Page 52 of Sheltering Lawson
“You know I did. Fiercely.”
“Let’s go inside and celebrate with a glass of wine.”
After a glass, Ethan and I made love, but it was with a desperation that was born out of our coming separation. I had no idea how long we’d be apart, and I was concerned that distance would only make the heart forget. Would complications and distance make him change his mind about me?
The next week flew by and was hectic, filled with preparations for Aubree’s big bash and the fact that Booker was the commencement speaker—the youngest in their history was significant. Everyone in the town had been buzzing about it since I had broken down here a month ago. His series of books had been produced into movies to critical acclaim, and his family based novels made him a household name. But he and Aubree were completely down to earth. She was busy with finishing up with school, and was attending several functions this week including her Honors Senior Reception. Braxton expected the whole damn town at this, and it was going to spill over to outside. He was serving buffet style with a couple choices of entrée. All I knew was that I wanted a big bowl of his gumbo. It was the best I’d ever tasted.
Aubree’s graduation, well both of them—the overall ceremony first, then smaller college one in the afternoon—would be held on Saturday and we were heading to New Orleans for an overnight stay on Friday. Brax was running a limited service on Friday with Martha handling the kitchen for him. I was excited about visiting New Orleans as Ethan promised a trip to Café Du Monde, and I would finally get my taste of authentic beignets and their famous coffee. We were staying in the French Quarter at this quaint 1800s inn and everyone in his immediate family, including his friends were aware we were a couple. At least, I hoped we still were.
I was exhausted every day and even though I worked with Ethan, it felt as if we were disconnected, mostly because I think he was struggling with me going without him. I knew he didn’t understand, not fully, and it hurt to think about being back in Atlanta, and facing down Brad and his perverse daddy without him. I was nervous and scared, but ready.
I knew what I wanted. Ethan. Suttontowne. Brax’s job. I had already looked into law schools and there were several choices.
Since he’d been so darn busy, I hadn’t had a moment to talk to him. But right now he was in his office and there was a lull in customers. The other two waitresses had it under control. I knocked on the jamb of the open door and he looked up.
“Hey, sugar.”
“Hi, Brax. Do you have a minute?”
“That seems to be all I have nowadays. C’mon in and tell me some good news.”
“I do have good news.”
His eyes lit up. “Hell, yeah. You’re accepting the job.”
I smiled at his enthusiastic smile. “Yes, but I need to tell you something before I can actually start.”
He got up and closed the door and went to the sofa. “I knew there was something going on with you from the moment Ethan brought you in here. Have a seat and tell me whatever it is you need to say.”
Tears welled, I walked over and sat down. “First, I want to thank you for everything that you’ve done for me since I fainted on your doorstep. You’ve been kind and generous. I wanted you to know how much I’ve appreciated it. I couldn’t have come to this place in my life if you hadn’t provided me a place to live and a job. It’s really changed my life.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, “Ah, hell, huckleberry. I know about how hard life changes can be. I was in your shoes not too long back.”
I nodded, having heard some of River and Brax’s story. It had sounded epic. “I have to go back home, back to Atlanta and handle something before I can be truly free. It may take some time.” I explained everything to him, my voice breaking in a couple of places. As I talked, his face went from angry to thunderous with eyes of steel. “I’m sorry I lied about my real name. Sorry about keeping this all secret, but it’s been a pattern for a long time and it was to protect myself.”
His expression went softer than I had ever seen it and that was saying something since Brax was normally brusque and gruff. “Tell me their names, and I’ll hire some goons to tune them up.”
I chuckled, but Brax’s face didn’t change, and I realized he was quite serious. “That’s not necessary. But I appreciate it.”
“You will be taking Ethan with you, won’t you?”
“No. I’m going alone. I have to handle this by myself.”
“I don’t like that. I think you should reconsider.” He tilted his head. “You two are an item. That much I do know.”
“Did he tell you?”
“No, the boy scout was tight-lipped as usual, but I have eyes, and I can see. Everyone knows.”
“Of course they do. Small town.”
“Yeah, it’s a curse and a blessing.” He rose. “The job offer stands until you can claim it. I’ll get by in the meantime. When are you leaving?”
“Monday.”
He nodded. “You’re like one of the family, so if you need anything. And, I mean anything. Don’t you hesitate to call me.”
Before I knew it, Friday was here and we were driving to New Orleans. We’d been on the road for about an hour and had an hour to go, but it was no hardship. Louisiana was beautiful, and I enjoyed looking out the window at the lush marshlands and small towns we passed.
