Couples Like Us

by Mary Campisi

  “Women are complex, mercurial creatures. I should know.” He poured himself a scotch, something he rarely did while working, and took a healthy swallow.

  Tate’s gaze turned brighter. “That’s what I hear.”

  “Yeah, it’s a big mess.”

  “Actually, that’s why I’m here.” He cleared his throat, toyed with his glass. “I want to apologize again for the way my aunt and sister have poked around in your life. I don’t agree with what they did and I let them know. Meredith feels horrible and responsible for your current situation. I told her she should feel bad and she is responsible. If she’d just left you alone, you would have told Nicki when the time was right, and we could have avoided all the drama and theatrics.”

  Jameson let out a laugh. “Drama and theatrics? Right, and then some. Did Camille tell you I paid her a visit and let her know exactly how I felt about her meddling?”

  Tate nodded, smiled. “She did.” The smile spread. “Well done. My aunt needs people to put her in her place when she tries to barge into their lives. She does appear remorseful, but indignant. Guess it’s a way for her to save face, and my aunt admitting any wrongdoing is a start.”

  “Guess so.”

  “Meredith wants to talk to you. I told her I wasn’t sure you’d agree, considering the problems she’s caused, but I’d ask you.” He hesitated, said in a cautious voice, “I can arrange it if you’re willing. If not, I understand. This shouldn’t be about easing Meredith’s conscience; it’s got to be about you and what you want.”

  “Are you going to try to punch me if I tell you your sister’s my least favorite person in the world right now? Right along with my ex-girlfriend?”

  “Nope. Don’t blame you.”

  The guy had a sense of humor and integrity that Jameson admired. “How do you see this working? Is this a phone conversation or are we talking about a face-to-face? I hear she’s headed back to town at some point, but considering her feelings for your father, I can’t imagine she’d make a special trip for me.”

  “She would make a special trip and she did. In fact, she arrived last night and is staying with Camille.” Tate let out a laugh. “Wouldn’t you love to be in the same room with those two?”

  “Not really.” He’d prefer they were on the other side of the country, maybe even on the other side of the ocean...

  “Anyway, seems Meredith’s desperate to make things right between you and your wife. I talked to her a bit, but I wanted to let her stew. That way, the next time she tries to butt into someone else’s business, maybe she’ll think twice. Same with my aunt. Hiring a private investigator? That is so far over the line, I can’t even begin to tell you how I feel about it.”

  “Thanks for backing me. It’s been a rough few weeks.”

  “No problem.” Tate sipped his scotch. “Guys have to stick together or we’ll be plowed over by insinuations and rumors. And there might come a time when I’ll need you to have my back.”

  “You let me know and I’ll be there for you.” Who’d have thought he and Tate Alexander would become friends? Certainly not Jameson, but it had happened and he was damn glad it had.

  “Now, about my sister… Do you want to meet with her? Tell her what a mess she’s made? Ask her what she’s going to do to fix it?”

  Jameson finished his scotch, set the glass on the counter and smiled. “Hell yes to all three.”

  Snow fell like a picture postcard the day of the Reunion Gap Christmas tree lighting. Big flakes: fluffy, white, swirling. Nicki remembered the first Christmas tree she’d seen in Reunion Gap; so majestic with hundreds of twinkle lights, ornaments, ropes of garland, and a star on top. She’d been catching snowflakes with her tongue, caught up in the joy of the moment when the man she thought was simply a bartender came up behind her. Bet you don’t do that in Chicago, he’d said. And then he’d invited her to dinner at The Oak Table. That was the day she’d fallen in love with Christmas and it was the day Jameson Price captured her heart.

  This Christmas would be different from the others because Jameson was absent much of the time, claiming a backlog of inventory management. Nicki had made excuses to their older daughter, dropped in phrases like Daddy’s very busy and He’d love to be with us if he could. When accompanied with a wide smile and a hug, they almost seemed believable. But Nicki knew the truth; Jameson didn’t want to be anywhere near her or share in making new memories. Thanksgiving had been drawn out and painful despite the delicious food and Jameson’s oldest sister’s announcement that baby number three would join them late spring. His sisters were so caught up with the pregnancy announcement that they didn’t notice Jameson and Nicki were a bit too quiet. Thomasina noticed, though, and when they were cleaning up dishes, she pulled Nicki aside and told her to stay strong.

  Stay strong for how long?

  Jameson continued to treat her like a stranger and had managed to extricate himself from her life. Well, he might want to pretend she didn’t exist, but she was not going to let their daughters miss the joy of Christmas and that’s why she’d brought them to the tree lighting ceremony.

  Carolers sang “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” When they finished, the town mayor said a few words and hung the first ornament. It was tradition for residents to place an ornament on the tree, whether homemade or store-bought, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the sentiment that went with the ornament. Last year, Rogan Donovan and his uncle had made wooden candy canes for the town’s children to paint. The year before that, Nicki and Jameson held a workshop where kids could create a wreath ornament decorated with sequins and glitter. And the year before that—

  Olivia let out a squeal, pointed a mittened hand. “Look, Daddy’s here!”

  Nicki glanced up and spotted her husband walking toward them, eyes trained on her, expression grim. Why was he here? Did he want to make a public show that they would no doubt become the next “uncoupled” couple?

  Jameson smiled at their oldest daughter, lifted her in his arms and held her high. “How’s my girl?”

  She giggled, her small hands clinging to him. “We’re going to hang our ornament, Daddy. It’s got lots of sparklies on it.” Pause, and a sad “Why didn’t you help us make it? Why do you always have to work so much?”

  His expression turned fierce as he held his daughter’s gaze. “I’m trying to fix that, sweetheart. And I’m sorry I didn’t help.” His gaze shifted to Nicki and the baby in the stroller. “Hi.”

  “Hello.” There’d been a time—before California—when he would’ve pulled her to him and kissed her, ignoring the onlookers. The smile would have come next and the whispered I love you in her ear. Not today. Maybe not ever again.

  He shifted Olivia into his right arm, made his way to the stroller and leaned over. “Well, hello there, Bright Eyes. Got a smile for Daddy?” The baby cooed and giggled, her eyes—Jameson’s eyes—sparkling with excitement.

  Jameson was a good father who’d vowed he wanted to be present in his children’s lives. He’d kept that promise until the disaster that threatened their family. He wouldn’t stay away forever, probably just long enough to decide whether he wanted to be a married dad or a single one. Nicki looked away, zeroed in on the Christmas tree: garland, twinkle lights, ornaments. They all said Merry Christmas, Joy to the World. Happy Holidays to friends and family.

  “Daddy, hang our ornament. Mommy, can you give Daddy our ornament so we can hang it real high?” She scrunched her nose and made a face. “You’re too short.”

  Nicki reached into her handbag and removed the ornament she and Olivia had made. She unwrapped the red tissue and handed it to Jameson.

  “Thanks.”

  Had his voice cracked just now? Had there been a hint of sadness there? She didn’t know anymore because the man she loved had disappeared, replaced with the distant, cold Jameson Price he’d been the first time she walked into The Oak Table. His mother said he didn’t trust often or easily, and once that trust was broken
, she’d never seen him dole out second chances. It’s that blasted pride of his, she’d said. It’s going to cause him a world of grief one day. His father was the same way and that is not a good quality to have. Her eyes had misted and she’d dabbed them with a tissue. Life and circumstances will make him pay and then he’ll have to decide which is more important, his happiness or his pride.

  Chapter 14

  Meredith Alexander, Jameson’s worst nightmare, blew into The Oak Table with the winter storm watch that threatened to drop ten inches in the next twelve hours. A dump like that would paralyze Reunion Gap, kind of like Jameson’s life right now—thanks to the fireball in thermal and winter gear who’d just shrugged out of a down jacket.

  “Hi, Jameson. Thanks for agreeing to see me.”

  He nodded, didn’t bother with the niceties or a smile, not even a “how are you?” In another situation, he’d call her attractive with her dark hair and almond-shaped eyes, but not after she’d practically annihilated his marriage. Nope, when he looked at her, he didn’t see attractive qualities or kindness; all he saw was pain and disaster.

  And that made him angry. Furious, actually.

  Jameson led her to a booth in the back of the restaurant, motioned her to take a seat. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “May I have hot water with lemon, please?” When he nodded, she offered a hesitant smile. “Thank you. If it’s no trouble.”

  He wished she’d asked about the trouble part before she opened her mouth and told his wife about Giselle. “No problem. Give me a minute.” Jameson had played out this conversation in his head since Tate asked him about a meet-and-greet. Oh, he had a lot to say to the woman who’d trashed his marriage, but where to begin?

  How the hell do you get off contacting my wife about something that is not your business?

  What do you know about relationships?

  And then, What do you know about my relationship with my wife?

  Have you ever been married?

  Ever been caught in a situation like mine with an ex?

  What you did takes a hell of a lot of nerve.

  But what would that prove? And how would it help resolve the issues between him and Nicki? It didn’t matter that Meredith had gutted him or created a reality that didn’t exist… It didn’t even matter that she’d relayed information that made his wife doubt his commitment. All that mattered now was fixing it. Somehow. If it could be fixed. He prepared a green tea because he guessed someone like Meredith Alexander would choose that and made his way to the booth. He slid the mug in front of her and sank into the booth opposite hers. “There you go,” he said. “Organic. Green. Top of the line. Just for you.” He couldn’t quite keep the sarcasm from his words, but she didn’t seem to notice.

  “Thank you.” She brought the mug to her lips, sipped. “I appreciate that you agreed to meet with me.” Pause, another sip of tea. “I thought you might decline.”

  Jameson leaned back against the booth, studied her. “I would have declined if it hadn’t been for your brother.”

  She nodded, black curls bouncing around her shoulders, blue eyes bright. “Tate is very special, probably the best of all of us. He’s a truly good person who doesn’t let problems get in the way of doing what’s right.” Her voice shifted, filled with what sounded an awful lot like regret. “Like I do. Sometimes I confuse possibility with reality... I get involved in the fight even when it’s not my battle, and sometimes when I don’t even understand what the battle is.”

  That sounded about right. “You mean like what happened with me and Nicki?” Another nod, this one accompanied by a furrowed brow and pinched lips.

  “Exactly. Exactly like that.”

  “I appreciate the sentiment, but what I’d really appreciate is knowing what you’re going to do to fix it. Nicki and I had a great life filled with dreams and plans for a future that included a lot of years together. Now?” He picked up a salt shaker, studied it. “Now I’m not sure we’ll make it through the week.”

  “No, no, you mustn’t think that.” Those eyes rimmed with tears, the voice wobbled. “You belong together. Anyone can see that.”

  Jameson raised a brow. “Anyone but you and your aunt?”

  A quick shake of her head followed by a series of choppy breaths. “I’ve never had a friend like Nicki. She doesn’t care about my money or my causes, and she doesn’t judge me when I mess up.” Another choppy breath. “And I mess up a lot, but she doesn’t give up on me. When I heard Giselle was back in the picture, I wanted to fly right out there and drag her away from you by that long hair she loves so much. Of course, I couldn’t do that, and the more I thought about what could happen, the more freaked out I got. That’s when I called Nicki.” She sucked in a breath, clutched the mug between both hands. “She’s my very best friend and I did not want to see her get blindsided.”

  “Because you believed I’d cheat on her?” From the second she walked into The Oak Table, all he saw was Nicki. How could she think he’d ever want anyone else?

  Meredith hesitated. “Because I didn’t want to see her hurt.”

  Clever use of her words, but not an answer. “Because you believed I’d cheat on her?” he said again.

  A tiny lift of her shoulder that could mean yes or maybe. “At the time, I believed I owed it to her, as a best friend, to make her aware of the possibility. But I should have known better.” She set down the mug, rubbed her temples. “I should have thought about Tate and Charlotte and how they’d never look at anyone else. Instead, I thought about...other people.”

  Other people as in her aunt and probably her father. Maybe even an old boyfriend? Despite the best-friend status Meredith and Nicki shared, Jameson knew very little about the woman other than that she was an Alexander and a lover of causes. “I see.” He traced the pattern of the grain in the table, considered his next words. Meredith Alexander might mean well but left to her own devices and conclusions, she could cause a lot of drama and heartache. But, if she were channeled in another direction, maybe she could deliver the drama and the heartache to a more deserving target—like Giselle. “So, how do you plan to make things right?”

  Her voice split open with misery. “Do whatever I have to for you and Nicki to work things out. Just tell me what you want.”

  Oh, Jameson had a few ideas and they all started and ended with giving Giselle Robard exactly what she deserved. He smiled at his wife’s best friend, a real smile this time, and said, “I have a few ideas.”

  Thomasina Price was not a woman to remain quiet when she disagreed with situations in her children’s lives. A few well-placed comments and a raised brow usually told them she wasn’t pleased. Jameson had been the subject of her disapproval since he returned from California and her unexpected drop-in one Saturday morning told him she had more to say. “I know Nicki’s at the grocery store and the girls are with your sister, but I came to see you.” She kissed his cheek, handed him a plate of Christmas cookies and an ornament for the tree. “It’s such a nice surprise to find you home.” She eyed him as if to say, Where you should be. “You’ve been working so much I thought you forgot where you lived.”

  Zing. He sucked in a breath, determined not to let his mother’s words get to him. “I know where I live.”

  She offered him a too-bright smile, said in a gentle voice, “Every family has some rough spots. An absentee parent can take a toll on a child… And an absentee spouse is...very difficult.”

  He held her gaze, kept his voice even. “Good to know.”

  “You keep that in mind because Nicki’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you and I do not want you to break her heart.” Those dark eyes sizzled. “Do you hear me, Jameson? Do not break her heart.”

  “That’s never been my intention.” I thought we’d grow old together, thought we’d always be there for each other...

  “Intentions are as changeable as the seasons. It’s commitment that counts, especially when things aren’t going your way. Life has a
habit of tossing adversity at us and seeing what we’ll do with it. We can fall apart or we can adapt, but we must never lose that commitment to those we care about.” She touched his arm, said in a quiet voice, “That woman has done it again. She’s turned you into someone I don’t recognize. I haven’t told your sisters yet and so far they’re too busy with their own lives to notice, but if this goes on much longer, they will find out—” she made the sign of the cross, sniffed, “—and if they do, heaven help you.”

  His sisters loved Nicki, called her their sister, and told Jameson he was the luckiest man in the world. Yeah, he didn’t feel so lucky right now. His mother’s visit, which ended with another Do you hear me, Jameson? Do not break her heart, put him in a mood that escalated by the time Nicki returned from the grocery store. He grabbed a few bags, brought them in the house, and set them on the counter. She followed with two more, placed them beside the other bags, and shrugged out of her coat. “Thank you.”

  “Sure. What time do the girls need to be picked up?”

  “I planned to get them as soon as I put the groceries away.”

  He didn’t offer to pick them up because the second he stepped in the door his sister would start yakking about a couples night and remind him how important it was to remain a couple, especially with children. As if he didn’t know. He and Nicki used to have date night and never forgot how lucky they were—or how much in love... Jameson pushed those thoughts aside, removed two cartons of milk and a large container of yogurt. “Who’s eating plain yogurt?”

  “Olivia and I. She likes it with blueberries.”

  Later, he would blame the damn yogurt on the reason he lost his temper. Of course, it wasn’t about the yogurt, but he didn’t need an excuse to say what had been simmering since his mother left. “My mother paid me a visit this morning.”