Covert Affairs

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Oh yeah? Like what?”

  “Focus, Trevor.” She squinted at him. “Crystal said she saw you at the supermarket.”

  “She did.”

  “Well, one salacious thing led to another, and Trina blurts out we were dating.”

  “As my cousin normally does when people need the blanks filled in.” He laughed. “What did you say?”

  “About us?”

  He looked into her eyes. “We are dating, right?”

  “Yes. I’d say we were.” She shook her head. “Back to my point. Your mom came in and could have raked me over the coals. Instead she gave me a veiled threat using plant euphemisms. But I think it was her way of saying she hoped we could find our way to each other again because she knows how much we cared about each other.”

  “That’s a turnaround from ‘you’re both too young to get serious.’”

  She smirked. “We’re not young anymore.”

  “Speak for yourself. I’m the second coming of Peter Pan.” He winked.

  “Perhaps, but what I’m saying is that she didn’t freak out or try to butt in. Put that in the win column.”

  “Maybe she’s lying in wait until the right time.”

  “Or maybe she just misses her son and doesn’t want to push him away again.”

  “You’re right. I am here and present with the woman whom I adore. What could be better than that?” He kissed her hand.

  “Not a thing.” She batted her eyelashes at him.

  “I promise. I’ll try harder with my mother.”

  “Good.” Ignoring Debra wasn’t the answer anymore. They’d both have to engage with the woman and there was strength in numbers. She was beginning to trust that he’d meant what he said about staying put and having a life here with her.

  Trevor caressed Theresa’s hand. There was a good crowd tonight. He recognized some of the guests as Derek’s former teammates, a few of the football players on the Philadelphia Titans, and some guys from the city’s major league baseball team. But his attention kept going back to the guy who’d been polishing glasses and cutting lemons at the bar. The guy kept glancing in their direction, which wasn’t a crime, but old habits taught Trevor to be aware of anyone who might be paying attention to him. Tonight was about relaxing and having a good time. His focal point was Theresa. He turned his attention back to her. They chatted and enjoyed their champagne, and the rest of the world began to fade away again. He was so engrossed in conversation with her about his travels that he’d barely heard the notification on his cell phone. He pulled out his phone and checked it. The message was contact instructions for Rutledge.

  “Reese, I’ll be right back.” He kissed her hand and stood.

  “OK.” She nibbled on her salad.

  He followed the exit signs down the steps until he reached a door that was being held open with a crate. He looked up and down the alley. There was no one around.

  He dialed the number that was on the text message.

  Rutledge answered on the first ring. “We have three minutes on this line.”

  “I’ll make it quick.”

  “Trevor. So you’ve finally come to your senses and want back in. I can have a go package to your grandmother’s house in an hour.”

  “That’s not why I’m calling. We may have a problem. I got a visit from Sam Blake at Regency. I’m afraid the cat is out of the bag on Shannon Stanton’s rescue.”

  “Shit,” Rutledge muttered. “Can it be contained?”

  A chill went down his spine. He didn’t like the words like contained being used when he was referring to Avery or Shannon.

  “Sam assured me Regency has it covered. I am confident that all parties involved will use discretion going forward.”

  “Sounds like a problem solved and good reason to get on with business.”

  “No, it just reinforces my reasons to stay away.”

  “I already gave you the speech. Think about it, kid.”

  “Good-bye, Rutledge.”

  He ended the call and looked around. The guy who was behind the bar was now at the far end of the alley too. Trevor immediately went on high alert. He’d already noticed how he kept looking at them after they sat down. There was something about this bartender he didn’t like. The guy was resting against the building wall with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, patting his pockets like he was looking for something.

  “Hey, man. You got a light?”

  “No, I don’t. Didn’t anybody tell you those things will kill you?”

  “A bullet is faster.” The guy winked. “There are plenty more dangerous things out there than poor health habits. One can’t be too careful.”

  Trevor stilled. “Excuse me?”

  “You look like you like to live on the edge. Take a few chances. Ever think about if there will be big consequences?”

  Trevor went over to the guy and grabbed him by the collar. “Who sent you?”

  “Nobody,” the guy stammered, his cigarette falling out of his mouth.

  “Trevor!” a voice called out behind him. It was Derek.

  “Go back inside,” he snarled. “I was just having a chat with this smartass. Has he worked for you before tonight? He’s been watching me since I got here.”

  “Jessie is one of my bartenders, and he’s been with me for over a year,” Derek said. “He’s harmless.”

  “Yeah, tell him, boss. Don’t mind me. I’m a third generation smart ass. It’s a family quirk that’s gotten many of us in hot water.”

  “Why were you watching me?”

  “I liked your ensemble,” Jessie said. “The three-piece suit, red tie, and rose are badass. Nobody wears a waistcoat these days. People don’t take the time to put in the extra effort anymore.”

  “Oh,” Trevor replied. “Thanks.”

  Derek gently removed Trevor’s hands from Jessie’s shirt.

  “Jessie, this is my wife’s brother Trevor. He’s a stickler for security.”

  Trevor extended his hand for a shake. “I apologize. I thought you were someone else. Nice to meet you.”

  “Same here.” Jessie’s hand trembled as he put another cigarette in his mouth before he took Trevor’s hand. “I have a confession to make. I was also scoping out your girlfriend. She’s a fox.”

  “Quit while you’re ahead, Jessie.” Derek gave him a look to stop talking. “You get another ten minutes for another smoke.”

  “Smoke?” Jessie huffed. “How about a defibrillator to get my heart pumping again?”

  “I’d better be getting back inside,” Trevor said.

  “I’ll join you.” Derek scratched his temple as he walked with him. “Is everything all right? Don’t worry. Security is tight tonight.”

  “I overreacted. I’ve been a little tense lately. Still acclimating to civilian life.”

  “It will take some time.” Derek scanned his key card to get back into the bar through the back entrance. “Jessie’s a good guy. I vet all of my employees before they work here. After that fiasco photo op when your sister and I first met, I use Regency’s background check services.”

  “I’ve spent most of my life trying not to be seen, I keep forgetting that’s what you do. You go out and have fun. It’s not so uncommon that people look at each other.”

  “Well, there is the occasional whacko stalker.” Derek laughed. “But tonight I’d say you and Theresa look pretty damn good for your date.”

  “Grandma took our picture before we left, and I almost panicked. Theresa had to remind me that it’s what people do.”

  “I know how you feel. Half the world is ‘selfie’ crazy. I didn’t mind pics with fans before, but not when Lex is around. I don’t want some nut out there knowing what my daughter looks like.”

  “That’s a good practice. Until some time has passed, it’s still not a good idea for me to have my picture plastered anywhere.”

  “You do what you need to do to acclimate yourself. We’re just glad you’re home. You are home for good, right?”
<
br />   He took a deep breath. He was finally ready to say the words. “Yes. Don’t tell Charisma. But I’m working on it. I just don’t want to get everyone’s hopes up.”

  “Your secret is safe with me, but you’d better let Theresa in on your plans right away.”

  “I know. She’s the last person I want to hurt.”

  Trevor made a right toward the dining room, while Derek continued on to the kitchen. But he paused before heading into the main dining area. While he was back here, he might as well wish Trina good luck on her performance.

  He made his way to one of the backrooms that sometimes served as a dressing room for the live music talent.

  He knocked on the open door. “Hey, superstar.”

  “Trevor!”

  “I wanted to wish you well out there. Although you don’t need it.”

  “Thank you.” She looked him over. “You pulled out all the stops for Theresa tonight.”

  “I wanted to look good for your performance.” He ran a hand over his tie. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. You have a thriving music career. You’re not my little cousin who likes to squeal on everybody anymore.”

  “I am officially an adult, but I still like being one of the little ones of the group. You know I’m grandma’s favorite, right?” She giggled.

  He looked at her again. She certainly wasn’t the little girl who’d sat on their grandmother’s porch, monopolizing the phone and getting chastised for eating too many sweets. She’d blossomed into a beautiful, vibrant woman who loved to laugh and still occasionally indulged in juicy family gossip.

  “You’re a good bean, Trina Reed.” He hugged her.

  “You’re going to make me cry.” She waved her hands in front of her face.

  “I’d better be getting back.”

  “I’ll be sitting at your table when I’m finished performing.”

  “Good. I get to toast your performance.”

  He headed through the hall, back into the Slap Shot’s main dining area. As he approached the table, he could see someone was sitting at the table with Theresa. The dark blue suit he was wearing was nice enough, and he had an easy smile. A little too easy for Trevor’s tastes. It was time to meet the grinning idiot.

  “Hey.” Theresa reached out for his hand. “What took you so long?”

  “I went to wish Trina good luck.” He sat down, his eyes on the stranger. “She looks fantastic.”

  “Trevor, this is Devon. Trina’s date.” Theresa’s eyes crinkled a little as she continued to smile. “Devon, this is Trevor. Trina’s cousin.”

  He knew that meant she wanted him to play nice.

  “Devon, nice to meet you.” Trevor extended his hand, and when they connected, the guy almost flinched from his firm grip.

  “Same here, Trevor.” Devon made a reflective motion with his hand. “You must be the globe-trotting cousin Trina’s talked so much about. I bet you’ve been to some exciting places.”

  “Tons. How long have you two known each other?”

  “Uh. A couple of months,” Devon replied.

  Theresa held up Trevor’s glass. “Have some champagne.”

  “In a minute, babe. Devon and I are getting to know each other. So Devon, what do you do for a living?”

  Derek and Charisma approached the table, interrupting the slew of questions he was about to hurl at the guy.

  “We should have been seated with you by now.” Derek held out the chair for Charisma to sit. “We’ve been putting out small fires all evening.”

  “No worries,” Theresa said. “You did a really good job transforming this place.”

  Charisma surveyed all their faces. “I see you’ve met Devon.”

  Trevor’s jaw ticked. “We were getting acquainted.”

  Theresa gently nudged him.

  “What?” he said in her ear.

  “You’re doing that not-blinking thing again.” Theresa murmured. “It makes people uncomfortable.”

  The waiter came to the table with salads for Derek and Charisma.

  “Thank you.” Charisma attacked her salad as soon as it was set on the table.

  “Hungry much, sis?”

  Charisma held her hand up to her lips. “I’ve been running around all day. I guess I haven’t eaten. Did I forget to tell you? There’s a videographer here. He’s going to tape the performance. Right now he’s in the back interviewing Theresa.”

  “Will he be filming the audience too?” He tried to sound as casual as possible.

  “No. He’s totally focused on the star,” Derek replied.

  Trevor put his arm around Theresa as the lights dimmed for Trina’s performance. He did a casual scan of the room, looking for someone or something out of place. It was a hard habit to kick. Just like sizing up Devon and giving him a bone-crushing handshake was a reactive response. He didn’t want to see Trina hurt. She was a rising star and some people would want to latch onto her for the wrong reasons. If Devon turned out to be one of those people, he was going to be sorry about it.

  He relaxed and tuned in to the music. Trina was an awesome singer, and he was in good company. Tonight was about Trina, good food, and conversation with loved ones. It wasn’t the time for self-recrimination for years of missing out on this when he’d been alone and far away.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Trevor took one last look to make sure the kitchen was in order. After he’d got up at six for his run, he’d come back and made breakfast for him and his grandmother. Bacon, eggs, and toast with Grandma Reed always brought back fond memories. He wasn’t surprised she had a full day planned. His grandma had been on the go since he’d arrived back home. She was going to a fundraising meeting at the church with his mother. Which was still a shock to his system. There was once a time when the two of them could barely handle being in the same zip code. Now they were going to events together. Grandma’s day wouldn’t stop there either. She was having a book club meeting at the house in the early evening.

  Determined not to let his grandmother’s life be more exciting than his own, he had a few ideas for the evening as well. A romantic candlelit dinner was just the perfect ending to a day at the harvest festival.

  He rang the doorbell. Theresa opened the door immediately. She was stylishly dressed for the weather and the day’s activities in an ivory sweater, jeans, a navy blue-colored quilted sleeveless vest, and hiking boots. Her hair was pulled back into a long ponytail. She looked great, but she had a strange expression on her face.

  “Good morning.” He kissed her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Trevor. Look who’s here…” Theresa stepped back.

  It was his mom. “Mom. What are you doing here?”

  “What a way to greet your mother.”

  “Right.” He went over and gave her a hug. “Good morning.”

  “Your mom brought me two orchids and a book on how to care for them.” Theresa went over to the hall table and held up one of the potted plants. “Isn’t it pretty?”

  “They’re lovely.” Trevor rubbed the back of his neck. There had to be a catch.

  “Theresa, you’ve done a wonderful job remodeling.” Debra looked around. “I don’t think the Smiths had spruced up this place in decades.”

  “Trevor did a lot of the interior painting,” Theresa added.

  “Good to know my son’s keeping himself busy.” She looked at him. “Do you think you’ll be around for the holidays?”

  “Yes.” He’d made the decision last night and thought he’d tell Theresa at the festival that he was sticking around for good. “I will be here for Thanksgiving.”

  Both Theresa’s and his mom’s eyes lit up.

  “That’s wonderful news!” His mom put her hands together.

  “Let me know if you need a hand getting chairs or setting something up. You know my cooking is not fit for human consumption,” Trevor said.

  “You leave the culinary feats to your grandmother. She lets me and Sydney pitch in, but she’s in charge of everything ex
cept the turkey, which is Derek’s responsibility this year.” She beamed. “Where are you two off to so early in the morning?”

  “Reese and I are taking Alexis to the harvest festival. We’re going to make a day of it.”

  “She’s going to love that.”

  “Mom, I’m sorry to rush you out, but I told Charisma we’d pick Alexis up by ten. I don’t want to be late.”

  “Of course. Of course. Since you’re going to be in town for a while, I’d love for the two of you to come over to the house for dinner one day. I’d hate to have to catch up on my son’s love life at the beauty salon.” His mom gave them both a look that showed she meant business.

  “Sure thing.” Trevor opened the door for her.

  “Have a good time. Give Alexis a kiss for me.” She waved as she floated down the porch steps.

  Trevor shut the door and slumped against it.

  “Don’t be so dramatic.” Theresa picked up a bag on the foyer table. “I hope you know you made her day.”

  He grinned at her and then nodded at a little red wagon sitting in the foyer. “What’s with the red wagon?”

  “You’re going pumpkin picking with a pro.”

  An hour later, they’d picked up Alexis and were on their way to the country for the harvest festival. Theresa had packed well and anticipated the toddler’s needs with ease. In addition to snacks and juice, they had games and her favorite teddy bear and a backup stuffed kangaroo just in case. Theresa was great with Alexis.

  “OK, Alexis, one more time. Repeat after me.” Theresa looked at her. “Hola, Tio Trev.”

  “Hola, Tio Trev!” the little girl said.

  Theresa beamed. “Good, that means ‘Hello, Uncle Trev.’”

  He was impressed. “She picks up pretty quick.”

  “They say it’s good to teach kids languages when they’re young. Her Russian is impressive too.”

  “I think she’s going to be a well-rounded young lady. I don’t know why Charisma is so worried another b-a-b-y would upset the apple cart.” He looked in the rearview mirror at Alexis, who was enthralled with a picture book Theresa had given her.

  “They’re thinking of trying again?”

  “It’s likely if my sister doesn’t overthink it. Kids adapt to change. There’s more than enough love to go around.”