Then he’d distract her in either a sexy way or by taking her out to do something fun and she’d forget about it.
She just couldn’t seem to get past the sad look, though.
Although, now was not the time to focus on that because they were at his parents’ house and finally having that family lunch they were invited to almost a month ago. It had taken a bit of creative scheduling and a few late nights, but Leanna made sure she had the day off to be here.
Charlene and Travis were there along with Brody’s parents. His older brother and his wife were unable to make it but Sylvia assured them all that they’d try to have everyone over again another time. For now, she was thankful to finally have at least two of her sons over at the same time.
Leanna thought it was incredibly sweet but when she looked over at her cousin, she noticed Charlene did not look happy.
Weird…
They were all sitting in the sunroom and having drinks before lunch was served and Sylvia seemed positively giddy to talk with her.
“So tell me more about your business, Leanna,” she said as she sat down beside her. “When we talked before the engagement party and even during that weekend, I honestly had no idea your business was so large and successful! How did you even manage to find the time to join us today?”
Leanna glanced over at Brody and saw he was watching them even as his father and brother were trying to talk to him and she knew he was a little nervous about them being here today. Still, he should know that could handle herself just fine.
But it was sweet that he was concerned.
So she talked about Meet Me at the Altar and how much she loved what she did. “I’m very fortunate that I have an amazing team working with me on the baking end. My assistant is absolutely the best and I know she can handle anything if I’m not available. We pulled a couple of late nights to finish up our orders that were needed for events today.”
“You do more than one event a day?” Sylvia asked. “You poor thing!” Placing a hand on Leanna’s knee, she smiled. “You must be exhausted. I’m glad we get to take care of you today so you don’t have to lift a finger.”
“Thank you, but it’s really okay. I enjoy being busy. Plus, I love what I do so it doesn’t always feel like work.” Then she laughed. “Not always, though. Sometimes it’s hard to balance both the baking side and the event planning side. My partners and I are very hands-on and once I’m done setting up the cake and desserts, I jump in and lend a hand wherever I’m needed.”
“Positively inspiring! Don’t you think your cousin is amazing, Charlene?”
Leanna knew her cousin’s fake smile, and the one she was giving Sylvia was beyond fake.
What in the world?
“Mrs. King? You’re needed in the kitchen,” one of the staff came in and announced and Sylvia rose.
“Please excuse me.” Then she turned to Charlene. “Why don’t you show Leanna the rose garden we planted to use for your bouquet? They’re coming along beautifully!”
Smiling, Leanna turned to her cousin. “I had no idea you were doing that! How fun!”
With a nod, Charlene stood and the two of them walked out the door of the sunroom and into the garden. There were easily a dozen different rose bushes and Leanna slowly walked around looking at them all.
“I have a black thumb with this sort of thing,” she admitted. “Will you only be using these for the bouquet or will you be supplementing with the help of a florist?”
Her cousin stepped in front of her with a scowl. “Oh, drop the act, Lea.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh, please…could you be more of a suck up?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Crossing her arms, Charlene let out a mirthless laugh. “Really?”
“Yes, really. What’s going on?”
“I find it interesting how my future in-laws are suddenly making such a fuss over you. We all know your relationship is a sham. Brody was using you the weekend of the engagement party to get everyone off his back.”
Leanna was a little stunned that this was such common knowledge, but since it was out there…
“To be honest, yes he was. But he also helped keep my folks off my back so it was mutually beneficial.”
“Then why are you still here?” her cousin snapped. “Or did you finally see all you could have by hanging on?” Then she paused and an almost evil grin crossed her face. “Or maybe Brody did.”
“Charlene, you’re not making any sense. Brody and I had a good time that weekend and realized we had a lot in common. He reached out a few weeks later and we started dating. There’s nothing sneaky going on.”
“Oh, really?”
She sighed. “Yes, really. What’s gotten into you?”
Leaning in close, Charlene said, “He’s just using you. He needed a little help with his reputation at work and you were convenient. When he saw how well things went at the engagement party, he was encouraged to keep seeing you. Once he gets his promotion, you’ll be history.”
Everything in Leanna went cold and she had no idea how to respond–something that seemed to delight her cousin.
“We should go in,” Charlene said, turning away. “Lunch is about to be served.”
But Leanna stayed where she was for several minutes until Brody came out for her.
“Hey,” he said softly, “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
Did she dare tell him what she’d just heard?
Looking up at him, she saw genuine concern on his face and told herself she was being silly. Her cousin was just being a brat because someone else was getting some attention. Once that thought took hold, she relaxed.
“Um, yes. Sorry. My cousin just gets under my skin sometimes. Let’s go inside.”
“Are you sure?” He gently grasped her hand to keep her from walking away. “We can go if you’d like.”
But she shook her head. “It’s fine. Really. Plus, I’m hoping they’ll be serving some of the same food we had for lunch that day in the trailer. Those salads were delicious!”
It was a good distraction and it worked. Within minutes they were all seated around the dining room table.
“Leanna,” his father began as soon as they were seated. “We have all enjoyed your desserts. Did you go to school here in North Carolina or did you train in Europe?”
“Mostly here in North Carolina. I took classes at the community college all through high school. I actually graduated high school with my associate degree. After that, I studied at Johnson and Wales in Charlotte and then did several internships–one in San Francisco and one in New York.” She smiled. “Europe would have been amazing, but I couldn’t afford it. I keep telling Brody how I’d love to go and eat my way around Paris.”
Everyone laughed and Leanna allowed herself to relax and figured her cousin’s mood would improve over lunch.
“Really?” Mr. King asked. “Paris, you say? Well, when Brody accepts his promotion and has to travel to Paris for business, we’ll be sure to add a few days to the trip so you can go with him!”
Turning her head, she looked at Brody who was staring intently down at his plate. “Dad…”
“Nonsense. You know we were going to make the announcement soon and now that I know how much Leanna would love to travel, the two of you will have to take the company jet so you can have some alone time. And who knows? The two of you in the most romantic city in the world?” He looked at his wife and smiled broadly. “We could be planning another wedding, Sylvia! And this time, our future daughter-in-law will be coming with her own event planning business!” Then his smile turned to Leanna. “Could you imagine a destination wedding there? Think of the cakes and pastries!”
“Dad…” Brody warned again but no one was listening.
Meanwhile, Leanna’s head was spinning. Were these people seriously talking about her and Brody getting married? Did they know something she didn’t?
“Oh, Brody’s getting the promotion?”
Travis said, not sounding at all pleased. “Isn’t that convenient.”
“I guess people get the company jet when it’s only somewhat business-related,” Charlene commented and Leanna wasn’t sure where to look first. All around her people were talking and none of it was making sense. When she looked over at her cousin, however, she had a very smug smile on her face that said, “I told you so.”
Brody hadn’t mentioned the promotion in a while, but it sounded like it was something he knew was coming. Why didn’t he tell her? And why was he suddenly working less if he was going to be taking on more responsibility?
“I’d like to propose a toast,” his father called out, raising his glass. “To Brody. We’ve seen so much growth from you in these last several months and we know Leanna had a lot to do with it. So maybe we should be toasting her as well, huh?” he added with a laugh. “Either way, here’s to the big future you always wanted, Son. Out of all my boys, you’ve made me the proudest. Cheers!”
Seriously, what the heck? She thought. Did the man just blatantly say he had a favorite child?
The only ones drinking were Mr. and Mrs. King and Charlene. Brody was still staring down, Travis was glowering at all of them, and Leanna felt a little sick to her stomach. She was about to excuse herself when the staff came in with platters of food.
“Wonderful! Perfect timing!” Sylvia said. “I chose all of Brody’s favorites since we’re celebrating him today!”
Once he gets his promotion, you’ll be history.
Suddenly, everything made sense.
She’d been such a fool. Everyone always told her she was gullible but even this had to be some kind of new record for her.
Brody wouldn’t look at her because it was all out in the open now. He had secured what he wanted to secure and she was no longer needed and he was going to break up with her.
Only…it didn’t feel like that. He was too concerned earlier, too willing to leave.
Probably because he can string you on a little longer and enjoy messing around with you…
Oh, God…
The thought of food was almost enough to make her sick, but there was no way she was going to make a scene here. Maybe Brody had lied to her; maybe everything he’d said to her was a way for him to get what wanted from his father. And as much as it broke her heart, sadly, she understood. If there were something she could do to finally get her parents’ acceptance, she would do it.
Maybe not go to the extremes Brody did, but…she would probably do it.
He played on her emotions and she was an easy target.
When was she ever going to learn?
Swallowing the lump of emotion that threatened to choke her, she accepted the food being passed her way and did her best to keep a smile on her face.
And prayed she could keep it there until it was time to leave.
With or without Brody.
He was seething.
Full of rage.
And because his mother raised him with manners, he held it in until lunch was over.
Once everyone was done, Brody excused himself and asked his father if he could speak to him.
Alone.
“Brody…” he heard Leanna plead when he went to walk away and he snapped at her because his patience was holding on by a thread.
“This doesn’t concern you!” And he hadn’t even looked at her as he said it because his sole focus was on getting his father alone.
As soon as the door to the study was closed, he exploded. “What the hell was all that?” he demanded. “Why would you say all those things?”
“What things?” his father asked, playing innocent.
“You know exactly what things! They were all lies and you just couldn’t stop talking! What were you thinking? Do you have any idea how you made me feel? Or Leanna? Or Travis? Or…hell, even Charlene? What is wrong with you?”
With a careless shrug, his father walked over to the leather sofa and sat down. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me. We both know you were testing me about the promotion. And your brother has gotten a little too laid-back. Once this wedding nonsense is over, hopefully he’ll get his head out of his ass and realize he has to actually work for a living.” He shook his head. “I have a feeling he’s going to have to work a lot to keep that one happy.”
“Dad!” he snapped. “Listen to yourself! That is a horrible thing to say!”
“It’s the truth! You know it and I know it. You were just brave enough to say it first.”
As much as he wanted to bask in the twisted compliment, there was more at stake here. “Okay, forget about Travis and Charlene for a minute. You have to know that I wasn’t testing you about the promotion. I don’t want it. Not anymore.”
“Nonsense! You’ve been chasing that damn position for years! I’ve had to listen to you pitch yourself for far too long. I thought I’d make you grovel a bit but then you surprised me by turning it down. Well…bravo. I’m the one who ended up caving. You should be happy!”
“But I’m not because I don’t want it!” he stated firmly. “I’m not happy, Dad, and I haven’t been in a long time. I’ve been chasing that position and I thought it was what I wanted, but it’s not. It wasn’t a game or some ploy…”
“Brody, please. You’re insulting us both. You love the competition. You love proving to everyone that you’re better than them! All I’m doing is helping you with it. Just say thank you so we can move on.” He paused. “Leanna didn’t happen to bring dessert, did she?”
“Unbelievable,” he murmured. “You are absolutely unbelievable! We’re in the middle of a serious conversation and all you can ask is what we’re having for dessert?”
“We’re not having a conversation. You’re having a tantrum for who knows what reason. You got what you wanted. You won! And in the process, I’ve managed to push your brother’s buttons to wake him up a bit, put his snooty bride-to-be in her place, and made you look even more appealing to Leanna because you’ll take her someplace she’s always wanted to go. Everybody wins!” He stood. “Now come on. Let’s see if coffee’s on.”
That was not an option.
Brody stepped in his path and stood firm. “Not until we’re done talking.”
“We are done,” his father countered. “Now come, your mother is probably worried we’re in here arguing.”
“We are in here arguing!” Then, before he could help it, a mirthless laugh came out of his mouth. “Do you even realize what you’ve done? How the game you’ve played with us our whole lives has screwed us all up? You’ve turned us into competitors instead of brothers! You pit us against one another and then sit back and enjoy yourself while we fight things out! Openly choosing sides to make sure someone’s pissed off!”
The words were out and he had no regrets, but he did expect his father to deny it.
But he didn’t.
“I made you the men you are today!” his father roared. “If it weren’t for me, the three of you would have been trust fund brats who had no idea how to work for a living!” He took a step toward Brody. “Your mother was always coddling you boys and I had to step in and make sure you became men! My father did the same to me and my brothers and look where we are! We own one of the most successful companies in the world! And you dare stand here and act like what I did was wrong? I did what I had to! For years, you’ve all fallen in line and done what you were supposed to do! You’re the only one who constantly fights me. You always have and yet I tolerate it because I know exactly what to do to get you back in line!”
“You’re playing with our lives!” he shouted. “I’m a grown man who no longer knows what the hell he wants because you manipulated me into thinking this was it!”
“And you’ve done very well for yourself! Other than this nonsense with leaving work to go after a crying woman, you’ve been an exemplary employee!”
“I’m your son, dammit! Stop looking at me as only someone who works for you!”
“That’s how you get weak! Tha
t’s how you go back to being spoiled and coddled and I won’t allow it! And I won’t have you speaking to me like this and questioning my actions! I’m your father! Your boss! And I deserve respect!”
Brody was about to respond when his father paled dramatically.
“Dad?” he asked, stepping forward. That’s when he noticed the sheen of sweat on his father’s face. “Dad? Are you alright?”
His mouth moved but no sound came out. One hand reached for Brody while the other reached for his chest.
“Oh, shit!” Quickly, he maneuvered his father over to the sofa and screamed out for his brother. It was his mother who came through the door.
“What’s going on?” She saw her husband and gasped.
“Where’s Travis?” Brody asked, panicked, pulling his phone out of his pocket and dialing 9-1-1.
“Marshall? Darling? Darling, I’m here. Are you alright?” she asked, her voice trembling. Brody quickly gave the dispatcher their information and knew the next few minutes were going to be crucial.
“Mom, do you have any aspirin? They said to get him to chew one.”
She quickly ran from the room and he knelt beside his father and did his best to keep him calm. “It’s going to be okay, Dad. An ambulance is on the way. We’re going to get you taken care of.” Even as he said the words, he felt terrified and unsure.
He’d caused this.
Brody and his need to say what was on his mind did this. How was he supposed to live with himself knowing what he’d done?
“Here,” his mother said as she raced back into the room. “I take one daily. He’s always refused.” She knelt back down, taking her husband’s hand and talking soothingly to him. Brody looked around and still wondered where his brother was but was too busy wondering how long it would take for the ambulance to arrive to go looking for him.
Five minutes later, he heard the siren and raced out to the foyer and opened the front door to direct the paramedics. Several staff members were standing there with him and before he went back into the office, he asked, “Has anyone seen Travis?”
With This Cake: A Meet Me At The Altar Novel Page 20