Tony sighed. “Then do what you can to pacify Bryce but keep your cute little butt out of trouble, OK?”
I paused, suddenly unsure. His concern was genuine, that much I could tell. The reason for it was beyond me. I wanted to reassure him that I’d be a good girl and keep my head down but I somehow knew I wouldn’t follow through. I never was good at following orders.
“I’ll do what I can, that’s all I can promise you,” I replied after a moments pause.
Tony slowly gave a nod though I could tell he wasn’t thrilled with my answer. “Fine, but if you end up floating in the river I’m going to be really pissed.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, frowning at the person staring back. I didn’t want to go. I really didn’t want to go. Maybe Reese could just tell her I was sick I thought with a glimmer of hope, which quickly faded to another frown. She’d be over right after dinner with chicken noodle soup. Plus there was the fact that Parsons would be back shortly to pick us up. While I feared an evening with my matchmaking mother, I feared an evening alone with Tony even more.
My thoughts drifted back to the conversation earlier with Tony. While I didn’t doubt that he’d be royally ticked if I ended up floating in the river I wasn’t sure where this sudden drive for my safety was coming from. The best I could come up with was the man is desperate to get into my pants and finding me face down in the river was seriously going to mess that up for him. It wasn’t the best thought that came to mind, but at least it fit Parsons profile. Better that than thinking he might actually care about me more than just a quick tumble.
Giving a shake I took one last look in the bathroom mirror, satisfied with the hair and make up job I’d done. It was as good as it was going to get, especially since Parson’s had only given me under an hour to get home, showered and dressed again before he arrived. Truthfully I could have skipped the shower but there was something about spending an afternoon at a laundry mat that made me want to duck into the nearest bathtub. I was quite proud of the record shower that I’d taken though and a glance at the clock on the bathroom counter said I had five minutes to spare. Opening the bathroom door I headed towards the kitchen.
Reese was perched on the kitchen counter, a bowl of cereal in hand and a spoon halfway to his mouth when I appeared around the corner.
“Is that all you ever do Reese? For crying out loud, we’re going to Mom and Dad’s for dinner. Can’t you wait an hour?” I said with more exasperation than I felt. Truth was I knew Reese was a human garbage barge; he’d been one all his life. Actually I think it’s more a comfort thing with him and if it weren’t for his good metabolism it would have caught up with him years ago.
Reese only grinned in response, shoveling another spoonful of cereal in his mouth.
“Yeah, but Mom’s pretty hit or miss when it comes to cooking and I didn’t want to chance it,” he replied through a mouthful of food.
Passing him on the way to the refrigerator I lightly clubbed him alongside his head.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” I chided with a smile, tugging open the fridge to pull out a beer. Where Reese had his comfort food I had my comfort beer. Hey, we all had our vices.
“You’re pretty brave bringing Tony to dinner, sis. Aren’t you afraid of the fifth degree from Mom?” he asked. Finishing his cereal he set the empty bowl on the counter next to the sink. I sighed and set my beer down, reaching over to scoop up the bowl to rinse it out.
“Gee, I can tell which corner you’re going to be in tonight. Just remember whose house you’re staying at,” I said dryly. Satisfied the cereal crumbs had been washed from the bowl I set it back down on the counter and picked up my beer for another satisfying drink.
Reese held up a hand in surrender, sliding off the counter. “Hey, it’s not my fault that she always singles you out. Can I help it if I’m her favorite child?”
I tried not to roll my eyes, to no avail.
“You’re my favorite too Reese…favorite pain in the ass,” I replied good humouredly. Snatching the hand towel from the counter he twirled it up and whipped it out, catching my thigh with a snap. Yelping I jumped away from him, quickly leaving the kitchen. Another snap hit by backside as I reached the dining table and I yelped again, nearly dropping my beer in the process.
“Reese James Andrews I swear if you do that again….,” I said in my sternest voice which was spoiled by the grin that crossed my face.
A fist came down on the front door, then Tony’s voice shouted through the solid wood. “Taci? Are you Ok in there?”
I sighed, walking over to the counter to set my beer down before crossing to the front door.
“Thanks for getting me in trouble,” I hissed in Reese’s direction, to which he merely grinned in response.
Opening the door I immediately jumped back as Tony stormed in like a man on a mission. Dark eyes assessed me up and down, making sure I was fine before roaming the rest of the apartment. “What’s going on?”
I held up my hands in mock surrender. I was the victim in all this, after all.
“Only Reese acting like a child. Seriously, let’s all just chill out. Dinner at Mom and Dad’s can be nerve racking enough without him,” I said, jerking my head in Tony’s direction, “acting like a macho man and you,” I nodded towards Reese, “acting like a four year old.”
“You’re sure you’re OK?” he asked, studying me intently. I blew out an exasperated breath. Stomping back into the kitchen I took one last swallow of beer before turning the bottle upside down in the sink to drain. Turning back towards the boys I took in Tony’s still fierce expression and Reese’s boyish grin. This was going to be an interesting evening, that’s for sure.
“I’m fine, nothing to worry about. We should get a move on if we’re going to make it on time,” I said with a pointed glance at my wristwatch.
Moving to my side Tony took my arm, tugging me towards the front door. “Then we’d better get moving.”
I paused, waiting while Reese walked through the door ahead of us before turning towards Tony.
“I feel I need to warn you about my mother before we go to dinner. You may change your mind about coming tonight,” I said, suddenly nervously.
Tony smiled, rubbing his thumb alongside my elbow. “I don’t scare easily Tace. I put up with the trio, remember?”
Hmm, he had a good point there. But then again the trio could be pretty tame when compared to my mother on a rampage.
“The trio isn’t half as bad as my mother when she deems to put on her matchmaking skills, and you’d better believe those will be pulled out tonight since you’re coming to dinner. Just thought I’d warn you ahead of time before you entered the lion’s den,” I replied.
Tony chuckled, steering my elbow towards the front door.
“Trust me, I think I can handle it. I have my share of matchmakers in my own family. I think I can take whatever your mother throws at me,” he said confidently, waiting while I shut and locked the door. Reese stood leaning against the wall opposite my doorway, a goofy grin on his face.
“Did you warn him about mom?” he asked, shoving off the wall to follow us down the hallway.
I shrugged nonchalantly though my stomach was already starting to churn. “He thinks he can handle it.”
Reese doubled over laughing; Tony and I paused until he regained his composure. Wiping a tear from his eye he reached over to clap Tony on the back. “Well, you can’t say she didn’t warn you.”
Moving past us Reese continued down the hall, leaving a bewildered Tony to stare after him.
“Is she really that bad?” he asked, turning to me.
I shrugged. “That depends on your definition of bad. By bad if you mean does she tell everyone she’ll be an old woman before her spinster daughter gets married and has children then yep, I’d say she is.”
Tony choked back a laugh. I turned to follow Reese.
“She doesn’t really say that, does she?�
� he asked almost incredulously, following me down the hall.
“Among other things. Just don’t be too surprised when she starts asking about your dating history. She’s real particular when it comes to men that I bring home,” I replied.
“Should I be jealous by how many guys you’ve brought home to dinner?” he asked, sliding me a sideways glance.
I smiled inwardly at his interest. “Don’t waste your time. I don’t have much time these days to do a whole lot of dating, so bringing someone home to meet Mom and Dad has never been an issue. She’s probably called everyone in the neighborhood by now to tell them I’m actually bringing someone to dinner. Guess I should thank you for putting me in my mom’s good graces for once.”
Reaching the stairwell door Tony threw his arm across my shoulders and tugged me in close, nuzzling my ear. “I’ll collect on your thank you later then.”
My toes curled in my brown penny loafers as my insides turned into mush. Oh lord.
***
My parents live in a quiet little neighborhood in the north end of town where everyone knew everyone and everyone’s kids had grown up together. What had once been a neighborhood full of kids on bicycles, hop scotch games and driveway basketball tournaments was now filled with an older generation whose joy now came from the visits of their grandchildren.
Tony pulled up in front of my parents one story ranch house, killing the engine. The house was the same as it’d been while we were growing up with it’s perfectly trimmed long driveway, front sidewalk lined with brightly colored flowers, the white shutters braced against the dark blue trim siding, down to the beautiful rose bushes my mom has doted on for more years than I can remember. I’d like to say I was jealous of the rose bushes for the time and devotion she always gave them but I’d always been grateful for their presence. When she was with them then it meant she wasn’t badgering me.
Reese pulled up behind us in his little chevy pick up truck, killing the engine. Ambling out he moseyed to my side of the truck, peering into the open window at me.
“Are you planning on getting out, because you know she’ll find you out here,” he said with a grin. I stuck out my tongue, reaching for the door handle to swing the door open. I grinned when it struck him lightly on the leg, causing him to jump back with a yelp.
“Oops, sorry,” I mumbled as apologetically as I could. Guess Reese wasn’t the only one who resorted to childish pranks.
Closing the driver’s side door Tony ambled to our side of the truck, giving a shake of his head.
“Kids,” he mumbled loud enough for me to hear.
I opened my mouth to retort but froze when I heard my mother’s voice shout, “Taci Lynn Andrews did you just hit your brother with that door?”
I sighed and turned to face my mother, who was marching down the driveway with a stern look on her face. Other than the tan she’d acquired from the Texas sun she looked pretty much the same as she had before they left. My mom and I looked remarkably alike with our matching blonde hair (mine was natural, hers was dyed to hide her white hair), same green eyes, same height and same body builds. I knew if I ever wondered what I’d look like in twenty or so years I only had to take a look at my mom to get the end results. Other than the white hair I knew I’d someday acquire, I had to say mom looked pretty good for her age. Save for the scowl on her face which I knew was reserved solely for me.
“Sorry Mom, I didn’t know he was standing so close to the truck,” I replied as sweetly as I could muster. Apparently it wasn’t enough because the scowl remained intact.
“Well you know you need to be more careful around Reese, he bruises easily,” she said matter of factly, reaching over to put a light peck on my cheek before turning to Reese. “And how is my little pumpkin doing? Did you start that new job you were so excited about?”
“Yeah Reese, how’s the new job going?” I couldn’t help but throw in.
Reese shot me a look that clearly said drop dead. I grinned in response. “Actually Ma the job fell through, guess I didn’t have the experience they were looking for.”
My mother let out a little cry and gathered Reese against her chest. “My poor little baby, how dare they treat you like that when you were probably the best applicant on their list. Seems to me if that’s how they make their decisions around there then you’re better off not working for them at all.”
Inwardly I sighed at my mother’s dramatics all the while trying to push down the annoyance I could feel rising up. While I never held a grudge against Reese for being the obvious favorite I had somehow hoped to make it through dinner just once without feeling the urge to get raging drunk afterwards.
Tony cleared his throat behind me, making me jump. Amid the drama I’d somehow managed to forget Parson’s had come along for the evening’s festivities. Obviously my mother had forgotten too in her hurry to rescue Reese if the color blooming in her cheeks was any indication.
“And you must be the Tony I spoke with this morning on the phone. My what a handsome young man you are,” she all but gushed. I tried not to gag.
Tony grinned, inching forward to shake my mother’s hand. “That I am Mrs. Andrews. Thank you for inviting me to dinner tonight.”
My mother waved a hand through the air, giving a little laugh. “Well of course you would be invited for dinner! Any beaux of Taci’s is always welcome at our table. And please, call me Lilly.”
I choked before I could stop myself. Tony’s grin deepened.
“Um, Mom? I think you should probably know that Tony and I…,” I began, the words cut off when Tony draped an arm across my shoulders and tugged me under his arm.
“That we are happy to be here tonight. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” he all but crooned in my ear. I shot him a lethal look before turning to my mother’s delighted face.
“Well do come in then. Supper is just about ready and George is chomping at the bit to eat. We’d better get a move on before he drives down the street and hits the drive through,” my mother said cheerfully. Lacing her hand through Reese’s arm she led the way to the house.
“You’re going to pay for this, you know that don’t you?” I said in a low hiss, smiling tightly when my mother glanced back at us.
Tony responded with a smile, tromping up the front steps and onto the porch. This was going to be a long night.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I glanced out the window at the street below, watching the flow of traffic speeding past my apartment building. Dinner with my family hadn’t gone as badly as I thought it would, yet it hadn’t been great either. Thankfully mom’s meatloaf had been edible, Tony spouted off his mouth only a little bit and I’d resisted the urge to drain the contents of the bottle of white wine. I could tell Reese enjoyed himself immensely, of which I knew was at my expense, but I also noticed a change in my mother’s attitude. Namely she’d actually been nice to me for a change and I knew it had little to do with my sparkling personality and more to the fact that I’d actually brought someone home for dinner. Whatever her change of heart I didn’t much mind; I was more thankful to the fact that number one, she wasn’t knit picking my lifestyle and number two as the evening came to an end that she hadn’t produced another invitation for dinner. Actually, I was probably more grateful for number two than number one. Sitting through another family meal with Parsons would probably do me in for the long run.
A glance at my alarm clock read 10:30. I knew I should be in bed and snoring away yet I’d been wired since the moment I arrived home. It might have had something to do with the steamy kiss Parsons left me with, the one that seemed to make my legs go weak and my brain turn to mush. I’m pretty sure things would have progressed further had his cell phone not rang leading to a quick exit. Saved by the bell again. That was beginning to become a regular routine with him, irritatingly enough.
And so here I was pacing the confines of my bedroom, my body on combustible overdrive with no Oreo’s in site. Life just didn’t get much better than that.
Sig
hing I turned from the window and trudged down the hallway to the kitchen, desperate for a food distraction. A quick glance through my bare cupboards failed to produce any appetizing snacks. It also reminded me it was time to go grocery shopping for something more substantial than just a late night Oreo run.
Tugging open the freezer door I gave a grin at the single serving sized container of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream sitting there. I knew Reese was more than likely its owner but that didn’t say much. He did eat my last bag of Oreo’s the other night. Grabbing the container off the shelf I closed the freezer door and headed to the silverware drawer. Picking out a spoon I momentarily eyed the ice cream scooper before abandoning the thought. This was an ice cream night; scooping it into a bowl would just slow the process down.
With my goodies in hand I trudged into the living room and plopped onto the couch. Turning on the T.V. I surfed through the channels until I found what I was looking for. Ok now I admit that I’m a total geek for watching the discovery channel at 10:30 at night with a container of ice cream but in all truthfulness it really was my favorite channel. I found it amazing how scientists could go back in time and figure out how things evolved, where species originated from and make predictions about an unknown future. There usually wasn’t much about the channel I’d found to dislike, until I realized tonight’s program was about agricultural history. Well, on a brighter note I might stand a chance of falling asleep easier.
Pulling off the ice cream lid I dug into the container, spooning a large portion into my mouth. I had to give it to Reese on this one, chocolate chip cookie dough was definitely the best. As I munched happily I attempted to pay attention to what the narrator was saying, barely catching the last part of his sentence.
“…..and with the addition of Ammonium Nitrate the soil becomes more fertile and ready to be spread,” the voice ended. I paused, spoon halfway to my mouth with my second bite. Ammonium Nitrate. Wasn’t that the name of the chemical Parsons and I were discussing earlier? My attention was definitely caught now as the narrator continued with his explanation. By the end of the program I had a better understanding of how the agricultural community used Ammonium Nitrate. What I didn’t understand was how it ended up on my mannequin friend in my apartment.
Deadly Reunion (The Taci Andrews Deadly Series) Page 13