Folly and Forever (Omega Mu Alpha Brothers Book 3)

by Kimberly Loth

  Bunny took a sip of her wine and looked him straight in the eyes. “That’s because she hasn’t found someone who tastes good yet. Why do you think dogs lick everyone? They’re just tasting them to find out if they’re worth eating. Hexa hasn’t licked me yet, so maybe it will be me.”

  Jamie shook his head. “That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  Danny laughed. “Then you haven’t been around Bunny long enough. Trust me, she’s said far worse.” He kissed her on the cheek, and she pushed him away. “But that’s one of the things I love best about her. You never know what’s going to come out of her mouth.”

  Jamie figured Danny got a good laugh out of Bunny on a regular basis.

  After dinner they went down to the beach to let Hexa stretch her legs. Bunny stayed as far away from Hexa as she could. Jamie was about to throw the stick for her one last time when a woman in a big hat came traipsing down the beach.

  “Oh crap,” Bethany said and spun around.

  “You two go. Jamie and I will handle her.” Danny stood a little taller and straightened his slacks. Jamie didn’t know who she was, but everyone was acting like this woman was the devil herself. Maybe she was.

  Bethany grabbed Bunny’s hand and within seconds they were out of sight.

  The woman in the hat steadily made her way toward them. Her chunky heels sinking into the sand.

  “Who’s this?” Jamie’s curiosity was piqued.

  “Bethany’s next-door neighbor and nemesis. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of her. Her name’s Mrs. Calhoun. Smile and act pretty.”

  Jamie creased his eyebrows. “I’m not Bunny.”

  “I know. The advice is still the same.”

  This was unusual. Jamie figured he was about to be enlightened, and he couldn’t wait. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so intrigued.

  Mrs. Calhoun marched herself up to Danny and poked him in the chest. “Daniel Wynn, I’ve been looking for you.”

  He didn’t flinch or step back. Jamie was impressed. He was already a little afraid of this woman. She wore the same look his grandmother did, and he was terrified of his grandmother. Jamie was certain this woman got whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it.

  “I’m sure you have. To what do I owe this pleasure?” He gave her a smile, and she scowled.

  “HOA meeting tomorrow night. I have a complaint, and I want to make sure I get heard.”

  Danny nodded. “I’ll put you on the schedule, but you know the procedure is to send an email.”

  The woman waved her hand. “Oh, all that new-fangled technology. I’d rather talk to you.”

  “I’ll make sure you’re on there. Don’t worry about it.”

  Jamie wondered if he’d ask what the complaint was about, but based on the interaction so far, Jamie guessed Danny had no interest in what this woman was about to say. But Jamie definitely wanted to know.

  The woman narrowed her eyes at Jamie. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Jamie. I live with Bethany.”

  Danny flinched.

  Jamie held his hand out for her to shake, but she left him hanging.

  “So you’re the roommate?” She took a couple of steps closer to him and narrowed her beady eyes.

  “Yep. That’s me.” He rocked on his heels.

  “Not for long.”

  He stilled. This woman spoke with authority. What on earth was she talking about? The woman was a bit crazy.

  “And why’s that?” He smirked at her.

  “Because it’s not allowed. Roommates. Only family members are allowed to live in the house together.”

  A chill entered his body. He was two days away from his court hearing. He couldn’t find another place, but then he remembered the lease.

  “I signed a year lease, so I don’t see how it can’t be allowed.” He let out a breath of relief. She couldn’t kick him out. HOAs didn’t have that kind of power.

  “Apparently the person who gave you the lease didn’t read the HOA rules. We’ll sue, and you won’t be living there anymore.”

  “Now, Mrs. Calhoun, nothing has been decided. We haven’t had our meeting yet.” Danny gave her a tight smile.

  “Danny boy, you won’t be able to talk your way out of this one. The rules are cut and dry.”

  She spun in the sand and traipsed up to her house.

  Jamie looked down at Danny, glad Mrs. Calhoun was gone. “What was that all about?” It seemed strange that someone would be that upset about a roommate.

  “Well, now you’ve met Mrs. Calhoun. She has her eye on Bethany’s house. Has wanted it for a long time to expand her rose garden or something. Bethany won’t sell it to her. She scours the HOA rules for violations and gets Bethany on everything she can. Every single meeting this past year she’s brought up something.

  “I’m the president, and when I can, I disregard anything she says. Those things that I can’t, I pay Bethany’s fees for her. Like the time her tree grew too far into my yard. Obviously, I didn’t care, but it violated one of the stupid rules. I paid to have the tree trimmed and that was the end of it. This one might not be so easy.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because the rules on roommates are straightforward.”

  Jamie’s stomach knotted. This was bad. “I can’t move. I need this place. This address is already all over my court papers. Quite frankly, Bethany needs me too.”

  “I know.”

  There had to be a solution. “Could you come up with a fee that Bethany has to pay for violating the rule? I’ll gladly pay it. Then Bethany doesn’t even have to know, and I can still stay here.”

  “That’s a good idea. It might not work, but I can try. Thanks for taking care of her. She was my best friend when we were kids.”

  “Was?”

  “You know. We grew up, grew apart, and then I married Bunny, who claimed Bethany as her best friend, and I can’t compete.”

  Jamie grinned. “No one can.”

  Jamie found Bethany in the kitchen before she left for work.

  “How do I look?” He had his first court date today and was nervous. He wore a button down and a blazer but skipped the tie. Annabelle said that would be too formal.

  Bethany looked him up and down. It was slow and drawn out, like she enjoyed what she saw. He appreciated that far more than he should.

  “Is this a trick question?” she asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Jamie, you always look good.”

  His heart skipped a beat. Now that she was comfortable around him, she did things that made him want her as more than just a roommate.

  He gave her his most charming smile. “Miss Bethany thinks I’m hot. I need to remember that. But seriously, I have my first court appointment today, and I want to know if this is appropriate.” He tugged at the jacket and inspected his slacks.

  “I think you look completely appropriate for a court appearance. If you get a female judge, the case is as good as won.” She winked at him, and his stomach fluttered.

  He left before Bethany because he couldn’t sit around the house waiting even though his appointment wasn’t until nine so he went to Annabelle’s office.

  There was no one at the secretary’s desk, so he risked a peek in her office. Annabelle was at her desk, pen in hand, pouring over papers. He was pleased with her as his attorney. They’d known each other in college, and she was always hanging out with his frat brothers. She never dated any of them and looking at her now, he wondered why.

  “Annabelle?” he asked, not wanting to interrupt her.

  Her face lit up, and she set down her papers. “Hey, handsome, what are you doing here?”

  “Just nervous. Is there anything else I can do?” He took the chair across from her desk.

  “No, but we can have breakfast before we go if you want.”

  Jamie nodded. Anything to take his mind off the case.

  “I need to finish up a few things here, and then we’ll go. Can you give me f
ifteen minutes?”

  He nodded, but didn’t move.

  Annabelle gave him a small smile. “Jamie, I’ll get nothing done here with you sitting across from me. Could you wait in the lobby?”

  He shut her door on the way out. He took out his phone and scrolled through various pictures. He had to keep his mind off the case. Annabelle’s secretary showed up a few minutes later.

  “You’re Jamie Green, right?” She set her bag behind her desk and started up her computer.

  “Yeah.”

  “Love your photography. I can’t afford it, but it’s amazing.”

  “Thank you. Any particular shot you like?”

  “Your Rainy Day series is my favorite. I like the one with the bright red boots.”

  He made a mental note to print one for her and bring it next time. He wanted to keep Annabelle and her staff happy. She’d work harder for him that way.

  Annabelle came out. “I’m heading out. Be back around ten or eleven, depending on how long we have to wait on the judge.”

  “You have an appointment at noon.”

  “I’ll be back before that.”

  He and Annabelle had breakfast at a small restaurant downtown, eating outside and people watching.

  “Are you planning on staying in Charleston?” Annabelle asked.

  “That depends on how things go with Garrett. If I gain physical custody, I’ll go back to New York. If not, I want to stay as close as possible. If that’s the case, I’ll buy a house on the beach.”

  Annabelle winked at him. “That gives me no incentive to win the case for you. I’d like to keep you around. Do you have a girlfriend in New York?”

  He shook his head.

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  “Why the third degree?”

  “I’m an attorney.” She gave him one of her charming grins.

  “Touché.”

  “Maybe when the case is over, we can go out, celebrate. Reminisce about old times.”

  Or maybe not. He nodded absentmindedly.

  After they ate, they walked to the courthouse. Annabelle looped her arm through his. He appreciated the moral support.

  Zoe and Ray were already there. Ray had taken out his face piercings and wore a suit with a tie. He looked almost presentable. Jamie should’ve gone with the tie too. He buttoned his blazer and left Annabelle to chat with a colleague.

  Jamie approached Zoe. “Hey,” he said, hoping to get on her good side. He would have to deal with her for the next twelve years. They couldn’t be enemies.

  She glared at him. “Why couldn’t you leave us alone?”

  “What are you talking about? You had the court order when we met at the park.”

  “That was before I had an attorney. He told me that you’re trying to take away my son.”

  Jamie rolled his eyes.

  “He’s my son too. I can’t ignore that.”

  “You didn’t even know about him. What does it matter now?”

  Annabelle interrupted them. “I’m Jamie’s attorney. If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to wait over there.” She tugged on Jamie’s sleeve.

  Zoe looked Annabelle up and down. “You even found an attorney you could screw. Good for you.”

  Annabelle pulled him away. “As your attorney, I’m going to advise that you avoid conversations with her at all costs.”

  “She’s Garrett’s mother. I’m going to have to talk to her.”

  Annabelle fixed him with a stern look. “Wait until the case is over. Otherwise, anything you say could be construed the wrong way and be used as evidence against you. It wouldn’t surprise me if her attorney accuses you of sleeping with me. This judge is as traditional as they come. We don’t want her to think you are anything but squeaky clean. Stay away from Zoe.”

  “Okay.” He took a few deep breaths.

  “Today is a formality. The judge will order a paternity test. Not much else will happen.”

  They entered the courtroom a few minutes later, and Zoe wouldn’t even look at him. The courtroom was freezing, and he was glad he wore a blazer.

  The judge walked in, didn’t say a word to anyone, just looked over the paperwork. A woman. She was younger than Jamie expected, her hair cut short, and she wore glasses. The words Bethany spoke resonated in him, and he felt instantly more confident.

  “All looks in order. Before I can grant any visitation, we’ll need a paternity test, though from the pictures, he looks just like you, Mr. Green.”

  Zoe’s attorney spoke up. “My client objects to a paternity test. Mr. Green has never shown any interest in the boy before and intends to use him for publicity.”

  The judge looked over her glasses at him. “Publicity? Explain.”

  “Mr. Green is a famous photographer. He would use the boy to further his own ends. He has a pattern of using those he loves as his subjects. My client included.”

  “Is this true Mr. Green?”

  “No, Your Honor. I have no intention of using Garrett in any of my photographs. That would be irresponsible as a parent.”

  “Very well. Any other objections?”

  Annabelle stood up. “I would like to petition the court to rush the test because of the DFS concerns.”

  “DFS found no reason to remove the boy from the home. I will do no such thing.”

  Jamie felt like someone had punched him in the gut. After all that, they found nothing?

  Zoe’s lawyer stood again. “My client’s husband has raised him as his own. Disrupting his family isn’t in Garrett’s best interest.”

  Husband? When had that happened?

  “With all due respect, counselor, I will decide what is in Garrett’s best interest. If Mr. Green is in fact Garrett’s father, then he has a right to see him. But I will take the family into consideration. Mr. Green, what is your family situation?”

  Jamie jumped up, not wanting to let Zoe one up him or give the judge any reason to think he was less than ideal for Garrett.

  “Married, Your Honor.” He immediately regretted the words. There would be hell to pay for this one.

  “Very well. I want to meet your wife. Please bring her with when we meet again. For now, take the paternity test, and we’ll reconvene in two weeks. Court dismissed.” The judge stood and walked out of the room.

  Annabelle rounded on him as soon as they were on the street and out of earshot of anyone. “What the hell was that? I can’t win the case for you if you openly lie to the judge.”

  “I know. I panicked.” The lie was out there. There was nothing he could do about it now.

  “I wasn’t going to tell you this, but that judge is one of the toughest in the state. I’ve only seen her give custody to the father in two cases. Both were when the father was happily married. The judge wants to see a child in a stable home. I could’ve spun that you were more stable until you lied to the judge. You have an uphill battle.”

  Jamie didn’t want to think about that or his failure. He focused instead on Zoe. “I thought that guy was just her boyfriend.”

  Annabelle continued to pound the payment. He’d never seen her so angry. Not even in college when he and Blake snuck into her dorm room and covered her floor in raw eggs and yelled loudly from the door. He and Blake had gotten a good laugh at that.

  “Was. They got married last week.”

  “The attorney made it seem like they’d been together for a while, but Andres told me he barely came back into the picture.”

  Annabelle slowed down a little, but continued to give him looks of death. “My paralegal did some research. They’ve been on and off for the last couple of years. That has nothing to do with the fact that you have to produce a wife in two weeks.”

  “I know. Any suggestions?”

  Annabelle walked in silence for a minute. The expression on her face changed, softened. She gave him a shy smile, which was completely unusual for her. “Just one.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  “Me.” She dropped her eyes.


  “No way. You’re my attorney. The judge would make me get someone else if you were my wife. You’re the best in the state. I won’t trust this to anyone else. Plus, won’t the judge wonder why we never said anything before?” Jamie wasn’t going to risk that for anything. Truth be told, if Annabelle had been any other player in his life, he would’ve jumped at it.

  She shook her head. “You should’ve thought of that before you lied. I don’t know what to tell you. But you need to find a wife and make it look completely believable.”

  She practically spit the words out as she stormed into her office. Find a wife. Who the hell would marry him?

  Jamie drove home and looked up at the house. He couldn’t go in there. Not yet. Bethany would ask how it went, and he’d have to tell her how he screwed up. That he basically ruined any chance he had at getting Garrett back. He grabbed the gym bag out of the trunk, went into the outdoor shower, and changed his clothes.

  Then he turned his phone to the angriest metal he could find and jogged down the beach. It was hot, but it fed his mood. He ran faster than he normally would, but he had to figure this out.

  He’d destroyed everything. No one was going to marry him. Not to mention that he didn’t want to marry anyone. He didn’t even have a girlfriend for crying out loud. There was no way he could do this and make it look legit. He pounded against the sand. He had no idea how far he’d gone. He’d run until he came up with a solution. To lose his son over something as stupid as this was ridiculous.

  He thought of all the women in his life. Anyone that might even consider it. Not for the first time he wished Claudia was single. But she’d been happily married for several years. He supposed a few of his models might consider the idea. Making this look real would be nearly impossible.

  He concentrated on the music so he wouldn’t have to think anymore. Eventually, he turned around and headed to the house, looking for a cold shower and a nap. Sleeping always helped him process. Something would come. It had to. He couldn’t lose this case. It wasn’t just his life on the line but that of his son. Even if Ray wasn’t beating on Garrett, the environment in the home could not be good.

  Before he reached his house, he saw Danny sitting on the beach. He looked up as Jamie approached.