The Wandering Caravan (Forever and Always #8)

by E. L. Todd

  “How dare you talk to me like that?” she snapped. “We haven’t seen you or talked to you in nearly two weeks and this is how you treat us? We paid for a forty thousand dollar wedding and this is what we get?” She shrieked through the phone, her voice ringing loud in my ears.

  Ryan looked at Scarlet. “Come on…cut him some slack.”

  Scarlet’s eyes softened.

  I listened to my mom yell at me over the phone, holding my ground.

  “You’re being a bitch right now,” Ryan said. “He did the best he could. Just deal with it.”

  Scarlet didn’t react to his words. She turned back to me and shook her head. Then she mouthed, “It’s okay.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, Mom. We’ll see you soon.” I hung up before she could chew me out for changing my mind so quickly. “I’m sorry. I tried.”

  “It’s okay,” she said quickly. “I didn’t realize she was so…determined.”

  “You should have heard him on the phone earlier,” Ryan said. “She threw the house in his face.”

  Scarlet raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”

  It was another thing I wasn’t planning on telling Scarlet—right this second. “They paid for the house. When I start working, I’ll pay them back.”

  She cringed but didn’t verbally berate me in front of everyone. “Okay.”

  “I’m sorry, baby.”

  She stood up then grabbed the counter. “I’m going to try to look somewhat presentable before they get here.” She looked at the clock. “If I ever have enough time.”

  “I’ll just tell her you’re sick and you’re in our room for the rest of the day.”

  She turned around and put her hands on her hips, glaring at me. “Knowing your mother, she would just barge in while I’m sitting on the toilet taking a shit then ask me why I can’t be more like Penelope.”

  Ryan and Cortland both laughed while Scarlet returned to our bedroom up the stairs. My hands were tied and there was nothing I could do, but I felt like a dick anyway.

  9

  Scarlet

  I showered as fast as I could then tried to make myself look presentable. I had a pounding headache behind my eyes and the slightest noise made me cringe. Sean’s mom needed a reality check. She couldn’t just barge in here whenever she wanted then hang the wedding and house over Sean’s head. Hopefully, I could keep my anger under control so I wouldn’t say that.

  I barely had time to dry my hair. The ends of the strands were still wet but I was out of time. I tried to fluff it up but that didn’t help. And I didn’t have a chance to straighten it.

  Whatever.

  I wore a black dress but didn’t wear any shoes. Since I was hung over, I knew I would fall on my ass if I wore heels, and knowing me, I’d probably break an ankle too.

  I sincerely hoped she didn’t expect me to make a fancy dinner with glasses of vintage wine. When you showed up uninvited, you better not expect filet mignon. I went downstairs as soon as I was done and noticed the smell in the kitchen.

  When I walked inside, everyone was busting their asses in the kitchen, stirring a pot or taking something out of the oven. Janice had a large plate with asparagus and bernaise sauce. Monnique put the fresh baked rolls on the table. Ryan and Cortland worked on the chicken, pulling the cooked pieces on a plate. Sean was setting the table and the glasses.

  I took a deep breath, appreciating everything they did to help me out. They all heard me then turned around, waiting for me to say something. My eyes coated with tears. “Thank you so much.”

  “We got you,” Cortland said casually.

  Sean lit some candles then came to me. “Take a seat and we’ll take care of everything, okay? I don’t want you to fall and hurt yourself.”

  “I’m sorry I was so rude to you earlier,” I blurted. “I just had a headache and…”

  “Don’t worry about it,” he interrupted. “You had every right to be mad. I’m mad too.”

  The doorbell rang and everyone put the plates and dishes away. It was just as clean as before they started cooking. Sean helped me out of my chair and walked me to the door. “You look nice,” he said.

  “Are you joking?” I felt my hair. It was still wet.

  “No.”

  “I look like hell.”

  “Maybe to you.” He opened the door and greeted his parents. “Hey Mom and Dad.”

  “That’s a better welcome,” Diane said as she hugged him.

  I tried to smile but I was struggling. His mother had her good moments and her bad ones. Right now, it was the bad ones—really bad.

  She turned to me. “Hello, dear.” She flinched when she saw my partially wet hair. “Had a late start today?”

  I kept my cool even though I wanted to punch her. “We slept in late today. We did a lot of traveling yesterday.”

  She hugged me then pulled away. “Have a good honeymoon?”

  “It was great,” I said. “I wish we were there now.” To get away from you.

  “That’s nice.” She walked inside, carrying her bottle of wine. She greeted my brother and friends.

  When Andrew came to Sean, he shrugged. “I’m sorry about your mother.”

  “How do you deal with it, Dad?”

  “I don’t know. I love her. What can I say?” He hugged his son and held him tightly. “Had a good trip?”

  “It was great. Scarlet and I had a wonderful time.”

  His dad elbowed him in the stomach. “I bet you did.” He gave him a wink.

  Sean smirked.

  I loved his dad. Andrew was a breath of fresh air compared to this mother. He came to me then wrapped his arms around me, holding me longer than he usually did. I always thought of him as a father figure since Sean introduced me ten years ago. I felt accepted the moment we met.

  “Thank you for marrying my son. I’m glad I have a daughter that can keep him under control.”

  “I’ve had a lot of practice,” I said with a laugh.

  He pulled away then studied my face. “You seem a little off today. Is everything alright?”

  “Umm…I’m a little hung over.” I felt comfortable telling Andrew the truth.

  He smiled. “Long night?”

  “Wine and board games,” I said. “Too much wine and not enough games.”

  He laughed. “Well, your secret is safe with me.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “You only live once,” he said firmly. “Do what makes you happy.” He walked inside and greeted everyone.

  I turned to Sean. “Why can’t she be more like him?”

  “I ask myself that everyday.” He wrapped his arm around my waist. “We’ll get through this today. You can hardly tell you’re…off.”

  “Well, your dad noticed.”

  “Cause my dad used to be a crazy party animal. My mom—not so much.”

  “Really?” I said sarcastically. “I had no idea.”

  “Just let me do all the talking.”

  “Glady.”

  We sat together and had dinner at the table. Diane asked us a few questions about our honeymoon. Sean’s responses were vague most of the time, but he did all the talking. Even when Diane directed questions at me, Sean took over. I was thankful because I wasn’t in the mood—at all. I ate my dinner and kept my head down. My head was still throbbing.

  Diane sipped her wine and left most of her plate uneaten. “We took care of everything at the office. It’s all ready for you and Mike.”

  “Great,” Sean said.

  “When are you going to work?” she asked.

  “Probably in a few days,” he answered. “Scarlet and I still need to get settled.”

  “Well, you have a meeting with Larry from human resources, and you have to speak to the CEO of Gloch for their microchip shipment.”

  Did we have to talk about work right now? It was so typical of Diane.

  “Dear, let’s keep it light,” Andrew said.

  “What?” she said in exasperation
. “I’m just making conversation.”

  I wasn’t buying that.

  Diane directed her gaze on me and studied me. I knew something bad was coming. “Dear, you look exhausted. Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” I smiled quickly then dropped it.

  She wouldn’t take her eyes off me. “You just seem unwell. Perhaps you should lay down.”

  “I’m fine,” I said again.

  Andrew cleared his throat. “Dear, pass the potatoes.”

  She handed him the bowl without looking at him. “Scarlet, are you pregnant?”

  “What?” I blurted. “No.”

  “You just look really unhealthy. You should see a doctor.”

  Ryan looked down at his food and tried not to laugh. I knew Cortland was doing the same.

  Janice came to my rescue. “Ryan and I are still looking for an apartment. It’s tough luck finding anything in the city. It’s already so crowded.”

  Diane acted like she hadn’t heard her. “Scarlet, you should take a test. You seem a little heavier around the hips.”

  I sighed and kept my anger back. I was about to explode at any second.

  Sean didn’t keep his cool. “Mom, Scarlet is fine. And no, she’s not pregnant. Please just drop it.”

  “I’m just concerned,” she said. “That’s all.”

  I would always try my best to get along with Diane simply because she was Sean’s mom, but I knew I would never have a close relationship with her. I hoped Mike would find someone good to end up with so I’d have a sister someday. That was the closest thing I would ever find.

  Diane leaned toward me. “I have a recipe for a shake supplement. It’ll help drop that weight in no time.”

  Ryan covered his face so he wouldn’t say anything.

  Sean was pissed. “Mom, she hasn’t gained any weight! She’s perfectly fine the way she is. Now knock it off. I’m serious.”

  “I’m hung over.” I didn’t care about hiding it anymore. Diane’s opinion literally meant nothing to me. “I’m still drunk from last night. That’s why I’m not in the mood and that’s why I didn’t want you to come over.”

  Ryan smiled at me, glad I finally told her off.

  Diane’s eyes were wide. “Hung over? Aren’t you a little old for that?”

  Andrew stared at his wife. “Diane, stop.”

  “Do you have a drinking problem?”

  Sean jumped to his feet then pulled out his mother’s chair. “Come with me. Now.”

  “What?” She feigned innocence.

  “Now!”

  Sean was livid.

  They left the room. And it was silent. Dead silent. Forks didn’t scrap against the plates and no one chewed their food.

  “Don’t listen to her,” Monnique said. “You have the best body out of all of us.”

  Ryan looked at me. “I’m your brother, so I’ll tell you when you’re fat and ugly. Scarlet, you’re neither of those things.”

  I appreciated what they were trying to do. “I don’t care what she said. I have gained a few pounds, but Sean doesn’t seem to care. So I don’t care.”

  “You haven’t gained any weight,” Cortland said firmly.

  “Scarlet,” Andrew said. “I’m so sorry about Diane. I think she’s taking it hard that her son is really a man. She’s trying to latch onto him because it’s hard for her to let go. She’s always been the number one woman in his life. She’s just having a hard time.”

  “She didn’t have a problem when he was dating Penelope.” I knew it was low but I was too pissed to care.

  Andrew didn’t have a response to that.

  I heard Sean yelling from the other side of the house. He really blew his lid.

  “You can’t talk to my wife like that!”

  Ryan held my gaze for a moment before he looked down. Cortland stared at the ceiling. We were all trying to act like we couldn’t hear everything.

  I turned to Andrew. “Honestly, does Diane even like me? Because it seems like she doesn’t most of the time.”

  “Yes,” he said firmly. “She does. She just…doesn’t show it in the right way.”

  “Apparently,” Ryan said.

  I could tell he was upset about the ordeal too. Ryan always picked on me for every little thing, but he was the first one to take my side when someone disrespected me. And I could tell he was upset. But he kept his angry back out of respect for me.

  “I want you out!” Sean yelled from the other side of the house. “Take Dad and get the hell out. When you’re ready to apologize, and really apologize, you know where to find us.”

  He came back into the room, the anger brewing in his eyes. “Dad, Mom’s waiting for you in the entryway.” Audible sobbing echoed throughout the house. Diane was crying her eyes out. Andrew sighed then patted Sean on the shoulder.

  They left and the sounds of crying left the house. We sat together at the table, no one saying anything.

  Sean gripped the back of a chair then closed his eyes, trying to control the anger still coursing through him. Then he grabbed a plate and slammed it on the ground. It broke into pieces and scattered across the floor. No one flinched at his tantrum.

  When he was calm, he came to my seat then kneeled before me. “I’m so sorry.”

  I saw the sincerity in his eyes. “I know.”

  “You are perfect the way you are. You haven’t gained any weight. Don’t listen to her.”

  “I know.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “I just wish you two could get along…I don’t understand why she acts that way. I know it’s hard for her to let me go and accept you as the woman in my life…but this is ridiculous.”

  I was glad Sean wasn’t taking her side. He made excuses for her for the longest time, but I’m glad those days were finally over. He stood up for me and didn’t let his mom disrespect me. And I was grateful. It could have gone a lot differently. “It’s okay.”

  Sean acted like we were alone in the room. “Please don’t leave me.” He held my hand and squeezed it. “You deserve better than this and I’m so sorry.” He kissed my hand then rested his head on my lap. Everyone at the table looked away and tired to give us privacy.

  “I don’t care what your mom does. I care what you do, Sean. Of course, I won’t leave you. I’ll never leave you.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. “I told her we wouldn’t be spending time with her in the near future. And she needs to apologize. I told her to think about her behavior before she comes back. And even then, it may not change anything.”

  Sean was being extremely harsh. “No matter what happens between your mother and I, I never want you to lose her, Sean. Please don’t ostracize yourself from your family.”

  “You are my family. I married you, which means you’re the first person in my life. That happened the moment I said I do. I refuse to be around someone who disrespects you like that. I love my parents very much, but I could live without them. I couldn’t live without you.”

  My eyes softened at his words. “Sean…”

  “I shouldn’t have let her come over to begin with. I should have been firm.”

  “Don’t blame yourself,” I said immediately. “Don’t do that. Your mom is perfectly capable of behaving. She’s just used to Andrew letting her get away with everything. It’s not your responsibility to teach her how to be an adult.”

  “I’m still sorry anyway,” he said quietly.

  I ran my fingers through her hair and looked at the sadness in his eyes. “Don’t punish yourself.”

  “It’s hard not to.”

  “Come here.” I patted the seat next to me. He moved then pulled the chair closer to me. He didn’t say anything, just stared at our joined hands.

  “You did the right thing, Sean,” Ryan said. “And you did the most you could.”

  Sean nodded but kept his silence.

  “Is she bipolar?” Cortland asked seriously. “One minute, she acts like Scarlet’s mom. And the next, she acts like Scarle
t isn’t good enough for her son.”

  “I know,” Sean said with a sigh. “I don’t get it either. She’s crazy—literally.”

  “Maybe she should get checked out…” Ryan sipped his wine then returned it to the table.

  “You guys are being serious?” Sean asked.

  Ryan shrugged. “She goes back and forth a lot…”

  I shook my head. “She’s just going through a hard time, Sean. Give her space and see what happens.”

  “I couldn’t stand it if she treated you that way in front of our kids.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t.”

  “We’ll worry about that when we get there.”

  “Okay.”

  Sean stood up then cleaned the dishes in the sink. No one got up to help him. Everyone sat at the table, still in shock. Janice watched Sean roll up his sleeves then scrub the plates.

  “Scarlet, you have a really good husband.”

  “You do,” Monnique said.

  Sean didn’t turn to us, but his cheeks started to redden.

  “I know my sister is in good hands,” Ryan said.

  We all left our chairs and helped him clean the dishes. Together, we saved the leftover food and cleaned all the plates and silverware. When everything was done, we retired to bed upstairs.

  No one was in a good mood after the dinner episode, especially Sean. I still had a headache so I took another aspirin before we got into bed. Sean pulled his clothes off but left his briefs on. That meant he still wasn’t going to put out.

  When he lay in the center of the bed, I removed all my clothes then crawled on top of him. “We are making love tonight.”

  “Scarlet, let’s give it more time…”

  “Fine. I’ll just rape you.”

  He smirked. “You can’t rape the willing.”

  “Good response.” I pulled down his briefs and rubbed my clitoris against his cock, letting my fluids soak him. His eyes darkened as he felt me slide across him. When he was lubricated, I pointed his tip inside me. I slid down and felt him stretch me.

  “You okay?” he asked immediately.

  I moaned. “More than okay.” I gripped his shoulders then sheathed him over and over. My tits rocked in his face, and he stared at them with a hungry expression.

  His hands gripped my hips and he slowed my pace as I moved him in and out. “You’re perfect—fucking perfect.”