He never told anyone about that place. He wanted to keep it for himself. On the flight over, Chris only mentioned it in passing, hoping to defuse the situation. He never imagined Melissa would reach out, wanting to go. That sweet creature caught him off guard, and he found himself providing the information. Chris wasn’t intimidated by the fact he worked for her brothers. But the truth was, if he didn’t trust Melissa, he would’ve told her no, flat out. His only true concern was whether or not Sirveo was his old self and kept tight-lipped while the ladies were there. Chris didn’t need anyone, including Melissa, knowing anything about him that he didn’t want known.
Chris had tried calling Sirveo several times, but there never was an answer. That wasn’t surprising since he didn’t take his phone with him when he was working. Chris wasn’t sure how much help the ladies were on the farm, and he really hoped they weren’t too much for Sirveo to handle. He didn’t take the Turchetta women as being high maintenance, but Sirveo was more on the quiet and reserved side. That wasn’t those ladies. Well maybe Melissa. She’s . . . less adventuresome than the others. Sirveo’s probably passed out, overwhelmed. Damn it. What kind of friend am I?
From what Chris knew about Melissa, she never would push Sirveo to the point of exhaustion. Even though she sounded like a workaholic like the rest of her family, her career choice was one he’d learned to respect. Working with wounded veterans wasn’t easy. Most had made the service their life and being told they couldn’t return to active duty was something a soldier never wanted to hear. It took a person with thick skin to deal with their sorry asses.
Melissa probably went through verbal hell on a daily basis when dealing with them. Chris knew the shit he’d given his physical therapist, and it wasn’t pretty. Just thinking of anyone talking to Melissa like that pissed Chris off. And if she knew I was one of those assholes, she’d be equally pissed at me.
When he was trying to recover, he was angry and in pain. There hadn’t been a filter on his mouth, and he now regretted at least half of what he’d said. Getting to know Melissa a bit more only increased his percentage of regret.
Chris couldn’t stand any man disrespecting a woman and normally wouldn’t have raised his voice at one. During his therapy, he didn’t view his female therapist as anything more than someone trying to tell him shit he didn’t want to hear. Filled with hate of the life he’d been forced to accept, he’d been wrong and could see that now. He couldn’t make it up to Sarah—the poor medical professional who had treated him—but maybe he could do something nice for Melissa. Kind of like the pay-it-forward theory.
He shouldn’t care, but somehow he did. Chris needed to make sure Melissa didn’t realize that. She didn’t have any power over him, because no one did. But those dark brown eyes of hers could suck him in, and he needed to avoid that. No one needed to see his softer side, especially not a Turchetta. Thick skin ensured he stayed focused and survived. No one would take that away or cause it to fracture. Never again.
Chris wished he knew what transpired on the farm so he could prepare for the inevitable crossing of paths with Melissa. The family was tight, and he knew they would at least have dinner together. And since he was stuck in Italy, so-called all alone, they would invite him to join them. In the past he came up with many reasonable excuses why he couldn’t. But his gut said none were going to fly this time. He wasn’t sure he wanted them to either. Something about this trip felt different, and he didn’t crave his own company as much as he usually did. For the first time in quite a while, for reasons unknown, it felt lonely to be alone.
Chapter Six
Josh had been waiting for them when he and David arrived at the hotel. “Damn, I wish you guys had gotten here earlier.”
“Why? Is something wrong?” David asked.
“Yes. I have a hotel room filled with women.”
Chris laughed. “Boy, have you changed.” Josh had women practically throwing themselves at him all the time. And when he and Josh went to a bar together, it was worse. Mostly because they would egg each other on to see how many women they could get to buy them a drink. It was horrible and extremely immature, but then again, after a long mission and enough beers, they weren’t on their best behavior. Things had toned down over the last few years, and for Josh, they came to a complete stop once Ellie came into his life.
The bar scene wasn’t as much fun without Josh there. Eventually Chris stopped going as well. He had enough problems; he didn’t need to add drunk to his list. If he wasn’t drinking socially, he tried to avoid drinking at all.
Right now he was stuck with both David and Josh glaring at him. Neither of them seemed to find any humor in his comment. That was a shame because Chris had a lot more where that one came from. Usually he saved them to defuse the tension when they were out in the field. Right now that didn’t seem like the right approach.
“Stratton, this is all your fault,” Josh growled.
He was good at pissing people off, but he hadn’t spoken to any of the women except Melissa, and that was only briefly. Definitely not enough to get himself in trouble.
“I was in Runashia. So whatever is going on up there, isn’t my doing.”
Josh crossed his arms and said, “Ellie has not stopped talking about the goats and that guy Sirveo you sent them all to stay with. By the way, you should’ve let us know exactly how remote that place was.”
“First off, you know damn well I never would’ve sent any woman into a dangerous situation. Sirveo is as harmless as they come. But he’s also very protective and respectable to women. They were in good hands. Second, I thought it was only going to be Melissa. I only found out there were more after I had given her the information she asked for.”
David chimed in. “So you had no issue sending Melissa there on her own? I’m starting to agree with Josh. That doesn’t please me either.”
Chris wasn’t in the habit of defending his actions, especially when they weren’t related to a mission. But he’d give them both some leeway since Melissa was their sister. And all the more reason why I should’ve stayed out of this.
“David, I believe she went to you to have me call her. And you were there for the entire conversation. At no point did I encourage or talk her into anything.”
David shrugged. “You’re right. And Melissa has a mind of her own.” Then he turned to Josh. “I believe you let Ellie go.”
“If I tried to stop her, she’d have my head. Besides once she found out all the girls were going, she couldn’t pack fast enough. It’s funny, I thought this was supposed to be a little quiet getaway for just the two of us, and it seems to be a fucking family reunion. How the hell is a man supposed to show a woman a romantic time in Italy with all his family around?”
Chris replied with his normal sarcastic tone, “I believe that’s your fault.”
Josh grunted. “Well, we have two choices. Go find a bar and drink till we are numb or go upstairs and put in our two cents.”
“Since I’d love to see my wife, I say let’s join them. Not that Jada is going to listen to anything I have to add,” David said.
“How do you know?” Chris asked.
David laughed. “You’re not married. Someday you’ll understand.”
Chris raised his hands. “No. I’ll go along with what you say. No need to have to experience it for myself.” He turned to leave when Josh shouted.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?”
“To eat?”
“The hell you are. If we’re going to suffer, you’re coming,” Josh barked.
It wasn’t as though he wanted to be back in the SUV watching Prince Kalen again, but compared to this, it was the lesser of two evils. “I know you expect me to have your six all the time, but is this really necessary?”
“Trust me, Stratton, it’s your ass on the line if you don’t.” Josh turned and headed back into the hotel.
David laughed and gave Chris a slap on the back. “You’re going to get a taste of our life.”
Oh. Great. Six woman and I’m to blame. This is going to be a barrel of fun. Maybe tomorrow we can line me up in front of a firing squad. But Chris wasn’t about to hightail it out of there. Josh wanted him there, he’d go. But they were going to be sorry. Whatever the ladies were in an uproar about, it wasn’t his doing. He’d set the record straight and then leave.
Of course that plan of action went out the window as soon as he entered the room. Melissa pointed at him and said, “Chris will know. Sirveo is his friend. Come here and tell them everything you know.”
I know I don’t want to be here. He looked at David and Josh who weren’t taking any pity on him as he headed toward the circle of women. Melissa patted a seat by her on the couch. Any other time it might have been appealing. Right now, all eyes were on him, and he had no clue what he was supposed to say. So he did what came natural.
“Melissa, why don’t you start from the beginning so David and Josh can get caught up too.”
He could sense them wanting to choke the shit out of him, but they insisted he be there, and Chris wanted to make sure they never wanted to drag him into their personal lives again.
* * *
Melissa couldn’t believe she had to repeat everything again, but after she started, she was glad she had. There was so much she had missed the first time around. And since they were discussing business options for Sirveo’s farm, she’d need to make sure nothing was missed.
Chris looked totally shocked as she laid out the basic plan for turning the farm into a profitable organic soap business.
“Sirveo was okay with this?” Chris asked.
The ladies snickered and Melissa was the one left to fess up. “Not exactly.”
“So he doesn’t want this happening,” Chris added.
Taking a deep breath she said, “He doesn’t know.”
Chris burst out laughing and got up off the couch. “You ladies went to the farm for two days. In that time you devised an entire business plan without talking to the person who owns the place. You were supposed to go and relax, enjoy the quiet. By the sounds of it, you wasted your time.”
Melissa stood up and, with her hands on her hips, snapped, “Don’t you tell us we wasted our time. Each one of us have spent hours researching and planning this out. You haven’t even heard the full presentation yet, and you’re already judging it.”
Chris said, “I don’t need to hear it. I knew Sirveo before I met any of you. He’s not the big business type.”
“And you learned this while fixing fences or when you asked him?” Melissa was shocked how rude her tone was. She knew she should apologize, but she wanted to make a point. The snarl that came out of him said she had. Just not the one she’d hoped for.
“Why don’t you ask him to move to Rome? Because what you’re suggesting is going to take a perfect place and change it completely. Do you really think that is what Sirveo wants? Because he could’ve sold and moved long ago, but some people prefer to live their life in peace.”
Melissa hadn’t thought of that. All she had seen and heard were the difficulties Sirveo had been facing. She hadn’t thought of anything but helping him, and in all the excitement she may not have taken everything into consideration. Chris must think I’m absolutely thoughtless. What I thought would be a good thing for Sirveo . . . it wasn’t really him. Shit. “No. I don’t think he’d be happy in Rome. The farm is his home.” His life.
Chris returned to stand beside her, and in a calmer tone said, “Then don’t plan his life for him. If you think there is something you can do to help him, make it something that doesn’t rip what he enjoys into pieces.”
“You’re right. I’m glad you’re here. I still think Sirveo needs our help. There is so much to do, and he’s only one person.” One lonely person. “Oh he asked me to give you a message.”
“And what is it?”
“To come and see him. He said it’s been awhile,” Melissa said.
Chris nodded. “I go when I can. Even now, I don’t know how long before I . . . am working again. I didn’t expect this break.”
Of course not. Work is all you guys think about, all you do. “I know how much it would mean to him if you made some time. There were things he needed help with that we ladies couldn’t do.”
Melissa wasn’t about to tell him that Sirveo refused to let them do anything. Milking goats wasn’t a chore as much as some of them wanting to do it. If Sirveo had his way, they wouldn’t have lifted a finger the entire time. That’s not the way they are. They are a family of people taking care of each other. But Sirveo seemed to want company more than he wanted their help. She had tried asking him questions about his past, but he became very quiet. She sensed something had happened that caused him to remain there alone all these years. Maybe as they became closer he’d feel comfortable opening up. Or maybe I’ll ask Chris. He must know.
David intervened. “Chris, take a few days off and see what your friend needs. We’re not heading back for a few days anyway.” Then David put his arm around Jada and added, “Besides, I need a few days off myself.”
Jada smiled up at David and said, “I like the way you think.”
Melissa wasn’t used to seeing her brothers being so mushy and sweet. But she was so pleased to see them finally happy. It was what she wanted for them all, and from the looks of it, it was happening. Maybe someday I’ll find my happily ever after too.
Josh added, “I think Ellie and I are in agreement. But right now, our hotel room seems a bit . . . crowded.”
Vanessa got up and said, “All I need is a lift to the airport. I heard the jet is fueled and waiting.”
Deanna said, “You’re not leaving without Hydria and me. Besides, I have children who might be more than Rafe can handle on his own for much longer.” Then she turned to Melissa and said, “Oh, wasn’t there something else we were supposed to talk about while we were all together?”
Melissa was afraid she knew what Deanna was talking about. She shot a pleading look to Ellie, who sank further into Josh’s arms. Thanks. Turning back to Deanna, Melissa said, “Nothing that can’t wait a little longer. We can all touch base again when we’re back in the States. What do you think, Ellie?”
“That sounds good to me. Maybe I can have you all come to Yonkers for a brunch in a week or two.”
“Two weeks? Make it one and you’re on,” Deanna replied.
Her sisters-in-law weren’t going to let her off the hook. How mortifying that they suspected she was with child. She shot Ellie a look and then answered Deanna. “One week works for me.”
Once everyone was satisfied that they’d get what they wanted, they all left. Mostly everyone. Chris was still in Josh and Ellie’s hotel room with her.
“What do you say we leave these two alone?” Chris suggested.
“Sounds good.” Melissa followed him out of the room and walked to the elevator. “I guess I should relax for a while. It’s been a busy day.”
“I’m sure you’re tired from all that planning.”
She looked at Chris and said defensively, “I hope you know I was only trying to do something nice for Sirveo.”
“I know that. But you need to understand that being nice doesn’t happen when you take control away from another person. Sirveo is a very proud man. If he had any inclination you were doing this, he’d be embarrassed.”
“I wouldn’t want to hurt him.”
Chris reached up and touched Melissa’s arm briefly. “I know you wouldn’t. So why don’t you let me see him. If I think your plan is something he might be open to, I’ll let you know. But if he’s resistant, I’m asking you as his friend to drop it.”
Melissa finally understood what Sirveo was talking about. Chris really cared about Sirveo and didn’t protect only by force, but with compassion and understanding as well. Maybe we’re not as different as I thought.
When the elevator doors opened and Chris walked inside, her opinion flopped back and forth again. “Until you hear from me, try not to cause
any more trouble.”
Before she could answer, the doors shut. I didn’t start any trouble. I was trying to help. She walked down the hall to her own room, and once inside she slammed the door. There was a part of her that hoped Chris would learn she was right. Her plan was a good one. The only thing it had been missing was Sirveo’s blessing. Which I’m sure I could’ve gotten. But now, I think Chris will shoot it down just to spite me.
She knew arrogance when she saw it, and that’s how he had looked at her from the elevator. But experience had also shown her over-confidence usually was a person’s downfall. Right now Chris was banking on what he thought he knew, without facts. At least Melissa had done some research to see if it was a viable option before proposing it.
Huffing, she walked to her bed and dropped on it, completely spent. With a heavy sigh she closed her eyes.
I bet Sirveo had a better time with us than he’s going to have with Chris.
Chapter Seven
Chris didn’t take off for the farm immediately as most would’ve thought. He’d been there enough to know Sirveo would need some things, so he called and obtained a list of items. The list was larger than normal, but then again, it had been awhile since he had been able to visit. Chris knew the score and wouldn’t show up empty-handed even if Sirveo said he didn’t require a thing. But Chris had his work cut out for this trip. You must’ve been adding to the to-do list every week since the last time I came by.
Once he ended the call with Sirveo, he placed another to the hardware and lumberyard. They could have the truck loaded with the supplies and ready to go first thing in the morning. Chris knew it was just as easy to hop on the truck with them instead of heading out tonight. Besides, they were going to need him to unload the truck when they delivered the supplies. It was a win all the way around. The lumberyard got some free labor, and he got a free ride. The ride back wasn’t an issue either. He always used the same company, they were reliable and cheap, comfort was a different story.
For Love Page 6
