Steve remained quiet for so long that Hope began to worry that he was going to refuse his aid.
“I’ll meet you at your apartment in thirty minutes. Call your father and tell him you’re on your way. At least that way, he won’t think you’re ignoring him, and come to your place.”
Once Steve had disconnected the call, Hope took his advice, but she didn’t call. She took the coward’s way out and sent her father a text.
Knowing she would be unable to sit still while she waited for Steve to arrive, Hope decided to go and take a shower. As she finished dressing, she heard the sound of the intercom, letting her know that she had a visitor. It had taken him twenty-five minutes to arrive. At least she hoped it was Steve.
Rushing through the apartment, Hope palmed the phone and was informed that it was in fact Steve who had arrived. When he came to the door, as usual, he was perfectly groomed, but he looked tired. Wishing their relationship was as it had been months before, Hope wanted nothing more than to give him a hug and ask about his day. But too much still stood between them, so she shook off the feeling and invited him in.
“I’ll wait here while you go and get whatever you need.”
Steve’s lack of greeting was a blow to Hope’s feelings. Although she didn’t really expect him to take her into his arms, this lack of willingness to enter her apartment was a worry.
Telling him she would be right back, Hope gathered her belongings and joined Steve in the corridor.
After driving in silence for a short while, Steve broke the silence by asking what had taken place earlier in the day. Hope left nothing out as she fill him in on all that had happened during her time spent with Aviva.
“I tried to stop her but I couldn’t.” Hope finished.
“I’m glad you didn’t. This mess has gone on for long enough. At least now they all know that both you and Aviva are aware of the truth.”
“I know, but I didn’t want it to happen this way.”
“There is no good way for this to happen, Hope. This situation needs to be sorted out. All this hiding of the truth is why we’re in this position now, and it needs to end.”
“Suppose they ask me how long I’ve known about this, what should I say?”
“For God’s sake, you tell the truth. That’s all you say... the truth!”
“But then they’ll know that I’ve known about this since I was a child.”
Hope jumped as Steve’s fist hit the steering wheel in anger. “I don’t give a shit if they know how long you’ve known about their mess! I’m warning you now, if you don’t tell the truth, I’ll walk out of that house, and I will be done with you for good!”
He had her attention. Steve was such a calm man that his show of such obvious anger was a little startling to Hope. She also didn’t doubt him, knowing deep down that he meant every word he said.
Hope knew the time to confront all her demons was finally here, and God help her, she wasn’t ready. Hope was unsure if she would ever be ready. But her decision to tell Aviva about their real relationship had been the first step to the unraveling of the past.
Turning away, Hope watched the passing scenery without comment as she worked at controlling the thoughts that wanted to pull her into every dark crevice of her imagination. While there was much for which she was to blame, her parents were the ones who had laid the foundations for the path on which they all now found themselves.
**********
As Steve came to a stop before Hope’s parents’ home, he cut the engine and looked over at the silent woman. He hadn’t meant to demonstrate his frustration, that wasn’t usually his way. But he had too many things on his mind. This whole mess with Hope and her family was only one of the issues he had to deal with in his suddenly hellish life.
“Look, I’m here to support you the best way I can. But I don’t have time for half-truths and avoidance. This is it, Hope, you need to handle your business once and for all. All the manipulations, from all sides, stop here, or I walk. Am I clear?”
His many frustrations riding him hard, Steve spoke with his usual mellow toned voice. Knowing that getting them both even more agitated before they went in wouldn’t be helpful to what was about to take place.
At her continued silence, Steve got out and made his way around the car to open her door. Extending a hand, he took hold of Hope’s cold finger and squeezed gently. This was his way of assuring her that she had his support.
“Let’s do this.” Hope said after giving the house one final look. Together they made their way towards the door of Hope’s family home.
They didn’t have to wait long after Steve rang the bell. It seemed to him that Mason was standing at the ready to pull it open.
As Steve made eye contact with Mason, he witnessed a change overtake the older man’s face.
“What are you doing here? I thought I had already told you to keep out of our lives!”
“I know what you said. However, Hope wants me here. If this isn’t acceptable to you, then we’ll leave.”
“You do not speak for my daughter!” Mason spoke through clenched teeth.
“What are you both talking about? When did this discussion take place?” Hope asked, feeling as though she had missed something crucial.
It appeared to Steve that when Hope asked her question was the moment Mason become aware of the possible ramifications of his error. Steve watched him as he struggled to draw in his anger before he turned to face Hope.
“Steve and I have had a few telephone conversations. The subject of which is nothing you need to concern yourself with.” Taking hold of Hope’s shoulders, Mason pulled her into his arms for a hug. All the while shooting looks of anger in Steve’s direction.
“You have a lot of explaining to do, Miss Hope.” Her father said as he held her at arm’s length.
Even if Hope didn’t, Steve recognized manipulation when it was staring him in the face. Moving to break the hold Mason had on Hope, Steve took hold of Hope’s arm in an attempt to pull her attention away from her father.
“Mason, why don’t you lead the way?” Steve said as his determined eyes bored into Hope’s frightened ones.
She had only encountered her father and already she was falling to pieces. Such was the control this man over her. He knew the story Hope had told him wasn’t complete. Too many factors didn’t sit right with him. Making up his mind, Steve resolved that by the end of this meeting, he would know exactly what had taken place all those years ago.
This type of meeting was what Mason had been trying to avoid, and Steve didn’t care. This arch manipulation of the lives of Hope and her mother was coming to an end, he would see to it.
Following Mason into the sitting room, Steve was aware of the tension that masked the air. Taryn was seated on a sofa as far away as was possible from a man Steve could only suppose was Nixon, given his similarity of his facial features to Mason’s. Although they had been the only occupants of the room, Taryn’s attention was on anything but Nixon.
Nixon, whom he was seeing for the first time was standing before the fireplace with his hands clasped behind his back, his legs braced apart as though he were in complete control.
Steve hadn’t envisaged Nixon’s presence when he had thought of this meeting, but his being there wasn’t going to deter him from getting answers, and in the process banishing Hope’s demons.
Steve didn’t know what he had been expecting. Although it had never been a part of his conscious thoughts, he now realized he must have harbored some preconceived ideas as to Nixon’s appearance. Now, seeing him for the first time, well, the only thought that came to his mind was that Nixon was just... unremarkable.
To Steve’s mind, Nixon was neither handsome nor ugly. He looked to be around five-ten, and was of a medium build with a milk chocolate complexion. However, certain factors about him stood out: first, he looked as though he kept himself in shape; second, he had a baldhead that could cast some ambiguity around his actual age. Nixon also dressed impeccably,
being clean-shaven and perfectly groomed. The term sweet boy sprang to Steve’s mind after scrutinizing Nixon for the first time. It was a term his father always used when describing a player, and Steve thought it an apt description of Nixon.
It only took moments for Steve to take in the occupants of the room. Pulling his attention away from the man before the fireplace, Steve returned his regard to Taryn as her voice drew his attention. To Steve, Taryn’s expression at their entry seemed to produce a perfect oxymoron, anxiety and relief at their presence.
“Ah, Hope, Steve. Why don’t you both come and sit beside me.”
From her words, Steve could tell Taryn was in need of support. Although he had no idea of what had already been said, it appeared to him that Taryn might have been having a difficult time.
At Taryn’s invitation, Steve felt Hope hesitate. Taking matters out of her hands, he steered her towards her mother and seated her beside Taryn. Taking a seat beside Hope, he settled back and waited for matters to unfold.
By this time, Mason had joined them and was settled into a chair positioned a little away from his wife. To Steve the scenario appeared wrong. The way they were all sitting while Nixon took up residence before them gave the impression he was in control, and it amused him. Controlling Mason was allowing himself to be put at a disadvantage in his own home by a man for whom Steve had nothing but contempt.
“Hope,” Nixon boomed into the silent room, “it would seem you have lost your manners since we last met. As I understand it, when one enters a room it is their duty to greet the occupants on arrival!”
Was this dude for real? Steve thought as he felt Hope jolt in reaction to Nixon’s reprimand of her manners.
“Good evening, Uncle Nixon.” Hope said, sliding back a fraction into her seat as though she were doing her best to shy away from his notice. Although technically Nixon was her father’s cousin she had always addressed him with the title of ‘uncle’. In that moment, Steve knew without a doubt that Nixon had something on this family, something that they didn’t want any outsiders to know.
Looking over at Mason, Steve could see the anger that resided just below the surface. It was reflected across his face for anyone to see if they cared to pay attention. Nixon did not. As for the women, Taryn appeared blank while Hope continued to shy away from whatever confrontation was about to take place.
“Good, very good. For a moment, I thought you might have had to be reminded of your manners.” Although Nixon spoke in a moderate tone, the sting behind his words couldn’t be ignored.
“I don’t believe we’ve met, young man.” Nixon said, his reprimand of Hope complete as he turned his attention towards Steve.
Steve wanted to laugh out loud at the arrogance of Nixon’s attempts to control everyone in the room. Well this dude obviously had no idea of where he was coming from and who he had grown up with. His father had also ingrained in him from an early age that he had to bow to no man.
Frankly, Steve thought, even if his father hadn’t taught him this lesson, this dude would have still got on his nerves. He couldn’t stand a bully, and the term pompous ass seemed to have been coined especially for Nixon.
“No, we haven’t. My name is Stephen Blackman.” Rising to his feet, Steve strolled over to the shorter man, hand extended, deliberately invading his space and waited for Nixon to clasp his hand. Wiping all expression from his eyes, Steve looked down at the shorter man and waited to hear how he would respond.
“Ah, the husband that never was.”
“One would suppose by that comment, you have a point you would like to make. If that’s the case, make it.” Steve’s mind was made up. He didn’t like this man and he didn’t try to hide it. Steve could feel Nixon’s attempts at extricating his hand and tightened his grip as he locked eyes with him.
“You don’t want to take me on, son.” Nixon said as he leaned closer to Steve. Attempting to ensure his words reached only them.
Releasing Nixon’s hand, Steve stood back and slapped Nixon on the shoulder. With a non-committal, “We’ll see,” he turned and walked back to his seat.
As Steve again settled in, he turned his eyes towards Nixon, extending his long arm along the back of the sofa in a deliberate move meant to show Nixon that Hope had his protection.
“This does not concern you, young man. This is a family matter, and by all accounts, you are not a member of this family.”
“Of course you’re right about me not being a member of the family. However, Hope asked me to come, and where I’m concerned, her wishes outweigh yours.”
“You will leave immediately!”
Oh, oh, Steve thought, this man has anger issue. “I’m sorry, I seem to have missed something. I was under the impression that you, like me are a guest in this house. On second thought, I know that’s the case. Therefore, you have no authority to demand that I leave.”
Mason’s interjection into the crossfire of words taking place between them came as no surprise to Steve. In fact, he had been waiting for it.
“I think it best that you leave, Steve.”
“Of course, no problem.” Pulling his tall frame to his feet, Steve adjusted the sleeves of his suit and with a small nod of his head extended his hand to a silent Hope. With his hand unwavering, Steve waited to see what she would do. As Hope met his gaze, she extended a visibly shaking hand and gripped his.
Pulling her to her feet, Steve looked down at Taryn and felt his heart constrict. He felt an almost overwhelming need to reach down and sweep her up with his other arm. Bending down he deposited a soft kiss against her smooth cheek. As he straightened, he saw an expression in her eyes that he couldn’t recall seeing before.
“Stay... I want you both to stay.”
“Taryn, go to your room, and Hope, sit down, now!” Nixon’s voice filled the quiet room making both women jump.
Oh, no, hell no! Steve thought, spinning around to confront Nixon. However, Mason beat him to it.
“Nixon, this is my house, and you will not speak to my wife and daughter in that way.”
“I think you’re forgetting who you’re talking to, Mason!”
“I haven’t forgotten, Nixon. You won’t let me forget. You won’t let any of us forget. But this is where this ends. You will not give orders in my house.” Looking over at the three people by the couch one at a time, Mason spoke only to Steve. “Take a seat, Steve. I know what took place between you and Hope, and you’re still here. That means something, you young people will have to work that out between you. But for now, stay. Nixon, take a seat.”
Moving a chair away from the rest of the room’s occupants, Mason indicated the place he wanted Nixon seated.
Nixon complied with Mason’s wishes, but Steve saw the look that passed between them. He was left in doubt that Mason, and probably the rest of his family, were about to suffer for his slight.
Chapter 18
“How long have you known?” Mason asked Hope.
Deciding it was time to put pretense aside, Hope answered with complete candor. “I’ve know you weren’t my biological father since I was eight years old.”
Hope felt Taryn tense beside her, but chose to ignore her mother’s reaction to her words. “In fact it was the day M.J. died.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” Mason asked.
“I was eight years old, and I don’t think I honestly understood the implications of what that knowledge meant. Plus, there was so much other stuff going on” Shaking her head, Hope shrugged and began to turn her bracelet around her wrist.
“How did you find out?” Taryn asked her daughter. Turning so that her back was resting against the arm of her seat, as she waited, not wanting to miss anything her daughter had to say.
Refusing to meet her mother’s eyes, for a moment Hope didn’t want to answer. “I heard you guys fighting.”
“Are you sure, Hope?” Mason asked, “are you sure it was that day?”
“I’m sure, but maybe I wasn’t clear. I don’t mean I heard
you and Mom fighting. I mean I heard her and him fighting.” Hope said as she moved her head in Nixon’s direction.
22 years earlier
Hope, M.J and Taryn, were playing in the pool. It was July, school was out, and she didn’t have a care in the world. Today she even kinda liked her little brother. Normally, it drove her crazy when he wanted to follow her around, and make a pest of himself. But today, she thought he was kinda cute.
Every time she or their mother threw the big yellow ball in his direction, his laughter was so infectious they both ended up laughing right along with him. If truth be told, throwing a ball back and forth wasn’t that funny, but today it seemed as though they all had the giggles.
The sound of the doorbell cut short their play. Picking up the toddler, Taryn called Hope to follow them out of the pool.
“You go on, I’m staying here.”
“Are you back-talking me, Ms. Hope?”
“No ma’am.” Hope replied, making her way to the edge of the pool.
However she didn’t move fast enough for her mother’s liking as the insistent ring of the doorbell seemed to carry an air of urgency.
Making sure the children were out of the pool, and the gate was securely shut behind her, Taryn grabbed her robe and hurried through the house towards the front door. She told Hope to mind her brother as she disappeared into the house.
Pulling the front door open, and expecting the worst, Taryn came face to face with, Nixon Clement, her husband’s cousin and the father of her oldest child.
“What are you doing here?” Taryn asked, still unable, even after all these years to speak his name without feeling sick.
“Well hello, beautiful lady. Anyone would think we were enemies by the sound of that greeting.”
Unwilling to enter a conversation with him, Taryn attempted to shut the door in his sarcastic face. Anticipating the move, Nixon stuck his foot against the door to prevent it. Using his superior strength, he pushed Taryn back and entered the house.
Something was going on with him. He never came to their house unless Mason was home. On the occasions where she was forced to endure his presence at family functions both she and Mason took pains to keep them apart. For her part, she would have it no other way, everything about this man and what he stood for was repugnant to her.
The Ties that Bind (Kingdom) Page 13