him though. “You’re right. How about you? Are you emotional? I don’t think you are.”
“I think I’ve been through and seen things others haven’t or they can’t appreciate the small shit doesn’t get to me.”
She wanted to ask if she fell into the small shit category but knew the words wouldn’t get past her throat, nor did she really want to know the answer to it. He probably couldn’t tolerate tears from a woman unless they were in physical pain. She was just getting under control again and didn’t want to fall back into the upset category.
“And it makes me feel small being upset over your mother not liking me.”
“She didn’t say she didn’t like you,” he argued. But he didn’t dispute the small comment letting her know he most likely didn’t tolerate petty shit. Like her being upset over this.
“Either way.”
“And why do you care if she does one way or another?” he asked.
“That’s a silly question,” she said. “You’ve seen my family. You know how I am and how I was raised. My family likes you and accepts you. How would you feel if they didn’t?”
“I’m not sure. I guess I can keep the peace either way, but I see your point. It’s easier if everyone can get along.”
“See? At least you admitted that much.”
“What do you have planned tomorrow?” he asked. “Let me guess, you’re going shopping on Black Friday?”
“No,” she said. “Even I have my limits. I enjoy shopping but not when there are crowds like that. For me, looking and finding the right thing is more enjoyable to me. Bumping into people finding the best deal, no. I don’t have the patience for it. I’m going to use my gift certificate you gave me at the spa.”
“Then your day is going to be much more enjoyable than mine,” he said.
“What are you doing with your parents?” she asked.
“Nothing. I’m working.”
“You don’t have it off?”
“I do, but I’m going in anyway. There is always something to do or that needs my attention and with the building empty I’ll be able to get a lot more done.”
“And get away from your parents,” she said before she could stop herself. She shouldn’t have said that but let it slip.
“That sharp tongue again. Too bad I couldn’t kiss your pretty lips as you said it.”
“Sorry, that was uncalled for.”
“Honest though,” he said. “See, you can let things slip around me and I’m not going to get mad at you or put you down. They are leaving Saturday morning and I fully expect you to get your perfect ass over here the minute they are out the door so we can make up for the time apart.”
“Now that is what I’m talking about. And I’ll be all shiny and soft from my spa day.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“Not nearly as much as I am.”
They hung up the phone, Jade feeling much more confident than she had hours ago. How was it possible he had the ability to calm and assure her, and make her laugh all at the same time?
Normally she needed all three of her brothers to do that. And then it hit her—Brock was the man she’d been looking for all along. He was everyone rolled into one that she’d been waiting for.
31
You Need To
Brock’s parents had been gone for a few days now. They’d left on Saturday morning like they’d said and within an hour Jade was opening his front door. He’d picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder again, then brought her to his room and had his way with her for hours.
If he could have locked them in for twenty-four hours he would have. But they had to eat and both had things to do.
/> She’d stayed the night but then went back to her place on Sunday afternoon even when he would have wished she’d stayed again.
But to come into work Monday and find out some of the security guards on campus were slacking off just sent him into control mode.
He’d had some fight back to the new rules and changes he’d made, others nodding their heads but not following when they thought no one was looking.
People coming in late. Others not adhering to the schedule he’d talked to the directors below him about.
“You wanted to see me.”
He looked up to see one of his worst offenders standing in his office now. He shouldn’t be dealing with this, but the report given to him from actions over the weekend and the video footage he had was enough to can the guy.
“Come on in and shut the door.”
Bob Steel strutted in like he did around campus. He was in his early twenties, Brock was guessing. A wannabe law enforcement officer that would never make it in his eyes and never would after this termination went on his record.
“What’s going on? I normally deal with Randy.”
Randy was the department head for the college security officers. “He’s on vacation this week, so it comes to me.”
“Is there a problem?” Bob asked. He wasn’t looking nervous in the least. Just more curious. Punk probably did this shit all the time.
“We are terminating your position effective immediately. I just reviewed footage of your conduct over the holiday break.”
“What?” Bob asked. “I didn’t do anything wrong. What are you talking about?”
Brock turned his computer monitor. “This is video of you going into a dorm room that was unoccupied. You left with your shirt looking a little fuller than when you went in.”
“I got a call there was a disturbance in there,” Bob argued.
“I checked that already. There were no calls logged. All calls get logged,” he said.
“I might have forgotten to log this one,” Bob said. “Sometimes I get busy and that happens.”