Then, she headed over to the range and began to wipe off—make that attack with fury—the stove top. She didn’t need words. Her body language could’ve reached Helen Keller.
“I take it you’re not thrilled with the plan.”
“Huh!” She pulled off one of the burners, smacking it against the counter. She grabbed another one but stopped and spun to face him. Jabbing the heavy metal his way, she started in. “You . . . of course, you . . .” Her face was livid, and for the first time, she couldn’t put her words together. It must have frustrated the hell out of her because she let out an angry groan and turned back to the stove. Hopefully, it was still under warranty.
“Let’s talk about this like rational adults. What part of this has you so worked up?”
She spun on him, a burner in each hand and fury in her eyes. But for some reason—divine intervention perhaps—she didn’t strike him. He could hear her teeth grinding, see her chest rising and falling way too rapidly for kitchen work, but she remained still. Cautiously, he took the burners away and set them on the counter. She closed her eyes and shook her head before she finally faced him.
“Can you never give me a break, Trey?”
“What are you talking about? I’ve been working to make peace between you and Wes for the last two weeks.”
She let out an exasperated gasp and shook her head at the ceiling. “Yes. And now that he’s willing to talk to me, maybe a complete sentence if I’m lucky, you’re rolling out the Trey-The-Terrific-Train all over again. Aunt Patty and cousins and skiing. God! Do you have to do this now? And by the way, that’s when we normally—”
“Who’s going skiing?”
Wes stood in the doorway. Well, fuck a duck.
Chapter 22
Sue’s eyes were full of fury, aimed straight at Trey, but she spoke with a surprisingly calm voice. “Trey wants to take you skiing. At Lake Tahoe.”
Wes’s face lit up. “Cool.”
“It’s not just for skiing,” he explained. Wes needed to know the whole plan before the conversation went any further. His son might not be ready for a Harrison reunion.
“Remember I told you about my sister, Patty, and her family? They live out there. I’d like you to meet them.”
The thrill of a ski trip was definitely gone, but Wes didn’t look miserable, just hesitant. Probably thinking of a way to back out of the invitation. “If you’re not ready to—”
“No.” Wes shrugged, but he didn’t look relaxed. “That sounds good.”
Trey smiled like a fool, but he didn’t care. Then, he noticed Sue. She nodded and turned back to the stove, scrubbing as if her life depended on it.
Wes studied his mom, and a trace of concern clouded his face. The kid had no reason to feel guilty. Trey spoke up to break the boy’s train of thought. “I thought we’d go over your spring break. That’s in March, right?”
“Ye—” Wes looked over at Sue who suddenly froze in her mania. She kept her face to the stove, but Trey could tell something was passing between them. Wes shuffled back and forth and finally turned to Trey.
“That’s the week Mom and I usually go to Port A.”
She spun around with a smile that didn’t fool anyone. Did Wes notice the tic next to her right eye? “It’s okay. You should go with Trey.” Her lips looked strange as she forced the words. “We can go to the beach another time.” She choked out a sick chuckle. “It’ll always be there, right?”
Damn, she was strong. Would Wes ever truly grasp how blessed he was to have this woman raising him? Which confirmed what Trey had to do. He pushed away the images of Wes and Patty, of Wes with his cousins, and put Sue and Wes out of their misery.
“We’ll do it another time. Over a weekend. There’ll be snow up there in April.” He’d still get Wes out to Patty and the gang, but he could save the mother and son trip. It’s the least he could do.
She cleared her throat. “Don’t be ridiculous. Wes can’t afford to take off from school any more than he has to. It’s crazy to go all the way out to Tahoe just to turn around and head back. You all should go while he has the time off, so you enjoy the skiing and . . . Patty and her family.”
Wes wasn’t looking at anyone, just studying his feet as he shifted them over the linoleum. Sue was dead still, as if waiting on the results of a biopsy. “Maybe Mom could come with us?”
Her head snapped back, and Trey saw the tears well in her eyes. “Is that what you want, Wes?” She coughed and casually ran a hand by the tip of her nose. “I don’t want to intrude on your . . . guy thing.”
“It’s not a guy thing,” Wes said, eyeing Trey. He could tell his son wanted him to support the invitation.
“Are you kidding? I’d love to see your mother on skis.”
“Yeah,” Wes added, relief in his eyes.
Trey turned and found Sue nodding and smiling, blinking her eyes a little too rapidly. He wanted to hold her, but he winked instead. “All right. I’ll call Patty and make the arrangements.”
Wes nodded and said, “Cool.” He headed out of the kitchen, looking more relaxed than he had in weeks.
Trey walked over to Sue, pumped that they’d managed a compromise that included more time with her. He reached for her but stopped when he saw the panic in her eyes.
She shoved his chest. “What have you done?”
Chapter 23
It took Trey almost a week to convince Sue she could handle Tahoe. Come to find out, her resistance had nothing to do with hanging around him or a fear of racing down a mountain. Far more upsetting was, as she’d put it, being surrounded by the Harrison Clan.
Wes’s moving home was what had finally changed her mind. That night in Mimi’s kitchen had been a turning point for the boy. The past was still a sensitive area, and they tried to avoid those conversations, but even when the subject came up, it was obvious that Wes had forgiven his mom. The boy showed more grace than men twice his age. Having Wes back seemed to give her the strength to face his family. That and her mandate that she’d stay at a hotel.
He, on the other hand, had no problem hanging at her and Wes’s place. At first, he’d wanted to be there in case they needed a moderator, but even after it was obvious peace was in place, he still stopped by. He’d take them out for a meal, or she’d invite him to stay for dinner, usually takeout, but he didn’t care. He wanted to be with Wes. He wanted to be with Sue.
She was friendly, probably still on a high from having Wes home, but she kept her distance. She always had an excuse to leave the room whenever they were alone, which left him deserted with the psycho cat. Lily looked like a kitten but acted like a watch dog, greeting him with a hiss and a bite if he ever got too close—the latter being an always-changing subjective call by said feline.
Wes and he were watching ESPN one afternoon when Sue flew through the door. “It’s here! It’s here, Wes!”
Trey didn’t know what was here, but knowing the woman and seeing her excitement, he guessed it was worthy of killing the sports channel.
She raced to Wes. “I hope you appreciate the fact that I didn’t open this.”
“What is it?” Trey stood up and moved to look at the envelope. It was addressed to Wes with “University of Pennsylvania” printed in the corner.
The boy remained seated. The look on his face sure didn’t match his mother’s. In fact, he looked like he was dreading the news.
She seemed to notice as well. “Oh, come on, honey. Look how thick the envelope is. I guarantee this is what you’ve wanted.” She pushed it into Wes’s hands. “Open it.”
He took the envelope and studied it, anxiety written all over his face.
Trey was about to offer to open it, when she interrupted. “Wait. I need to get something. She dashed into the kitchen and in a few minutes returned with a bottle of champagne and three glasses. “I’ve been saving this bottle just for this occasion.” She set them on the coffee table. “Now open it.”
Wes remained seated, but he took a deep breath and moved
to the edge of the couch. He tore open the envelope and slowly unfolded the papers. He scanned the letter, his face so serious that Trey feared it was bad news.
Sue could barely contain herself. It surprised the hell out of him when she reached over and squeezed his hand. This was the first time they’d touched in more than a week, but he hadn’t forgotten how he reacted to her body. He wanted more, much more, but now wasn’t the time to go there.
He looked back at Wes. The boy was troubled. Obviously, despite the size of the envelope, they’d rejected Wes’s application. After all of Sue’s buildup, the news had to be devastating. “Wes, it’s okay. You’ll get—”
“I’ve been accepted. Full ride.” When his son looked up, he wasn’t as ecstatic as Trey would’ve expected. But Mama Bear was. She let out a whoop and threw herself into Trey’s arms. Damn, she felt fantastic. He instinctively grabbed her tightly, pulling her closer, and moved his lips to her neck.
Wrong move. She pushed out of his arms and moved back three feet. Her face was red, but she didn’t look angry, more flustered. She turned to Wes, who was still focused on the letter. “Okay. Let’s toast,” she said, reaching for the bottle. He took satisfaction in seeing her hands shake. Hell yes, she felt it, too.
“Here, let me.” His hands grazed hers as he took the bottle. She darted her eyes to his, then immediately went over and hugged Wes.
“I’m so proud of you, honey. I knew you’d get in.”
“Okay, Mom.” Wes backed out of her hold.
She wasn’t the only proud parent. Trey had nothing to do with Wes’s success, but the fact that he’d achieved so much filled him with admiration for his boy as well as Sue. She’d done well by their son, all on her own. Guilt pulled on him, but he pushed it aside and poured the champagne.
Holding up her glass, she made the first toast. “To Wes, for all that he’s accomplished and all the success he’ll have at the University of Pennsylvania.”
“Hear, hear.” Trey lifted his glass but paused when he saw Wes’s face. Something was wrong. This was not the look of a kid who’d just won the academic lotto.
Wes only nodded. Trey started to ask him what was up, but Sue broke in.
“Call Mimi. She’s been as anxious as me. Tell her we’ll pick her up in an hour. We’re going to celebrate. You pick the place.”
He listened to the plan and remembered he wasn’t a part of this family. What would it be like to share the celebration with his son? And with Sue. At that moment, nothing sounded more appealing.
“Will you come?” Wes asked, as if he’d read Trey’s thoughts.
He had to stop himself from yelling, Hell, yes! Sue didn’t want him there, or she would’ve invited him. He turned to her, knowing he’d see a pissed-off expression in her eyes, but instead she looked unsure. Not as bad, but he’d still give her a break.
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not,” Wes said, not giving his mom a chance to respond. “I invited you. Mom doesn’t care. Do you?”
She studied her son, then turned back to Trey. “Of course not. The more the merrier.” Her gracious tone didn’t match her eyes, but he’d accept the invitation nonetheless.
“Okay then.” Trey winked at Sue. “It’s a date.”
Chapter 24
Trey stood at Sue’s front door, more excited than usual to be at her place. Wes was going out with his friends, but that shouldn’t stop him from coming over. He could see Wes for an hour. Maybe stay later to keep Sue company.
He’d spent the last two nights thinking about keeping her company. Holding her and a hell of a lot more. He couldn’t forget the feel of her body, her scent, the touch of her hand. As he knocked on the door, his mind raced with plans that had nothing to do with their son.
Wes let him in but looked uncomfortable. Maybe they weren’t as close as Trey had hoped. He should’ve called. Nonetheless, Wes led him into the kitchen and gave him a Coke.
As they sat and talked about Wes’s plans for the night, Trey heard movement upstairs. Good. She was here. Hopefully, she’d be happier to see him and wouldn’t leave him alone with Cujo Cat.
“Have you seen my Coach bag?” she yelled.
Wes rolled his eyes. “What’s a Coach bag?” he hollered.
“It’s a purse. My pewter one. I need it for tonight . . . Oh. Never mind, found it.”
He saw his plans washing down the drain. “Is your mom going out?”
“Yeah.” Wes nodded but didn’t look up from his drink.
When the doorbell rang, he thought he saw a flash of red in Wes’s face, but the boy was up and out of the kitchen before he could confirm. He followed to see who would make his son so jumpy.
The man at the door answered his question. This was no friend of Wes’s, and he sure wasn’t from UPS. The guy had date written all over him. Son of a bitch! Trey hated him on the spot. He wore a suit, tailored for sure. The blond hair looked fake. Not like a toupee or a dye job, but it was just too perfect, all combed into place, like the man got a haircut every week.
He was older than Sue, based on the lines around his eyes. He’d probably be considered nice-looking if you were into the banker set. Did she like this kind of guy? Obviously.
Wes interrupted his thoughts. “Hi. Come in.”
Walking in like he had a right, the man said, “Richard Tyler. You must be Wes.” He had a slick smile. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about you.”
Asshole. The guy spoke the truth, but Trey knew he was trying to get on Wes’s good side. Didn’t take an idiot to know that if you could win over Wes, you could win over Sue. Enough of this bullshit. He walked into the man’s space. “Hey, Dick. Trey Harrison.”
It was so satisfying to see the confusion on the jerk’s face. Trey let it linger, then finally spoke. “I’m . . .” He looked over at Wes and found him waiting. “I’m Wes’s dad.” Damn, it felt great to say those words. Wes didn’t flinch, and after a second he slowly smiled, which made it all the richer. He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Wes is my son.”
Dick’s brows lifted for a millisecond, but he recovered. With a calculated gleam in his eyes, he extended his hand. “I’m Sue’s date.”
Trey took his hand, making sure Dick got a sample of his strength. The old guy tried to match him but didn’t have it in him.
“Hi, Richard.” Sue walked up with a big smile, surprising them both. Childish games had a way of taking your focus off the important stuff. She gave Trey a brief nod. “Hello, Trey.”
Damn. She was hot. All in black, she wore a skirt that clung to her hips and stopped just below her knees, showing off high-heeled boots that were sexy as hell. Trey wanted to kick the others out and take her against the wall with those boots wrapped around him. Her sweater wasn’t tight or fancy, but it showed off her luscious breasts. Despite that view, he couldn’t stop staring at her juicy lips and sexy eyes. She shouldn’t look this good for another man.
“You look fantastic.” Dick’s comment brought Trey back to reality. His gut twisted watching her smile at the man. He’d never considered himself violent, but a possessiveness overruled his logic, and he formed a fist. Yeah, punching the jerk’s smug face sounded like a great option.
“Thanks. We’d better go.” She turned to Wes. “Bye, hon. I’ll see you later.” As they headed out the door, she gave Trey a nervous glance. “Bye.”
The man walked her to his pretentious Mercedes, placing his hand on her back, as if to mark his territory. Fuck you, dickhead.
Trey walked outside. “I’ll see you in the morning, Sue.”
She jerked her head around. Dick gave him a stare that would drop a lesser man. She smiled up at Dick as he shut her door, but as he headed around to his side, she turned to Trey and flipped him the bird. He laughed. That’s my girl.
Oh yeah. He’d riled her good, but she’d get over it. He’d make sure of it. As the suit pulled out of the driveway, he slipped Trey a cocky-ass smile. Dream on, Dick. The fool could have h
is date tonight, but Trey would be damned if the man got a second chance.
Chapter 25
Trey studied the modern lobby of the Texas Department of Economic Development. Large panes of glass served as the high ceiling, giving that impressive Texas sky room to lord over all who entered. Sue wasn’t a mega agent for sports stars, but she was definitely in a bigger league than most. He smiled with pride as he followed Wes to the security desk.
“My word, look how you’ve grown, child.” A middle-aged woman beamed at his son, looking more like a grandmother than a security guard.
“Hey, Miss Dorothy.”
She stood and gave Wes a hug, which he accepted without fuss. “What did they feed you over there in Europe?”
“Pretty much the same as here, but with a lot more butter, meat, and cream.” He signed a pad on the security desk, then motioned to Trey. “This is . . . my father.”
“Trey Harrison.” He shook her hand as she studied him carefully. Was he giving off corporate espionage vibes? But then she broke out a knowing smile.
“Well, well, well, Mr. Trey Harrison. It’s very nice to meet you. How long have you been in town?”
Odd question. How did she know he didn’t live here? Was she part of Sue’s posse? “About . . . almost two months.” He would bet the woman was about to giggle, but she held it together. What was up with that?
“Isn’t that something?” Again with the tickled expression. “You’ll need to sign in every time you visit and get a visitor’s badge.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be back.” He knew Sue would give him fits for this surprise visit, so this would probably be his one time in her work zone.
“We’ll see about that.” She nodded and handed them badges. “Make the most of your time here.” She finally looked away to Wes. “Are you skipping school?”
“No. It’s an in-service day. We’re taking Mom to lunch.”
Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2) Page 13