I could swear Jake has developed the ability to read my mind, because he leaned over and said, “It’ll be okay.” My startled look amused him. “You have a transparent face,” he said, while Connor nodded emphatically behind him. I narrowed my eyes and flipped Connor the bird before turning back to Jake.
He was attempting to hold back a laugh, as Connor said, “That’s not cool. I thought we were friends?” He spread his arms wide, while slowly shaking his head and giving me the biggest puppy eyes. I shook my head at him and faced the door. I had bigger concerns. I thought a dirty cop hunting us was scary, but meeting Jake’s mom trumped that.
The warm scent of bread baking wrapped around us as we walked in the door. I inhaled deeply, instantly relaxed by the scent. No matter what was going on in life, the smell of baking bread made everything okay.
“Aw, man. Fresh bread! Your mom is pulling out all the stops today!” Connor groaned in ecstasy before moving past us to the kitchen. Jake gave me a half smile as he brushed my arm. I ignored the tingle that ran through me at his touch, but returned his smile.
“Connor! You sweet thing. I’m glad you could come. Where’s your friend?” I heard a woman’s voice coming from the kitchen, so I lifted my eyebrow and mouthed, “Showtime.”
I walked into the kitchen with Jake trailing behind me. I was engulfed in a warm hug the instant I stepped through the door.
“Oh, dear. I’m so glad you could come. I’m Annie.” I heard the words against my ear, but I was so startled by her hug that I didn’t process it immediately. I was awkward as I returned her hug, but she didn’t seem to notice.
“Alright, Mom. Don’t I get a hug?” Jake said, his hand warm against my back as he shifted me away from his mom. I moved back and watched as she tapped him on the arm before giving him a huge hug.
“Of course. Don’t be foolish,” she said, squeezing extra tight judging from the groan Jake gave. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” She arched her eyebrow at them both, and they stumbled over each other to answer her.
“This is Addie,” Connor replied, as Jake said, “Mom, meet Addie.” They elbowed each other as Annie told me, “It’s lovely to meet you, Addie.”
Her openness made me feel welcome, almost as if I belonged here. I caught Jake’s eye as he watched us, and from his expression he was glad his mom liked me.
“Can I help you with anything?” I asked politely, manners drilled into me from a young age by my mom.
“Oh no, Addie! You’re a guest!” Annie protested, her arm waving away the thought. I smiled and moved toward the stove. My question had given me a glimpse of something needing to be stirred. I grabbed the spoon she’d left sitting in gravy when we interrupted her. “Let me stir this for you.”
We chatted as I stirred and she finished preparing dinner. Jake and Con had snuck off the second Annie turned her back, but I enjoyed my time with her. In my quest to convince Jake of my ability, I’d learned a great deal about his life and family. He had an older brother and sister that I hoped would be joining us. I wanted to use this opportunity to satisfy my curiosity about Jake. I asked Annie questions, trying not to be obvious as I fished for information. She gladly answered me, revealing quite a bit of extra information to me. It seemed like the entire family would be here today. Normally a crowd of people I didn’t know would bother me, but I had seen so many glimpses of them through answering Jake’s questions that it felt more like meeting up with old friends. My only worry was meeting Jake’s girlfriend.
“Have you met Sarah?” Annie asked me abruptly. I shook my head pulling the gravy off the heat to pour into a gravy boat. I knew from her question that Annie was worried Jake was cheating on Sarah. We hadn’t fooled her one bit by saying I knew Connor. Not surprising, since it was Jake who would wander by the door checking on me every few minutes.
I almost told her there was nothing between me and Jake, but I couldn’t lie to her. I wanted there to be something, and I wanted a future where Sunday dinners with his family were the norm. I blinked back the sudden swell of tears my thoughts triggered. Annie had a knowing look on her face, but before she could say a word, Jake was there, tucking me under his arm.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he crooned, rocking me gently. I shook my head against his shoulder as my tears soaked his shirt. His question triggered a dozen images in my mind. He had thought of several things that could be wrong and had a response for all of them. His desire to protect me caused the tears to flow harder. I used to be the girl who never cried, but now it seemed any time I was in Jake’s presence my tears poured like a waterfall.
He pulled me outside and into a chair. After a few minutes, I had my tears under control. His expression was expectant as he brushed the last tears from my cheeks.
“It’s stupid,” I warned him, knowing he wouldn’t let me up until I told him. I looked around and saw we were sitting on a loveseat in an enclosed porch. The floral patterns surrounding us made me smile. His hands were warm on my face as he turned me back to face him.
“I’m waiting,” he said softly, concern etched on his face.
“I didn’t want to lie to your mom,” I said, his eyes holding mine. “She asked about your girlfriend and I was going to tell her there was nothing between us, but I couldn’t lie.” I saw understanding dawn on him. “I want there to be something,” I whispered so quietly, my words were almost nonexistent.
He rested his head against mine, his hands continuing to cradle my face. His words were so low, I wasn’t sure I heard them correctly, “Me too.”
The screen door flew open as Connor burst out. “About to get real in here, guys.” His eyes were intentionally wide as he gestured exaggeratedly at the door. Jake sighed, as I wiped my face. “Sarah showed up with Malcom,” Connor continued. “Oh, and dinner is ready.”
“Laissez les bons temps rouler,” I muttered, standing up. Jake grabbed my hand, pulling me back. “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes searching mine. I knew his reason behind the question. He needed me to be okay, to be patient. I nodded, already knowing it was too late for me. Whatever the future held, my life would forever be bound to his.
We went inside to meet the newcomers. Connor introduced me to Jake’s sister and brother while Jake greeted his girlfriend. Jake’s brother, John, greeted me warmly, holding his two-year-old son. I smiled at the adorable little boy, as he told me his name was Tyler. His wife, Natalie, was equally as charming and welcoming. As they turned and walked away, I was faced with Jake’s sister, Juliet, who didn’t seem nearly as pleased to meet me.
I plastered on a smile, striving to ignore her narrowed eyes and angry expression. Connor had his arm slung around my shoulders, as he introduced us.
“Juliet, this is Addie. Addie, Juliet. Or Jules as I like to call her.” His mouth had a sexy, half-smirk as he looked at her, and I got the feeling they knew each other pretty well. From Juliet’s expression, I was pretty sure I’d never be allowed to call her Jules. She stretched out a hand to shake mine. She appeared reluctant to do so, but I shook it anyway as I said, “Nice to meet you.” It was a limp handshake, and I quickly extracted my hand, disappointed. I had a desperate desire for her to like me, since she was only a year older than Jake, and I knew they were extremely close. I was puzzled by her instant dislike of me and eager to get to the reason why.
“So how do you know Connor?” Juliet asked politely. Understanding dawned on me immediately, as a cloying sense of jealousy overwhelmed me. Her dislike had nothing to do with Jake and everything to do with Connor’s arm around my shoulders. I shrugged his arm off me and stepped a good foot from him.
I smiled, telling her, “Jake, actually. I was friends with him, and he introduced me to Connor. In fact, I’m staying with Jake for spring break. Connor came for the food.” Juliet looked surprised and Connor’s eyes were narrowed on me. I had changed the lines to our play without warning, but I didn’t want Juliet to think I was with Connor. Her jealousy indicated to me that she had strong feelings for him.
/>
I ignored Connor’s slight head-jerk indicating I should join him in the kitchen and instead walked over to Jake. I was curious to see his girlfriend’s reaction to me after Juliet’s immediate jealousy over Connor.
“Addie!” Jake exclaimed a little more loudly than normal. “This is Sarah and a friend of ours, Malcolm.” I smiled at them, offering my hand.
Sarah asked, “How are you?”
“I’m great. Ready for some of Annie’s bread,” I told them with a relaxed laugh. There was zero curiosity from Sarah about me, no feelings at all. I was relieved by it. If she had feelings for Jake, she would have had some type of reaction to me. Instead, the only thing I’d felt was a slight nervousness and it was directed at Malcolm. I found myself curious about it and couldn’t help wondering if there’s something more going on between them.
“Dinner is ready!” Annie cried, clapping her hands. Her happiness was evident, as we collected around the table. She was a woman happiest surrounded by her loved ones.
Drew, Jake’s father, cleared his throat. “A small prayer before our meal.” We bowed our heads and I felt Jake take my hand. I glanced at him from my lowered eyes and saw him peeking at me as well. Our smiles matched, as we looked away from one another.
“Lord, thank you for your blessings. It’s a gift every time we’re gathered together under your name. Please keep the ones we love safe in their jobs and lives. May they know joy and happiness through the veils of sorrow and darkness. Guide their paths back to one another and always back to you. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.”
“Amen,” we repeated quickly. Jake’s fingers slipped from mine as we took our seats. I found myself sitting across from Jake and next to Connor. Luckily, Juliet was on Connor’s other side. Sarah was across from Connor, so he asked her how she had been. She smiled at him and replied, “Good. Everything is going good.”
“That’s great. What’d you wind up doing last night?” Connor asked her before mentioning to me and Juliet, “We had to cancel plans with Sarah to pick up Addie.” He gave me a quick nudge, and I laughed as I said, “You didn’t have to come.”
I already knew Sarah was studying with Malcolm the night before, so I was surprised when she said, “Oh some friends and I went to the mall and out to eat.”
Jake immediately caught the puzzled look on my face as I looked over at her. Somehow, I think he knew Sarah would lie. What I couldn’t figure out was why she would lie about that of all things. She wasn’t cheating with Malcolm, that I could tell, but she obviously didn’t want Jake to know she was studying with him. Dinner at Jake’s parents was quickly becoming Mystery Dinner Theater.
I heard Annie ask Natalie, “How’s life been for you?” My smile disappeared at the answer she didn’t say.
“It’s been good. Work is hectic as always. I’m looking forward to the summer with Ty.”
“That’s one of the perks of teaching,” Annie said, with a smile. “It’s a hard job, but at least you get the extra time with Tyler.” He started giggling as his grandmother said his name. Natalie never lost her smile, but I saw the sadness in her eyes now. She wanted to mention the miscarriage, but couldn’t bear to see the sorrow in Annie’s eyes if she did.
Jake was looking at me again, his eyes going soft with understanding. My transparent face was clearly showing him there was more going on than the surface conversation. I didn’t know if he knew about Natalie, or he just understood the burden of sorting through the double conversations swirling around me.
I wanted to know why Sarah lied about studying, so I asked her, “Sarah, are you still in school?”
She looked startled by my question before she replied, “No, I graduated in December.” This only increased my curiosity and I was frustrated by the lack of answers. My desire to know more had nothing to do with her rocky relationship with Jake, I assured myself. Or any desire to catch her in a lie that would end said relationship.
“Do you plan to go back to school?” I asked pointedly, seeking a reaction that might give me answers.
“No,” she said adamantly, shaking her head. “I just finished law school and that was enough.”
“Oh, have you taken the bar then?” I asked, thinking that’s why she was studying.
“I have. I’ve taken it for Louisiana,” she answered quietly, looking down at her plate and ending my line of questioning. I had a feeling what I was looking for was in there somewhere, if I knew enough to find it.
“Malcolm, how are you liking Dallas?” Connor said, redirecting the conversation.
“It’s fantastic,” he said, eagerly. “Better than this crappy state. In fact, we could always use another good lawyer.” His eyes cut toward Sarah at that last part, and everything got a little clearer for me.
“Hey! This crappy state is home, thank you very much,” Connor retorted. His words sounded like he was joking, but there was a definite edge to them.
“No offense, man, but there are better places,” Malcolm said, his eyes still focused on Sarah, who was intentionally not looking at anyone.
Jake seemed to recognize the awkwardness, so he turned the conversation back onto Connor. “I don’t think you’d survive outside the swamp, brother. Have you ever even left the state?” Jake teased him.
“Once, and I damn near died, so thank you, I’ll stay on this side of the state line,” Connor answered, pointing his fork at Jake.
“Surely, you’d leave for vacation or a honeymoon,” Juliet said, her words teasing, except I knew how serious her intent was.
Connor gave her a charming grin, “Well, Jules, it rightly depends on the woman doing the asking.” His wink caused her to flush, and Jake asked, “And what exactly are your feelings for my sister?” Everyone smiled at Jake’s protective tone, knowing he was teasing Connor.
“Purely platonic, my friend, purely platonic,” Connor swore, his fingers forming a Boy Scout salute. We all laughed and continued eating, but I was pondering everything I’d learned so far at dinner. I remembered then why I preferred to eat at home with just Mom and Paw Paw. There was a much lower likelihood of surprising revelations interrupting my dinner.
After we cleaned the table, the men gathered in the den to watch a Nascar race. It was clear that Drew and Tyler were fans. I was guessing that Tyler loved anything and everything his grandfather did though.
“Would you like to help me with dessert?” Annie asked me quietly. I enjoyed baking, so I readily agree. She pulled out the ingredients for a double chocolate pound cake, and we got started. After a few minutes, I glanced out the window and noticed Jake talking to Sarah in the yard.
Sarah looked resigned at whatever Jake was saying, and I wished I could hear them. I would love to know what was going on. Annie saw my gaze and told me, “Everything will work out exactly like it should.” I nodded and turned back to our baking.
Annie had a calm way about her, and an instinct for seeing the undercurrents flowing through a room. It made me believe that Jake had inherited more than just his hazel eyes from his mother.
After the cake was in the oven, I sat at the kitchen table with Annie, clipping coupons. It was a peaceful feeling, as Natalie and Juliet chatted at the other end of the table. Juliet seemed to be more relaxed toward me now.
I was grateful, because after what I had felt coming off of Connor, she had nothing to worry about. His feelings for Juliet were anything but platonic, and only his friendship with Jake was stopping him from pursuing her hard.
I would need to do something about that, I thought, when my hand knocked the newspaper to the ground. As I reached down to pick it up, I saw his face. I was frozen staring at the newspaper, stunned that the man we had been looking for was staring back up at me.
I was distracted from it when Sarah came into the kitchen with Jake. I grabbed the paper quickly, folding it so I couldn’t see his face and tucking it into my lap.
“Ms. Annie, we’re going to go. It was lovely seeing you,” Sarah said, stooping t
o give her a quick hug. Annie’s eyes were bright and knowing as she answered.
“It was good to see you too. I hope everything goes well for you, Sarah.” The phrasing seemed odd to me, but Sarah only smiled and gave us a quick wave before exiting the kitchen. Jake didn’t follow her, but instead dropped into the chair across from me.
“What’s for dessert?” he asked, the smoldering look in his eyes making me think he wasn’t talking about the cake in the oven.
“Chocolate pound cake,” Annie said briskly, gathering her coupons.
Jake’s sexy smile relaxed at this. “My favorite.”
I smiled, somehow unsurprised to hear this. There was a definite feeling that Annie doted on her youngest child.
“So, Sarah and Malcolm left?” I prodded, curious about their conversation. My eyes were focused on Jake, but I sensed my question had garnered everyone’s attention. Annie slowed her bustle around the kitchen, and there was a pause in Juliet and Natalie’s conversation.
“Yep,” Jake answered, nonchalantly. My eyebrow raised, and he smirked. “I think Malcolm’s complaining about our fair state is influencing her.”
“It could be the Napoleonic Code too,” Juliet snorted, familiar with Louisiana’s unique law based on civil code and not common law like the other forty-nine states.
“Didn’t realize you were part of this conversation, Jules,” Jake responded. Juliet didn’t even pretend embarrassment when she said, “So she’s going to Dallas with the dweeb?”
“I have a feeling,” Jake replied, distracted by my expression. I smiled and nodded. They were definitely going to Dallas.
“You think she cheated on you with him? Cause how embarrassing would that be? You look like a god, and he looks like he needs a pocket protector.” I couldn’t help but laugh at Jules’ assessment. She’d hit the nail on the head in her description. Jake was shaking his head, still staring at me, and I shook mine along with him. Sarah hadn’t cheated on him, but their relationship had been over for a long time now.
Hidden Truths (The Hidden Series Book 1) Page 11
