I shrugged. “He didn’t say. Just said he wants to ‘have a word’ with you. I hope he kicks your ass.” I turned and walked back to the storefront. Although I knew he was there to talk about Jennifer, I half-hoped he was there to beat my dad to a pulp. Nice daughter, right? “He’ll be right with you,” I said to Mr. Sutton, who offered a small smile in return.
Dad walked through the door from the garage, wiping his greasy hands with an equally greasy rag. His messy strawberry blond curls fell forward into his face. “Hey, Jason. I’d shake your hand, but as you can see, I’ve been busy with the cars.” Mr. Sutton waved the gesture off. “What can I do for you today? I hope the Porsche isn’t giving you trouble.”
Nice cover up, Dad. He’s probably here to let you know he’ll be castrating your son and hiring some thugs to take you down for sleeping with his wife. And, I’m not going to stop him, at least not for the second part.
“Ah, no, Mark. The Porsche is fine.” Mr. Sutton wrestled with his words. “Arlene and I want to invite you and Dina to the house tomorrow. There’s something important we need to discuss.”
The color drained from Dad’s face. “Uh, sure, Jason.” I could tell Dad was unsure of which issue Mr. Sutton was referring. It was fun to watch him squirm.
Mr. Sutton looked very uncomfortable. The contrast between the two men couldn’t have been clearer than white on black. Mr. Sutton was very prim and proper in his immaculate designer labels and yuppie ensemble, and my father’s filthy coveralls and work boots were covered from top-to-bottom in car fluids. His blondish hair was a curly mess, while every strand of Mr. Sutton’s straight hair lay in place. Although I didn’t agree with my dad sleeping with Mrs. Sutton, I couldn’t imagine her in bed with her husband either. Who knows? Maybe he’s a wild one when the lights are out.
“How’s one?”
“We’ll be there.”
“Great,” Mr. Sutton said. “Don’t forget to bring Bryan.”
Oh, so this is about Bryan. I guess Jennifer told her parents. Oddly, my father’s shoulders relaxed. Sure, be relieved your son’s head is on the chopping block, just as long as your secret is safe and you aren’t going to be castrated. The disgust I had for my father multiplied in that moment.
Mr. Sutton turned to leave. “Bye, Mandy,” he said pushing the door open.
“Bye, Mr. Sutton,” I waved, even though I knew he couldn’t see me.
Dad looked at me. I shifted my eyes back to the game of Solitaire on the computer screen. There was no way I was going to be sympathetic to him.
At twelve-thirty Rob walked into the shop. Immediately, my sour mood shifted. It felt as if someone pumped me up with helium. He had two pizza boxes in his hand. I stretched over the counter and gave him a big kiss.
“Mmm, you look very sexy behind that counter. I’d like to check your engine.”
He made me blush thinking about him working under my hood.
“I thought if I bribed your dad with lunch, he’d let me steal you for an hour.” His dimple was right where I liked it, to the right side of his soft, perfect lips.
Each of the guys came in, took a slice of pizza and thanked Rob, before heading back into the garage. Rob and I went out to the back of the building, and we each ate a slice of pizza. “I’ll be home at seven tonight,” he said.
“Can I wait for you at your house?” I asked, as if he’d ever say no.
“What a silly question. Of course you can wait at the house. You have your key, right?”
I tapped my pocket and nodded. “I’ll make dinner,” I said.
“Why don’t I take you out for dinner?”
“Because, you can’t have the dessert I’ve planned if you take me out.”
“Ohhhh.” His face flushed, and I could tell he was on the same wavelength as I was. He tossed his unfinished pizza slice into the dumpster and grabbed me around the waist. “Will there be whipped cream?” he asked in a seductive tone.
I took a bite of my pizza and then tossed it into the bin too. “I can pick up whipped cream on my way over.”
Rob pulled me closer. Our bodies fit together like matching puzzle pieces. I could tell he liked my thought process. His pillowy lips kissed me. He was much better tasting than the pizza. My head swirled with thoughts about our night together. He moved his mouth to my neck. I tilted my head and moaned. He pulled me closer. I started to lose my self-control.
“Ah-hem.” My father’s voice interrupted the moment. He stood in the back doorway. “Lunch time is over.” He walked back into the shop.
“I was getting to the point where I was going to toss you into the trash container and have my way with you on top of all the garbage,” Rob said, breathing heavily.
“You know, I would have let you,” I said back. Then I thought of how forceful Jimmy had been with me and I got quiet. Forget Jimmy. He’s in jail and Rob is wonderful. You’re safe with him. You love him.
Chapter Four
Dad let me leave at five. He paid me in cash. I went to the supermarket and bought the ingredients I’d need for dinner with some of the money I earned for the day.
While choosing the right cut of meat, I felt a strong pair of arms circle my waist. My muscles stiffened, but then tingles ran up and down every stretch of my body. I could tell it was Rob from his cologne, which smelled like a warm, summer, ocean breeze. I tilted my head back onto his chest.
“I don’t see any whipped cream in that basket,” he whispered in my ear. My pulse was so fast I thought I’d go into cardiac arrest.
“You don’t collect the refrigerator items until last,” I whispered back. I knew all the old ladies and young mothers were watching, but I didn’t care. I was in a great place.
“Just as long as you don’t forget,” he said.
“Oh, trust me. I won’t forget.”
He kissed my cheek, and I felt his hand slip away from my waist. He walked past me, pushing a skid of some canned-something. He looked over his shoulder. I could see his devilish grin. It made me hurry to get all of the things I needed.
I took a quick shower in the bathroom next to Rob’s room while the meat was cooking. I dried myself and wrapped his robe around me. I loved that it smelled like him. I set up the vegetables in the pan, and checked on the meat again before returning upstairs.
The clock read 6:58. I hung the robe up on the hook behind the door and got under the fluffy white comforter on the bed in what used to be Rob’s parents’ room. The only thing I brought with me was the two cans of whipped cream – one vanilla, and one chocolate.
I heard the electric door to the garage open then close, and then Rob’s feet raced up the stairs. He lifted the ugly supermarket shirt from his body as he neared the bed. His chiseled chest sent a ripple through me. I couldn’t wait for him to be next to me.
I jumped up and helped him take the rest of his clothes off. Then I pulled him onto the bed and showed him how much I liked whipped cream.
***
“So, what’s going to happen?” Rob asked cutting into the steak dinner I prepared for him.
I shrugged, and the terry cloth robe lifted and fell on my shoulders. “I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.”
“You were invited to go to the meeting?”
“Jennifer said she wanted me there as support. I asked Bryan if it was okay with him, and he said Jennifer needed someone in her corner other than him.”
Rob leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the lips mid-chew.
“What did I do to deserve that?” I asked.
“You’re just so good. Always giving of yourself without wanting anything in return.”
“I thought it was to show your appreciation for dinner.”
“I plan on showing you after dinner.” Both dimples appeared on his face. My cheeks were warm.
“Why, you look simply flushed, my dear,” Rob said in a terrible southern accent, turning his attention toward me.
“Well, it is hot in here.” I used an open hand to fan my face.
“Then I guess we’d better remove that heavy, warm robe.” He came at me with focused intention.
It was eleven o’clock when he walked me to my front door. “Will you call me when you come home tomorrow? I want to find out if I have to visit anyone in the hospital once the Suttons finish talking to the Stewarts.”
I laughed, but I don’t think he was joking. “I promise to call just as soon as I know something.”
We spent the next twenty-five minutes saying good-bye with just our lips.
Chapter Five
“Hurry up, Bryan,” Mom yelled up the stairs. “I don’t want to be late. We shouldn’t make a bad impression.”
Dad was in the car, no doubt thinking of a million excuses just in case the extra-marital activities of him and Mrs. Sutton became an added topic during the day’s meeting. From the living room window, I could see him sitting in the car, his fingers tapping the steering wheel with desperation. Good, he deserves to be uncomfortable. I hope Mr. Sutton wipes the floor with him.
Bryan came down the stairs wearing a light blue button-down shirt, a striped tie, and navy Dockers. Shoes replaced his usual sneakers. Even his hair was combed neatly back on his head. Oh my God, what’s happening to my brother?
“You look very nice,” I said trying to boost his confidence. He responded with a nervous smile.
Dillon brought a few of his metal airplanes to keep him occupied while the adults talked.
Although I had seen Jennifer’s house a hundred times before, it always gave me a feeling of awe when I approached the façade of the mini-mansion. The huge cypress trees stood like sentries along the frontcourt. Tall windows on the main level sparkled in the sun.
Grace, the housekeeper, opened the oversized wooden door and allowed us entry. We were shown into the elaborately decorated living room. Expensive pieces of artwork were scattered throughout the room, some on shelves by themselves, some resting on pedestals on the floor. There was a piece on the glass and chrome coffee table, and even a crystal orb on the edge of the grand piano in the corner.
The female Suttons – Jennifer, her sister Michelle, and their mother, Arlene – were already seated on the long, white couch. Mr. Sutton was standing near the tall windows that looked out to the front of the house. I flashed a glance at my mother, who was eyeing the glass of alcohol in his hand.
“Dina, Mark... please come in,” Mrs. Sutton said, getting up from the couch.
I looked at her, then at my father, whose face seemed to get brighter and more worried the moment he saw her. Disgusted by this, I shifted my glance to Jennifer. Her eyes were puffy, and her nose was red. Bryan raced to be by her side. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big kiss. It improved her sad appearance, but only a little.
“Won’t you sit down?” Mrs. Sutton offered.
Mom sat on the chair across from the couch. Dad stood behind her. I whispered to Dillon to sit on the floor and play. He crossed his legs and sat Indian-style right where he stood. A handful of planes emerged from his pocket. Silently, he “flew” them in the airspace around him. I didn’t know where I should be, so I stood where I was.
Mr. Sutton began. “Can I get either of you a drink?” Bryan, Dad and I looked at Mom.
“No. Thank you,” she said gracefully. I was very proud of her at that moment. With all that was going on, I was sure she’d fold. I’m glad she proved me wrong.
“Okay, on to business,” Mr. Sutton continued. “I’m not going to sugarcoat this, Mark. Jennifer is pregnant, and despite listening to reason, she has decided she wants to keep the child.”
“We decided,” Jennifer corrected squeezing Bryan’s hand. He kissed the top of her head. It was nice to see my brother so sweet.
“What do you mean, ‘despite listening to reason’?” my mother asked.
Mr. Sutton’s dark brown eyes focused on my mother. “Jennifer was supposed to start Harvard in the fall. Arlene and I suggested for her not to have this baby so she can follow through with her plan.”
Mom’s mouth fell open when she realized what Mr. Sutton’s solution would have meant in order for Jennifer to keep her arrangements for going to Harvard.
He continued, “Ultimately, it’s Jennifer’s choice – one I hope she never regrets.” Mr. Sutton flashed Jennifer a disappointed look and then turned his attention back to my parents. “Your son has done the honorable thing and proposed marriage to Jenny.” Mr. Sutton’s shoes clomped against the bamboo floors as he paced up and back between all of us. “Arlene and I would rather Jennifer not go through with the pregnancy, but she’s committed to her decision. That being said, I’m prepared to accept your son’s proposal to my daughter, provided a few things get set straight from this point forward.”
I looked at my parents. They were stiff with fear.
“Bryan will interview with a friend of mine who works in commodities, and he will consider hiring him based upon my recommendation. Arlene and I will fix up our guest house for them to live in once they’re married.” Mr. Sutton hesitated. The air was thick with anticipation. Several breathless moments passed. Then Dad’s chest heaved under his dress shirt.
Mr. Sutton stopped pacing and looked at Bryan. “And, no one is to know of this pregnancy before the vows are exchanged.” He stared long and hard at Bryan, who said nothing. Wise choice.
The room was quiet for what seemed like an eternity. Then my father spoke. “What about college?”
Mr. Sutton looked up at him. “What about it?”
“Bryan has been offered a football scholarship to go to Notre Dame. He can’t just give that up.” Dad was adamant.
“Well, he should have thought about that before he knocked up my daughter.” Mr. Sutton was one decibel lower than yelling. His face was pink. My father moved one-step forward. His blond eyebrows plunged on his head. The alpha dogs had their haunches up, and their teeth seethed with drool.
Bryan stood up, but never let go of Jennifer’s hand. “I want to do this, Dad.” He looked at Jennifer. She smiled at him. “I love her. Jennifer and I discussed this. We want to get married and have this baby. I’m prepared to do what I have to for them.”
Dad ran his hand through the mess of strawberry curls. Despite using a scrub brush on his hands, he couldn’t eliminate all of the grease from under his nails. “Bryan, think of what you’ll be giving up.” He tried to reason with his son.
“Dad, college can wait. If I’m meant to go, then I’ll go after the baby is born.”
“Bryan, this is a football scholarship… to Notre Dame. Do you know how many people would give their right arm for this opportunity?”
“Dad, this is what I want. I love her.” Bryan’s brown eyes were soft, and I could tell he meant every word he was saying. I had a new respect for my brother.
Mom jumped up out of her seat. Mrs. Sutton flinched backward. Mom moved quickly, pulled Jennifer up out of her seat, and hugged her tightly. “I’m so looking forward to you being my daughter-in-law, although being a grandma might take some getting used to.” Jennifer’s face changed from worried to happy.
Mom held one arm out to incorporate Bryan in the hug.
Mrs. Sutton stood up and joined them. Then she grabbed Mom and Jennifer by the hands and pulled them toward the kitchen. “Come, we have so much to plan. We only have a short time and there’s so much to do.” Michelle, Jennifer’s older sister, followed them.
Dad fell into the chair that Mom had occupied only minutes before, devastated. Mr. Sutton shuffled over to the bar and refilled his glass with scotch. He poured one for my father, too. Dad took it and gulped it down without question.
“I just hope you’re man enough for this challenge, Bryan,” Mr. Sutton said.
Bryan was speechless.
During the car ride home, Mom talked about all of the plans the ladies discussed for the wedding - everything from appetizers, to flowers, to color schemes. Dad was quiet as he stared out the front windshield and drove as if on automatic pilot back to our house.
I looked at Bryan in the back seat next to me. “You okay?” I whispered.
“Yeah,” he said, but I wasn’t convinced.
“You can talk to me, you know.”
“I know.” But he was quiet the rest of the way home.
I closed the door to my room and called Rob to fill him in on everything that happened. “Hospital visitations aren’t necessary.”
“How’s Bryan?” he asked.
“Quiet. He’s got a lot going on in his head right now.”
“And your mom?”
“She’s great. She’s excited about the wedding and the baby. I thought she’d want to climb into a bottle, but she’s been handling this really well.”
“And… your dad?”
“I think he might need therapy.”
Rob laughed. I did too, but I was serious about the therapy.
Chapter Six
Over the next couple weeks, we tried to act as if everything was normal, but nothing was normal. Mom became just as obsessed as Mrs. Sutton about the wedding. In a way, it was a good thing; it kept Mom’s thoughts on something positive instead of drinking. I thought it was nice that Mrs. Sutton included Mom in every decision made. Of course, Jennifer had the final say; it was her wedding. And it was weird to see Mom so chummy with the woman who was sleeping with her husband, but then again, she didn’t know about that; only I did.
Jennifer called.
“Bryan’s working, Jen,” I said.
“I know. Will you come with me to the mall, Mandy? I have to have some alone time. My mother is driving me crazy with choosing napkins and tablecloths.”
“Sure, Jennifer.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up in twenty.”
***
“Let’s go in here,” I said, aiming Jennifer for the lingerie store.
“That’s how I got into this situation,” she said.
“Yeah, but this time we have to pick out something for your honeymoon.” I smiled, hoping she would too, and she did.
Renewed (The Fractured Series Book 3) Page 2
