Page 10 of Trust Me
“I still have a little work to do to the body but she’s coming along nicely. I even convinced your mother to go out for a cruise yesterday morning.”
“Really?” I try to keep the shock out of my voice, but I’m pretty sure I failed. “I bet she complained the whole time.”
“The whole time,” he confirms with achuckle. “I even have bruises on my right arm from where she latched on and wouldn’t let go.”
“She just doesn’t understand the love a man has for his machine, Dad. The fact you even got her in the car should show you that she’s willing to face her fears a little for something you want and love.”
“Yeah, I know it. I haven’t pushed her at all since day one. She wanted me to put my energy and free time into something I love, she just wasn’t going to actively participate in it. You were too little to remember, but when your uncle, Mick, died in that car crash, it changed her. It took a lot of convincing on my part to prove that I wasn’t going to kill myself in this car. She was scared every time I took it out, but over time, she began to see not every sports car leads to death. I think she actually enjoyed our ride yesterday, though she’s probably going to deny it if you ask her,” he says with a laugh.
“Well, I’m glad she did this for you, for something you truly love.”
“Your mom is my true love. This car is just a car. Though I love it and would be devastated to lose it, your mom means so much more to me. If she really asked me to, I would sell this in a heartbeat for her.” He looks off with a slightlydreamlike look on his face. “Hey, that granddaughter of mine was up at the crack of dawn this morning. I think she missed you.”
“Well, I missed her more than she’ll know. It’s so weird waking up to the complete quiet, knowing she’s not sleeping in her room. I better go inside and give her some love. I thought I’d come out a little early and spend some time with Mom in the kitchen.”
“She’ll love that. Head on in and I’ll see ya in a little bit.”
I turn and head into the house. The familiar aromas of home-cooked meals fill the air. It smells like we’re having Italian tonight. I walk into the kitchen and see Brooklyn sitting on the counter next to Mom as she’s whipping up batter in the mixing bowl. I remember sitting in that very spot many times when I was little, and the memory brings a smile to my face.
“Something smells good,” I say, walking over to Brooklyn to give her a big hug and kiss. “I missed you so much.”
“Missed you too, Mommy. We’re baking cupcakes!”
“Cupcakes, huh? Those are my favorite!”
I help Mom and Brooklyn fill the cupcakepapers and then stick them in the oven and set the timer. When the task is complete, Brooklyn takes off to go play in the family room, leaving me alone with Mom in the kitchen.
“So, how was your night?”
“Ugh. Good until the tequila.”
She laughs a full belly laugh at me and says, “Oh, I remember those days. It’s always fun until the next morning.”
“Yeah. Jake and Maddox were there after work, and we played pool most of the night. Maddox ended up driving Holly and me home after the tequila shots.”
Mom arches her eyebrow. “Maddox, huh? Such a nice young man.”
Why do I feel like she’s baiting me? I do not want to talk about Maddox or the kiss. The kiss that I can’t stop thinking about. “He is a nice guy, I guess.”
“Someday, someone is going to snatch that one up. He’ll be a great husband and a wonderful father to a very lucky child.” Mom gives me a pointed look, and I feel myself start to blush.
“He doesn’t want to get married, Mom. He’s just like Jake. A confirmed bachelor until theday he dies.”
“Oh, that’s hinky. Maddox does want all of that, he just doesn’t know it yet. He’s waiting on the right girl to come along and show him how to love and be loved. He’ll get there. And don’t get me started on Jake. That boy needs someone with a good, firm hand to smack some sense into that thick skull of his. He is the most stubborn man I know. I see things in Jake that even Jake doesn’t see because if he did, he’d turn tail and run the other direction. When he’s ready to find someone, to fall in love and settle down, he’s going to fall hard. Just you wait and see.”
“Don’t let him hear you say that.”
We continue to chat and catch up about everything we can think of. After lunch, I lay Brooklyn down for her nap in my old room, which Mom outfitted with a twin-sized bed for Brooklyn. I head out into the backyard to watch the wind blow through the trees and listen to the birds sing. It’s so peaceful and soothing to just sit here. I loved sitting in the backyard when I was growing up. It’s a large, spacious yard with plenty of room to run and play. There’s also a big patio with a firepit, which I love. As I sit and listen to the trees move and the birds chirp, the back door opens, and my brother, Will, walks out.
“Want some company?”
“Sure,” I reply.
He sits in the lounge chair next to me. We’re both quiet for a while, enjoying the serenity of the outside oasis. “So, I heard you went out last night,” Will finally breaks the silence.
“How’d you hear?”
“Oh, you know this town. Everyone knows everything about everyone.” He’s quiet for a few moments. “Heard you and Maddox kicked Jake’s ass in pool,” he adds with a smug smile.
