by Ali Vali
“Grady is a Delacroix by birth, and I want him to know his family. That’s why I got in touch. Maybe you should call Jefferson back in, and he can tell you the particulars of what Jim Bob gave us.”
“We don’t need Jefferson yet. You go ahead and tell me.”
Monique told her about the house and the money and trusts Jim Bob had set up in her name. All of it was generous and enough to keep her and Grady comfortable, but Tucker could tell it wasn’t what drove Monique. She’d make sure Monique and Grady never wanted for anything. Jim Bob had asked her in his will to take care of Grady, and she’d damn well respect that wish. “Can I meet him?”
“I’d love to introduce you—he’s not much of a conversationalist yet, but if you give him the chance, he’ll be glad to spit up on you.”
Tucker nodded as she flipped through the photos again. It would be a small price to pay.
“Your brother loved Grady, and he wanted to be here to help raise him. It was like Grady was his second chance, and he wanted the opportunity to do it right.”
“What did you mean by a Delacroix by birth?”
“We wanted to wait to put Jim Bob’s name on the birth certificate. Grady’s our son, but his last name is Vernon.”
“Okay, now we need Jefferson.”
Monique called him and he appeared apprehensive to enter his office.
“What does the prenup say about adultery?” Tucker hated using the word in front of Monique, but she needed answers.
“Nothing. It was the one forgivable sin on both sides. That’s the beauty of the document, in my opinion.” Jefferson sometimes explained things so only the imaginary people in his head understood.
“What?” she and Monique asked.
“The prenup was written to protect the company and the Delacroix family member’s assets, and that’s it. It doesn’t matter who was sleeping with whom, or why the split came to be. The company stays within the family, and the spouse gets a generous amount of alimony. The scale of those payments has to do with years of marriage, and nothing to do with the why of things.”
“Why didn’t Jim Bob put his name on Grady’s birth certificate, then?”
“He called me the day you first toured Stella III once it was operational,” Jefferson said.
“That was the day I told him I was pregnant,” Monique said.
“He told me to pull the trigger on the divorce, and he didn’t care if the accountant was finished with the paperwork. All he was interested in was fast and easy. Ivy wasn’t going to get any more or any less, but finding out about Grady would’ve made the easy part impossible.”
“Why? That trip to the rig was over a year ago. If you were working on fast and easy, that didn’t quite work out.”
“He knew and was happy about Grady, Tucker, but the other wrinkle was that Ivy was in rehab at the time. She’d fallen down the stairs and broken her arm, and I told him to wait,” Monique said. “He wasn’t putting it off, only agreeing to my wishes. His children needed him more than I did at that time, and I knew eventually Ivy would be back on her feet.”
“It’s more like Ivy is always ass over screwed up, and his not being here isn’t going to change that. Ivy drinks, it’s what she does, and nothing in her life has been important enough to make her stop.” She didn’t understand what in the world Jim Bob was thinking. “You couldn’t have talked some sense into him?” she asked Jefferson.
“Believe it or not, he did have a plan. He never denied that Grady was his son, but he wanted to untangle himself from his old life to keep Ivy and the kids from making Monique miserable.” Jefferson put his hands up to forestall her argument. “Hell, you should know what they’ve been like since he died. The sad truth is his sudden death left me no leeway to carry out his wishes for Grady’s future. He gambled on waiting, then ran out of time.”
“Don’t worry about that—I’ll take care of Grady and Monique. Once the succession is finished, I want Jim Bob’s name on that document and Grady’s name changed.” Tucker could almost feel some of the gloom lift off her like she was shedding an oppressive heavy coat. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Monique asked.
“It isn’t my place to make those kinds of decisions for you. Do you even want my help?”
“Your reaction is exactly what I prayed for. All I was after is for you to be a part of Grady’s life. I’m not trying to shake you down or force you into something you’re not interested in. But yes, I’d love him to carry his father’s name.”
Tucker didn’t have a hard time seeing why Jim Bob had fallen for this woman. There was a realness about Monique that drew you in, and she was the complete opposite of Ivy. Of course, anyone who could walk in a straight line was the opposite of Ivy. “You can trust that I’m not going to try and bulldoze you on this, but I’d really like to do more than know you and Grady. I’d like to be around.”
“That would be wonderful. I was afraid he’d lose a big part of who I hoped he’d grow up to be without Jim Bob’s guidance. I’ll do everything I can to make Grady a good man, but he needs to know what roots he’s standing on.” Monique took her hand and smiled. “He was so right about you.”
“Right about what?” She remembered that day they were on the boat waiting to inspect their new platform. What was it he’d asked her? Are you on my side, Tucker? That’s the exact moment he’d found out about his new baby, and he hadn’t shared it with her. It was like a knife though her heart that he hadn’t trusted her. Knowing about Monique and Grady then would’ve made the last months so much more bearable.
“He said you were the best person he knew, and I can see why.”
“Believe me, I’m far from perfect, but I meant what I said. You were more than his mistress, and that makes us family, even without Grady.” She stood and opened her arms, knowing Monique understood better than anyone the pain she was in. “Thank you for loving him and for sharing Grady with me. When can I see him?”
“Would tomorrow night be okay? We could come to you, if you want.”
“Tomorrow night then. If you want, it’ll be just us, and then if you’re okay with it, I’ll introduce you to my parents.”
“Thank you for understanding, Tucker. Why don’t you keep these,” Monique said, handing over the pictures that were mostly of Grady and Jim Bob. “I can’t wait for you to see Grady and get to know him.”
“He’s a cute little guy, and I’ll be in his life until he’s ready to fly on his own, and even after that. Everyone deserves to have a champion like Jim Bob was to me.”
“He’s a lucky little boy then.”
Jefferson walked Tucker out, and Monique rested her head in her hands in pure relief. If Tucker hadn’t wanted Grady, she wasn’t sure how she would’ve handled the coming months, but she’d had enough faith that Jim Bob wouldn’t let her down, even from beyond the grave.
“Did you get what you wanted?” Jefferson asked when he came back. “I told you not to worry. Tucker’s a lot like Jim Bob, but way different in so many ways. She’s been in hell, and this will be good for both of you.”
“I need something else from you, boss, and like you did for all of Jim Bob’s wishes, make sure you get this done.” She walked quickly to her office and retrieved the documents she’d finally finished and handed them over.
It took Jefferson twenty minutes to read them, and from the way he took his time, Monique knew he’d given it his due diligence. When he finally looked up, the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. “The court can’t force this on anyone, honey.”
“I’m not asking the court to enforce it, Jefferson—I’m asking you to do it. Jim Bob and I knew the risks, and we had no choice but to have that talk when Grady was born.” She wiped at her cheeks with aggravation. “Believe me, I didn’t want this any more than he did, but it was a necessity. Those are our wishes because Grady is a Delacroix, and he was right about Tucker.”
“Are you sure?”
“Hopefully you don’t have to ever pull that o
ut until Grady’s old enough to be on his own, but the file needs to exist for my own peace of mind.” She called some of the office staff in to witness her signature before Jefferson notarized it.
“Okay, I’ll file it with the court and then we can forget about it.” Jefferson embossed his notary stamp on the last page.
“You’re a good friend, Jefferson, and you were a good friend to Jim Bob.”
Jefferson nodded and hugged her. “Since I was, it’s cut down my chances of being haunted.”
“Then obviously you didn’t know him at all.”
* * *
Willow was glad when Monique called and told her she was getting off early so they could have dinner together before she hit the road. It was like getting the old Monique back, and whatever the reason for the change in demeanor, she was okay with it.
“I’m sorry to be skipping out on you again so quickly. And I’m going to start looking for a new job. Suntrust might be bigger than some of the majors, but their local office isn’t a place I want to work.” She picked up their plates and carried them to the sink. “Whatever I find, it’ll be something that’ll keep me in town.”
“That would be nice, but be careful out there until that new job comes along. Grady and I worry about you when you’re gone.”
“Don’t worry—I’ll call you. I’m going to head home now. It’s an early helicopter ride in the morning.”
“See you soon, I hope, and I love you.” Monique hugged her and kissed her cheek. “It’s been a rough couple of months, but I appreciate you and what you tried to do for me.”
“Are we okay? I hope you know that day with Tucker, there was a reason for it.” The guilt she felt for giving Monique shit for all those years with Jim Bob, and then falling for Tucker herself just as fast, was something she agonized over at least once a day.
“We’re fine, so stop thinking about it. You’re my sister, and all you tried to do was look out for me. I may not have always liked you, but I’ve always loved you. As for Tucker, I have a feeling I know exactly why you went off like that,” Monique said and winked. “I can’t blame you, though, since I fell for the same package with one slight difference. At some point you’ll have to tell me all about it. We owe each other a long conversation, and I have lots to tell you.”
“I love you, and you’re too smart for your own good. I’ll be in touch.” She went out to the loaner the dealership had given her and agreed to pick up from the helipad and sat for a minute. The decision to head to Tucker’s wasn’t easy, but she’d chickened out for the last time.
She stopped in front of Tucker’s house and parked. The worst that could happen was Tucker would fire a few warning shots and force her off her lawn, and she’d forgive her if she did. But at least she’d know she’d tried her best, and then move on.
The gas lanterns next to the door frame really set off the red door, and she wondered briefly why she was wasting time noticing shit like that. It was like admiring how well the Titanic’s furniture slid across the floor before the damn thing sank. She remembered the stairs from last time. She’d almost taken a header off the top in her rush to get away. Now, she hesitated on the sidewalk.
“What can I do for you?” She recognized Tucker’s voice behind her, but not before it startled her into zipping up to the porch.
Tucker was in the yard, appearing like some jean-wearing goddess. Willow made a mental note to call some sort of mental health professional. Clearly, she was suffering from some form of insanity if all she could think of was Tucker’s perfect ass despite all their problems.
“What in the hell are you doing here?”
“I can explain.” She came down a step. “Can I talk to you?”
“I’m sure you can, but why would you want to? You slept with me, then told me and my brother to drop dead. Who knew Jimbo would be so accommodating.”
Willow winced. “I hope you can forgive me for that. It was a moment of complete insanity, and there’s no real excuse for my horrible behavior. It was wrong…I was wrong about so many things.”
“You’re right, that’s no excuse, but let’s pretend I’ve accepted your apology if that’ll get you off my porch.” Tucker didn’t move, but it was starting to rain. The drizzle turned into a downpour, which was typical of Louisiana’s miracle weather. Tucker wasn’t soaked but her hair was dripping. “Was there anything else?”
“I don’t have an umbrella.” Well, that was lame. “It’s raining.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed, but you’re welcome to wait it out.” Tucker crossed her arms, her eyebrows raised.
“Great, I need to talk to you.”
Tucker laughed but it sounded different than she remembered. “I meant out here, and I’m going inside.”
“I apologized.” She was at a definite disadvantage, and this wasn’t going at all as planned. “I said I was wrong. Holding a grudge isn’t healthy.”
“Then you’ll get your wish that much quicker.” Tucker unlocked her door, and it really seemed like she wasn’t kidding about not inviting Willow in.
“What wish?” She stared at Tucker in the open doorway and waited for her to change her mind. It was the South, and who was rude in the South? You for one, the little voice in her head said before she ordered it to shut up.
“I’ll drop dead.” The door slamming behind her was a big clue Tucker wasn’t changing her mind.
“You asked for this, Tucker.” Willow leaned on the doorbell, and before two minutes were up Tucker swung the door open.
“Look, you apologized and I accepted. Go live your life and feel good about yourself.” Tucker went to close the door again and Willow snapped.
She slapped her hand on the door and put her foot in the way. “Stop acting like an immature idiot. I need to talk to you.” The expression on Tucker’s face told her she wasn’t helping her cause. Time for a new approach. “Okay, I shouldn’t have said that, but you need to talk to me. It’s important.”
“I’d ask what the hell your problem is, but I don’t have that kind of time. You should consider professional help or a good attorney.” Tucker walked into her den and sat down. “Five minutes, then I load both barrels of my shotgun and give you a three-second head start.”
“Again, I’m sorry about what I said, and I’m sorry for your loss. I tried calling you but your assistant told me to drop dead.”
Tucker finally lost her frown and pointed to the chair opposite her. “Which one? I’ll make sure to give her a bonus in the morning, and this really isn’t necessary. As you know I’ve got plenty to think about, and your little tantrum or whatever the hell it was doesn’t cross my mind much.”
“I know, but I am sorry. You don’t know me well, but that was really out of character for me. Everything I’ve done with you has been extremely out of character.”
“Lucky me then. I was the fortunate recipient of both extremes of your personality, and all within a couple of days. Who knew I had this effect on women?”
“I’d appreciate if you really did accept my apology, and we can move on to why I’m here.”
“On the off chance I drop dead, I accept your apology. Now you won’t have that on your conscience.”
“Are you always this sarcastic?”
“Hardly ever, but you bring it out in me. I was serious, though. Forget about it.”
“Thanks, Tucker, and maybe we can be friends.” She only hesitated a moment, not wanting to give Tucker the chance to interject any harsh realities. “As your friend, I should tell you that I resigned from the Apache Delta project today, and I’m going to start looking for another job.”
“That’s a little rash, isn’t it? I said I accepted your apology—you don’t have to go nuts to prove yourself.”
The urge to clobber Tucker with a throw pillow was hard to tamp down, but she gripped it anyway in case she needed more drastic measures. “I’m quitting because Mann took a kickback from Big Earl. That’s why he was so set on that big obnoxious elf. I’ve been overse
eing the construction, but Junior’s making changes to our design, and it’s not for the better.”
“I’m sorry, construction?” Tucker signaled for a time-out. “There’s a cease and desist order in place. I know because I got your message and made sure it was in place. Thank you for that, by the way. If Mann went ahead, it completely voids the whole contract. He and shrimpy Earl were served with those papers the day of Jim Bob’s funeral.” Tucker got her phone out, but Willow stopped her.
“If you tip him off, he’s going to fire me, and you know him. He’ll blackball me with Earl’s help, and no one will hire me.” She didn’t want to be jobless, not without something lined up. Oil and gas engineering was all she knew how to do.
“I’m not calling Mann—I’m calling my legal department.” Tucker spoke briefly to someone, then said uh-huh a bunch of times before she hung up. “Why in the hell would he defy a court order?”
“I thought you’d call me back, so I didn’t mention in my message that your nephew gave him the green light the weekend your brother passed away. He told both Mann and Earl he controlled more than half of the company, and it was his call to override anything you put in place.” She stopped talking when Tucker raised her hands and covered her face. “You obviously haven’t gotten that memo, I take it.”
“No, but I appreciate you telling me all this. I’d appreciate it more if you don’t share with anyone that you came over here and talked to me.”
Willow followed Tucker into the kitchen and noticed a covered plate on the counter. While Tucker had her head buried in the refrigerator, Willow got closer to it and saw the note stuck to the top.
Eat me!
It was signed with a heart, which made Willow want to gag. “What are you going to do?”
Tucker handed her a ginger ale and smiled. She appeared much more relaxed now. “Nothing.”
“I can’t guess how much pain you’re in, but you can’t let Mann and that creepy little guy win. Think about your business.” She stopped herself from stomping her foot, but just barely. It was like the world was going nuts over Jim Bob’s death, and she was the only sane one left. “From the changes Earl’s insisting on, this could turn into a disaster you’re going to have a hard time recovering from.”
