Page 7 of Crave

“We were. We were very close once.” He doesn’t say more, and I don’t probe.

I look around the room and spot several other photos. There’s a frame with the family, kids at various ages, at exotic locations they’ve visited. The Eifel Tower, Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum. Just like that, I’m brought back to reality and reminded of who I am, who Jacob Clark is, and the sharp contrast between us.

“Let me show you the rest of the house.” He takes my hand in his, and that electric charge returns.

“You want to see my old bedroom?” he asks. The gleam of mischief is back in his eyes.

“There would be no reason for me to see that room.”

“You’re right. You seem like a screamer. Can’t have that at my mother’s party.” He’s back to being playful, so I just roll my eyes at him.

“You’ll never know.” I take another sip of my drink, eyeing him the entire time, waiting for his witty response.

“I do like a challenge.” He steps closer to me, ready to say more, but several other guests arrive, breaking the moment.

Jake introduces me to family and friends. The house is full by the time his mother and father come back down, looking absolutely stunning in a silver dress that matches the shirts that her son and husband are wearing. Her outfit is complete with diamond earrings and a matching necklace, and a pair of strappy, sparkly heels.

“You look beautiful, Mrs. Clark,” I say as both Jake’s parents approach us with arms wrapped around each other.

“Thank you, dear. Jake, where’s JD? He’s so handsome, Sandy. You’re going to lose your mind when you see him.”

“Mom, please don’t talk about my friend like that.” Jake makes a face of pure disgust, and I have to bite my lip not to laugh.

“Not with your husband standing right next to you, honey.” Mr. Clark leans down and kisses her head.

“Stop it. He’s like a fourth son. Where is he?” She cranes her neck in search of the missing doctor.

“He’s not here yet, but don’t worry. I’m going to keep Sandy next to me until he arrives. Don’t want anyone else stealing her away before he can meet her.” He winks at his mom and she gives him a loving smile. She leaves her husband’s side and takes Jake’s face in both hands.

“I’m so happy you’re here, Jakey. I’m so happy all my boys will be under the same roof tonight.” I catch Mr. Clark giving Jake a warning look. Jake simply smiles at his mother and kisses her cheek. Mrs. Clark wraps her arms around her son and just holds onto him, and I’m left wondering why it would be such a huge deal for all the boys to be under the same roof. I know from my mother that Jake and his brother work with their dad, and the younger one is a junior at Boston College.

Two tall figures approach before I can give it more thought. The mood in the room goes from hot to cool immediately. Jake’s playfulness disappears, his mother holds onto him tighter, and his father gives him another look as he mouths something to him.

I recognize Jake’s older brother Troy. He’s just an older version of the little boy I saw in the picture. Both of Jake’s brothers favor each other, taking after their mom with their light colored hair and green eyes, whereas Jake is a carbon copy of his dad, with his darker features.

All three inherited their father’s height and tower over me and their mom.

I note that Mr. Clark hugs and kisses his sons instead of shaking their hands. Just like he did with Jake, he pretends to punch Luke in the stomach.

“Calm down, creator,” Luke says to his father. He’s playful as he nudges his dad back. He looks at his mother and says, “Co-creator, you look beautiful.”

Mrs. Clark hugs each tightly but doesn’t hold on to them as long as she holds on to Jake. Once she hugs the other two, she goes back and puts an arm protectively around Jacob.

A server walks by and I take another glass of wine as I study the dynamics of this family.

“I’m so glad you two are finally here. Sandy, these are my other two sons. This is my oldest, Troy, and my baby, Luke.” I shake hands and note that Mrs. Clark’s baby is well over six feet tall. “Boys, Sandy is Gabrielle’s daughter. She delivered the cake and I asked her to stay.”

“Nice to meet you, Sandy. I worked with your mother and aunt when we drafted the contract. It’s a pleasure doing business with them both,” Troy says. I like him immediately. He’s not as handsome as Jake, but he’s warm and friendly like his parents. Luke, however, ignores me completely.

“I’m going to introduce her to JD.” Mrs. Clark rubs her hands together at the prospect of me meeting JD.

“JD’s a great guy,” Troy says, smiling at me. I return the smile.

Luke snorts at the mention of JD and his father nudges him with his shoulder.

“Is something funny, Luke?” Jake asks his brother.

“I’m not doing this. I’m going to go find the bar,” Luke says right before he walks away.

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