Conklin's Corruption

by Brooke Page

  “No, how Becca talks about you… You’re nothing like RJ,” I said sincerely.

  Max let out a small laugh.

  “You made time for your family. RJ made time for himself and other women,” I said quietly.

  We were silent for a few moments.

  Max took a long puff of his cigar. “I think I can trust you to make better decisions than your father with my Becca, am I right?”

  “Of course,” I said without hesitation. A hint of jealousy spread through me when he said my Becca. “I would never treat her how RJ treats my mother. I love her more than anything.” She was the reason for my every breath.

  Max’s white teeth shown through against his tanned skin. “Good. Otherwise, I’d have to shoot you in the foot,” he said jokingly. I laughed at his expression. “Oh wait, knocking her up before marriage is a shot to the foot, cheating is in the arm.” Max’s smile faded into a slight grin, his eyes turning dark. The air and his demeanor changed, and his look sent a shiver of fear through my system, wondering if he was really joking.

  His eyes flicked back to soft like a light switch. He leaned over the railing as I was, putting the cigar back in his mouth. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, what’s your business with Chino?”

  I blinked at him as the air caught in my chest. “He contracts our services,” I said as calmly as I could. Stine didn’t know about the possible subdivision deal. Even though RJ gave off the vibe that we would pass down partnering with him, I still didn’t trust RJ to follow through with the decision.

  “Anything else? Is he partnered with any of your projects?” he asked inquisitively as if he could read my mind.

  “Mainly subdivisions. He’s starting a new business with furniture. Just invested in six warehouses for remodeling. Other than that—”

  “Nothing on the side?” he cut me off, acting nonchalant.

  Max must have known Chino’s game. I knew they were acquaintances from their younger years, but I had never heard of them doing business together.

  I stood tall again, my business presence making an appearance. “No. I can assure you, we don’t do those kinds of deals.”

  Max looked me from head to toe expressionless. I was glad for the warmth in the air, fear creeping up my spine that I might start sweating from something other than the heat. His probing stare turned into a smile as he stood tall from the railing in front of me. Patting my shoulder, he said, “You’re a good man, Tyler.”

  Even though I only had a few inches on him, the chilling way his eyes turned from soft to hard so fast was damn near terrifying.

  Chapter 7

  Becca

  “Becca, are you sure you want to wait four weeks to go dress shopping when you come in for the wedding shower? We should really do it sooner,” Mary asked as we sat outside on the deck.

  Josie was playing on the play set while Emmett was napping.

  “Mary has a good point. Can’t you take a day off next week?”

  I refrained from rolling my eyes. “I can’t just take a day off of work, Mom. Tyler wants to take a long honeymoon, and I haven’t been with the company long enough.”

  Both Mary and my mother laughed hysterically at my reason. “Becca, do you really think you need to worry about vacation days?”

  “Neither Tyler nor RJ would care if you took a month off, sweetheart,” Mary added while holding her hand to her chest.

  “I care. My co-workers already look at me as though the only reason I even got the job is because of Tyler,” I whispered.

  “I hate to break it to you, but every person you meet from now on is going to think that,” my mother said. “Come on, Becca! It’ll be fun. We can have a girls’ day. Just the three of us.”

  I didn’t want it to be just the three of us. I was going to need Jamie and Heather to endure a day of dress shopping with my mother. They could provide a buffer when my ass wouldn’t fit into the tiny designer dresses.

  “I want Jamie and Heather to be there. If we wait four weeks, then they’ll have enough time to schedule the trip.”

  My mother sighed and reluctantly agreed.

  “Could you manage to take off Friday at least? We could spend the entire day shopping then only worry about the shower on Saturday,” Mary pleaded.

  “Let me check my schedule,” I conceded. She did have a point. It would make the weekend not seem so full.

  “Great!” Mary squealed. “I’ll make the appointment at Bella Vie! I might even be able to get Acra to be there for the appointment!”

  My mother gasped. “Acra? As in Reem Acra!? She designs outfits for celebrities!”

  Great. The going size in Hollywood was a zero. She would be in for a rude awakening when my size six ass walked through the door.

  Mary giggled and nodded her head. “Yes! We have lunch whenever she’s in Chicago.” My mother and Mary were having a ball together. I was thankful to hear Emmett cry over the baby monitor and save me from their trophy wife antics.

  When I came back with Emmett, Josie was sitting on Mary’s lap.

  “It must be so amazing being a grandma,” Mary said.

  My mother nodded her head. “It’s the best gift from God. I love my children, but there is something different about a grandbaby.”

  I sat down between my mother and Mary with Emmett. He was curled against my chest and fell back asleep as I swayed back and forth in my chair.

  “I predict you will be a grandmother sooner than you think,” my mother said, winking at Mary.

  I let out a shy smile.

  “I hope so! Tyler with a little baby would melt my heart. He softens so much for you Becca. I can only imagine what his own child would do to him,” Mary choked. She ran her finger under her eyelid, worried a tear may escape and mess up her makeup.

  “Hello ladies,” RJ greeted, walking through the sliding door, my father and Tyler following closely behind him.

  My dad took a seat next to my mother on the wide sofa lounger, putting his arm behind her and kissing her cheek. “Did you enjoy your afternoon?” my father asked.

  “I think we got a lot of wedding plans sorted out. We even made a trip to the venue so Mary could see,” my mom answered while leaning into my dad. I loved their affection towards each other.

  Tyler came behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. “Everything good?” he murmured so only I could hear. Turning to look at him, I smiled and nodded my head. His lip quirked up then his eyes found Emmett resting on my chest.

  “Tyler, we were just talking about grandbabies!” Mary teased as RJ sat down on the footstool where Mary’s legs were propped. I tried to ignore his hand creeping up her leg to her thigh.

  Tyler’s jaw tensed at Mary’s excitement. His traditional scowl formed on his forehead. My face fell. He really wasn’t ready for kids.

  “Being a grandma is going to be so much fun!” Mary snickered to Josie, who giggled at her expression. I felt Tyler’s huff as his hands tightened on my shoulders. Josie jumped off of Mary’s lap and ran towards Tyler, throwing her arms up for him to hold her. He ignored her at first but eventually gave in and picked her up in his arms.

  “Uncle Tyler, can we please go swimming!” Josie begged.

  “Josie, I don’t know. Aunt Becca and I have to get home pretty soon,” Tyler said.

  She pouted her lip at him, her big brown eyes taking a hold over him. Everyone awed at Josie’s attempt to get Tyler to do what she wanted.

  “I’m sure you could use one of Michael’s swim trunks,” my mother said. “Becca, you have a suit here in your old bedroom I’m sure.”

  “Please Auntie B! I want to go swimming with you and Uncle Tyler!”

  “Tyler, how can you say no to that little face!” Mary said.

  Tyler sighed and agreed. Josie’s little arms flew in the air with excitement. She squirmed her way out of Tyler’s arms to go to my mother, dragging her inside so she could get ready to swim.

  “I’ll hold the little one so you can change, Becca,” Mary offe
red with big pleading eyes. I smiled and handed over the still sleeping Emmett. Mary clapped her hands and snuggled him. She loved babies. I was surprised she didn’t take to her sons when they were babies.

  Tyler and I walked downstairs to find swimsuits.

  “There are suits in the pool room,” I said to Tyler as I walked towards my room in the opposite direction. I heard him grumble as he went to find a bathing suit.

  I search through my drawers, trying to find something that wasn’t outdated. While I rummaged, my cork board with pictures caught my eye. I saw the picture of Ashlynn and me and wrinkled my nose. I huffed and reached for it, taking it and crumbling it, throwing it in the garbage can next to the dresser.

  Stupid bitch. I was so glad to be done with her.

  Then I looked at a picture of Gage and me. My anger towards Ashlynn quickly vanished, and my heart fluttered for Gage. It wasn’t a romantic flutter but a caring one. I loved Gage, but in a different way. I decided I was going to stop by his shop later in the week to get my CD player fixed. I wasn’t sure if that was his specialty, but it would be a good excuse to see how he was doing. I wouldn’t tell Tyler. What he didn’t know wouldn't hurt him.

  “I find it odd your brother only has a bright yellow bathing suit,” Tyler said grouchily as he stepped in the room.

  “I’m sure my mother picked it out.” I shimmied out of the white summery strapless dress then reached for the top of my bathing suit.

  Tyler was suddenly behind me, his breath hot on my shoulder. “Can we make this quick?” He grumbled, his lips grazing my skin. I felt his excitement growing against my lower back as his arms made their way around to my front. “This is going to be very uncomfortable,” he groaned, his lips finding my neck. I giggled and reached for his probing hands.

  “Uncomfortable how?”

  “I have the worst case of blue balls from last night,” he whined against my ear.

  A smile escaped my mouth. “Sorry about that. I’ll make it up to you tonight,” I flirted.

  “I was hoping you would make it up to me on the way home,” he groaned, his excitement still digging into my lower back.

  “Sounds dangerous.”

  “Oh, baby doll, you know I live for danger. Besides, I can multi-task.”

  “Multi-task?” I asked, putting on the top of my bikini.

  His lips found my ear again. “Another fantasy. That dirty mouth working its magic while I’m driving.”

  I turned and playfully slapped his chest then started to tie the back of my top. I was relieved to see a full blown smile. I had no idea what kind of mood he would be in after golfing with RJ and future father and brother-in-law.

  “We’ll see if you behave while swimming,” I said seductively, dropping my underwear and stepping closer to him. Now I could feel him on my stomach. He really was ready to go. “You are going to have to try and tame that big guy,” I scolded, stepping back again to pull on my bottoms.

  “I’m in need of a tamer.”

  I rolled my eyes and tugged on his arm to take Josie swimming.

  Josie met us on the pool deck with her bright pink swimsuit and matching swimmies. It seems the older crowd had relocated to watch everyone swim. Josie ran to Tyler, throwing her arms to him like usual asking to be held. Tyler picked her up sooner this time.

  “Throw me in, Uncle Tyler!” Josie begged.

  Tyler looked to me for approval, and I nodded my head yes. Josie could swim, especially with her swimmies. “Just jump in with her right after.”

  Tyler smiled at Josie then counted to three, tossing her in and following with a cannonball.

  I smiled and went to the table where both of our parents were lounging to set our towels down. Mary had passed Emmet over to RJ. There was a sight I never thought I’d see. RJ surprisingly held Emmett with ease, gently bouncing him on his knee while making goofy faces at him. I caught Tyler watching RJ, confusion written all over his face. Mary’s eyes longingly watched as well, probably thinking this was how life was supposed to be.

  “Becca sweetie, you look great! The gym has been on your side!” my mother complimented.

  My hand was hovering over my stomach self-consciously. She wasn’t one to make positive comments about my looks. Was she just saying it because she felt she had to after our run in at the Christmas party?

  “Thanks,” I mumbled while looking at the ground.

  I felt a pair of wet hands on my hips. “She’s always been beautiful.” My face heated with embarrassment and gratitude as Tyler kissed my cheek from behind.

  “Can’t argue that,” my father smiled. I looked at him to find his kind brown eyes. “Wait until you have a daughter, Tyler. The thought of shooting boys never sounded so easy.”

  Everyone laughed as Tyler dropped his hands from my waist and gave an uneasy laugh.

  “That’s why I’m glad I didn’t have any girls,” RJ said, tipping his glass towards my father.

  Tyler huffed under his breath. I was sure I was the only one who heard him.

  “A girl would’ve been wonderful to have. We’ll just have to settle for a granddaughter,” Mary said, reaching to take Emmett from RJ. RJ zoomed him back to Mary as though he were a rocket ship, making Emmett giggle.

  RJ and Mary laughed, and the look on Tyler’s face was one of disgust.

  A wet Josie came out of the pool stairs and over to me, tugging on my hand to join her in the pool. “Come on Auntie B!”

  “Okay, okay,” I laughed as she pulled me to the edge of the stairs.

  Once I was half way down the stairs, Josie scurried back over to our parents. “Why aren’t you swimming?” she asked with her hands on her hips, her determined face meeting all of our parents.

  RJ smiled and cocked his head at Josie. “You want us to swim?”

  Josie moved over to him, her body still dripping with water. “Yes. You’re Tyler’s dad, right? So are you my Grandpa, too?”

  RJ laughed. “Whatever you want to call me is fine. But I don’t have my suit, sorry sweetie.”

  “I’m sure Max has a suit you can borrow. A swim with your granddaughter would be nice for you, too,” my mother said, nudging my father’s knee.

  My father rolled his head and gave my mom a half grin then set his drink down. “I guess we could do that. RJ, I’m sure I can find you a suit if you’re interested.”

  “Yeah! Please, please, please!” Josie begged.

  RJ laughed again and stood to follow my father. “Only for you, Princess.”

  ***

  “Can you believe RJ?” Tyler roared as we pulled out of my parents' driveway. It was nearing 7:00 p.m., and we were at my parent’s way longer than we had anticipated. “He must have thrown Josie around that pool at least 15 times and pushed her on the swing for a half hour. I mean, who is he trying to impress?”

  Tyler was furious. I couldn’t pinpoint why he was so mad. “And my mother! She wouldn’t let that baby go. She has never held a baby that long in her life!” His knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly. “The whole talk about how he was so proud his son is getting married and ready to really start living. He always made it sound like marriage was the biggest trap in the world!”

  I sank into the seat next to him, unsure what to say. RJ acted completely different today around my family. He was still his mischievous self but actually acted like he cared. It felt normal, how a family should behave.

  “Maybe he’s trying, Tyler.”

  “Oh, now you’re on his side, too? First my mother, then your father, now you? Why am I the only one who can see through his bullshit!” he shouted.

  I crossed my arms and shut my mouth. If he were going to be an asshole every time I commented on the way home, then I wasn’t going to participate in his rant.

  “And RJ suggesting we all have dinner together? Offering to pray before we ate? What the fuck was that about? RJ has never said a prayer in his life!” Tyler continued to grumble the entire ride home while I stared out the window. On
ce we pulled into the driveway, he finally addressed me. “Are you going to say anything or just remain on their side?” he barked.

  I whipped my head in his direction. “Who said I was on their side? And no, I’m not going to say anything when you just attack me for giving my honest opinion.”

  Tyler clenched his jaw and rolled his eyes.

  “Don’t roll your eyes at me. You know it’s true. I’m not going to respond if you’re looking for someone to argue with.”

  Tyler took a deep breath and turned off the car. He leaned back in his seat remaining quiet.

  Breaking the silence I said, “If you want to talk about this afternoon, that’s fine, but I won’t be used as a punching bag.”

  He closed his eyes. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

  I nodded my head in acceptance. “Why does RJ acting that way make you so angry? Same with your mother?” I bravely asked.

  He looked towards the roof of the Lexus. “I don’t know. We’ve never spent time together like this. RJ has never made time for us. It’s like he’s doing this complete one eighty, and I can’t figure out what his tactic is.”

  “Ty, maybe he truly wants to mend your relationship. He has been treating your mom better, hasn’t he?”

  “So she says,” he sighed.

  “Why not give him a chance?” I said sincerely.

  He was silent for a long moment. “I don’t trust him,” he whispered.

  I finally took off my seatbelt and started to crawl across the middle console and onto his lap. I was thankful for his long legs, causing the seat to be pushed back far enough for me to squeeze in between him and the steering wheel.

  I took his face in my hands and said. “You have to trust people Ty. I know it’s hard, but sometimes we all need to shift our faith into gear, even if the bridges we’re driving over have been burned.”

  His eyes looked so pained, as though I were holding the face of a little boy who’d been crushed after his dad missed his baseball game for the umpteenth time.

  “It’s hard,” he whispered.

  I pressed our foreheads together and moved my hands to his chest. “Trust me, I know. But it’s not worth being angry over things that happened in the past. All it will do is bring you down.”