Smoke and Mirrors: (Fire and Fury Book Two)

by Avery Kingston

  “Speaking of that—you never told me you were Catholic.” He’d noticed that when they said the blessing at dinner. Add that to the long list of shit he didn’t know.

  “I don’t like labels—too restricting.” She flippantly waved her hand. “I have a freaking cross tattoo on my back. What did you think that was about?”

  “Pagan defiance.” He roared with laughter.

  “You dork.” Tori elbowed him in the side. “Mom and Jane called a priest in to read me my last rites when I was unconscious in the hospital and they thought I wouldn’t recover.” Tori made a sour face.

  Scott didn’t like the mental image of that, it churned his stomach.

  “You can’t blame her. It has to be hard as a parent to watch your child go through what you did.” Hell, it was hard on him.

  “Hey, I know we’re new to this whole relationship thing, but rule one of boyfriend etiquette is you’re supposed to be on my side here.” She scowled.

  “I’m always on your side.”

  She lowered her voice. “You were out here with Darren when she told me she is now working for an ophthalmologist who told her about stem cell research to help optic nerve regeneration.”

  “She wishes her daughter could see? Oh God, what an awful bitch.” Scott chuckled.

  “Scott…” Tori warned.

  “Well, they’re having some promising work done.” Scott had done his own research after her injury to see if there was something, anything, for her. He would’ve given his other leg to fix her sight.

  “Yeah, on lab rats.” Tori scowled. “I don’t need you to start as well.”

  “I’m just saying, I read they’ve done some human trials and some people have had improvement of vision.” Still, they were decades away from any type of cure. There was a tiny part of him that held onto a sliver of hope, then again decades may as well be forever.

  This is forever, man.

  “Oh, you mean the miracle cure they make you spend thousands of dollars for in Mexico or Thailand? Injecting them into your eye, and people are miraculously restored of vision but there’s zero scientific evidence to back it up? Thanks, but no thanks, I don’t want to grow a tumor or sprout a third eye, even if I could see out of it. Damn her trying to turn me into a mutant.” Tori stuck out her tongue. “I’ve accepted this is forever. Mom needs to as well—and so do you, from what it sounds like.” She nudged him with her leg.

  Scott laughed. Turn into a mutant. He loved Tori’s colorful rants. “Listen, I stay in the loop on medical advancements. You do remember I only have one leg, right?” Scott defended his position.

  Tori tilted her head to the side. “How did your parents react to your leg?”

  “Mom treated me like her baby boy, like she always does, loving and doted on me far too much. Got me a fucking housekeeper, pfft.”

  “If I recall correctly, you put her to use.” Tori’s brow wrinkled, hinting at how years ago she’d walked in on the housekeeper blowing him in the shower.

  He rolled his eyes. “Anyway,” he brushed that off, “Dad is a tough motherfucker. You’ll see. He was a soldier himself so he knew the risks.”

  “Well, the day they told me that I’d never see again, Mom came upstairs smelling of booze and was high on some sort of medication she’d gotten her hands on. Just like always, just like when my dad died.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “If it wasn’t for her...” Tori’s voice cracked. “Never mind, it’s not worth getting into.”

  He was insanely curious about all the things she kept locked away in her vault; her mother’s burn scars, how her father died. Presley quizzing him about it the other day had gotten him thinking about it all. But Tori was right. This wasn’t the time or place.

  Scott turned his head and gazed out at Hannah’s blond curls bouncing in the sunlight and he envisioned for a moment a mini Tori, and a pang went through his heart. Had the baby Tori lost been a boy or a girl?

  “Jane and Darren have a great family. The kids are adorable. Hannah reminds me of you.”

  His words were too transparent, apparently. “I may not be able to give you that. We’ve talked about this.” She nodded toward the laughter in the yard. No, they hadn’t talked about it. Not once since she broke the news to him. Again, not the time or place.

  “Who said I needed anything but you?” He squeezed her leg. “You’re about all the pain in the ass I can handle.”

  “Who, me?” Tori jabbed him in the side. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m a delight.” She chuckled.

  “You sure are.” He tugged at her chin and gave her a kiss. “I can’t wait for my family to meet you tomorrow. They’re gonna love you.”

  “Holy crap, it’s hot.” Tori fanned herself as they walked through the parking garage of the airport.

  “Welcome to Texas, sweetheart!” Scott exclaimed in his most authentic southern drawl as he slung his arm over her shoulder. Damn, it felt good to be home.

  Scott opened the door to the rental car and helped her into the tall, black SUV that his work had reserved for him.

  “How far of a drive do we have?” Tori buckled her seatbelt.

  “Forty-five minutes depending on traffic; this time of evening in Austin is heavy. They live south of the city, in Buda.” He pulled out of the parking garage and onto the street. “Austin has exploded since I lived here.”

  “So, you moved here when you were fourteen?” Tori positioned the air vents in her direction. Sweat was beading up on her forehead. Was it her nerves or was she really that hot?

  “Close; fifteen. I was born here. Moved to Germany for two years when I was three and then all over the place after that. We settled here middle of my freshman year.” He rolled down the window and handed his paperwork to the security guard, who nodded and waved him on. Scott edged out into the traffic and continued, “It was nice; my dad got a full-time job with the Navy Reserve and we got to put down roots. Mom was adamant she wanted me in one place through high school. I think she felt that moving around so much caused a lot of the issues we had with my siblings.”

  “Issues?”

  “Dawn and Chad gave my folks a run for their money. Dawn was always sneaking out and partying, sleeping with dudes, ended up dropping out of school and ran away from home. Shacked up with some asshole that sold weed. It about broke my mom’s heart. Dawn got knocked up in her early twenties by the dude and he took off, which was almost the best thing for her. It caused her to settle down. She moved home with Mom and Dad, got back on her feet, finished school, and got a job to support her daughter, Rebecca.”

  “How old is Rebecca?”

  “She’s fourteen now and a good kid as far as teenagers go. My sister Dawn is thirty-five. She met Robert a few years ago. He seems like a stand-up guy. Robert is a musician, a bit of an Austin weirdo, but then again so is Dawn. You'll fit right in here with all the hippies.” Scott chuckled.

  “She just had a baby, right?”

  Scott shifted in his seat. “Yeah. Yesterday.” In his excitement about bringing Tori to Austin he’d momentarily lapsed, forgetting how difficult seeing the baby could be for her. Idiot; ranting about his excitement over his new nephew.

  “And your brother? What’s he like?”

  “Chad, well, he’s still a goddamn mess.” Scott shook his head. “He’s thirty-seven and lucky he hasn’t landed himself in prison. Chad has a good heart; I wish he’d get his shit together.”

  “That’s too bad.” Tori frowned.

  “He opened a motorcycle shop about a year ago that Mom and Dad said is doing well, so there's hope.”

  “So,” she hesitated, “What did you tell them about me?”

  He looked over at Tori as she fiddled with the rings on her fingers. He placed his hand on her smooth bare leg and rubbed it. “I explained we’ve been friends since college, and casually dating for years, but things have turned more serious.”

  “And?”

  Scott chuckled. “And then I got an earful from my mom
about not mentioning you sooner.”

  “And?”

  “And what?” A smirk passed over his face, playing with her.

  “And about the glaring disability?”

  “They know I lost my leg years ago. They’re totally used to the nub now.” He chuckled as she slapped him in the shoulder. “Of course, I told her.” He let out a breath. “They have fair warning you may step on the cat’s tail, knock over a few drinks, and break a few knickknacks.”

  Tori snickered and shook her head. “How’d she react?”

  “Well, she said she’d throw a bell on the cat, put away all the antique vases…” his laugh bellowed through the car.

  Tori slapped him again. “Seriously, Scott!” she whined as she fiddled with her lip.

  Scott’s laughter died down. He reached over and pulled her hand down from her mouth. “You’ve never been one to give a damn in the past what people thought. I adore that about you.”

  “I guess I’m just nervous. You're quite a catch. I want them to know I’m worthy of their amazing son.”

  “You, babe, are the one who's amazing.” He stroked her cheek. “Mom said she was looking forward to meeting you. If I love you, they will too.” Scott stretched the truth a little, leaving out how shocked his mom was at first.

  During the rest of the drive, Scott told Tori about Austin and the scenery as they passed by, along with the uniqueness of the city and its culture with music.

  “You’re going to love it here. They have this amazing park full of hippies like you,” he teased. “Zilker Park. I saw my first set of tits there.”

  Tori coughed. “Excuse me?”

  “Yeah. My parents and I went for a kayaking day trip. When we were headed into the park, we walked by a topless woman. Just letting it all hang out.”

  Tori chuckled. “I bet you enjoyed that.”

  “Not really. Why is it that the ones that are nudists should never roam around naked?”

  Tori threw her head back and laughed. “How is that even possible? Wouldn’t she get arrested for indecent exposure?”

  “Texas has no public law prohibiting public nudity. We even have a park here called Hippie Hollow. It’s a government-maintained clothing optional park.”

  A wicked grin passed over her lips. “Good to know.”

  “I need to bring you back one year for South by Southwest.” SXSW was a huge music festival held every year full of indie bands that Tori would love. He told her all this the other day at lunch with Keith, but he’d sensed she’d tuned him out while she was stuck in her head panicking.

  Finally, they reached his parents’ house. Nostalgia washed over him as he pulled into the driveway and parked, killing the engine. He was home. Not a thing had changed. The ranch-style home was covered in brick and limestone with a small wrap-around porch sporting a swing. The green yard had fresh lawnmower tracks. God, he was thankful that was no longer his job.

  “We're here.” He glanced to Tori who was fidgeting with her clothing and sunglasses. Never had he seen her this nervous. His normal confident girl was a mess. “You look great. You'll be fine.” He pulled her sunglasses off, placing them on the dash. “Don’t hide behind these.” Scott leaned in and gave her a loving kiss. She was so pretty, and he wanted to show her off. “I want them to see your beautiful, blue eyes and how gorgeous you are.” He kissed her again, rubbing his thumb over her cheek.

  “But my black eyes…” She reached into her purse, pulling out her compact. Her hands trembled as she dabbed the puff into the powder.

  “You can barely see them.” Scott knew she was concerned about more than the bruises, but she hadn’t a damn thing to be ashamed of.

  “Here.” Scott took the compact from her hand and tilted her chin toward him. He helped her out, dabbing it on her skin. “There; you’re perfect.” He closed the compact and folded it up in her hand. “Are you ready?”

  Was she ready? Not in the slightest. Her and her damn drunken, filterless mouth. She could kick herself now for saying she wanted to meet his family.

  She’d spoken in front of hundreds of DC’s most elite people and was still more nervous to walk into a house in rural Texas.

  She nodded and threw the compact back into her purse.

  Tori opened the door, flicked open her cane, and waited for Scott’s arm. She inhaled, trying to calm her racing heart. Freshly cut grass and the faint scent of honeysuckle dripped through the thick Texas humidity.

  A few moments later, hinges squeaked on what sounded like a screen door and rapid footsteps charged in their direction.

  “There’s my handsome boy!” Scott’s mother exclaimed in the most adorable southern accent Tori had ever heard.

  “Hey, Mamma,” Scott replied as she listened to them embrace.

  Her heart melted hearing his sexy twang poking through his gravelly voice. She loved it when that would creep up. It reminded her of the night they met.

  “Oh, my sweet boy, how I’ve missed you!” His mom sounded like she was about to burst into happy tears.

  Tori had no clue what she looked like—it had been years since she’d seen Judith from a distance—but she imagined a small woman with a huge, beaming smile from that smooth, southern tone.

  “And look here at this sweet girl you brought home!”

  Suddenly, she was getting a bear hug from Scott’s mother. “Oh!” Tori flinched and chuckled in surprised amusement. Tori returned the warm embrace around Judith’s small, yet strong frame.

  “Well, my goodness.” Judith pulled back and held onto Tori’s shoulders. “Aren’t you a pretty, little thing?”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Harris.” Tori offered a genuine smile. Although the welcome was a bit much, it made her feel warm all over. She’d never been hugged that tightly before—not even by her own mother. How on earth could she have been afraid of this woman with the sweetest voice she’d ever heard?

  “Please call me Judith.” She grabbed Tori’s arm and placed it under hers, patting her hand—stealing her from Scott and heading straight toward the house. “We’re so glad that Scott has brought you to meet us. I wish that Wayne hadn’t run off to grab dinner. I told him not to go—that it was shameful of me not to cook for you.” Judith sounded disgusted at the prospect of take out. “Your dad didn’t want me spending all evening in the kitchen when we had company coming.” Judith stopped walking. “Step up, sweetie,” she advised Tori kindly, and rattled on with her story. “Wayne was insistent that he had to get y’all some good Texas barbecue.”

  Scott chuckled behind her. “Sounds like Dad. Trying to get you to rest for one minute.” From that, Tori got the impression that the woman never stopped moving. She could feel the energy radiating off her and hoped to have half her spunk when she turned sixty-two.

  The screen door creaked open. “Now, son, go carry in the bags and I’ll take care of Miss Victoria,” she ordered.

  “Yes, Mom,” Scott replied, sounding so much like a kid.

  Tori snickered. Scott getting bossed around for once by this small, fiery woman was fun.

  Judith led her into the house.

  “You can call me Tori. Most people do,” she offered.

  “Oh, must I?” Judith asked, disappointed, rubbing her hands over Tori’s arms. “Victoria is such a pretty name and it fits you so well. I adore how lovely it sounds.” She clapped her hands together. “Victoria, Victoria, it rolls off the tongue so beautifully.”

  Tori was amused so she nodded, throwing in a grin. “Whatever pleases you.” Hell, she could call me mud with that sweet accent and I wouldn’t give a shit.

  “Victoria it is.” Judith gave Tori another big hug, squeezing her so tight it sucked the breath out of her. Clearly, Judith was an affectionate person. Normally, Tori would find such attention off-putting from a stranger, but Tori drank up the warmth and nurturing manner that radiated out of Judith, even if the unexpected touches were throwing her off. “Sofa is to your left, sweetheart, and mind the coffee table right in front.”
>
  “Thank you, Judith.” Tori replied as she went for a seat. As she sat, her butt sunk down into the sofa, taking her by surprise at how deep and soft it was. “Woah!” Tori’s jaw dropped and eyes bulged.

  Judith cracked up. “This darn sofa will swallow you whole. Once you get settled in, it’s impossible to climb out.” Judith flopped next to Tori.

  “It’s very comfy,” Tori noted, running her hand across the soft fabric. The front door creaked as Scott wrestled with their bags.

  “It’s old and ugly. It’s that horrible emerald green color that was so popular years ago, but I’ll admit it absolutely is comfortable,” Judith said.

  “Are you still complaining about that couch?” Scott scoffed as his heavy footsteps crossed the room. “You know dad won’t part with it.”

  “I know all too well. Been begging him years now to get a new one!” she shouted at him as he went down the hall. “Wayne is a bear when it comes to change.” Judith lowered her voice to a whisper. “He’s very particular about the things he likes. When we first got married, he had the most horrendous orange, lounge chair that had holes all in the arms. It may have accidentally fallen off the moving truck.” Judith giggled devilishly.

  “Well, if you really hate the sofa that much I could accidentally spill milk on it this week and help you out. You'll never get that smell out. Blame it on the blind girl and he can’t get mad.” Tori shrugged.

  Judith laughed and buried her head onto Tori’s shoulder. “You're ornery. I like it.”

  “What are you two crazies laughing about?” Scott’s voice bellowed through the room. “Did I miss something?” Scott flopped down on the opposite side of Tori, slinging his arm around her.

  “Oh, just girl talk,” his mom said.

  “So, how’s Dawn and the baby?” Scott asked.

  Beads of sweat prickled Tori’s skin as the subject of the baby came up.