by Maria Carter
This time, Eric's gaze caught Vanessa's. She knew what he was thinking. Something along the lines of Seriously? Vanessa shrugged apologetically. It was all she could do.
"Well, I wish we could put you up here, but all of our beds are taken at the moment," Eric said.
"Don't worry about it. I'd much rather stay in a hotel. But, then, I suppose a hotel would be asking too much from this town." Tom sighed as he finished his meal. "I'll find someplace."
"There's a motel a few streets over," Eric offered.
"I'll look into it. Thanks. And thanks for lunch. I'm going to go...do some exploring or something. It should only take, what, ten minutes? Good to meet you."
Tom shook Eric's hand as he stood and gave the dog one last disdainful pat on the head. Vanessa hugged him, and he let himself out. She put her chin in her hand and stared at the door. She loved her best friend, but he was definitely meddling. What now? He could just pop in unexpectedly at any moment until the car was fixed. She and Eric's relationship was just beginning to blossom. She didn't need his interference stunting its growth.
Eric stood and stretched, and Vanessa's attention was immediately diverted to his muscular abdomen. She felt a twinge of disappointment as he relaxed and the t-shirt slid back into place. Eric caught her looking—although she wasn't really trying to hide it—and grinned. She smiled back and lightly bit the tip of her pinky finger. After spending a gross amount of time staring at herself in the mirror before dance auditions and modEricng calls, she knew how to look sexy. Her legs were crossed, and she pointed a high-heeled toe to lengthen her smooth legs.
Eric glanced at the kitchen clock, then back at Vanessa.
"I think I'll take a long lunch."
"Two days?...Are you sure?...Is there any way to have it done sooner?"
Vanessa was on her cell phone later that night, standing in the kitchen and trying to get more information on her car. She hadn't seemed in a hurry until Tom arrived. Eric had definitely been surprised to find the other man parked in his driveway, but he knew the reason. A flutter of nerves had assaulted him at the sight. Would Vanessa change her mind? Would she leave? But she hadn't.
Eric smiled and kissed her cheek. She paused mid-conversation to land a peck on his lips. It was so easy. He never thought he'd find the feEricng again.
"No, that's alright," she continued.
"Dad!" Julia' voice carried through the house. "Dad, I can't find my bloomers!"
"Did you look in the dryer?"
"No."
The sound of footsteps—dog and human—barrEricng down the stairs reached his ears. He heard the door behind the living room open and the dryer door slam. She must have found what she was looking for because she ran back upstairs and didn't yell anything else. At that moment, Vanessa ended her phone call, and there was a knock on the door. Eric moved for the doorknob, but the house phone rang.
"I'll get it," Vanessa offered, shooing him to the door.
He glanced at her naturally perfect posture as she flipped her hair back and pressed the talk button on the cordless phone. He was bordering on dEricrium—he was so damn happy.
"Sims residence," she said into the receiver as he turned the doorknob.
"Hey, Sharon, Ben," he greeted, hugging his former mother-in-law and shaking his former father-in-law's hand.
"Julia! Phone!" Vanessa yelled into the other room. Footsteps sounded again, and Julia appeared long enough to give her grandparents lightning-quick hugs and swipe the phone.
"Hi, Patty. No, I'm wearing a ponytail..."
Then she was back upstairs, phone in hand and Timberlake on her heels.
"Ten minutes!" Eric yelled.
"I can't get my hair right!" she yelled back.
"I'll help," Vanessa said.
She ran a hand through her short brown hair and fixed her shirt as she headed for the living room. Her sandals clicked against the stairs as she reached the next level of the house, and Eric was finally left with quiet.
"I'm glad you all could make it out," he said to Ben and Sharon. "It means a lot to Julia."
"Oh, you know we wouldn't miss it." Sharon smiled and sat down at the table to wait.
Ben fixed himself a cup of coffee and joined her. "Our granddaughter loves an audience. The least we can do is give her one," he teased.
Eric grinned. He couldn't deny it. Julia loved attention—and now this dancing idea would really put her in the spotlight. He couldn't decide if it was a good thing or a bad thing. And he wasn't convinced it wasn't just a phase. He didn't want to invest a whole lot of money or travel an hour away twice a week to get to a decent dance school when she might only be interested for a week or two.
At the same time, it would give her and Vanessa something to bond over.
"You know she wants to do dance now," Eric said, making conversation.
"Is that Vanessa's doing?" Sharon asked.
"Without a doubt."
Sharon glanced at Ben, a knowing smile on her lips. Ben stared back at her, confused. Sharon rolled her eyes at him.
"You seem really taken with her," she said to Eric.
"I am," he agreed.
Eric could tell Sharon was practically dying from the self-control it took not to ask if their relationship had progressed. Ben's curiosity was piqued, too, and he looked at his former son-in-law over the rim of his mug. Eric leaned back against the counter and fidgeted with his keys, listening for sounds of footsteps on the stairs.
These two people's opinions mattered the most to him, and while he was sure their responses would be positive, he couldn't help the nerves in the pit of his stomach. But he grinned as he finally ended their suspense.
"She's moving in."
Sharon clapped, and Ben smiled his approval. Eric quickly put a finger to his lips.
"We haven't told Julia yet. I think she'll be happy, but today has been so hectic...we haven't gotten the chance yet."
Sharon made a zipper motion over the seam of her lips, and Eric knew he didn't have to worry about Ben. Just then, Julia came bounding down the stairs, followed by Vanessa's light steps and Timberlake's clumsy ones. Julia popped the phone in its cradle and looked expectantly at her father. Her hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail, and he smelled the same product Vanessa used in her own hair. He liked it, in a way. They were all connected.
"Ready when you are," Vanessa said, taking a moment to give his former in-laws a quick hug.
He let Timberlake in the backyard, then ushered everyone out the front door. He locked it behind them, and they all piled into his truck. Vanessa offered Sharon the front seat, but she wouldn't have it. Julia sat in the back between her grandparents, and the younger couple sat up front. Eric glanced over at Vanessa as he started the vehicle. She was turned around, finishing a conversation with Julia about which hairstyle best suited Joe Jonas and why male celebrities wear so much makeup.
"It's just for the camera. It helps when there's less for the editors to airbrush out of the photos."
"The Jonas Brothers wear makeup?" Julia looked skeptical.
"I'm sure they do. Every male model and celebrity I've met has had to."
"So you used to model, Vanessa?" Sharon asked.
"I did, but I prefer dance. It's just been easier to get modEricng gigs than dancing gigs."
"And you got to meet someone famous?"
Her eyes lit up. "Yes, a few times. I was a part of two fashion weeks, and those always draw celebrities. But my friend, Tom, who's in town at the moment could tell you a million stories."
Even in the short time Eric had known Vanessa, he'd learned that being a part of the rushing crowd of fame excited her. He had to wonder if she'd be satisfied only visiting that life from now on, rather than constantly being in the midst of it. But then, as if she could read his mind, her eyes found his, and an adoring smile landed on her lips. He winked in return.
"Your friend's in town?" Sharon asked.
"Um, yes, unexpectedly. I think he was worried I felt str
anded or something."
"Well, we wouldn't let that happen."
Sharon leaned forward to squeeze Vanessa's arm. Eric could hardly bEriceve a girl from what seemed like a different world had stolen his family's heart so quickly. He wanted to tell Julia the news right then and there. Vanessa was staying. They could all be one big happy family.
But he couldn't count on her reaction, and he didn't want to upset her when she was about to go on the field.
It was something that needed to be a private conversation, no matter how his heart was bursting. There would be plenty of time the next day.
Chapter Eleven
Tom used his GPS to find the nearest place to stay. Sure enough, it was a cheap little motel in the center of town. He wrinkled his nose. He hadn't stayed in a place like this for years. Where was the excitement, the nightlife, the glamour? As if he wasn't emotionally drained enough, he couldn't even find four star accommodations.
Nothing about this trip was going as planned. It was supposed to be easy—remind Vanessa he was here for her, New York was waiting, and she'd come back with him. But that hot redneck must be some kind of Casanova. Tom's best friend was completely taken with him—more so than she'd ever been with Goe. Or anyone. Tom frowned. He might really be in trouble. He might really lose her.
Before he could devise another plan or introspect further, a dinging noise caught his attention. His check engine light was on. He could see the motel up ahead, as well as a sign for B.S. Service Center.
"You have to be kidding," he muttered.
The company name didn't inspire much confidence. Nothing about his current situation was ideal. He glanced in his rear view mirror. Except his hair. His hair had turned out nicely. Tom parked in front of the small mechanic shop and exited the dark blue sedan. Then he spotted something besides his own reflection to brighten his mood—a man coming out of the door to meet him. He looked a bit like Eric, only older and more masculine. Tom was immediately attracted to him.
Maybe this wouldn't turn out to be such an inconvenient stop after all.
"Hi, there. What can I do for you?" the man asked as he got closer.
"My check engine light is on. I was hoping you could take a look at it for me."
"No problem. I'm Bommer Sims, by the way." They shook hands. "Let me go grab a scanner."
Tom closed the car door and followed Bommer, not wanting to miss a chance to entertain his attraction. He didn't expect reciprocation. He'd learned a long time ago men in towns like these weren't as open to gays as those who lived in big metropolises, as those who were forced to deal with diversity on a daily basis.
Or, if they were gay, they certainly weren't ready to come out of the closet. Tom knew what that was like. He'd waited to tell his family he was gay until the day he was leaving. One good beating from his father at four for kissing a male classmate on the cheek had taught him to be careful.
But so what? He was a New York socialite now, and his family didn't have to deal with his "problem" any longer. Everyone was happy.
"Are you related to Eric, then?" Tom asked.
Bommer glanced at him, surprised, as he looked through his scanners. "I'm his brother. How do you know him? You aren't from around here."
"I'm a friend of Vanessa's."
"Oh, really?" Bommer grinned. "She's a pretty picture."
"Yes, she is."
Bommer led the way back out the door, and Tom rolled his eyes behind the other man's back.
"So what brings you to Virginia? Did she finally get sick of living with Eric and ask you to come rescue her?"
"Just the opposite. She's absolutely taken with him and they're moving in together. It's a ridiculously rash decision. I'm sure you agree."
Bommer squatted down and plugged the machine into Tom's dash.
"Rash, sure. But I like her for Eric. I'm sure they'll work out the kinks."
Tom frowned and didn't answer. He could see that people were just happy being happy in this town. They never thought ahead. Bommer's cell phone rang, and he answered it as he pushed some more buttons on the machine.
"Hello?...No, not tonight...Because I have plans...I have to...Well, you've never understood...Look, I'm in the middle of something...No, I can't after work. Because my niece has her soccer game. Maybe tomorrow."
He hung up the phone and shoved it back in his pocket, then shot Tom an apologetic glance. "Woman troubles," he sighed.
Tom raised an eyebrow. The person on the other line had sounded distinctly male.
"You understand," Bommer continued with a wink.
"No, not really." Tom shrugged.
"Oh." Bommer was taken aback.
"I'm gay."
"Oh." There was that confused look and awkward body language Tom had been waiting for. "Well, it looks like it's just the gas cap."
"What's wrong with the gas cap?"
Bommer grinned. That was a good sign. Maybe he wouldn't treat him like he had the plague.
"It's loose." To demonstrate, he opened the little door and twisted the cap tighter. "You should be good to go."
"Thank you," Tom said sincerely, smiling and reaching out to shake the man's hand again. It was the ultimate test. Bommer took Tom's hand in his and shook with a firm grip.
"So where are you staying?" Bommer asked.
"The motel," Tom answered, pointing to the plain building.
"Well, if you're interested in coming to the soccer game tonight, you can meet me here after closing. I'm sure Vanessa will be there. You don't seem like the type to want to be shut in all night," he offered, eyeing Tom's flamboyant clothing. Well, flamboyant for the area.
"I might just do that."
Bommer gave him another grin and nodded farewell. Tom smiled to himself. Not only was the man more attractive than a sale at Neiman Marcus, but he was willing to be a friend. Maybe Vanessa had found a good place after all.
The cheerleaders stood in front of the bleachers, getting everyone to chant and cheer on the team. Vanessa's eyes were on Julia. She beamed at the top of the pyramid, and her cheeks glowed when she successfully completed a cartwheel. No one could doubt her passion for the sport. Even if she missed a move and lost her place, her determination was evident. She kept going with a smile on her face. Vanessa had known Julia for such a short amount of time, but she felt so much pride.
"She's really good," Vanessa said to Eric.
"I know it." He grinned, eyes on his daughter, only moving them to glance at the scoreboard once in a while.
He was such a good man—kind, hardworking, and sexy without even trying. She was so happy to have met him and so happy he felt the same undeniable pull she did. Vanessa slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze, needing to express her sudden rush of giddy emotion. He squeezed back.
Then Vanessa saw something that tore her mind away from her current, blissful thoughts. Bommer was making his way towards the group—with Tom following close behind. How the hell had they met? And why was he here? Tom sure wasn't much of a sports fan. Unless, of course, the game was on TV in a very warm bar and there was at least one hunky homosexual in a five-foot radius.
She scooted over to make room. Bommer sat beside Ben and Sharon, behind her, and Tom brushed off a spot before settling down next to Vanessa.
"So what exactly brings you out here?" she asked, hand still intertwined with Eric's.
Tom pretended to fix a cuff on the sleeve of his jacket. "I ran into your friend Bommer here, and he invited me along. Since you clearly weren't planning to ask me, I thought I'd take him up on the offer."
"If I'd asked you, you wouldn't have come."
A smile settled on her friend's lips—a smile Vanessa knew all too well. She glanced back at Bommer, whose eyes were glued on the field, then back at Tom. She leaned in closer to him.
"He's straight, you know."
"Last time I checked, that didn't affect my eyesight."
Vanessa rolled her eyes. She was still annoyed Tom had shown up out of the blue to te
ll her what to do, as if she couldn't make her own decisions, but she'd missed him. He was looking out for her, in his own way. Still, she couldn't wait to send him back to New York so she could continue her time with Eric and his family. He was practically chaperoning her. At least he'd found a distraction—even if that distraction was completely unavailable.
"This is Tom, by the way," she introduced him to Sharon and Ben.
They shook hands and settled in to watch the rest of the game together. Vanessa pointed out Julia to Tom, and they cheered when the cheerleaders did their stunts as well as when the team scored. It was a close game, but Julia' school won, and that put everyone in a good mood as they made their way down the bleachers to meet her after the game.
"Dad! Did you see? I totally nailed that last cartwheel!"
"Yeah, I saw it. You did good, Julia."
Eric wrapped his daughter in a hug, and Vanessa smiled, waiting for her turn to embrace the boisterous adolescent.
"You were great out there, Julia," she congratulated the girl and hugged her tightly. "This is my friend, Tom. He's staying in town for a few days."
"Hi, Tom," she waved and then greeted her uncle and grandparents.
"So how about pizza at our place?" Eric suggested.
Julia' eyes widened, and she clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes!" she squealed.
Eric held up his hands, cutting his daughter's celebration short. "Only for a little while. You still have homework."
She rolled her eyes. "You're like a Homework Nazi."
"Or we could skip pizza and you could get started right away."
Julia' attitude changed immediately. "I'd love to do my homework tonight, Daddy."
Eric laughed and ran a hand over his stubbled jaw. "Don't push it."
She shrugged and bounced over to her grandparents. Eric greeted a few of the other parents and introduced Vanessa. He couldn't introduce her as anything more than a friend with Julia around, so she was just "Vanessa" for the evening. She'd be a liar if she said it didn't bother her. They'd shared intimate moments, both physically and emotionally. She didn't want to be "Vanessa"—she wanted to be "the only girl besides Julia that I'm willing to give a part of myself to." She wanted everyone to know he was unavailable, that he was hers.