Instead of laughing, Tino’s expression turned serious. “What are you complaining about? A few weeks ago, you were all hangdog about leaving the army and having to take on the last few jobs for Dad. Now, you’ve found out that you don’t hate the work, you’ve met a woman who is apparently willing to put up with you, and a kid who obviously worships the ground those huge feet of yours walk on.”
If Jack didn’t know better, he might have thought Tino actually sounded jealous. It was time for a little honesty. “You’re right. I’m enjoying running the business more than I thought I would, and there’s getting to be enough work that I could really use at least another full-time employee. But those other two things you mentioned—Caitlyn and Ricky—I’m not sure if I can handle them at all.”
His brother clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s because they matter to you. Yeah, your dad and grandfather both sucked big-time, but Marlene and Joe taught us what family was all about. You’ll do fine if you give yourself a chance. Don’t be afraid to let a little happy into your life.”
Jack snorted. “And when did you get so wise?”
His brother laughed. “I always have been. You’re just now smart enough to recognize it.”
Then Tino swaggered over to the steps and headed up to his room. Jack looked around the gym and decided he wasn’t in the mood to work out. Maybe he’d track down his mom and Ricky to see if they were willing to go to the game. He hoped they were, because he suspected that’s the kind of thing families did.
Chapter 17
“I hope you didn’t mind me inviting my brother and mother to go with us today.”
Caitlyn studied the trio walking just ahead of them as she and Jack filed out of the stadium along with the rest of the fans. The baseball game had been hard fought, but in the end the home team had emerged victorious. Marlene seemed to be enjoying herself as she strolled along beside her middle son, who was carrying on an animated conversation about the game with Ricky. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but it involved a lot of hand waving and laughter. It was good to see the teenager relaxed and having a good time. Clearly he and Tino had taken a real liking to each other.
“The more the merrier.” She gave Jack’s hand a quick squeeze. “By the way, I thought it was pretty sneaky how you and Tino turned buying souvenirs for Ricky into a contest. I know he’s reluctant to let you spend a lot of money on him, but he couldn’t very well turn down a team T-shirt, a baseball cap, and that giant foam finger when your personal honor was on the line.”
Jack laughed. “My credit card definitely took a hit, but it was worth it. I normally hate losing out to my brothers, but I’m willing to make an exception when it comes to Ricky. I hate to think what Tino forked out to pay for that autographed ball and an official team jersey.”
She made sure they were far enough behind the other three that she wouldn’t be overheard. “On that trip he and I made to the refreshment stand for ice cream, Ricky admitted that this was the first time he’d ever gotten to go to a professional baseball game. You and your family have sure given him some special memories.”
Jack glanced around at the thousands of people leaving the stadium. “A ball game is no big deal.”
“It is to Ricky.” Caitlyn realized Jack might be uncomfortable being cast in the role of hero. “By sharing your mom and brother with him, you’ve shown Ricky that he matters. We might not know much about his background, but I’m guessing that might be another first for him, one that could make all the difference in the direction his life takes from now on.”
“I’m hoping that it will also make it harder for him to walk away from us. I can’t stand the idea of him going back to living on the streets again or, worse yet, back to whoever put him in the hospital in the first place.”
He started to say something else but stopped when Ricky dropped back to walk next to her. “Tino says he’s going to grill steaks for dinner tonight. He wants to know if you’ll still be hanging around when we eat dinner.”
Jack groaned. “God, kid, you’ve got the social skills of a Neanderthal.”
Ricky looked offended. “What did I say?”
“Try asking Caitlyn politely if she’d like to join us for dinner.”
“That’s what I did.”
Caitlyn did her best not to laugh as Jack not so patiently tried to explain the finer points of etiquette to a fourteen-year-old boy. “No, the way you put it made it sound as if she’s worn out her welcome, and you’re hoping she’ll be gone before Tino lights the coals.”
Ricky’s face flushed red. To give him credit, he immediately turned to face her directly. “Whoa—that’s not what I meant at all. We’d…I’d like it if you could stay for dinner.”
She maintained her hold on Jack’s hand and looped her other arm through Ricky’s. “I’d love to be your guest for dinner.”
“Okay, then.” He smirked. “Hear that, Jack? She’ll be my guest for dinner, not yours.”
Jack glared over her head at Ricky. “Like hell. The lady is with me.”
It was time to put a stop to their squabbling before it got out of hand. “All right, you two. Quit fighting over me like two dogs and an old bone.”
Tino must have overheard at least part of the conversation. “Caitlyn, if those two jerks aren’t treating you right, you’re welcome to walk with me.”
Before she could answer, her current two escorts closed ranks to ward off the perceived threat of the third male in their company. Rather than put up with any more posturing, she released her hold on both Jack and Ricky, did an end run around Tino, and fell into step with Marlene. The older woman chuckled. “Boys will be boys.”
They both gave the three guys a superior look before turning their backs on them. Caitlyn was pretty sure she heard Jack laughing as she and Marlene kept walking. “Are you sure you don’t mind me staying for dinner? I heard Tino say he only has a few days left before he has to report back for duty. You might want some time alone with your family.”
“I would really like you to stay if for no other reason than it helps even up the odds.” Marlene leaned in a little closer. “I love them dearly, but it does get old being the only female in the crowd.”
“I can see how you’d feel that way.” Then feeling a little like she wasn’t being fair to Jack and the others, she added, “I think it’s sweet to see how much your boys adore you, and I’m including Ricky in that group, too.”
Marlene glanced back at her sons. “I agree, although none of them would appreciate being thought of as sweet. And since Joe’s death, they’ve helped keep me sane. Without them, I don’t know how I would have gotten through it all. You would’ve liked Joe. Everyone did.”
It had to be hard to lose the man she’d loved so much. They’d had the kind of marriage that Caitlyn had hoped to have herself before everything had gone so horribly wrong. “I’m sure I would have. I almost feel as if I knew him at least a little, because I’m sure there’s a lot of him in both Jack and Tino.”
Marlene’s smile was a little sad. “You’ll like Mikhail, too. Each of my sons has a different temperament, but at the core they’re very much like Joe. I just wish he’d lived to see them all settled and with families of their own.”
The two of them lapsed into silence as the crowd congregated at the corner waiting for the police to stop traffic and let them cross. As they waited, an image of Jack roughhousing with a couple of boys with his same wicked grin and bright green eyes flashed through Caitlyn’s mind. She tried to ignore the pain that came from knowing she’d never be the one to give him those children. Over the hubbub of the crowd around them, she could hear his deep voice and then Ricky’s answering laughter. Jack would be such a great father. In fact, he already was. He might not see it, but he was such a positive influence on Ricky.
Maybe she shouldn’t stay for dinner, not because she didn’t enjoy spending time with Jack and his family, but because she enjoyed it too much. It was too soon to put a label on her feelings for him, but th
ey were growing stronger with each minute she spent in his company. If he walked away from her right now, it would hurt. A lot, in fact. The risk to her heart would only grow stronger as time went on.
When she glanced back to see where the man in question was, Jack immediately abandoned his brother to stand beside her. After sliding his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her in closer to him. “You were looking pretty serious there for a minute. Having second thoughts about hanging out with the Lukash clan for the evening? We can always sneak back off to your place for another movie.”
He winked at her. “I had a great time Friday night when the one you picked out was on.”
So had she, even though the evening’s real entertainment had nothing at all to do with what was on pay-per-view. “No second thoughts. I enjoy your family. Besides, I’m really looking forward to a nice rare steak. When Tino stops to buy the steaks, I’d like to pick up the ingredients for a salad.”
“You don’t have to do that. You’re our guest.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I’d like to contribute something to the meal. You guys wouldn’t even let me buy my own snacks today. Tino even sent money with Ricky when he and I went on our ice cream run.”
He gave her a quick kiss. “Fine, you can do the salad. Tino can handle the steaks. Ricky and I will bake potatoes. Add in some cold drinks, and we’ve got it covered. That way Mom will have a whole day off from cooking. I know she likes to keep busy, but she shouldn’t have to wait on us all the time.”
There went another little bit of her heart. “Jack McShane, you’re a nice man.”
Which was why, even though she might regret it some day, she was going to spend every minute with him that she could.
—
“Please stop and see the receptionist on your way out to set up one more appointment. Say, in about four weeks.”
Ricky watched as the doctor typed something into the computer. While he waited, he flexed his fingers and ran his hand up and down his arm. It felt strange not to have the cast on anymore. The latest X-ray showed the bones were pretty much healed up. To everyone else, that probably sounded like good news.
His own feelings on the subject were more twisted up.
The doctor finished up with whatever he was doing. “Okay, Ricky, I want you to let Mrs. Lukash or Mr. McShane know if you’re having any problems with your arm. A certain amount of aching is normal, but keep an eye out for any swelling or if the pain starts getting worse. Take it easy with your arm for a while, but you can gradually go back to doing your normal activities. Any questions?”
“Can I lift weights as long as I don’t try bench pressing a bazillion pounds?”
The man laughed. “Yes.”
“How about working out on the heavy bag?”
Clearly the question surprised the doctor. “I’d hold off on that until I see you again.”
“Okay.” Not that he’d likely be around to show up for that appointment. Who knew where he’d be in a month? He’d planned all along to hang out at Jack’s house until his arm healed. Now that day was here. Damn, he wished he knew what he should do.
First up, he’d try calling his mom’s number again. If it was still disconnected, he’d have to go by the house to check on her. Once he knew what the deal was, he could make his plans. He hated the idea of showing up unannounced, which increased the risk of him running into Lawrence. The thought had him rubbing his arm again and remembering how their last encounter had played out—Lawrence cussing a blue streak while he kicked the shit out of Ricky.
Maybe he should ask Jack to go with him, but that would mean telling him who she was. It was unlikely Jack would stay in the truck and let Ricky go in by himself. Besides, Jack would probably have to tell the cops or something. Even if he kept Jack out of it, Mrs. Harkens and the cops were still hunting for Ricky’s family. Eventually they might stumble across something that would lead them straight back to his mother and Lawrence. He could only imagine what the man would do if the authorities showed up on his doorstep.
“Ricky? Are you okay?”
The worry in Marlene’s voice made it clear that it wasn’t the first time she’d said his name. He hadn’t even noticed the doctor leaving the exam room. God, he needed to get his head in the game.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just disappointed I can’t start punching the bag.” He mustered up a small smile. “I was looking forward to that.”
She patted him on the shoulder as they walked out of the doctor’s office. “Well, at least the cast is off now. That will make a lot of things easier for you to do. You know, like your own laundry, washing dishes, washing cars. Should I go on?”
“No, I get the idea.” He sighed, pretending to be much put upon. “But the doctor was right. It really aches. You know, like a whole lot.”
But he couldn’t hold back a grin, and Marlene laughed with him. “Get in the car, brat. You know you’re glad to have that cast off after all this time.”
“Yeah, I am.”
In truth, he really didn’t mind helping out around the house. And it would be nice to be able to help Jack more on the job. All he could really do was fetch and carry, but he’d already learned a lot just by watching. Both Tino and Jack had told him that’s how their dad had started them off in the business. They’d also pointed out that basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical repairs were all marketable skills.
It was a shame he wouldn’t be sticking around long enough to learn them. There was no use in putting off that visit to his mother. Tomorrow he’d hike over to her house. No, not tomorrow. He’d already promised Jack that he’d help him and Tino tune up their dad’s pickup truck.
Sometime in the next couple of days, though, he’d go. Before he did, he’d pack up some of his clothes and other stuff. If things turned out the way he expected them to, he’d need to hit the road and fast. His old backpack had disappeared the night he’d been admitted to the hospital. Luckily, he had enough money from his allowance to buy a new one. Maybe he’d put some of the rest of his things in a trash bag and drop it off with Shelley to share with Casey and Justin. No use in letting warm clothes go to waste.
There was always the remote chance that his mom had suddenly regretted her decision to choose Lawrence over Ricky. If so, he’d call Jack and ask him to help them both get to someplace safe. But if she hadn’t, he could pretty much count on her ratting him out to Lawrence. That is, if the bastard wasn’t the one who answered the door in the first place. If that happened, Ricky was dead meat. Maybe for real this time. If he did get away, he’d have to grab his stash of money and clothes and take off for good.
His plans made, he stared out the window and wished like hell he’d never met Jack McShane and his family. He’d miss them when he was gone, and he wouldn’t even be able to say goodbye before he left.
—
The evening was warm and sunny, but Caitlyn suspected she would have enjoyed a stroll along the beach with Jack regardless of what the weather was like. The two of them had gone out for pizza on the spur of the moment after she’d finished Ricky’s lesson for the day. She’d felt a little guilty taking off with Jack without inviting the rest of his family along, but only a little.
Maybe Tino had picked up on that, though, because he made a point of challenging Ricky to an evening of computer games. Something about the kid having kicked his ass earlier and Tino demanding a chance to even the score. She’d made a point of thanking him while she’d waited for Jack to change out of his work clothes.
Jack’s deep voice rumbled near her ear. “What are you thinking about so hard?”
Caitlyn brushed her hair back from her face. “I was thinking about a handsome man and how much I like him.”
He tightened his arm around her waist. “Oh, really? Anyone I know?”
The smug look on Jack’s face made it clear who he thought she was talking about. So sad to burst his balloon. “Yeah, I was thinking about Tino.”
Yep, he took the bait. “Seriously? You thin
k that scrawny jerk is handsome?”
“Who wouldn’t? That dark, wavy hair, those caramel-brown eyes, and a smile that just promises a woman that he”—she paused and took a deep breath, letting it back out slowly for effect as she fanned herself with her hand—“really knows his way around a dance floor.”
“Real nice, Caitlyn.” Jack tried to look much put upon, but the twinkle in his eyes said otherwise. “Why were you thinking about my much shorter brother?”
She felt obliged to point out the truth. “He’s only a fraction of an inch shorter, if that.”
“But it’s an important fraction of an inch. Poor guy, it’s hard being the runt of the litter.”
Rather than encourage him to continue to pick on Tino when the man wasn’t there to defend himself, she turned the conversation back to the original subject. “I like that your brother treats Ricky like a member of the family. I also think he might have picked up on the fact I was feeling a little guilty taking off with you for the evening and not inviting the kid along for pizza, too. Tino immediately challenged Ricky to an evening of computer games and other manly pursuits.”
“Okay, I’ll concede that point. It was nice of him. However, I’m still better looking.”
“And I’ll concede that point.” Caitlyn spun to face Jack directly and kissed him. “I happen to have a thing for men with auburn hair and green eyes.”
He ran his hand over his head. “Auburn, huh? I’ve always just called it brown.”
“Call it whatever color you want. It looks good on you.” She tugged on a short lock that hung down over his forehead. “I also like that you’re growing it out a little.”
“That’s good to know. After ten years in the army, it feels strange to wear it even this long. Whenever I look in the mirror, my first reaction is that I need to get it trimmed to regulation length.”
Always for You: Jack (Sergeant Joe's Boys #1) Page 19
