After grabbing two bottles of water out of the garage fridge, he walked back inside and met up with his father in the hallway.
“Dad, hey.”
“TJ. Good to see you.”
“Yeah. You too. I never got to thank you properly for coming out to the party at the Stag last month.”
“Of course. We wouldn’t have missed it. Seems like you had a good turnout.”
TJ couldn’t help but notice how glassy his father’s eyes were, or how badly he stunk of vodka. The party hadn’t even been going on that long, but intoxication was obviously his father’s way of dealing with the crowd.
“Yeah, we did. I was pleased with how everything turned out.” Except for how the evening had ended. Jen injuring herself had not been ideal. “Dad, that reminds me, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Do you have any idea why Neil Bodisto refuses to do business with us? His son came that night, but we still can’t seem to get a contract with them.”
His father stepped back, his face clearly pondering that. “My only guess is because Neil hasn’t gotten over me sleeping with his wife.”
TJ stared up at the man he’d always tried so hard to make proud. And for what reason? None came to mind. His dad was a horrible piece of shit. “I see. Well, that does make a lot of sense. Doesn’t it?”
TJ started to step around his father, but the man put a hand on TJ’s chest, stopping him. “It was years ago, TJ. Don’t you walk away from here thinking you know me.”
Removing the hand from his shirt, TJ glared up at the weathered face hovering in front of him. “That’s the thing, Dad. I don’t know you at all. But from what I can tell, you’re not a nice guy, and you treat our mother terribly. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my girlfriend.”
He began to walk down the hall but froze when his father spoke again.
“Girlfriend?” The word was followed by a bitter laugh. His father was definitely trashed. But that didn’t excuse this behavior. “Do you mean the young lady in the kitchen? I thought I saw her tending bar at your party.”
TJ turned, anger simmering in his gut. “You did, Dad. Jen also works the front desk.”
“Fraternizing is never a good idea, Trevor.”
“We’re not only fraternizing, we’re living together. And I think I can handle myself just fine.”
The older man shook his head. “Why have her move in if you don’t intend to marry her?”
TJ’s head jerked back, his anger rising. “Who says I don’t?”
His father chuckled again. “You marry the good girls, TJ. You know that. The rest are just for fun.”
A quiet gasp caught TJ’s attention and he turned to see his mother standing at the end of the hallway with a look of pain and horror on her face. As if that didn’t break TJ’s heart enough, next to her stood Jen.
Her expression was blank, her eyes meeting his.
“Ellen.” His father shook his head. “You know I’m kidding. I’ve had too many cocktails.” He glanced at Jen. “My apologies, miss.”
“You’re damn right,” TJ said quietly, rage suddenly overflowing. “You owe a lot of people apologies, but right now the only person I care about is Jen. And I’ll tell you what, she is exactly the kind of woman I want to live with. And marry. Because she’s smart and beautiful and loving. And I’ll learn from your mistakes and be sure to let her know daily how much I love her so that she doesn’t have to cover up her pain with vodka every night.”
TJ walked down the hall to Jen, whose eyes had gone wide. He leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Mom, I love you, but we’re leaving.”
She grabbed his face roughly. “I love you, TJ.”
He nodded, pulled away, and reached for Jen. But she stepped around him, her mouth severe. Oh shit.
“Just so you know, your son is the best person I know, and you don’t deserve him,” she said, pointing a finger at his father. TJ’s heart pounded as she turned and took a hold of his outstretched hand. She was shaking. With fury, fear, or both?
He led her through the house and out the front door. Then he pulled up short, pressed a firm kiss onto her lips, and then they proceeded to valet station in silence. When the young kid located TJ’s keys he just took them from his hand and slipped him a few bucks. “I see the car. We’ll walk.”
Halfway across the massive yard across the street, Jen stopped, this time halting TJ with her. He turned to her. She looked so damn beautiful in the fading sunlight. Deep red and gold highlights revealing themselves in her jet hair. And after what she’d just done, he was never letting her go.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He stepped closer to her and looked in her eyes. “Yes. I’m more than okay. Are you?”
She laughed, glancing down. “Don’t worry about me. I’m used to judgment. And being bitchy.”
TJ pulled her against him, a chuckle escaping his lips. “God, you were so fucking amazing in there.” He thought of the other part of her comment and pulled back to look into her eyes. “But I’m not okay with you used to being judged, Jen. If I’d have known what just happened was a possibility, we never would have come.”
“Maybe it’s good we did. I’m not upset about what happened.”
He shook his head. “No. It will never be okay that my father is that way, and treats my mother like shit.”
“You’re right. I felt so sorry for her.”
“Don’t. She’s known who he is for most of her life, and she has convinced herself that being rich and ignorant is better than being happy.”
“It’s all she’s ever known, TJ. You need to consider that there’s more to it for your mom.”
He took her hand and continued to lead them to the car. “I suppose you’re right. I guess I’m still seeing it from the perspective of her very angry son.”
Opening the passenger door, he waited for Jen to sit down. When she did, he squatted down beside her. “I hope you know I meant every word I said in there. Every word I’ve ever said. I’ve been in love with you since … since forever. I don’t think I knew it back then, but I do now.”
Her eyes widened, going glassy. “Forever as in…”
He smiled, recalling how long he’d known that she was special. “I bet you don’t know that I showed up for every performance of Grease. Just so I could watch you. Listen to you sing.”
Her lips quirked to the side and she looked away, swiping at her cheek. “Goddamn you, Trevor James. I was such a strong woman until you decided to be my hero.”
He smiled and leaned forward to press his lips into her cheek. “You’re still a strong woman. That’s why I love you, and why I want to keep being your hero.”
More than anything, he wanted her to say it back. Instead she turned to face him, placing a hand on his jaw.
“As my hero, will you stop and pick us up some gas station barbecue on the way home?”
He couldn’t help grinning. “Whatever you want.”
Twenty-Two
The following Saturday, Jen was working a wedding for the first time as a pseudo-coordinator, and not a bartender. She’d presented the idea to the guys a couple of weeks ago, only because she’d worked so closely with this particular bride over the past eight weeks. Elaine, the bride, had requested Jen be there if possible, which had made her feel good.
The guys had been happy to agree, although Dean had suggested he still come, since it had originally been his night, and Jen had never been solely in charge of the building before. Once all the vendors started to show up, asking where things were located, where they should park and unload, she was grateful he was there.
Once the band had set up, the caterer had arrived, and all the lights were set just so, Jen glanced at her phone. It was five. The ceremony had just started over at the church, so guests would start arriving for cocktail time in about an hour. She had a minute to grab a drink and a snack, and collect her thoughts.
She went down the elevator and headed for the front desk where she had
some trail mix and water bottles stashed in her drawer. Sitting down, she took a drink and on instinct clicked onto the computer and began to scroll through social media.
After a minute, an alert popped up that she had a direct message. She opened it.
Hi Jen-This is Erin Kingman. I hope I’m not harassing you, but I left you a voicemail several weeks ago and realized that some people don’t listen to them. Just wanted to try one more time to contact you.
Jen continued reading. Erin basically spelled out the same thing she had last time. The only difference this time was the last line.
If you’re hesitant, you might consider just coming up for a couple of weeks and giving it a try. You could stay with me. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sucking in a deep breath, Jen’s eyes darted back over the message again. She’d been trying to put this out of her mind, but it hadn’t necessarily been working.
Clicking open a new browser, she did a quick Google search for the name of the school. The minute the page loaded, Jen wanted to weep. It appeared to be a very nice school. The photos showed productions with incredibly high-quality sets and costumes. The kind that any performer would love to be a part of.
She went back to the message and let her fingers hover over the keyboard. Blowing out a shaky breath, she began to type.
Hi Erin. I did get your voicemail and I’ll be honest, the idea is intriguing. This sounds like the exact kind of job I would love. However, there has been some hesitancy, the reason I didn’t respond. Part of the problem is my mother is currently battling breast cancer and I’m not sure I’m willing to leave her. Would you mind giving me some time to think about it? I’m so grateful you considered me.
To Jen’s surprise, the message showed that Erin had read it almost immediately. She waited to see if a reply would come back. Standing up, Jen glanced around the main room to see if anyone was milling around looking for her. When she didn’t see anyone she sat back down.
And why did she feel so damn guilty?
When she glanced to the computer, Erin had replied.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother! I completely understand wanting to be there with her. If it has any sway, I don’t need anyone officially until December 1st. We currently make do with interns from the arts college for voice lessons, but recently a benefactor surprised us with a budget increase so I’d like to hire someone full-time. Again, it would be great to have you visit to see what you think. Might help make your decision. Let me know and I could arrange a flight for you. I just need a definitive answer on the position by Thanksgiving so I can start planning for our spring musical, so anytime before then I’d love to have you for a visit.
Oh my God. How could she turn down an offer like that? Without further thought, she replied instantly.
I may take you up on that offer to visit. Will let you know within the month.
Jen looked at the calendar on her phone. It was almost October, and she honestly had no idea what she would do. In her head she kept hearing TJ’s words. I love you. Tell me you’re mine. But they were still in the honeymoon phase. That could all fade away. And then what would she do? Be homeless like she had been so often as a child?
Live with her mother? As good as things had been lately, they still weren’t great. The last thing she wanted to do was be a thirty-year-old living with a parent. A parent who could potentially die soon.
She knew it was time that she told TJ about Erin’s offer. Maybe Charlotte was right. He’d been supportive of everything so far, and maybe he could offer some insight. Plus, she just really wanted to talk to him about it. Tonight when she got home, she would tell him.
The front door opened, startling her. Dean walked up to the counter and leaned his elbows on it, glancing down at her.
“Hey,” she said, noticing how shaky her voice was.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, fine.” She held up her trail mix bag. “Just needed some sustenance. Want some?”
He shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks. But I’m glad I caught you here early. I wanted to tell you something. I haven’t even had a chance to tell the other guys yet.”
“Oh? I hope it’s not bad.”
“No, nothing like that. Tara and Ben came by yesterday afternoon. You and TJ had already left.”
Jen’s stomach plummeted. This was it. Tara was ready to come back. This was what she’d been waiting for. Everything would now change. Force her to either get a job or make a decision that would be painful. “And?”
“Well, they’re considering having Tara stay home with the baby. They think they can swing it with Ben’s income alone, considering how expensive childcare is. And obviously Tara wants that.”
Jen was shocked. Of course, she’d known that was a possibility, but she didn’t think it would happen. Plus, she figured they’d have heard by now.
“So, what do you think?” Dean asked.
“I don’t know what to think.”
“Well, I figured I’d hear from you first how you felt about it before I broke the news to TJ and Jake. I wanted to know how I can support you going in. Because I know what TJ will want. But it’s not up to him.”
“What are you saying, Dean?”
“If Tara decides to be a stay-at-home mom, are you interested in her position?”
Jen’s shoulders slumped. Did she want that? She’d been enjoying her work at the Stag, but part of her wondered if it had been fun because she’d known it was temporary. It was a far cry from her previous job of teaching kids voice and drama lessons. Taking over Tara’s job would feel like … giving up. Plus, she’d just replied to Erin Kingman.
“I honestly don’t know,” Jen said. “I’d have to think about it.”
“I understand. Maybe you and TJ can talk it over together. I’ll let you tell him.”
Well, they’d certainly have a lot to discuss this evening. She looked at Dean. “Okay. Thank you.”
Deciding she’d sat down long enough, Jen followed Dean upstairs to the reception room. Things were much busier, with servers setting up tables and musicians tuning their instruments. Jen glanced over to make sure Eric, the bartender, was setting up.
It wasn’t long before the wedding guests arrived and began eating hors d’oeuvres and getting cocktails. By the time the bridal party showed up, everything was perfect.
The minute Jen saw the bride, she rushed over. “Elaine, you look beautiful. I’m Jen.”
Elaine’s eyes went wide and she wrapped Jen in a huge hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you face-to-face. Everything looks so perfect. You have the dance floor right where I wanted. Thank you!”
“It’s been my pleasure.” Jen smiled at the groom. “Why don’t you all go grab a drink from the bar?”
Jen saw Charlotte and her second shooter Lauren lugging their gear to the side room off the bar, where they usually stored their stuff and had dinner. “Looks great in here,” Charlotte said to Jen.
“Doesn’t it? How has the day gone so far?” Jen asked.
“Really well. We got the most amazing portraits. They’re a very photogenic couple.”
Jen could imagine that easily, as attractive as they both were. She stood off to the side of the room and let Charlotte and Lauren get to work photographing the bride and groom greeting their guests and giving hugs to family.
She was still people watching when a hand touched her on the arm. A woman stood there, and it took Jen a minute, but she recognized who she was.
“Terri? How are you?” Jen asked, grabbing her hand. “I almost didn’t recognize you all dolled up.”
The other woman laughed. “I don’t do it very often. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
Jen smiled. “I know, it’s so nice to see you. You obviously know Elaine and Brett?”
“I do. I work with Brett’s mother at the credit union.”
They chatted for a few moments about the couple. “Your mother told me you worked here,” Terri said. “What a great way to
meet guys, huh?”
Jen laughed. “I don’t know about that. But it’s fun here.”
She had always liked her mother’s oldest friend.
“How’s your mom doing? I still just can’t believe about your building catching fire.”
“I know. It was horrible,” Jen said.
“Have they figured out how it happened yet?”
“Sounds like it was electrical, down in the laundry room.”
Terri’s eyes went wide. “So it’s the fault of the management?”
Jen nodded. TJ had fumed when he’d heard that news. “Afraid so. I’m just glad no one was hurt.”
Terri shook her head. “Well, I’ll be. You just never know, do you? I need to get over there and check on your mother. I haven’t seen her in a couple of weeks.”
Jen’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t you just see her a few days ago for her appointment?”
As far as Jen knew, Terri had been driving her mother to all of her checkups required by the trial.
“No, I’ve been busy. But I am taking her to get her next MRI. That’s next Friday. I’m praying for a miracle. I’m sure you are, too.” Terri patted Jen’s arm.
“Terri, who has been taking her to the weekly appointments?” Jen asked.
A look of confusion passed over Terri’s face. “What weekly appointments?”
“For the medical trial,” Jen said, worry beginning to buzz in her chest. “She told me you were taking her.”
Terri’s eyes went wide. “Oh, honey, she didn’t qualify for that. She didn’t tell—” Terri stopped short. Squeezed Jen’s arm. “Oh, Jen. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
Jen’s mouth was hanging open and she vaguely heard Terri mention that “Diane is going to have my head.” Barely felt the tug on her arm.
“Jen. Jen?” Terri was saying. Finally, Jen looked at the older woman. “Don’t be upset with her. I’m sure she just didn’t want you to worry.”
Jen patted her hand. “Excuse me, Terri.”
She turned and walked across the room, past the bar, and into the side room where she hoped to find Dean or Charlotte. She found both. Charlotte and Lauren were eating dinner and Dean was sitting on the arm of the sofa giving Charlotte a back massage.
Maybe This Time_A Whiskey and Weddings Novel Page 22