“Hey!” Wyatt said.
“What you do with your college buddies when I’m not around is in God’s hands. Your limit is two and no driving tonight.” Buck gave him a good onceover. “What’s going on with you? I know you didn’t come home to do your laundry.”
Wyatt shot Corbett a dirty look. He’d mentioned something about Avery when they were having the dinner the first night he’d arrived. Wyatt hesitated, wondering what to say. He wasn’t particularly in the mood to spill his guts about all his problems, especially after Corbett’s love life had just gone up in flames.
His dad raised an eyebrow at his hesitation. “Fine. I’ll share my good news as an icebreaker. I met a nice lady. Her name is Glynis. She owns a nice jewelry shop. You know the kind that makes lovely designs with precious stones like turquoise and amethyst. Actually, you could probably get your mama something nice for her birthday from there.”
“That’s great, Dad,” Corbett said. “It’s about time you met someone. You and mom have been divorced for a while now.”
“I’ve met plenty of women since the divorce, but Glynis is special.” His dad beamed.
“Will we be meeting her soon?” Wyatt glanced at his brother.
“No, not yet. I’d like to spend more time with her before I unleash you two on her.”
“We have manners, you know,” Corbett replied. “We don’t eat from a pig trough. We have even been known to be polite and charming.”
“Yes, you can act like I raised you right when you put your minds to it, but I’d like more time before you meet her. I know how much you two love your mom. I don’t want any ill feelings about someone new in my life.”
“I think we’ve turned that page a while back. She is seeing Bo Sr. again and she’s happy,” Wyatt said in a low voice. He still didn’t understand his parents’ relationship.
“Good. I’m glad she’s happy. She was better off with him anyway.” Buck grabbed another beer off the table.
“So you’re not upset that she’s involved with him again?” Wyatt asked.
“Why should I be? She didn’t cheat on me with him, although the argument could be made that her heart belonged to him for most of our marriage.”
“Then why did you do it? Why did you stay with her so long?”
“Because of you kids.” He smiled. “Bonnie and I were happy, but there was always something in her that missed the life she left in Texas. She went through an awful period of guilt about letting Bo raise Bo Jr. Once she’d moved on with her life from me, she found out that her marriage to Bo wasn’t really final.”
“What!”
Buck laughed. “She never told you?”
“No.”
“Boys, it was all a million years ago. We got it all straightened out and we continued living our lives. She was dedicated to our family, and that’s all that matters. When we finally started growing apart, it was due to separate interests, and frankly I’d finally grown tired of being number two in her heart. She still loved Bo, and I respected that.”
Wyatt remembered their separation. He’d thought at the time that his dad had been going through a midlife crisis. It was as if he were trying to erase who he’d been. But now he realized he’d been shedding who Wyatt’s mom wanted him to be for all those years and had finally found himself. He’d joined a restored classic car club that gathered for annual barbeques. He’d bought a motorcycle, which Wyatt had assumed was part of the midlife crisis, but come to find out his dad had ridden a motorcycle for years before his mom insisted he give it up.
Corbett scratched at his beard. “So there’s no hard feelings between you and Mom? I mean, since we met Bo Sr., it’s obvious she was trying to turn you into some carbon copy of him.”
“Heck, no. Bonnie set me on the straight and narrow. She inspired me to start my own business. If it weren’t for her coaching me to be a better man, we’d be living a totally different life and not for the better. I guarantee it.”
“Why did you get involved with her if you knew it wasn’t going to work out?”
“Love, son.” His dad straightened up. “The first time I saw your mother, my heart damn near leaped out of my chest. She had a pair of legs that could stop a semi-truck.”
“OK. That’s enough,” Wyatt said, cringing.
His dad turned his gaze back on him. “Are you gonna tell me what’s going on with you? Or do I have to get your brother to tell me?”
He opened his mouth, but nothing would come out. He was still processing things in his head. Everything sounded crazy when he thought about it. It made no rational sense to suddenly avoid the one person who made his heart warm when she smiled. There it was again. The unfamiliar stirring in his body. Now was not the right time to talk about Avery.
“The whole Avery situation is finally becoming clear to him,” Corbett answered and threw a grin his way.
“Oh.” Buck nodded. “I knew the day it happened it would be trouble. So that’s why you’ve been acting so strange.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Son, you’ve been sprung over that pretty young lady since the day you met her three years ago.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re in love, idiot,” Corbett replied.
His mouth went dry. “No, I’m not.”
“Then why have you been avoiding her for months?” Corbett countered. “And yet moping around like you miss her for every second?”
“I’ve been working through some things…like what I’m going to do with my life after college.”
“So what do you want to do?” his dad asked.
How many times had he asked himself the same question several times over the past few months? “I don’t know.”
“You better figure things out soon,” Corbett replied.
“I’m trying. Can you give me a break? We’re not all super goal-oriented like you,” Wyatt fired back.
“I meant with Avery. You’re not the only person interested in her.” Corbett pulled up the Tomcats website on his phone and went to the photo gallery in the PR section to show him a picture of Avery with Riley Sloane.
Wyatt stared at the photo. The quarterback back had his arm around her waist and had a wicked smile on his face. Yeah, Avery wouldn’t fall for a superficial chump like that. Besides, the guy would be lucky if Seth didn’t murder him for sniffing around his niece. No, he had nothing to worry about from some egomaniac flashing around his money and good-looks and NFL football career…
Wyatt clenched his fists. “I wouldn’t worry about that. Seth has Riley on a short leash.”
“I know he’s been warned, but I don’t know if Sloane can be deterred so easily. He likes disregarding authority.” Corbett made a face.
“You really think he’d risk his on-field time and thumb his nose at Seth’s demand?”
“I think he’d push his luck so he can keep up that bad boy image. You know he’s all about headlines. What better PR stunt than to pursue the boss’s niece when he’s been forbidden to do so?”
“You’re not factoring in Avery. I know her, and she wouldn’t fall for his loud-mouthed crap. She may be the object of desire, but she’d tell Sloane where he could stick it in a minute. He’s not her type.”
“Yeah. Who wants a handsome, successful sports superstar with tons of dough?” Corbett laughed.
His dad leaned toward him and looked him in the eye. “Son, when a man wants a woman, he doesn’t let anything get in his way. Not even a boss who would wring his neck and maybe snatch millions of dollars out of his pocket. Are you sure the interest is one-sided?”
He didn’t know for sure, but he knew what he’d hoped in his heart. But he couldn’t exactly admit that now. “I’m sure. Sloane likes to push buttons. He’s doing that to piss off Seth.”
“OK. But I wouldn’t wait too long to stake my claim. She’s a beautiful young lady who will become a doctor soon. If it’s not Sloane, someone’s going to grab her up.” Buck shook his
head.
“I think things like staking your claim are viewed as sexist these days,” Wyatt said.
“So how are you supposed to show a woman how you feel?” his dad huffed. “Send her letters and cards and braid her hair?”
“Dating is a labyrinth these days dad.” Corbett sighed. “If you do too much you’re a brute. If you ease back, you’re an uninterested douche who wasted her time.”
“This social media age has ruined you kids. Instead of blabbing on a computer about life, you should be out living it. You should be out showing a woman you care for her. I missed the days when you’d punch out the guy who was eyeing your woman.”
“Sadly enough, Dad, I agree with you,” Wyatt said. Right now he wanted to punch Riley Sloane in the mouth.
His dad took a swig of his beer. “You boys are having a tough year with women. But it will get better, I promise.”
“I wish I could believe that,” Corbett lamented.
“You just have to embrace the pain, try not to do anything too stupid, and let it pass.” He patted Corbett on the back and then turned to Wyatt. “And you still have time to resolve your career problems and your Avery dilemma. Not everyone knows what they’re going to do right after college, so keep that in mind while you’re looking for answers.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Wyatt smiled. “And when you’re ready to introduce Glynis to us, I promise we’ll be on our best behavior. I’ll even put on a tie.”
Wyatt was thankful for his father’s response and advice. His mother had been the exact opposite. He knew she wanted him to have a good life, but she couldn’t accept that he was the son who hadn’t mapped out his life when he was five. He was more of a slow-burner, still finding his way. His dad always got that. He wished his mom would.
He glanced at his brother, wishing there was something he could to cheer him up. Just a week ago, he was engaged and looking forward to a big, even if obnoxious, dream wedding. Now he was back to living with their mom until he found another place. He’d already talked to Bo about halting the plans for construction on the new home that would have been his wedding gift to him and Courtney. Bo still wanted to build it to give him something to inspire him when he found the right woman. Corbett thanked him for the offer but refused. He’d said a home should be built with the intention of a family living in it.
They made their way back into the kitchen to eat more pizza, but it was all gone. So their dad ordered Mexican food. They started to talk about sports, but he was just going through the motions. He couldn’t get that picture of Avery and Riley out of his head.
Riley Sloane was a headache he didn’t need.
CHAPTER FIVE
Avery hit the button on the closet wall and the motorized rack began to move. Today she was visiting her Aunt Morgan to discuss her proposal for the animal rescue shelter that the Blake Foundation would be building, but it never hurt to take a look in her aunt’s closet. There was always a treasure trove of garments she barely wore. She stopped the carousel when she saw a pretty mauve sundress with a matching braided belt. She draped it across her and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She shook her head. It still had the tags on it. It would be perfect to wear at her birthday party. She went through the closet some more and found the perfect pair of shoes.
“Beep beep!”
Avery scooted out of the way just in time to avoid being run over by Mackenzie in her foot-peddled car. “Hey Kenzie, you little cutie pie. You’re getting pretty good at navigating that thing.”
She picked the little girl up when she came to a stop, kissed her on the cheek, and gave her a squeeze.
“Avy!” The little girl giggled and wrapped her little arms around Avery’s neck to hug her back.
“Grandma Teri-Lyn should be entering you in motor cross or a monster truck rally instead of a ballet class.”
Morgan came in from the hall and leaned against the doorframe with a laundry basket in her hands. “I see you’ve found some things.”
“Yes. I found some great things that you’ve never worn,” Avery said as she balanced Mackenzie on her hip while rummaging through the accessory drawers.
“Half of those things were bought many moons ago before I had kids.”
“You’ve been the same weight for years.”
Morgan laughed. “That’s the way you see me. Sometimes the image of a person gets trapped in our minds at a certain age. Like Grandma. In my mind she’s still in her late fifties.”
Avery laughed. “Like the family thinking I’m still thirteen?”
“Yes.” Morgan gave her a sympathetic nod. “But you were a really cute thirteen. It’s kind of hard to let that particular image go.”
Avery found a beautiful costume necklace with sparkling jewels. She took it out, set Mackenzie on top of the dresser, and clasped it onto her neck. Then she found a shiny barrette and clipped it onto the little girl’s hair before finishing off the ensemble with one of Morgan’s shawls and a fedora she’d found in a hatbox on a shelf.
“There. Kenzie, you are looking fierce.” Avery moved Mackenzie over on the bed and took her picture.
Morgan gave her daughter a few of the toys that were on the front tray of the little car to keep her busy, but she was really interested in Avery’s blinged-out cell phone. Avery gave it to her but made sure she’d locked the screen.
“Thanks for the proposal,” Morgan said. “I like your ideas.”
“You’re welcome. I did some research. I talked to the ladies at the animal shelter where I volunteer. And I was lucky enough to catch Brooke while she was giving Iris a checkup at the stables.”
Morgan sighed. “I hope nothing’s wrong with Iris.”
“Me too.” Avery added. Iris was her Uncle Seth’s prized horse, and she knew he’d be devastated if something happened to her.
“I like the idea of planning for long-term care just in case we don’t find a home quickly. I think that will help with placing the animals into good homes.”
“Brooke said she’d help in any way she could. She’s really good with her clientele. The horses love her. Rowdy doesn’t run when she wants to examine him.”
“She does have a special touch. He’s getting crankier in his old age too.” Morgan put away Seth’s boxer shorts. “I don’t know who’s going to take it the worst. Seth, if Iris isn’t well, or the kids when Rowdy starts getting too old to play.”
“The best we can do is give the animals as much dignity and care as possible as they age, and comfort the humans who love them.”
Morgan beamed. “Full circle grief counseling. That’s a good idea. We should use what you just said as part of the animal shelter’s credo.”
“I’ll add it to the proposal.”
“So things are pretty much set for your big day,” Morgan said, switching subjects. “Your uncle has come to terms with the fact that you want to do something else on your actual birthday and will have a respectable, boring time with us old-timers the following day. Nina’s going to work her party-planning magic to make it fun yet sophisticated. I cancelled the bouncy castle and a face painter your crazy uncle had reserved.”
She froze, for a moment unable to breathe. “He does know I’m turning twenty-one?”
“I think it’s supposed to be a joke. But I think he’ll come to terms with a twenty-one-year old Avery…eventually. Maybe by the time you’re thirty.” Morgan giggled. “The guest list is packed with family members. Did you invite any of your friends from campus?”
“No, they’re going away on a field excursion for a science class that weekend so we’re going to do something another night. But I do have plans with Parker if she’s not working late.” She fingered the mauve dress. “Can I try this on?”
“Sure.” Morgan took a seat next to Mackenzie. “I talked to her the other day. She said she’d definitely be attending the family party too. Then the guest list is complete.”
“Cool,” she said as she stepped out of her jeans.
“I’m glad you an
d Parker became friends.”
“Why? So some of her badass-ness can rub off on me?”
“And some of your amiable personality can rub off on her. You two complement each other.”
“We do, don’t we?” She fastened the belt then stepped into the bedroom. “What do you think?”
“It’s like it was made for you. Take it and wear it in good health.” Morgan helped Mackenzie adjust the fedora so it wouldn’t fall over her eyes. “Let’s see the next outfit. If you’re trying on that black dress, there’s a pair of heels on the second shelf, third from the left that would go great with it.”
She stripped out of the mauve dress and hung it up carefully. “Didn’t you tell me you had a doctor’s appointment this week when we spoke on the phone?” She hated fibbing. She’d saved the date into her calendar when her aunt first mentioned it.
“Yes. I’m fine. Uncle Seth was there. He can tell you I’m fine too.”
“That’s great news. But you can tell me anything, even if it isn’t so great. I’m an adult. I can handle it. Heck, soon I’ll be in the medical profession and will know exactly what you’re talking about.” She slipped on the black dress but couldn’t zip it on her own. She stepped out of the walk-in closet again. “Can you help?”
“Sure.” Morgan walked over and zipped her up, then turned her around to face her. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“Did you decide to go into medicine because of my diagnosis? You can tell me the truth. It will stay between us.”
Avery sighed. “You were a big factor in my decision. It was time the family had a doctor in it.” She was relieved that she could say it out loud.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Morgan took Avery’s hands in hers.
“Let’s talk.” Avery led her aunt to the bed and they both sat. Mackenzie nuzzled her way in between them. “I was headed down the road to medicine way before your diagnosis. I’d been thinking about it for a while and I talked to a career counselor at school. She encouraged me to go to a pre-med seminar. There were some first-year med school students there that told us the horrifying truth of how hard you had to work. One resident said she’d once gone six months without combing her hair. I don’t know about that.”
Worth the Wait Page 6