Page 48 of Before the Storm
“It amazes me how well adjusted she is for someone who fled a cult three years ago and has been on her own ever since.” Nelson tapped his fingers on the counter. “That takes some serious balls.”
“She’s a fighter, that’s for sure,” Phoenix said. “She’s an old soul in so many ways. But incredibly naive about too many things in the real world still. There’s a part of her that wants to come forward and tell her story. She carries so much guilt for leaving behind others like her who are suffering in silence. But she’s also aware enough about her own plight that she’s not prepared to take on her father and his church.”
“She might not ever have to. That church could blow up all on its own.” Maverick pointed to the door. “Mom’s here and she looks a bit frazzled. Like she used to when she was working a big case.”
“Retirement was hard on her,” Nelson said.
“She’s always asking Hensley if she can help out.” Maverick shook his head. “So’s Dad. They both say they are enjoying their golden years, but the reality is they miss working.”
“They’re both in their sixties. They need to slow down and smell the roses.” Nelson laughed. “When they aren’t spending time with the grandkids, they’re looking for shit to do. I wish they could do some front porch sitting. It’s good for the soul.”
“They’ll get there.” Phoenix smiled. “Hey, Mom. What’s going on? I didn’t expect to see you here this morning. Aren’t you supposed to be helping Hensley with the kids today?”
“Dad’s handling those two little monsters.” She held up her briefcase. “I need to talk to you. Get me a cup of coffee, get Janelle, and let’s go to your office.”
“Maybe you and I should chat first before bringing Janelle in,” Phoenix said.
His mom tilted her head and narrowed her stare.
He swallowed. He hated that look. It was the same look she'd given him when he’d given her a hard time as a teenager, and he knew he was about to get grounded. There was no coming back when his mother held his gaze like that.
“You’ve gotten serious with this girl, and don’t try to tell me you haven’t.” His mom lowered her chin, daring him to argue.
“How can I be serious with a woman I’ve only known a few weeks?” he asked.
Both his brothers snickered.
“The peanut gallery can shut the hell up and leave,” he said.
“Come on, man.” Maverick reached over the bar and slapped him on the shoulder. “I’ve been there. I fell hard and fast and I’m enjoying watching it happen to you. We all like Janelle. She’s good for you.”
“I never thought I’d see my little brother in love.” Nelson waggled his brows. “You’ve done your best to avoid it and now it’s hit you like a freight train.”
“You all toss that word around like it’s fact.” Phoenix had been grappling with his emotions for the last week. They had crept into his heart, captured it, and they weren’t going to release it. This morning, when he opened the truck door to help her into the passenger side, he gazed into her eyes and that single word hung in his brain like a brick.
He couldn’t say it because it was insane.
It wasn’t the baggage that she brought to the table. He could handle that. Everyone had a past, including him. Hers was no longer an issue. He’d obviously gotten over that hang-up, and so had she.
“Because it is,” his mother said. “All you have to do is admit it to yourself and then to her. It’s that easy.”
“Nothing is easy about this situation.” He folded his arms across his chest.
Mistake.
His mother grabbed his wrist and yanked. “Don’t get all closed off with me. Or try to use what’s happening around this poor girl as an excuse to mask your feelings.”
“Jesus, Mom. That’s not what I’m doing,” he said. “All I meant was that things are complicated and I’m not willing to toss around a word that has a big meaning so soon.”
“That’s a cop-out, little brother,” Nelson said. “I have work to do.” He kissed his mother’s cheek.
“I agree with Nelson.” Maverick did the same. “I’ll be around if you need me.” He left Phoenix alone with their mother.
Her face softened. “All I want for you is to be happy and this last year you haven’t been until that girl walked into your life.”
“That’s not entirely true.”
“But it’s not false,” she said. “You’ve been lost. I’ve been watching how you are with your brothers and their families. Both your father and I saw the conflict in your eyes.” She restedher hand over his. “Of all our boys, you took to military life the best. It was your calling. More so than Nelson and Maverick.”
