“So you just hang out with Rachel and Brad all the time? Not making any new friends?”
Pressing my lips together I looked up at the blue sky with faint white clouds drifting past. “Not really, I guess. I mean, I have friends in class, but I’m just so slammed. Whenever I do go out, it’s usually with those guys.”
“It’s about the same at SCAD, although a group of art students usually goes out along The Strand every weekend. Sometimes I tag along.”
“What’s The Strand?”
“Bars, karaoke, standard college stuff.”
I stepped closer and hugged his waist. His hand went on my shoulder. “Sounds fun.”
“It’d be more fun if you were with me.”
Slowing down, I pulled him to sitting beside me. For a few moments, we only watched the waves rolling in. Seashells were everywhere, but most of them were broken. Still, Julian found a white one that was intact and even had a little hole at the base.
“I can make a necklace with this.” He held it out to me, and I took it. “Just need some dental floss.”
Wrinkling my nose, I laughed. “Waxed or unwaxed?”
“Waxed of course.”
He took it back, then glanced up at me once more. “You never see anybody else you know on campus?”
I knew who he was talking about, but I decided to play dumb for a little bit. I scooted around so I was facing him with my legs crossed. “Summer’s supposed to be at Tulane, but thankfully I didn’t see her any this entire fall. It’s weird—as close as the two colleges are, it’s really easy to avoid people.”
“Well, now you’ve jinxed it. You’re going to see her everywhere come spring.”
“Noo!” I cried, putting my hands over my face. “What have I done?!”
“So that’s it?” His arm was still propped on his knee, and I reached forward to lace our fingers.
“I did run into Jack one night at Fat Harry’s.” I took a deep breath, remembering how strange that night had been. “Rachel and I were having so much fun, and some drunk guy kept hitting on her, grabbing her waist and stuff. I thought Jack was going to get in a fight with him, but Brad showed up and the guy took off.”
“Smart asshole.” Julian’s jaw tightened, and he dropped his knee. “I don’t really like hearing that, you know.”
“But nothing happened! I mean, we talked a little, but as soon as the drunk guy left, Jack did too.”
“That’s not what I meant. Sounds like you and Rachel were in a dangerous situation. I’m glad Jack was there.”
My head ducked. “Oh—oh my god. I thought you meant… no, I mean, you don’t have to worry about that either. Fat Harry’s is usually fine, and it’s not far from where we live. It was really a random thing.”
Julian reached for my hand and pulled it into his. “I trust you.”
I lifted our laced fingers and kissed the back of his hand. “Good. Now, I bet we’d better catch up with those guys!”
Pulling him up, we took off jogging toward the grownups.
* * *
Later that night, after everyone had gone to sleep and Julian was snug in my bed, I felt safe enough to bring up our dinner plans for the next day. We were lying on our sides facing each other, our “proper hello” said, he was tracing a curl down my cheek with his finger.
“So it’s just going to be us and your dad?” I asked. “Will your mom be there?”
“Don’t know.” His long finger traveled across my cheek to my bottom lip. “Dad just asked if I’d please save Friday dinner to have at the house.”
“Wait, are you sure it’s okay if I’m there? He wasn’t planning some father-son bonding time or something was he?”
“I asked before I invited you.” His finger slid down my cupid’s bow, and I caught it between my teeth. “Ow! Didn’t you get enough Thanksgiving dinner?”
“You’re much better than turkey.” I laughed, and he leaned in to kiss me. His lips parted mine and our tongues curled together. Heat flared low in my stomach, but before we traveled too far down that path again, I pulled back. “Hang on.”
“Anna,” he groaned. “I’ve been hanging on all day. Talk after.”
He reached for me again, covering my mouth, but I pulled back. “I’m just really worried about your mom. I mean, it’s a holiday. This separation must be breaking her heart.”
With a heavy exhale he dropped his forehead on my shoulder then rolled onto his back. “I don’t know. I send her an email every now and then.”
I moved closer and rested my cheek on his chest, reaching out to thread our fingers again. “I have a feeling you email your dad more.”
“He tells her everything I say. It’s not like she doesn’t know what I’m doing.”
Lifting my head, I propped it on my hand. “Would you do something for me?” His lips pressed together, and I knew he knew what I was about to say. “If she’s not at dinner tomorrow, please go see her while you’re in town.”
For a few moments he didn’t answer me, and it was my turn to trace my finger down the center of his lips.
His blue eyes cut to mine, and I saw that spark, and I knew what it meant. “Will you let me in your pants again if I say yes?”
My hand covered his mouth. “You’re impossible.”
He took that as the open invitation it was. Flipping me on my back, he caught my wrist and held it above my head before covering my mouth with his. I didn’t care so much about his answer anymore. Still, I felt pretty confident he’d do what I’d asked.
* * *
Since Julian lived with his dad now, I drove myself out to the enormous mansion on Hammond Island for dinner. He’d offered to pick me up, but four trips back and forth seemed crazy-ridiculous. Not to mention Nana and her environmentalists would not approve of all that wasted fuel and pollution.
The only thing I couldn’t figure out was how Mr. Kyser was managing Julian’s presence with his other children. During school, at least, Jack and Will were in New Orleans, but as far as I knew, Lucy still kept her room at the mansion.
When I turned Mom’s old Civic, which was pretty much my old Civic now, into the drive, I saw Mr. Kyser’s silver Audi and Julian’s Beemer, but no other cars. I stepped out into the warm night and took a second to admire the gorgeous neon pink, orange, and yellow glow of the sunset over the Gulf.
Hammond Island was perfectly situated less than a mile from the waterfront, but secured by a break of land and several lakes and inlets.
Julian was waiting, and before I’d even touched the bell, he pulled the door open and swept me into his arms. “You’re beautiful.”
My insides lit at his words, but I’d only worn a plain yellow sundress and tan ballet flats. A leopard-print cardigan was tossed over my arm because I wasn’t sure how cool it might get, and my hair was in a loose braid over my shoulder.
“I’m not sure beautiful is accurate, but thanks. You look great!”
Julian was in his usual black jeans, but tonight he’d put on a chambray oxford. It made him look slightly more formal. He kissed my nose and my lips quickly before continuing.
“You’ll be happy to know I’ve already fulfilled my promise from last night.”
My brow lined in confusion. “What promise?”
“I talked to my mom. She’s here.” He kissed me again and then leaned into my ear. His warm breath was a delicious whisper against my neck. “Does this mean I can get in your pants again?”
“Julian!” I laughed, pinching his arm. Truth was, he could have whatever he wanted, and he knew it. “Be serious. It seems like your dad’s trying to do something special here.”
“I want to do something special here.”
His friskiness was working. My whole body was buzzing from his touches and kisses, but I really wanted to see what was going to happen. “Come on.”
We clasped hands and walked through the familiar hallway that opened up to the large kitchen. I remembered the very first night I’d come here on a study date with Lucy. It
was the first time I’d had a real conversation with Jack.
Lucy had gone out to the store, and he and I were the only ones in the house. We’d talked about our English lit assignment. It was Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison…
“You ready to face these guys?” Julian’s voice blinked me out of the past.
“We’re not facing them. We know them. It’s your parents.”
He took my hand and pulled it into the crook of his arm. “I wish it was your parents.”
“It’s true. My parents are a lot less intimidating.” I whispered, not sure why.
“It’s no wonder you’re so sure of yourself. You never had this shit to deal with.”
“I wouldn’t hold myself up as a role model.”
We passed through the big, open living room past natural-wood doors that opened onto a formal dining room I’d never seen. That wasn’t saying anything. I’d only been in four rooms total in this house.
Ms. LaSalle stood at the far end, holding a glass of white wine. Her long, dark hair hung straight down her back, and she was dressed in a sleeveless, navy shift dress. Mr. Kyser stepped away from her when we entered and strode toward us.
“Welcome,” he said with a tiny bit too much enthusiasm. I wasn’t sure, but it seemed like Julian’s dad might actually be nervous. I almost couldn’t believe it.
Julian met him. “Anna’s been here before, Dad.”
“Of course. When was that?” His father took a sip of his beverage, and I wasn’t sure why he was acting this way. He knew the last time I’d been here.
“At the birthday party.” Julian didn’t seem interested in pursuing it. “And once before… and after.”
His mother’s smooth voice cut through the confusion. “You look very well.”
It wasn’t clear who should answer, so I did. “So do you.”
She did. She was beautiful as always.
Mr. Kyser spoke again in his weird, almost jovial-host mood. “Well, we can’t get started just yet. We’re waiting on a few more guests.”
“Oh, yeah? Who?” Julian took the scotch his father held out. I wanted to protest, but I didn’t. We were at their house, and I was pretty certain nobody would be driving tonight. Julian and I would work out our sleeping arrangements later—in private.
“Your siblings are joining us tonight.” Now I understood why he was acting so strangely, and I decided it was nerves. “I wanted you to come a little early so you wouldn’t feel ambushed. Your mother and I have decided to clear the air.”
The soft sound of a throat clearing in the background led me to believe it might not have gone exactly that way. Mr. Kyser had wanted his family “reunited” for years, but Ms. LaSalle had always fought him on it. I wasn’t sure whose side I was on in whether the truth was the best approach now. I’d only ever wanted Julian to know his dad and how much Mr. Kyser loved him.
“Wait.” Julian’s voice sounded like he might agree with his mom for once. “What exactly is happening tonight?”
Mr. Kyser walked over to him and slapped his shoulder. “Your brothers and sister…and her fiancé, I suppose… are coming for diner, and tonight I want to get it all out. Lay our cards on the table, so to speak.”
“Hang on.” Julian stepped away, toward me but not really in a way that implied he needed my support. “I’m the one who knows these guys. Maybe this is something we should ease into—”
“Ease, my ass. We’re going to pull this Band-Aid off in one fast swipe and be done with it.”
Julian was about to argue when the door opened, and a high, musical voice filled the space. It was Lucy, beautiful as always in a bouncy, tiered pink dress. B.J. was right behind her.
“Hello, Dad!” She paused and kissed him on the cheek. “Lexy!” I watched as she went to Julian’s mother and gave her a warm hug. “If Will’s a jerk, which I’m sure he’ll be, just know I’m on your side. I think it’s wonderful that we’re telling everyone you’re dating Dad.”
I almost couldn’t breathe for Lucy’s misinterpretation of events. She clearly thought this was about introducing her dad’s new girlfriend to the family. B.J. only smiled and held Lucy’s waist, supportive as always.
Ms. LaSalle glanced at Mr. Kyser, and he did something I couldn’t remember ever seeing him do as long as I’d known his family—he stepped forward and hugged his daughter.
“Thank you, Lucy.” His voice was low and close to her ear, but audible.
When he released her and stepped back, her eyes glistened in her surprised face. She cleared her voice and smiled, and I decided no matter what happened tonight, it was worth it to see that moment pass between them.
“B.J.” Mr. Kyser reached for her fiancé’s hand. “Lucy said you got into med school in Birmingham. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Oh, Dad?” Lucy took her escort’s arm. “B.J. wants to go by Robert now.”
Her father’s eyebrows rose. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” she continued. “No more ‘Bobby Junior.’”
B.J.—or Robert only laughed. “If I’m going to be a doctor, I should probably lose the redneck nicknames.”
We all laughed, and I figured that was probably a hard nickname to grow up with in either of its forms. Lucy stepped over and gave me a huge hug followed by Julian.
“It’s so good to see you guys! I want to hear all about college, art school, New Orleans… Anna, you are going to flip when you see the bridesmaid’s dresses I’ve picked out. Spring break can’t get here soon enough!”
“I love the name Robert,” I said, squeezing her back. “It’s very professional.”
She shook her light blonde head. “I confess. It’s taking a little getting used to, but I’m glad he made the decision before all the invitations were printed.”
We didn’t have time for any more words because the door opened again, and Will marched in followed by Jack. My chest squeezed at the sight of them. They were both dressed in khaki pants, but Will had on a thin, black V-neck sweater, whereas Jack was wearing a green polo. As usual, his older brother’s expression was impatient and irritated.
He went straight to his father and shook hands. “Hello, Dad. I suppose we’ll find out soon enough what this is about.”
“Will.” Mr. Kyser shook his eldest son’s hand. “Thanks for driving over.”
“I don’t get all the cloak and dagger, but I’m here. And I managed to find him.”
Jack had walked to the other end of the room, where he was filling one of his father’s crystal tumblers with two fingers of scotch. Lucy gave me a worried look before walking over to her twin’s side. I watched her say something to him quietly, and he gave her a bored smile and a brief hug.
“I noticed my old car out front.” Will stood waiting, his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Ms. LaSalle. They’d just grazed Julian before he saw me. I got the usual sneer. “What’s this about?”
“Let’s have dinner,” Mr. Kyser said. “I hired a caterer. They’ll begin service once we’ve taken our seats.”
Lucy was still smiling as she gave her father a little wink, thinking she knew what was coming. I was sure I’d never be able to eat a thing my stomach was so tight. Even Julian seemed apprehensive as I held his hand.
Will had already taken his seat, and he stared the three of us visitors down from where he waited to his father’s right. Finally, Jack wandered over and sat, but he still either hadn’t seen me or had decided to pretend I wasn’t in the room.
Once we were all sitting, a male and a female dressed in black slacks and white shirts entered carrying platters of salads and ice water for everyone. I sat back and waited as they placed a portion on everyone’s plates and then exited the room again.
I stared at the dark greens in front of me wondering how much longer this agony would last. Lucy had taken the spot beside Ms. LaSalle, who sat at her father’s left. Robert was on her other side, and Julian was beside him, leaving me at the very end of the line. I was practically across f
rom Jack.
Mr. Kyser spoke first as he stabbed a bite of salad. “I trust you boys had an easy drive up from New Orleans?”
Will didn’t touch a thing. “It was fine.”
Jack didn't even answer.
Everyone was on edge. Lucy was the only one who seemed giddy with excitement as she happily stabbed a bite of salad and ate it. “Will, I’m not sure if you know Ms. LaSalle, but she was a very important artist in this area back in the day. Her son Julian’s following in her footsteps it seems.”
Will’s eyes flicked from Ms. LaSalle to Julian as he picked up his fork. “To what do we owe the pleasure of such esteemed dinner guests?”
The way he said pleasure indicated he meant the exact opposite, and I remembered that night last fall when he’d subjected me to his overt disgust with my presence at the mansion. I’d driven over to check on Jack after an ill-fated visit to New Orleans. It had been the beginning of the end for me.
The black and white-clad male and female re-entered the room and served us all plates of crispy-golden fried chicken, buttery red-skinned new potatoes, and steamed asparagus. It smelled delicious, but I still hadn’t been able to start my salad.
Jack finally glanced up, and mine was the first face he saw. His brow creased, and his normally bright blue eyes were stunned and bleary. I knew then he’d only just realized we were in the room. He was drunk. My heart hurt a little, but his gaze moved from me to Julian then back to me again. After that, he picked up the crystal tumbler and drained it.
“I’d hoped we could enjoy our dinner before we got to the heart of the matter.” Mr. Kyser placed his fork beside his plate. He reached to his left and covered Ms. LaSalle’s hand with his. She focused her attention on the physical connection between the two of them. “Alexandra, or Lexy, is an old friend of mine from before you were born.”
Will only stared her, expressionless while Lucy almost started clapping.
“I met her a few months ago,” she said, reaching out to squeeze Julian’s mother’s forearm. “Jack and I were in school with Julian last year, so we have a little connection.”
Mosaic (Dragonfly #4) Page 9
