by Brooke Page
Nathan rolled his eyes and took a large swig from his glass.
“Your eyes are beautiful darling,” Mary said, walking up to Nathan and resting her hand on his cheek. Nathan looked down at her adoringly. She had to have been barely five feet tall. Nathan and Tyler towered over her.
RJ walked over to a cabinet, pulling out a bottle of dark liquid behind us. I saw Tyler’s gaze shift from me to RJ and then his scowl darkened his entire face.
Tyler walked over to me, standing directly behind me, again pressing his body against mine.
While Mary talked with Nathan and Mitch, Tyler whispered in my ear so no one could hear. “This dress is for my eyes only,” he growled through gritted teeth.
“This dress… is not that bad,” I whispered back, turning my head so our lips were inches apart. “Get over it.” I bravely pushed him backwards and walked over to the other side of the kitchen island.
Tyler’s chest rose as his eyes followed me.
I was really beginning to like this game. How to rile Tyler’s feathers.
“Why don’t we all go into the sitting room. Tyler, bring your gifts there, sweetie. The tree is set up,” Mary suggested.
Tyler grabbed the bag and we all followed Mary down the tall hallway to the next room. Tyler practically shoved Mitch to the side so he could walk behind me. A small smile played on my lips as I felt his free hand find my hips once again, shielding my backside from any onlookers. He was being protective and possessive. I had never had a man act that way around me. Even though it was annoying, it gave me a sense of confidence.
We passed through a dining room, a black granite table set for 12 and a large crystal chandelier hanging over top. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses. Once we were in the sitting room, we found a tree was set up, and a big black sectional couch that could fit 10 people circled the center of the room.
Tyler threw the bag of gifts under the tree then pulled me to the couch, sitting down next to me. He put a protective arm around me as I crossed my legs, holding the wine glass in one hand. I was done being mad at him, at least for now. I would be sure to bring it up later. He had no right to tell me what to wear and what was for his eyes only. I was the only one who could decide that.
“So, Becca… how did you manage to capture my son’s heart?” Mary grinned, sitting in a large white leather sofa chair.
“Umm… we met at work,” I answered quietly, not sure how to answer her question.
“Becca is an architect in our commercial department. She just started earlier this fall,” Tyler added.
Mary exaggerated an eye roll. “Tyler, how did you swoon her?” She spoke slowly as if Tyler was a child again.
“Kind of a personal question, wouldn’t you say, Mary?” RJ asked, taking a drink from his glass.
RJ stood in the middle of the room, dominating the scene. Mary took a big chug of her wine.
“Tyler doesn’t have to answer. I was just curious. I have been waiting for one of my boys to bring home a decent girl,” Mary snapped at RJ.
RJ grinned, turning to me.
“That you are, Becca,” he smirked, holding his hand out for me to take. I glanced at Tyler then took it, not bothering to stand. He pulled my hand to his lips, giving it a kiss.
“I have brought girls home,” Mitch pouted, sounding offended.
Mary gave Mitch a look. “A girl worth keeping, not a different one every time.”
Mitch shrugged his shoulders then nudged RJ, giving him a smirk. RJ smirked back.
“Well, since we are all here, why not open presents?” Mary said, standing up from her chair. RJ took a seat near me on the sectional. I was surprised he didn’t squish between us. Tyler pulled me closer to his side, kissing my temple cautiously. I leaned closer into him, enjoying the feeling of his body next to mine. I put my hand on his thigh, wanting to smooth out his tense muscles as I did earlier in the car. I couldn’t help but feel a bit bad. I, after all, was adding to his tense attitude with my wardrobe change.
“Look at you two, all cuddly. You know Becca, you can change your mind. I’m way better at cuddling than Tyler. I’ve had more practice,” Mitch teased, wiggling his eyebrows. I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked so goofy. Taking Mitch serious was impossible.
The rest of Tyler’s family laughed at my reaction. I didn’t mean to sound harsh, but it was funny. Mitch gave me a scowl.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, searching the room.
“The fact that you have no moves whatsoever,” Nathan laughed, helping his mom with presents.
Mitch scowled at Nathan. “I’ve never seen you with a girl, so I wouldn’t talk.”
Nathan shrugged his shoulders. “Because I’m not pussy whipped like the rest of you assholes. The only female I need in my life is my white Ferrari,” Nathan said easily.
Mitch scowled again, sitting down next to RJ.
Mary wandered around the room, passing out bags. It was odd, because all of the bags were tiny. Did this family only buy each other gift cards? What’s the point in that? They all had money in the first place. Shouldn’t that make finding meaningful presents a priority?
I stood from the couch to pass out the gifts that Tyler and I had brought. I felt his eyes on me as I moved. Once I came back with a few gifts in hand, Tyler was giving RJ a death stare. I furrowed my brows at him, hitting his knee with a gift, breaking his stare from his father. I gave Tyler a flirty smile, and he just shook his head at me, scowl still formed on his face.
When I passed out the actual gifts, they all stared at each gaudily wrapped package in confusion.
Once I was done passing out our gifts, I sat back by Tyler. Mary had placed a few small bags in front of me. I was touched; I wasn’t expecting them to get me anything.
“Why don’t we take turns this year. Becca, you go first,” Mary encouraged, taking a seat on the large chair next to Nathan, linking her arm through his.
I gave a shy smile and picked up one of the small bags. Digging out the tissue paper, I pulled out a small, flat box with the words La Perla that held a small card.
“Thanks…,” I said, trying not to sound like I had no idea what La Perla was.
Tyler’s eyes widened as RJ smirked. “Really, Mother?” Tyler said, staring her down.
“What? I thought maybe tomorrow I could take Becca shopping and then to lunch,” she pouted.
“To La Perla? You don’t find that at all inappropriate?” Tyler was turning red, not from anger but embarrassment.
She waved him off again. My eyes passed between the two of them, afraid to ask what kind of shop La Perla was.
I bit my lip as I looked at Tyler. Then I heard Nathan cackle.
“Becca, you have no idea what kind of store that is, do you?” Nathan laughed.
I blushed again, biting my lip harder. Tyler wrapped his arm around me, giving Nathan a hard look, but it didn’t stop him from continuing his humor.
“Don’t worry Becca. I would be more than happy to show you,” RJ grinned, sitting back farther in the sectional.
Mary let out a sound of disgust. “Shut up, RJ. Leave the poor girl alone. I didn’t even think any of you boys would know what that store was.”
“I must be the only one who doesn’t know,” Mitch snorted, starting to open one of the small bags in front of him. I guess he was going to open his gifts next.
I looked up at Tyler, feeling like an idiot for not knowing. “It’s a fancy lingerie store,” he mumbled.
My eyes widened. What an inappropriate gift! I was with her son for Christ sake! We weren’t even engaged. I guess I could see maybe at a bachelorette party, but not for the first time we met! How could she assume I would go shopping with her there too? Wouldn’t it weird her out knowing I would be wearing it for her son?
“I’d love to come shopping with the two of you,” RJ flirted, expanding my blush as he winked at me.
Tyler glared at his father.
“Good, then Tyler and I can go shopping
,” Nathan added. “I think you need to add some new clothing to your attire.” Nathan looked at Tyler from head to toe while taking a sip of his drink.
“Oh, then we could all meet for lunch!” Mary exclaimed. Nathan pulled his drink from his lips and gave Tyler a wink with a devilish smile spreading across his face.
Tyler fidgeted next to me, worry lines threatening to become permanent on his forehead.
Wanting to defuse the situation and take the attention away from my embarrassment for not knowing what La Perla was, I mumbled, “RJ, Nathan, Mitch, you all should open your gifts from me at the same time.”
They all picked up the packages and examined them. Tearing the paper back, the oh-so-familiar Conklin grin spread across their faces.
“This is really nice, thanks Becca,” Nathan said in awe, examining the platinum pen with his name inscribed on the side.
“Becca, is this a secret innuendo from when I offered to let you use my pencil?” Mitch smirked, his eyebrows wiggling. I laughed. How the hell did he remember that? He was plastered!
“You’re an idiot, Mitch,” Tyler grumbled.
I took Tyler’s hand recalling the evening and how he shoved Mitch back when he came to approach me, showing possession and dominance. Just like he had in the kitchen and the hallway, protecting me from everyone’s eyes because he thought they were all staring.
Talk about a turn on. Maybe possessive Tyler isn’t so bad.
I remembered the ugly side of the night too: my break down in front of Tyler about my past. Well, at least the part of my past that made me change my lifestyle. I squeezed his hand, wanting to forget my drunken stupor.
Nathan let out a low laugh as though he were remembering the evening as well. “Was that the night we were at The B.O.B and Becca dragged you on the dance floor, Tyler?”
Tyler glared at Nathan while I tried not to blush recalling my courageous tug to the dance floor.
“Ha! That was the first time I had ever seen you blush!” Nathan laughed, hitting his knee.
Tyler squirmed again, his head down.
“How do the both of you remember that night? If I recall you were both trashed?” I looked between Nathan and Mitch. I wanted to help take the attention off of Tyler who was becoming embarrassed.
Both guys shrugged their shoulders as if in agreement.
“Was this for your birthday, Mitch? I don’t recall seeing Becca there?” RJ chimed in, looking confused.
“That’s because you left early,” Mitch huffed. The animosity in his voice was loud and clear.
RJ cleared his throat. “These gifts were very sweet of you Becca, thank you.” RJ was deflecting talking about his lack of attendance for his son’s birthday.
“You are all very welcome,” I said quietly, glad we were leaving the topic of the drunken night at the club.
“It’s not an easy task impressing these Conklin men. Good job Becca.” Mary was peeking at the pen over Nathan’s shoulder, a secret smile forming on her lips. I got the feeling she enjoyed hearing about her sons having fun together.
“Open yours,” I encouraged Mary.
She gave a bashful smile as she grabbed the box wrapped in gaudy paper. Her fingers moved slowly as a huge smile spread across her face.
“This is beautiful!” she exclaimed, pulling out a silver pendant necklace. When in a doubt, buy a rich woman jewelry; she will love it no matter what.
She jumped from her seat over to me, pulling me up to giving me a hug. “Thank you, Becca! I absolutely love it!”
I hugged her back awkwardly, telling her she was welcome. When I sat back down next to Tyler, he looked humored and apprehensive at the same time. I squeezed his hand, reassuring him that I was okay.
They continued opening the small bags, gift card after gift card.
Mary saved her gift from Tyler for last. I was so excited for her to open it. I knew she would love it, especially since she wasn’t used to getting actual gifts from her boys or husband.
She looked at Tyler with awe as she read who the gift was from and some sort of unnamed emotion when she realized it was from him.
She slowly peeled back the paper, opening the small box to reveal the charm bracelet.
Mary took a sharp breath in, holding one hand to her chest while the other pulled the bracelet from its box. She stared at the bracelet, examining each of her son’s birth stones in silence. Tyler was shifting in his seat. His body was antsy as though he was worried if she liked his gift or not, but his face was indifferent.
Mary moved her other hand from her chest, fingering each charm. Rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, she slowly tilted her head up to Tyler.
“Tyler… this is…” She couldn’t finish her sentence.
Tyler wouldn’t meet her eyes. He unlaced our hands and leaned on his knees, rubbing his face with one large hand. “If you don’t like it I won’t be offended if you take it back. I still have the receipt,” he mumbled into his hand.
Mary drastically shook her head, a tear escaping her eye. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.
Tyler lifted his head from his hand to find her getting up from her seat and walking over towards him. She held out her tiny wrist with the bracelet wrapped around it, urging him to clasp it on.
Tyler blinked at his mother’s wrist then slowly moved his hands to help her.
Once the bracelet was on she pulled on his arm until he was standing then embraced him. He towered over her and awkwardly hugged her back. At first his face held a scowl, but then his eyebrows softened and the hug became more comfortable.
“Way to show us all up, Tyler,” Mitch snorted while playing with a piece of tissue paper.
Mary finally let go of Tyler and made her way back to her seat by Nathan, constantly fumbling with the charms.
“It was Becca’s idea,” Tyler said quietly, taking a seat back down by me. He kept his hands on his knees and stared at the floor.
“This is lovely, but you forgot one,” Mary grinned, looking up from the charms. “Becca, we will need one for you, too.”
I felt my breath catch in my throat as Tyler’s eyes went wide. All eyes were on both Tyler and me. The air was thick and uncomfortable after Mary’s comment. Nathan covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders bouncing from laughing.
“Wow, I’m glad you never talk to the girls I bring home like this,” Mitch laughed, throwing the tissue paper he was playing with at Tyler.
Tyler caught it and threw it on the ground, leaning back on the couch, his expression un-readable. Was he mad? I didn’t think his mother would take this warmly to me, and I sure didn’t think she would become so… attached.
RJ shook his head and hit Mitch in the back of the head. “That’s because you bring home a bunch of whores. Becca is different,” RJ was surprisingly sincere. Even Mary gave RJ a funny look.
“Odd of you to say that, RJ, considering you’re always encouraging his lifestyle,” Mary snapped.
RJ cocked his head at Mary then pointed his finger at her. “Why settle down if he hasn’t found the right girl? And I never encourage him to be promiscuous; I encourage him to be careful so he doesn’t get trapped,” RJ’s sneered, emphasizing the word trapped. His eyes were on fire as he looked at Mary, who was shriveling at his comment. She quickly regained her composure as though trying to block out the small moment of weakness she just gave him.
“He would never be trapped, RJ. Unless he is a control freak who would never let the poor girl do what she wants,” Mary hissed.
I had the feeling they were no longer talking about Mitch but about what happened nearly 30 years ago between the two of them.
RJ clenched his jaw, his blue eyes becoming darker. “Being a trophy wife who gets whatever the hell she wants sure sounds awful. Maids, chiefs, unlimited credit cards. Sure seems like a horrible life to live.”
Mary looked like she was about to move across the room and strangle RJ.
Could this be any more uncomfortable?
Tyler quickly
stood up, yanking on my arm. “Let me give you a tour,” he mumbled, pulling me to safety out of the room.
Nathan jumped to his feet motioning to Mitch to get up and follow him. “Let’s go refill our drinks,” Nathan said, walking past RJ and behind Tyler and me. I pictured Nathan doing this for Tyler and Mitch when they were younger, always taking care of his little brothers. Voices were rising in the room we had just left, and I was thankful to be rescued.
“I’m sorry,” Tyler apologized with his eyes on the ground as we entered the kitchen.
“For what?” I asked, raising a brow.
Tyler shuffled his feet uncomfortably, not meeting my eyes. “My parents. They fight no matter who is in the room.”
I cocked my head, my hard exterior from the wardrobe incident melting away even more. Tyler looking vulnerable and embarrassed was hard to come by, and I was wrapping my arms around him within seconds.
“They started early,” Nathan sighed, taking a bottle of dark liquid out of a cabinet. “Ah, Mom always stashes the good stuff.” Nathan grabbed a tumbler and poured the liquor nearly to the top. “Want some, Tyler?”
Tyler shook his head no, relaxing his shoulders as I hugged him. I felt him inhale a deep breath of my hair as though he wasn’t as nervous about my mood from earlier.
My heart broke. Was this what his family life was like whenever RJ was home, RJ and Mary constantly reliving their past? Fighting and bickering as though their boys weren’t even in the room?
“They do always go at each other’s throats,” Mitch added, taking a bottle of beer from the fridge. “But Dad says she is always an animal in bed afterwards,” Mitch smirked.
“Gross,” Nathan exaggerated.
“How the hell can you talk about that with RJ? Doesn’t it creep you out?” Tyler said, keeping his arms around me while scowling at Mitch.
Mitch shrugged his shoulders. “Better to hear him talk about her then some other chick,” he said truthfully. Gloominess filled the air. Each of Tyler’s brother’s faces fell with the thought of RJ not being faithful.
Tyler’s chest rose up and down as though he was having a protective moment for his mother. I know he talked like he could care less about Mary, but his energy proved different. He was worried about her and showed sympathy. If Tyler could take his mother out of RJ’s grasp, he would do it in a heartbeat, no matter what his hard exterior might portray.