“And?”
She rubbed her forehead. “He wasn’t pleased, Reid. I didn’t expect him to be. I told you he’s black and white with his views. He said what he thought, I told him why he was wrong, and we agreed to disagree.”
“In other words, he doesn’t approve.”
“In other words,” she countered, “he needs to meet you and make up his mind after that happens. I want you to spend some time with him. Let him get to know you. I’m sure he’ll realize the kind of person you are once he does.”
I contemplated her words. “What if he doesn’t, Becca?”
She shook her head. “That won’t happen. Once he sees how happy you make me, and he talks to you, it will be fine. I know it.”
She desperately wanted to believe her words. I had a feeling it was going to take more than a few days and some conversations to get him to like me. But for her, I was willing to try.
“I’ve never been on a plane before,” I told her, wanting to stop her worry and make her smile. “Another first with you, BB.”
“The list keeps growing.”
I held up my hand and counted. “Yep. My first real crush, first meaningful kiss.” I winked. “You got my virginity, my first trip in a plane, or even staying in a hotel. All of them—yours.”
“Anything else?” She looked into my eyes.
“My love. You are my first and only love, Becca.”
Her smile appeared. The gentle one only I saw. Shy, tremulous, and sweet. She leaned over my desk. “You still say the best things, Reid Matthews.”
I met her halfway with a long kiss.
“All for you, BB. All for you.”
* * *
I found the airport fascinating. I wandered around, looking at the monitors and systems, marveling at the scope of it all. The flight was long and uneventful—though the take-off was unlike anything I had ever experienced before now. Becca napped while I did some work on my computer, and we watched a movie together to pass the time.
After we landed, I turned to her. “I preferred the take-off to landing.”
She smirked. It was sexy and cute on her.
“I know.”
“You too?”
“Yes, but the death grip on my hand was sort of the indicator.”
Looking down I realized how tight I was holding her palm, and I released it with a quick kiss to her knuckles.
I had arranged a rental car for us. I didn’t know how to drive, but Becca did, and it would make it easier to get around. Luckily, the hotel was quiet and our room was ready. I made sure to book a nice suite with a sitting area and a big tub in the bathroom for her. She enjoyed soaking in the tub and I hoped she would be able to relax while we were there.
I stored away my clothes and stood on the small balcony of our suite, looking at the pretty city. The air was warm and filled with the scent of the many flowering trees around the hotel. I inhaled deeply as my nerves began to tighten. Becca wanted to go see her father this afternoon, and I was beginning to get anxious about meeting him. Richard had called and told me to make sure to stand up to him and not to take any of his bullshit.
“He’s a hard man until he accepts you,” he cautioned me. “Very protective of Becca. We certainly had a rough start, even though we get along fine now. I’m sure you’ll be okay, but if you need backup, give me a call.”
Becca’s arms wrapped around my waist, and she hugged me tightly. “Did you want to stay here while I go see my dad?”
I reached behind me and pulled her to my side. “No. I came to meet him, so I will.”
She smiled, although I saw the tension in her eyes.
“Don’t worry, BB. You said he was a big sports fan. We can talk football or baseball. We’ll find our common ground.”
“He’s blunt.”
Thinking of Rodney, I smiled. “I’m okay with blunt.”
She sighed. “I warned him to be nice. I told him how much you meant to me. Sometimes, he, well, he says rude things.”
“The way he did with Richard?”
“He told you about that?”
“Yeah. I can handle him, Becca. I’ll be respectful.”
She sighed and leaned her head on my shoulder. “I hope he reciprocates.”
I had to chuckle. He was Becca’s father. How bad could the man be?
* * *
A few hours later, I knew the answer to that question—and it wasn’t positive.
Gerald Holden had already decided to hate me, and he had no issues letting me know. We had stopped and bought some things for him Becca knew he liked. I had added a bottle of his preferred rye, hoping to make a good impression. I failed.
He was a tall man, his once-broad shoulders stooped over his cane. His hair was salt-and-pepper, his eyes the same color blue as Becca’s. It was the only resemblance I could see between them. His expression was dour, except for the smile he had for Becca.
“Dad!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck. “You look good!”
“Ah, Rebecca,” he replied. “You’re just buttering me up.”
“Never,” she teased and stepped back. “Dad, this is Reid Matthews. Reid, this is my dad, Gerald.”
I extended my hand. “Mr. Holden, sir. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He eyed my hand as though it would bite before accepting it. “Reid,” he stated shortly. “I don’t think I’ve heard enough about you.”
“Dad,” Becca murmured with a warning tone in her voice.
“It’s fine, Becca.” I smiled, even though I felt the cool dismissiveness of his greeting. “Your dad and I need to get to know each other.” I held out the bottle of rye. “Becca tells me this is your favorite.”
He took the bottle, lifting one eyebrow. “Booze as a hello? What’s next—you have some weed in your pockets to share?”
“Dad!”
He laughed dryly. “Just teasing the boy, Rebecca. Come in and sit down.”
I followed them into his place. Small and neat, it contained a love seat and chair, plus a little table and kitchen setup. A bedroom and bath were right off the living area. Becca had explained he had his meals in the main dining room and used his kitchen area for snacks.
“He was never much of a cook,” she said. “So he took one of the suites with the meal plan. I don’t have to worry about him eating, and he enjoys the social aspect.”
Becca busied herself putting away the few things she had brought him. He placed the rye on the table and addressed me “Was the trip all right? The drive here okay? I know there is construction on Maple Avenue. Did Rebecca tell you to avoid that?”
I cleared my throat. “The trip was good, Mr. Holden. Becca went around the construction, so the drive over was fast.”
“Becca drove?”
I noticed he didn’t tell me to call him Gerald.
“Yes, sir. I don’t drive.”
“You don’t drive?”
“No, sir, I don’t. In Toronto, I walk or take the subway. Traffic is horrendous, and I never bothered to learn.”
He leaned back, eyeing me speculatively. “Hard to learn in prison, I imagine.”
Somehow, I wasn’t shocked how quickly he brought up my past. I met his cool gaze.
“No, pretty near impossible. I haven’t been in prison for some time, though. But there hasn’t been a need to learn, and I have no intention of buying a car for myself, so I haven’t bothered.”
“You haven’t bothered,” he repeated. “I assume you have no problem letting my daughter play chauffeur.” His tone said it all.
You’re a lazy, good-for-nothing loser.
Becca joined us. “I like to drive, Dad. You know that. Reid’s right—in Toronto, it’s easier to walk or take the subway. That’s why I sold my car. Parking alone would break me,” she informed him, trying to lighten the air. “If I could even find a place to park the car, that is.”
It didn’t work, and things went from bad to worse. Every chance he got, he to
ok a dig at me. He’d ask snide questions about my upbringing. My record. The work I did “playing with computers.” Becca jumped in and defended me every time, but it did no good. By the end of the afternoon, I’d been on the defensive nonstop, and my head ached from being so tense. All I wanted was to go back to the hotel and get away from her father. Luckily, we were having dinner with Richard and his family, so we had an excuse not to be there for the entire evening.
Before we could leave, he shifted in his chair. “Becca, I forgot. I need some cream for my coffee later. Could you run to the shop downstairs and get me a small container? Have them charge it to my account.”
She glanced my way, nervous. I tilted my chin, letting her know I was fine. I knew what was about to happen, and I figured we might as well get it over with.
I wasn’t wrong.
As soon as she was out the door, he turned to me.
“I don’t like your kind, boy.”
“My kind?” I asked, despite knowing exactly what he was saying.
“I checked you out. You stole millions of dollars. You’re nothing but a thief. A liar and a thief. I don’t know how you hoodwinked the people you’re working for, but they’ll figure it out soon enough.”
I remained calm. “Is that right?”
“Yes. I’m sure you’re somehow ripping them off too. They’ll get wise to you.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do they know about your background?”
“Every sordid detail.”
That seemed to shock him. I leaned forward, keeping my voice level. “Listen, Mr. Holden, I get it. You don’t think I’m good enough for your daughter. You hate ex-cons. Becca told me your feelings on that subject. But, sir, you’re wrong. I was a kid. I made a stupid mistake, and I paid the price. I learned my lesson.”
“Really.” His retort was dry and filled with contempt. “In my experience, that is rare.”
“Maybe. But for me, it’s true. I have a new life. Good people in it. The best one is your daughter. I love her, and I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that or the opportunities I’ve been given.”
He grunted.
“Maybe if you gave me a chance, let me tell you my story, you’d see I wasn’t the lowlife you’ve decided I must be.” I met his baleful glare. “Do you really think your daughter would fall in love with someone as undeserving as you seem to think I am?”
“I think you’ve fooled her and a lot of other people. Leopards don’t change their spots, boy. I’ve seen it too often. It’s only a matter of time before you fall back on your old habits.”
I barked out a laugh, fed up. “Listen to yourself. You sound like some bad TV cop. I’m not a criminal.”
“Your record says different.”
“My record shows I made a mistake, went to prison, served my time, and have lived within the law since then. It doesn’t tell you the why or the person I am now. I have a good job and a future. One which contains your daughter, I might add. I’d wanted us to get along for her sake, but you’re making it difficult.”
“I have no desire to get along with you. You’re a phase. She’ll get over you soon enough, boy.”
I stood, tired of the conversation and knowing we were only going to go around in circles. I refused to let him know how his words rankled, that they struck a chord of worry within me. I was apprehensive Becca would find someone better, more worthy of her. But right now, I was tired of his disparaging attitude and lack of compassion. Given the kind person I knew Becca to be, I found it difficult to believe the man in front of me had raised her.
“My name is Reid, not boy. I’m sorry you feel that way.” I shook my head. “Becca wanted us to find some common ground and maybe be friends.”
“We have nothing in common.”
I stared at him, upset at his arrogance and knowing there was nothing I could do to change it. At least, not today.
“Yes, Mr. Holden, we do. We both love Becca. I came here because she wanted me to meet you. It’s important to her. You may want to think about that.”
I turned and left the room.
* * *
I ran a hand over my face, taking a long sip of beer. “Jesus, Richard. He’s a piece of work. How the hell is he Becca’s dad?”
Richard chuckled as he placed the steak on the grill, the delicious smell immediately hitting me. I was starving.
“He’s pushing you hard.”
“No shit.”
“He’s testing you.”
“Well, I fucking failed. I don’t know what to do.”
The sound of laughter drifted over, and I looked toward the noise. Becca was in the pool with Gracie, Katy sitting on the edge with Heather, trailing her toes in the cool water. She cooed and giggled while Gracie clapped her hands in delight.
Becca had accepted my explanation that I was heading to the car to give her a few moments alone with her dad when I bumped into her in the hall. She hadn’t said anything in the car, even when we stopped for flowers and wine. We already had gifts for the little ones we had brought from Toronto.
Richard and Katy had been welcoming, and I’d had a swim and a couple of beers, so I was more relaxed than I had been all day. I was helping Richard cook dinner—in other words, bitching at him about Gerald Holden and the stick up his ass when it came to me.
Richard shut the lid, letting the steaks cook. He indicated Becca. “If she’s as important to you as you say, you keep your mouth shut, and you piss him the fuck off by going back tomorrow. You kill him with kindness.”
“And what does that get me besides more insults?”
“It shows Becca you’re trying. Gerry is using your prison record to get under your skin. He’s terrified of you.”
My beer bottle froze on its way to my mouth. “What?”
He shrugged. “He told Katy he had hoped Becca would go to Toronto and decide the big-city life wasn’t for her then come back to Victoria. I think that was why he didn’t put up a fuss when she decided to go. But it hasn’t worked out that way. She loves Toronto, the office—and you. Not much incentive to leave that behind. And he’s decided you’re the main cause.”
I drained my beer and set it on the table. “Becca’s decision, not mine.”
“I know. And I agree he’s being an ass. A total dick. So show him up and go there tomorrow guns blazing. Be funny. Ask him a thousand and one questions. Make him talk.”
“And when that doesn’t work?”
“You tried. I’ll invent some horrible emergency and get Mad Dog to call you, and you can spend the rest of the weekend working.”
I laughed. “I might take you up on that.” We were spending the day with her father tomorrow and had plans the day after to play tourist around the city so Becca could show me all the places she loved. Sunday, there was a family barbeque at the residence, and Richard, Katy, and the girls were joining us.
“I only have to make it through tomorrow without losing my temper again or being rude,” I mused out loud.
Richard flipped the steaks and grinned. “You made it through four years of prison without pissing anyone off enough they shanked you. This should be a walk in the park.”
I burst out laughing. “I wasn’t in maximum security. No one got shanked.”
He lifted one shoulder, teasing. “But the possibility—what street cred it gives you that you survived.”
“Not with Mr. Holden.”
“Another tip.” He smirked. “Stop with the Mr. Holden shit. Call him Gerry. Don’t give him the edge. He’s her father. Not yours. Respectful, not beholden.”
“Weid!” Gracie called. “Weid, come in da pool!”
“You’re being paged.” Richard laughed. “I suggest you join her.”
“Do I have time?”
“Yep. I’ll add the lobster and shrimp soon. Katy has everything in the pool house, and we’re eating out here, casual. You can come to the table in your suit.”
“Okay, then.” I hurried to the pool and performed a huge cannonball that made Gracie laugh loudly. Thank
fully, watching her and Becca together made me forget what I would face tomorrow.
I was good with that.
Reid
On the way back to the hotel, Becca glanced my way. “Feel like some ice cream? My treat.”
I grinned at her, feeling lazy. I was relaxed, having enjoyed the evening with Richard and his family. “Sure, BB. Ice cream sounds good.”
We pulled into a parking lot. The place was busy, the line long. I stood behind Becca, and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her to my chest. “What’s good?”
“The triple threat.”
I read the sign. “Wow. Caramel, chocolate, and marshmallow with three scoops of ice cream? Are you going to eat that all by yourself?”
She giggled. “No, usually Katy and I would share it. We’d come here sometimes and leave Richard with the girls. Especially if she was pissed with him and needed to vent.”
“They seem very happy.”
“Oh, they are. But Richard can be a handful. And all couples need time apart. Sometimes it was just an excuse for ice cream.”
I kissed her head. “I got it.”
When we got to the window, I ordered, and Becca used her debit card. The girl behind the window shook her head. “Sorry, it didn’t go through.”
Becca frowned. “That’s odd.”
“Try again.” The girl handed her the machine.
“No, it declined.”
“I’m sorry. We’ve had some issues today. A squirrel ate through some wires, and they did a temporary repair, but things haven’t worked well all afternoon.”
Laughing, I pulled a twenty from my pocket. “Squirrels. Great.”
We sat down, and Becca huffed. “I wanted to treat you.”
I took a huge bite of the sweet mixture and swallowed it. “God, this is good. You can treat tomorrow. Maybe the wires will be fixed.”
She chuckled. “Okay.”
We ate, watching people around us, and enjoyed the warm evening.
“You know,” Becca began, “I’m not sure if I’m more embarrassed or impressed about what happened today.”
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 20
