“Four, ouch. I’m sorry. I have one, and that’s more than enough.”
The comment elicited an immediate laugh. “You have no idea. Anyway, today you said your boyfriend left out a few details when he proposed. Maybe it was unintentional.”
“How—”
Allison held her spoon up as a signal for Lauren to stop. “One sec, I’m getting to that. My brother Trent would’ve done the same thing. He focuses on the here and now, not the what-ifs. If your boyfriend is anything like Trent, he failed to tell you because it was a what-if. It didn’t play into his immediate plan.” Allison scooped up a spoonful of chocolate pudding as Lauren digested the words.
Snippets from her conversation with Nate surfaced. He’d admitted that when he proposed tryouts hadn’t been announced. Was Allison’s theory correct? Had it been less a matter of his making all the decisions for them and more because he figured it may never happen? In many ways, Nate lived in the here and now. He never lost sleep over what the next day would bring, and for the most part he didn’t dwell on the past.
“Don’t get mad when I say this, but I don’t think he’s trying to control your relationship. I think he was just being a typical guy. And unfortunately, they don’t always use their brains.”
“You and Sara might be right. Still, I need to sort stuff out.” Lauren took another sip of her milk. “How do you survive with four brothers, anyway? Are they all younger?” Over the past few years she’d met many of Callie’s cousins, but with the Sherbrookes being such a large family it was difficult to remember all the specific relationships.
“Trent and Grayson are older. Derek is my twin, and Alec is two years younger.”
She remembered meeting Trent and Alec, the other two didn’t sound familiar.
“What’s it like with that many brothers?”
While Lauren finished her milk, Allison kept her entertained with stories about her brothers. From the sound of it, her relationship with them wasn’t much different than any other brother-sister relationship, despite the family’s wealth.
“Your brother Trent sounds a lot like my brother. He always thinks he’s right, too. Must be an older brother syndrome or something.”
“Must be. Sara’s complained about the same thing, too.” Allison looked across at Lauren, and her carefree smile faded away. “I think I’m ready for bed now. But, Lauren, whatever you decide about your engagement, don’t rush your decision. Take your time and think it through. And if you want to talk again, I’ll be here all weekend. I know you’d probably rather talk to Callie, but if you need a fresh pair of ears, I’m around, too.”
Prior to this weekend, Lauren had only interacted with Allison a handful of times, and she appreciated the other woman’s kind gesture. It never hurt to bounce ideas and thoughts off more than one person.
“Thanks. I might take you up on that. See you in the morning.”
Alone once again, Lauren stared down at the empty mug, just as awake now as she had been when she came downstairs. Still, her trip to the kitchen had not been a total waste. Allison had given her a lot to think about. Her opinion not only made her think, it gave her hope. If Nate omitted the information about a possible move because he thought it might never happen rather than because he wanted complete control of their relationship, it put a different spin on things. How was she to know for sure, though?
“Sitting in here isn’t going to help.” She came to her feet. Even if she didn’t fall asleep, her bedroom upstairs would be a more comfortable place to contemplate her future.
Chapter 15
“You did what?” Callie asked in a voice so loud Lauren suspected everyone in Cliff House heard her.
“Callie, you heard me. I gave Nate back the engagement ring.”
Callie leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Lauren’s. “Have you lost your mind? Why did you do that? This doesn’t have anything to do with Kevin, does it?”
Unable to hold her friend’s stare, Lauren looked away. “Thursday night he dropped this bomb on me. The FBI has this thing called the Hostage Rescue Team. I have no clue what they do, but Nate wants to be a part of it.” For the first time since she’d heard the words, she realized she honestly had no clue what the team did. The name implied they rescued hostages, but really they must do more than that. After all, how many hostage situations could there be in the US on a yearly basis?
“Anyway, this week he learned that HRT tryouts start next month. He needs to be down there for the 15th. If he makes the team, he’ll need to relocate to Virginia.”
Leaning back, Callie’s eyebrows creased with confusion. “I understand all that, but I don’t see why you called off the engagement. Either push-up or postpone the wedding. Don’t call the whole thing off.”
“Don’t you think he should have told me his plans before now?” she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. “I feel like he’s making all the decisions for us. Controlling our relationship.”
“He should have said something sooner, but I don’t think he did it because he wants to control you. Think about it for a minute. In all the years you were together, did he ever try to control you? If that was the kind of a guy he was, don’t you think he would’ve done it back then?”
Callie’s question cut off any argument she had prepared. She had not stopped to consider that before, but now that she did, Callie was right.
“If you push him away now, you might regret it. Besides, moving isn’t the end of the world. I did it. And they need teachers in Virginia, too. Before you do anything, take some time and consider if ending things is what you truly want, Lauren. Maybe go home tomorrow and talk things over with Nate. Explain to him why you got so upset and ask him point blank why he never told you. Then if you decide you still want to marry him, set a new date for the wedding. It would be tight but I think we could get everything rearranged for Fourth of July weekend.”
Lauren appreciated Callie’s complete honesty. Not that she expected any less. They had been friends too long not to be completely honest and open with each other. She’d done the same thing in the early stages of Callie’s relationship with Dylan when they hit a snag.
“Do you think so? I’m not saying I’ve made my decision, but do you really think we could make it happen for that weekend?”
Callie nodded and squeezed her hand, a small knowing smile on her face. “Just say the word, and I’ll make it happen for you guys.”
Lauren didn’t know what she’d done to get a friend as loyal and loving as Callie, but she was darn glad she had. “As soon as I decide, I will let you know. Now, we probably should get ready for tonight.”
***
Kevin surveyed the room. So far that night, he’d been unable to find Lauren, but his instincts told him she was there somewhere. The fundraiser was for a new education initiative that Callie had backed the year before so it made sense that Callie would’ve invited Lauren, her best friend and fellow educator. They had not spoken since she had returned the ring and he had lost his temper. He’d expected her to come around by now, to realize what she’d given up by turning down his proposal. Yet she hadn’t made any effort to contact him. Rather than track her down at her house, he’d decided to purchase a ticket to the fundraiser with the expectation of running into her. Perhaps surrounded by the lifestyle that was within her reach if she married him, she’d reconsider, realizing the mistake she’d made.
He still believed she would eventually regret her decision, but he needed that to happen sooner rather than later. Sherbrooke Enterprises would be calling for bids on their new development soon, and he needed to start positioning himself for the election in another year.
Not to mention, he found himself missing her. That wasn’t to say he was heartbroken, but he missed the time they spent together. While she may not be a part of his society, Lauren was a good woman and she’d never made any demands on him. Unlike many of the women he’d dated in the past who were after him for something, she’d never asked for anything but his time.
Finally after thirty minutes of discreetly searching the ballroom, Kevin spotted her in conversation with Allison Sherbrooke. Dressed in the gown she wore to his parents’ dinner party, she looked beautiful. An uncommon case of nerves passed through him. Most of the time, he walked into a situation confident he’d get the outcome he wanted, but not tonight. Lauren had already proved she was a wild card in his well-ordered life. Deciding it was better to wait until Lauren was alone, he snagged an hors d’oeuvre off the tray of a passing waiter, all the while keeping Lauren in his sight.
At least I look like I belong. Lauren surveyed the other guests mingling in the ballroom. She’d picked the Dolce & Gabbana gown Callie gave her for her birthday for the fundraiser. In fact, she’d seen two other women here wearing dresses by the same designer. Shifting her weight to the other foot, she searched for a familiar face among the sea of beautiful well-dressed people. Already she felt out of place, but by standing alone the feeling only intensified. She’d attended several similar fundraisers as Callie’s guest in the past. She’d met Kevin at the last one. Tonight, however, she felt more uncomfortable than she had in a while. Kevin’s words the night she returned his ring sat in the forefront of her mind. She did only get invited to events like these because of her friendship with Callie. Before he’d said it, she hadn’t considered it. Now as she looked around, the truth sank in.
“I thought I’d see you here tonight.”
Lauren turned toward the familiar voice. Anyone who could afford a ticket was welcome; still the sight of Kevin surprised her. He’d never struck her as much of a philanthropist. He’d only been at the last fundraiser because his mom wanted someone to accompany her and his father had been sick. “How are you?” Lauren smiled.
“Good, but busy. I spent last week in New Jersey. What about you? Are you here alone tonight?”
“Yes. I got here yesterday. Sara wanted help with some plans for a party.”
Kevin’s arm brushed against hers when he moved closer. “I’ve been thinking a lot about you. I miss you, Lauren. Let’s start over. Have dinner with me this week.” He brushed a hand down her neck, and Lauren took a step back before she realized she’d done it.
“We can make things work between us.” He closed the new gap between them. “My offer still stands.” His voice turned seductive. “We make sense together.”
Lauren studied Kevin and then looked around the ballroom again. Despite her previous rejection, Kevin wanted her back. Yet even though Kevin offered her a place in the society around her, a chance to no longer just be the tag-along, but to belong, she didn’t want it. At the beginning of their relationship, perhaps she had, but what she truly wanted was love. If that meant she never attended another event like this, that was fine.
“I’m sorry, Kevin, but nothing has changed. The kind of marriage you want doesn’t work for me.”
Kevin’s nostrils flared, and the muscle in his jaw flexed. “You won’t get another chance, Lauren. Once I leave tonight, I won’t be back. “
How had she missed his conceit before? Had he done a better job of hiding it or had she intentionally overlooked it? Either way, it didn’t matter. Unlike Nate, Kevin never really knew her. “I know, Kevin. If you’ll excuse me, I need some fresh air. It was good to see you again. Enjoy the evening.”
Lauren stepped around Kevin without a backward glance, as snippets from each conversation she’d had that weekend played over in her head. She had allowed the pain from the past to cloud her judgment. She realized that now.
Making her way through the crowd, she spotted Charlie and Jake dancing. With their arms around each other, they moved as one, oblivious to the crowd around them. At a cocktail table along the perimeter, Sara and Christopher sat so close together she was practically in his lap, while their hands were clasped together on the table. Across from them, Dylan sat with an arm around Callie’s shoulders.
A knot of pain started in the center of her chest and radiated outward as she watched the other couples. She wanted what they all had and not just with anyone. The same love reflected in these couples burned inside her for Nate. No matter what else happened, he’d always be the one. A move to Virginia was a small sacrifice when she considered the alternative.
***
Two hours after leaving Cliff House Sunday morning, with a promise to call Callie and let her know how things went, Lauren pulled into the driveway at Nate’s apartment. She was halfway up the steps near the garage when Mrs. Callahan came out of her house.
“Lauren, what you doing here?” She stopped at the bottom of the steps.
Her reason for being there seemed obvious. “I’m here to see Nate.”
“Why would he be here, dear? Isn’t he living with you now?”
Had he moved back into the apartment without telling his mom? Did she not know the engagement was off? Since she planned to rectify her mistake, she decided not to mention it now. Thinking fast, she came up with an excuse to explain her presence. “He mentioned that he might pick up more of his stuff today while I was in Newport. I thought he might still be here. I haven’t stopped home yet.”
“No, I haven’t seen him all weekend. Say hi to him for me when you see him. And maybe one night this week the two of you can come over for a cookout and fill me in on the wedding plans.”
Lauren walked back down the stairs and gave the woman a quick hug. “Sounds good. How about Wednesday night?”
“I’ll invite Ryan over, too,” Mrs. Callahan said, smiling. With plans to have dinner with his parents later in the week decided, Lauren headed for home.
Nate’s Mustang was parked in the garage when Lauren pulled in. Should’ve known. Why she thought he wouldn’t stick around and try to change her mind was beyond her. After all this time she should know Nate Callahan better than that. Even though he’d gone against her wishes, she didn’t mind. It showed how much he loved her and how determined he was to keep her in his life.
Lauren walked into her kitchen and heard the lead character from one of Nate’s favorite action movies giving the villain an ultimatum in the living room, but otherwise the house remained silent. Not even Maggie and JoJo came into the kitchen.
“Hello.” Silence answered as she dropped her purse and crossed into the living room. In the doorway she paused, taking in the sight before her. Nate was stretched out on the couch, an arm behind his head, looking more delectable than he had any right to. Maggie slept down by his feet, while JoJo had managed to sandwich herself between Nate and the couch cushions. If she came home to a sight like this every day for the next fifty years, she’d be a very happy woman, no matter where they lived.
Leaning down she nudged his shoulder. “Nate.” When he didn’t respond, she nudged him again and spoke a little louder.
Nate blinked a couple of times. Then his hazel-blue eyes locked on hers. “You’re home.” He pulled himself up and swung his legs off the couch. “What—”
“I need—” she said at the same time.
“Don’t say you need me to leave.” Nate got out before she finished her sentence. “That’s not happening.”
“Nate, I—”
“Don’t say it. Hear me out first.” He stood and put a hand on each of her shoulders as if to hold her in place. “If you don’t want to move, that’s fine. I won’t try for HRT. You’re a hell of a lot more important to me than that. Than anything, in fact. I screwed up once before with you, and I’m not doing it again. If you need me to prove it to you then I will. Just tell me how.”
Tears prickled the back of her eyes. He might not use the most flowery words, but what he said went straight to her heart. “Can I talk now?” she asked with a sniffle.
Nate gave her a stiff nod, his mouth set in a frown.
“Thursday night I overreacted. Your news blindsided me. It brought back memories of when you left after high school. All the emotions I felt then shot through me Thursday night. It was like living a nightmare all over again.”
Guilt clouded his expression, bu
t he maintained eye contact.
“Now that the shock has worn off, I realize it doesn’t matter where we are. And you were right, I have wanted to try living somewhere else, but I have never had any reason to move.”She placed her hands on either side of his face.”I’m looking forward to moving.”
She expected a radiant smile from him. All she got was a slight curve of the lips.
“Are you sure? If I do this, I could be away for long periods of time. There is constant training, and other agents tell me it can be hard on relationships.”
He’d turned on the movie to pass the time until Lauren came home. He’d prepared a speech, but as it turned out it wasn’t necessary. She’d reached the same conclusion he wanted on her own. Even so, he needed her to fully understand what she was agreeing to. No job was worth risking losing her all over again. All she had to do was say the word and his ass would stay in Boston.
“Please. I can take anything the FBI throws at me.” She tossed him a saucy grin, making the dimple in her cheek appear.
He tightened his grip on her shoulders. “I’m serious. Divorce rates are high among HRT agents.”
Her grin disappeared. “I’m serious, too. Whatever comes up, we will deal with it. That’s what married couples do.”
This time he let himself smile. “Make me one promise. If you can’t handle it, talk to me. Don’t bottle it up until you explode and all hell breaks loose.”
“Who? Moi?” She tickled him right below his rib cage.
He trapped her hand under his. “Yeah, you. I want to hear you say it.”
“I promise. There will be no hell breaking loose.”
The knot of anxiety and dread in his gut melted as joy radiated through him. “Can we swing a wedding before I leave?” Waiting any longer than necessary would be akin to torture.
“How does Fourth of July weekend sound? Callie’s already rescheduling things.”
The Billionaire's Best Friend (The Sherbrookes of Newport) Page 18
