For The Love of Easton : A Single Parent Romance and Sequel to For The Love of English

by A. M. Hargrove

  “Wow. He must be very special indeed.”

  I laughed. “I’ll see you two shortly.”

  They let themselves in with their key when they arrived. Mom rushed to my side when she saw me lying on the couch. “How do you feel?”

  “Angry, but with myself more than anything. I never should’ve believed the asshole.”

  Dad sat at the end of the couch and put my feet on his lap. “You know, I’ve been thinking. Maybe this will turn out to be a good thing.”

  “How do you figure?” Me getting beaten a good thing?

  “Not the bruises, of course, but maybe this time Stuart will pay for his actions.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it, but I hope you’re right.”

  “English, this is going to sound harsh, but maybe it taught you something about trust.”

  That irked me. “Dad, I don’t need to be lectured right now.”

  “I know, but you need to hear it. I’m begging you not ever to trust that man again, no matter how many flowery phrases he doles out.”

  My teeth clamped together as I ground my molars. “For the last time, Dad, it wasn’t the flowery phrases. I wanted to give him an opportunity to know his child. That’s it. End of discussion.”

  Dad glanced at Mom and she shook her head. He dropped it. “I’m sorry, munch. I went too far.”

  “Yeah, you did. I only wanted him to have what you did with me.” Did that make me deserving of a beating? I had naively trusted him and he’d lied. It was a lesson learned the hard way and one that wouldn’t be repeated.

  Two things followed. Stacey burst through the door as Easton, holding Tristian’s hand, bounced down the stairs.

  “Mimi! Boppy!” She headed straight for my dad.

  Stacey’s attention was diverted to the stairs and she gaped at Tristian.

  “Oh, Tristian, meet my best friend, Stacey.”

  “Uh, well, hi there.” She awkwardly stuck out her hand.

  “Great to meet you,” he acknowledged then said, “Beck, Sheridan. Nice to see you again. Didn’t know you were here.”

  “We heard Miss Bossy Pants had corralled you upstairs,” Dad said.

  Easton patted Dad’s cheeks. “I’m not Miss Bossy Pants. I’m Easton Sheridan Bridges. Wanna see the oonicorn we drew?”

  “Why don’t you go upstairs and get it, peanut?” I asked.

  She crawled off Dad’s lap and ran toward the stairs.

  “Walk, please,” I reminded her.

  I sat up and Stacey got her first look at me. “Oh, my God. That dickhead is going to pay for this, English.”

  Tristian’s eyes met mine as he said, “He certainly is.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tristian

  The days following English’s attack were rough. She and Easton were never too far from my mind and I fretted over leaving the country. What if something happened while we were gone?

  My brother had been released from the hospital but nurses came in to care for him during the day. I visited him one afternoon following his return home.

  “Hey.”

  I was surprised at how down he appeared. “Hey, I would think you’d be happy to be here,” I said.

  His pinched expression said otherwise. “You don’t have Mother to contend with on an hourly basis. She comes in here and wants to know when I’ll be going to back to work.”

  “No surprise there. Want me to have a talk with her?”

  He sneered. “She won’t listen to anyone. Ever since Dad straightened things up after Uncle Tom died, all she’s interested in is how much money the company’s bringing in.”

  That immediately gained my attention. “Say what?”

  “She’s greedy. I thought you knew that.”

  “No, Stanton, not that. I was talking about the part about Dad straightening out the company.”

  “Oh, I figured you knew Uncle Tom was the link to all the shady business dealings. After he passed, Dad cut those ties. We suffered a little for a couple of years because of it, but then things rebounded and our business took off like a rocket. Pretty sure people heard we’d changed our ways, and they wanted to work with us afterward.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  He circled a finger in the air. “If you recall, you left, not wanting anything to do with it.”

  “True, but that was because things were not on the up and up. Dad knew that. He always knew that.”

  “But, Tristian, Dad also knew you fell in love with photography early on and he wanted you to do that. I honestly think Dad wanted you to love what you did.”

  I wondered now if I’d acted too hastily. I’d been harsh with my father because of what I knew about the business. He’d never denied any of it, but also never said he wanted things to be different. I’d always assumed he agreed with it. My bad. Shit, I wished we could’ve had a conversation about it before he died.

  “Hey, you okay?” Stanton asked.

  “Yeah. No. The last time I spoke with Dad things were awful between us. I said some truly terrible things to him and now I wish I could take them back.”

  “Tristian, he always knew how you felt about the company and he respected how honest you were. He didn’t want you here if you found something else that made you happy.”

  “Um, Stanton, has Mother told you about the will?”

  He rolled his eyes. My brother actually did that. “Yeah, and don’t worry. It’s yours.”

  “I don’t want it. Besides, I’m not a married man.”

  My brother blinked several times. “What did you say?”

  “I’m not a married man.”

  “Not that, you idiot.”

  “You mean the ‘I don’t want it’ part? But the real question is why would Dad leave it to me knowing he wanted me happy doing my own thing?”

  My brother fidgeted in his bed.

  “Okay, big bro, time to fess up.”

  “You’re right. I wanted you here part time so we could be a family again. I sort of mentioned it to Dad, but never figured he’d take me literally.”

  “Well, he did and I don’t want it. But why would he put that marriage part in?”

  “Because Dad wanted all of us to get married. He probably figured this was one way to make it happen.” Then something else occurred. His eyes narrowed with anger. “She lied to me.”

  “Who?”

  “Mother, who else? She told me you couldn’t wait to get your hands on things and would probably run it into the ground.”

  It was my turn to simmer with anger. “I always knew she was conniving, but this goes beyond that. She’s trying to keep us apart. We haven’t been close in years, but she’s trying to put an even bigger wedge between us.”

  “But why? What does she have to gain?”

  “I don’t know. When I told her and the attorney during the reading that I didn’t want it, they both said I had no choice.”

  “Hold on. That’s another lie. I was with Dad when he talked about things. He would never put you in that position. Coming back, yes, but not forcing your hand.”

  After what Stanton told me, I believed him. He had no reason to lie. “Then something is definitely up with her and I’m going to find out. Whatever it is, that lawyer buddy of hers, Sherman, is involved.”

  “What will you do?”

  “I’ll engage the assistance of the corporate attorneys and have them dig into this. This is crap and you and I both know it.”

  “Call Ryan. He’s the best.”

  “I will. I’m already working with him on something else.” I decided to fill him in on English’s situation.

  “Damn, it’s a good thing you went there.”

  Every time I thought of it I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. “So true. I can’t fathom what would’ve happened if I hadn’t.”

  Stanton grinned. “You two close or something?”

  I scoffed. “I wish. I finally got her to agree to go to dinner with me. She thinks I’m a first-clas
s prick, and rightly so.”

  “What the hell did you do?”

  “Long and painful story, but I’m trying my best to make it up to her.”

  “If you ask me, you’ve scored a shitload of brownie points by saving her ass from that dickhead.”

  “By the way, that dickhead is the son of one of the governor’s top aides.”

  Stanton sneered. “Figures. The governor is the biggest crook next to the mafia. Rumor is he’s involved in organized crime and that’s how he got elected.”

  “Fuck. That’s scary. For English, I mean.”

  “Damn, I didn’t think of that. There’s another rumor going around that he’s going down too.”

  “I hope you’re right. And I hope he goes down fast.”

  “So, Tristian, what are you going to do? With the company, I mean?”

  “You’ll still run it, of course. I’m not giving up my career, happy to say.”

  “You know I’ll be out for a while.”

  “How capable is Landry?” He was young, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything.

  “He’s capable and works hard, but his business knowledge isn’t quite up to par.”

  “Is there anyone you trust to assist him?”

  My brother adjusted the hospital bed he was in and sat up straighter. “I have an idea that may be the best solution. We’ll work here. I can do most of my stuff, other than face-to-face meetings, here, and Landry can work by my side. That will accomplish a couple of things.”

  “I see exactly where you’re going and great idea. When do you think you’ll be ready?”

  “Tomorrow. I’m bored shitless.”

  “You sure?” I didn’t want him overdoing it. He’d nearly died.

  “Yeah.”

  “Don’t get pissed off, but I want to get the doctor’s okay first. The last thing you need is a relapse.”

  “Fine with me.”

  We called his physician and received the okay for him to work six hours a day from home.

  “In the meantime, I’m starting my own little investigation on Mother and her little lawyer buddy. Oh, and did I mention that Ravina has to get a job? I told her she’s sucked the life out of the family for far too long. I gave her several weeks and then I’d start charging her rent.”

  Stanton threw back his head and roared. “Oh, how I wish I’d seen her face.”

  “Man, it was priceless. The spoiled princess is going to pay her dues at last.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  English

  Tristian was kind enough to set up a meeting for me with his company attorney. According to him, Ryan Cooper was extremely knowledgeable. Stacey accompanied me because I was clueless as to what to expect.

  “Ms. Bridges, it’s nice to meet you, although I wish it was under different circumstances.”

  I introduced him to Stacey and he introduced us to another man in the room. “I’d like you to meet Clayton Summers. I called him in today because he’s the expert on criminal law and he has agreed to take your case.”

  Stacey’s eyes bulged out, so I figured he must be a pretty big deal. She practically fell over herself when she shook his hand.

  We took seats around a conference table and the questions began about the night Stuart assaulted me. When they were done, Mr. Summers said, “I believe we have a very strong case, particularly since a police report was filed, we have a witness, and there are pictures supporting our case.”

  Then I tossed in the information on Stuart’s father.

  “Ms. Bridges, that doesn’t scare me. I’ve had bigger threats than that. This man clearly broke the law and should pay. Hopefully, we’ll get a judge who is especially harsh on these types of cases.”

  I sagged in relief. The power play might not work for Stuart after all and I prayed he went to prison. Then I asked the question I feared most. “What about his parental rights?”

  “Why don’t we deal with one thing at a time? If he goes to prison, we won’t have to worry about that anyway, will we?”

  “No, but his parents may sue for visitation.”

  “Let them. We’ll make it difficult on them, given that grandparents aren’t usually granted custody when a biological parent is around,” Mr. Summers answered. “If they do get visitation, we’ll seek supervised visits, given Stuart’s history with you.”

  On the ride home, Stacey said, “Jeez, girl, those were two high-powered attorneys with tons of connections. I think your case is a slam-dunk.”

  “I won’t believe that until a guilty verdict is read. My daughter’s future is on the line and I can’t afford to rest easy until then.”

  “Understood.” She dropped me off and I went inside.

  I’d been working from home until the bruising was gone. It was a combination of green and purple now, and wasn’t very attractive. I looked like a moldy grape instead of a purple one. Easton patted my face and gave me healing kisses daily. The pain had subsided, but the discoloration still reminded me of that horrible night.

  Dad called and I answered the phone. “Hey!”

  “How’d it go?”

  “There was a criminal attorney there and they both think it’ll be an easy win.”

  “Great news.”

  “Yeah, but like I told Stacey, I won’t believe it until it happens.”

  “Same here. Hey, I wanted to let you know the Vietnam trip is postponed.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Uh-huh. Tristian and I decided it was best, considering the situation.”

  “You mean considering me.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Dad.” I hated disrupting his work.

  “No use arguing. I’m not leaving you alone with your mother for a month while all this is going on. When I mentioned this to Tristian, he was relieved. I think the guy is genuinely worried about you.”

  “I imagine he is. He found that bastard squeezing the life out of me, so he has good reason.”

  “Which makes it an even better idea for us to stay.”

  “Okay, you win. And Daddy? Thank you. For everything.”

  “You’re welcome. You’re my munchkin doodle.”

  “Jeez, you haven’t called me that in ages.”

  “I know. But no matter how old you get, you’ll always be that little girl to me.”

  “I’m beginning to understand. Love you, Dad.”

  “Love you back.”

  Was it even possible to have better parents? I didn’t think so. Mine were the best out there and God had blessed me to the nth degree. One of these days I’d find a way to properly thank them.

  Mom dropped off Easton a couple hours later. She was doing car duty for me until I looked human again.

  “Hey, peanut,” I called out as Easton ran into the house.

  “Mommy. Look!” She held up a drawing she’d made at school.

  “Wow! What is it?”

  “It’s you, silly.” It was a picture of a huge round thing with large purple circles all over it.

  “Oh, my. Well, that’s, um, quite lovely.”

  “I love it. It looks just like you, don’t you think?”

  Mom bit her knuckles to keep from laughing.

  “I, uh, well, yes, it does. Especially here.” I pointed to the area around my eye, or what I thought were my eyes.

  “Yup. Can we hang it on the figerator?”

  “Sure, we can.” I went to the kitchen and we placed some magnets over the thing. Luckily, no one would know what it was. “So, how was school?”

  Her lower lip popped out.

  “Hmm, that bad, huh?”

  She fiddled with her sleeve. Oh, how this hurt my heart.

  “Easton, is that boy causing you trouble again?”

  Large, tear-filled eyes met mine. Then her head swiveled from side to side. That was somewhat of a relief since he was no longer in her class.

  “Then, what is it, peanut?”

  “I told Bonnie I had oonicorns and rainbows in my room and she said I didn
’t. Then I pushed her down and got in trouble with Mrs. Leonard.”

  My gaze went to Mom’s. This wasn’t like Easton. “Why did you push her down? That wasn’t nice.”

  “She wasn’t nice cuz she called me a liar. I’m not a liar, Mommy. I do have rainbows and oonicorns in my room.”

  “Yes, you do, but sometimes it’s best to walk away. Bonnie was maybe jealous that she didn’t have rainbows and unicorns. I have an idea. Why don’t you draw Bonnie a picture of your room and tell her you’re sorry tomorrow?”

  Her head swung back and forth. “I don’t wanna.”

  Mom offered her advice. “Easton, sometimes we do things to be nice and not because we want to.”

  “But then she’ll be even meaner when she sees it.”

  “You don’t know that,” I told her.

  Mom came up with a great idea. “Hey, Easton, maybe you should invite Bonnie over for a play date so she can see your rainbows and unicorns for herself.”

  An expression of horror appeared on my daughter’s face. Then it turned into a scowl. It was pretty comical. This little Bonnie must be really something. But it made me wonder if she was going through something at home. “Easton, maybe Bonnie needs a friend.”

  “She don’t have any cuz she’s mean.”

  “Maybe if you’re nice to her and invite her over to play, she’ll start being nice,” Mom said. “Sometimes kids get mean when they don’t have anyone to play with. Imagine if you didn’t have any play buddies. It wouldn’t be very much fun.”

  “That’s right, Easton, and in the meantime, you can draw Bonnie a picture.”

  The biggest grin stretched across her face as her eyes brightened. “Can Boppy take a picture so I can show her?”

  “Let’s call him.” I speed-dialed Dad and, when he answered, put Easton on.

  “Boppy!”

  “Hey, sugar peanut. What’s up?”

  “Mommy said you can come over and take a picture of my rainbows and oonicorns so I can show Bonnie so she won’t call me a liar no more.”

  “How about you hand the phone over to your mom?”