Page 21 of You’re Mine

“Hi, is Herb Jones at home?” I ask casually, like I have every right to be there.

The man inclines his head.

“I’m sorry, but he’s away on business.” That isn’t too surprising. Even when we were in high school, Herb was always going away to different parts of the country doing whatever it is he does.

“What about Mrs. Jones or Haley Jones?” Even if Herb isn’t here, I can still try to talk to Haley. I want her to see what I’ve become, and to know what she missed out on. It’s pathetic, but my heart beats wildly in anticipation.

Unfortunately, nothing goes the way you plan. When I say Haley’s name, the servant looks alarmed for a second, but then his face smooths into blandness once more. It was only a moment, but I saw, and the fact that he freaked out has me worried.

“I’m sorry, sir, but no one is home,” he repeats firmly again. No one being home doesn’t sound so farfetched because the house is awfully dark, but something doesn’t feel right. Why are all the lights turned off? A few lights should be on at least. And where is everyone? Herb was always in and out of town, but Mrs. Jones rarely ever left. Something is very, very fishy, and I am going to figure it out.

“Do you know when they’ll be back?” I press.

He shakes his head and begins to close the big wooden door.

“I’m afraid Mrs. and Miss Jones did not give me a time for when they will be back. In fact, it could be a couple of days before they return. I’ll let them know you were here Mr.…?” He looks at me expectantly, but I’m not sure if I can trust him, so I lie.

“I’m Jack Saunders.”

The butler nods deferentially, already closing the gap.

“Mr. Saunders, I will happily pass along the message that you were here. Thank you for stopping by.”

Before I know it, I’m left alone on the veranda scratching my head. What the hell just happened? Something’s definitely off. Just in case the butler’s still watching, I make a show of getting into my car and driving away. In my rearview mirror, the mansion sits as still and silent as ever.

Slowly, I pull away and then like a thief, I park the car in a wooded area away from the road, and head back to the estate on foot. Soon, I’m back at the manor, making my way through the grass. Using trees for cover, I make sure to keep out of sight from the main house, and it doesn’t take me long spot someone in the distance. Who is it?

My heart stops when I catch their profile and realize that it’s Haley. My body is frozen solid looking at her. She is still incredibly beautiful, with a lush figure and curly brown hair. There’s nothing crazy about the way she’s dressed in jeans and a simple top, but to me, she’s more gorgeous than ever. It’s like I’m back in high school, and all I want to do is wrap my arms around the girl.

But what the hell? Why didn’t she come to the door? Why did the butler tell me she was gone? Plus, I didn’t come to Lenville just to stare at Haley. Shaking the nerves out of my body, I put my foot out to make my way towards her. But then time stops because there’s someone else – a little boy. I halt in my tracks, not sure how to process what I’m seeing. Why does she have a kid with her? Who is this little dude?

I inch a little closer to get a better look. He’s got black hair and blue eyes, with tanned skin, which is so unlike Haley’s peaches and cream complexion. Maybe she’s babysitting for him? He turns to smile at her, and her return smile is full of adoration. Hmm, most babysitters don’t smile at their charges like that.

Time slows down as I run through the possibilities in my head. Who could this boy be? No, that’s not possible. I stare, squinting as I look closely at the boy once more. His eyes are a vivid shade of blue, and his jaw looks a lot like my sister’s, albeit still soft with youth.

No. It can’t be. I’m sure Haley would have called me if she had my child because she wouldn’t hide something this big from me. Is that why she avoided me? Because she knew she was pregnant? What the hell? Suddenly, my body fills with adrenaline because this visit just took a left turn of titanic proportions. Haley has my son with her, and I’m not going to let them get away.

8

Haley

Apparently, my mom got a call yesterday and hasn’t shown her face around the house since. That probably means that my dad will be out of town for at least another week, and we’ll be on our own. I have to keep myself from screaming with excitement because it means freedom. Freedom to enjoy ourselves without Herb evaluating us non-stop. I breathe deeply, as if my lungs can finally get enough oxygen.

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