"Where's mom?" he asked.
"In the office," Nathan replied. "She's wrapping Josh's present."
"Is Josh here yet?" Michael asked.
"Nope," replied Brian, "and he better get his ass here soon. I am not dealing with another lecture about punctuality from mom."
Michael shook his head at Brian's comment. He agreed with the sentiment, but could’ve done without the swearing. He let it go without a retort of his own and headed into the house. He figured he should be dutiful and say hello to his mother; better that than having to deal with a subtle guilt trip about manners.
"Michael, oh good you're here," his mother said as he entered the office.
His mother was at the far side of the room, standing over a dark wooden desk and trying to wrap a present.
"Come over here and give me your finger," she said. She was trying to wrap a bow and Michael obeyed. He put his finger on the wrapping and his mother went about her work.
"So, is she here?"
Michael sighed and rolled his eyes. His mother couldn't see the gesture. She was focused on tying the bow. When she finished, she grabbed scissors and began to run it along the ribbon to curl it.
"Yes, Mom," he replied. "At the moment she's helping the little angels get your cat out from under a bed."
"Oh, well that's nice of her."
"Well, they think so. I believe Nathan would agree as well."
"Now, Michael. I want you to behave today, okay?"
"Of course, Mom, I'm not Brian."
"I don't want to hear it. I'm happy to have my boys together, even if David has to work; and I don't want any squabbling. Besides, this is Joshua's birthday. So let's make is special. Lord knows he could use some happiness."
"He's doing all right, Mom," Michael said.
"I'll be the judge of that," she replied. "There, what do you think?"
Michael looked at the box that she had wrapped. It was a present, what was he supposed to think? It had fancy paper and a curly bow. Not wanting to say anything offensive, he smiled and asked her what it was.
"It's a football DVD series. All on blu-ray," she answered.
"What series?" he asked.
"Does it matter?" she asked.
She had a point, and Michael shrugged his shoulders.
"Come on," she said as she took her present with her. "Let's go see this girlfriend of yours."
Michael smiled. His mother appeared to be more excited about having another woman in the house than having a birthday for her son. He even commented on the fact.
"Michael, I love all my boys, but when you men get together the testosterone level can get a little high," she said as she walked out of the office. "To be honest, I'm looking forward to some female conversation with Jennifer."
Michael stopped in his tracks and opened his mouth. His mind froze, and he couldn't think for a moment. His mother didn't notice. She was in the lead and now well ahead of him.
"Oh, shit," he said to himself when his mind finally cleared.
He had forgotten to correct his mother's impression about his girlfriend, and it was too late now. Michael shook his head and quickly followed his mom. She was in the dining room and placing her present on a side table along with a few others. Michael suddenly remembered that he had yet to get his present and bring it in. That thought delayed his approach, and when he neared his mother, she had an odd look on her face.
She was staring into the kitchen. Michael came near and peered in as well. Sitting on the floor with a kitty in her arms was Melanie, and she had two little angels happily petting the feline. Michael smiled as he witnessed the scene and then saw Nathan. The man was lying on his side with his head propped up and laughing as his children pet the cat.
"What is she doing here?" his mother asked as she turned to Michael. "And where's Jennifer?"
Michael didn't respond, and his mother quickly understood the situation.
"Oh Michael," she said with a disapproving look and a shake of her head.
Michael felt like a little kid again who had disappointed his mother. The words she had spoken both angered him and made him feel guilty at the same time. As the emotions vied for dominance, his mother helped the battle.
"Michael, that girl's not for you," she said still shaking her head.
The anger won out and Michael snapped at her.
"That's not for you to decide," he said sharply.
He then moved away from the kitchen entryway and his mother followed.
"You wanted me to date, Mom. Well, I'm dating."
"Yes, but not her. That girl can't even make coffee."
"Well, it's a good thing I'm not dating her for her coffee making skills isn't it."
"What is this? Some attempt to hurt me or to prove a point?" she asked.
Michael rolled his eyes and didn’t give a damn if his mother saw. She did and didn’t appear to give a damn that his eyes rolled.
"Look, Mom, I love you, but this is my life; and I happen to like Melanie. She's smart. She's funny. And we have a lot in common."
His mother didn't buy it and crossed her arms. She shook her head and continued to show disapproval. It didn't work. She had raised five boys with that method, and each of them had learned to defend against it to some degree.
"Mom, are you going to behave yourself?"
She glared at him.
"I don't approve, Michael."
"So, what's the deal? Not only do we have to have women in our lives, but they all have to be mom approved?"
"That's not funny," she replied angrily.
"No, it's not" he said calmly.
"Honestly," she said with annoyance, "sometimes I believe you boys do these things just to aggravate me."
Michael rolled his eyes again and headed for the kitchen. "No, Mom. We do these things out of innocence. The fact that they irritate you is just a perk."
Joshua soon arrived and the family gathered around him in the kitchen, all except for the children and Melanie who were lost somewhere in the house. They gave him well wishes and happy birthdays, and he thanked them all, giving warm hugs as he did so. His mother got a long hug, and she took a moment to sincerely ask how he was.
"I'm fine, Mom," he replied. "Thanks for asking."
"Are you sure? Do you need money? How are you eating?" she asked.
Joshua smiled, shook his head, and looked to his brothers. They all gave him the same look—he had better answer her or she wouldn't stop asking.
Joshua took a moment to reply and reassured his mother several times that he was holding up. It had only been a year since the finalization of his divorce, and the family was still feeling the effects. When he was able to extricate himself from his mother, Michael took the opportunity to address him. They walked away and headed into the house.
"How's school?" Michael asked.
"It's fine," Joshua replied.
"How are the grades?"
"Those are fine as well, Michael," he replied and then stopped his brother before he went any further. "Look, I appreciate the concern, but I really am fine. Work is tough, and the class load is full, but I'm getting it done."
"I'm sure you are, but if you need help, or if those grades start slipping, I'll be there for good or bad."
"You don't have to be so overprotective," Joshua stated.
"Hey, you’re my kid brother. It's what I do."
Joshua didn't hear his brother; he was busy staring over his shoulder and into the living room. Michael turned around and chuckled when he saw the scene. Melanie was lying on her stomach with her legs bent and feet in the air—barefoot of course. Katherine and Joey were with her, and the three of them were deeply engrossed in a game of Chutes and Ladders.
"Who the hell is that?" Joshua asked skeptically.
"That's Melanie, she's my girlfriend," Michael replied as he enjoyed the view.
Joshua turned dour for a moment. "Girlfriend?" he asked skeptically.
Michael shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we've been
dating a couple of weeks," he replied.
"Uh huh," Joshua replied.
Michael caught the tone and turned to Joshua.
"Hey, she's good people," he stated clearly.
Joshua returned the comment with a blank stare. He then turned around and began to leave.
"Whatever," he said.
"Hey, Josh," Michael said sternly, and his brother turned back. Michael moved to his brother's side.
"I really like this girl," he said. "Can you please be nice to her, for me?"
Josh's face turned cold. "I'm always nice to women, Michael. It the reverse situation I have a problem with."
As Joshua turned around and walked away, Michael shook his head. He rarely swore, but this was one time he couldn't help himself.
"Boy, she really fucked you up didn't she," he whispered.
Dinner was an interesting affair, and everyone enjoyed it with the exception of the boys' mother. It began simply enough with Mrs. Angel having her boys set the table and Melanie arriving in the kitchen with the kids.
"Oh, you must be Joshua," she said as she extended a hand.
Joshua looked at her hand skeptically and did not take it as his look became one of contempt and scorn. He was immediately saved from an awkward social encounter when the children piped up.
"Uncle Josh!" they chimed almost in unison.
Josh's face transformed almost instantly and he bent down to receive his hugs. The kids barreled into him and he almost fell backwards.
"Oh, careful, little Angels. I'm the runt of the litter," he said.
Melanie analyzed him and wondered about his comment. He was certainly the smallest Angel she had seen, but he was still taller than she was. He was probably five foot eight and certainly the slimmest of the boys, but he still sported a nice jaw line and cheekbones to match. His hair was a dirty blonde, leaning more to the dirty color, giving him an interestingly handsome charm. Overall, he was a good-looking man. She could certainly see why a woman would lie to keep him.
Melanie smiled as she watched him interact with the children. Her first impression rapidly altered in her mind. His dismissal of her, and few seconds of rude behavior, was erased when she saw him smiling and laughing.
Joshua picked up Joey and slung him on his back, while Katherine wrapped herself around his leg.
"Oh, no," he cried out, and then he spoke very slowly as if he were over acting. "Must get out of kitchen."
His arms extended as if he was Frankenstein's monster, and he walked across the hardwood floor, dragging Katherine along as he did so. When he began to pass Melanie, he looked down at her, and for a moment, that look of contempt flashed across his face.
He returned his attention to the kids and continued to move across the floor. Michael came to stand beside her and she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his waist all without taking her eyes off Joshua.
"She really messed him up, didn't she?" Melanie whispered.
"You don't know the half of it, little Darling," came the reply.
Melanie startled and looked up. She was leaning against Brian; he was staring down at her, smiling as he did so. She glared at him and pulled away quickly. Brian scrutinized her again and chuckled. He was not unlike Michael in that respect, but at least when Michael did it she felt loved. When Brian did it, she felt as if she were merely an amusement.
Melanie left Brian and decided to assist Mrs. Angel. The two of them had hardly spoken a word as Melanie had spent most of her time playing with the kids—an activity that she enjoyed. It had been a long time since she had played Chutes and Ladders.
"Is there anything I can help with, Mrs. Angel?" she asked.
Much like before, Mrs. Angel ignored Melanie and dismissed her easily.
"No, that's okay Melanie. I can get this. It's just lasagna."
Melanie could feel the coldness from the woman, but chose to ignore it. She had acted the same way each time she was at the attorney's office, and Melanie didn't want to read too much into it. Still, she got the distinct impression that Michael's mother did not like her.
The kids were soon back and Joshua was in tow. Katherine had a book in her hand and came up to Melanie.
"Will you read us a story?" she asked.
Melanie frowned and took the book. She laughed when she saw the title.
"Well, I'm not sure. I think we need a Pop for this story. Do you have one?"
"Uh huh," they both said with exaggerated nods.
"Well you better go get him," Melanie said with a laugh.
"Daddy!" the kids cried out as they went to find their dad.
He was not far. He was obediently setting the table like a good son. The kids barreled into him as they had done to Joshua and began to pull him into the living room.
"Hop on Pop," they began to chime several times and Melanie laughed as she joined them. She took a seat in a corner chair, and before opening the book, she cried out, "Stop! You must not hop on Pop."
The kids laughed and she smiled as she opened the novel. Nathan rolled to the ground and grabbed his kids, tickling them as he did so. The climbed on him and began to bounce as Melanie began the story properly.
From the dining room, Joshua watched the affair. He glared at Melanie, but then smiled as he watched the kids jumping on their dad. Nathan was a fantastic father, and that was something every Angel knew.
"She's good people," Michael said again, as he came alongside Joshua and watched Melanie read the story.
Josh turned to his brother and refrained from answering. Michael was watching Melanie, and Joshua looked between the two of them. It took him a moment to put the puzzle pieces together, and when he did, he had to speak.
"My God, you're in love with her," Joshua stated.
Michael startled and turned to his brother. He became contemplative. His response was slow and accompanied with a shrug.
"Maybe," he said. "I don’t know. But she's fun and I like being with her."
"Well, the kids seem to like her. So, maybe she's not all bad," Joshua said carefully.
Melanie made a funny face as she read out some of the lines, and Katherine giggled and returned the funny face. Both men suddenly chuckled at the scene. Michael was shocked by his brother's response, but like hunting a deer, he didn't want to spook Joshua. He just let the scene play out, and hoped Melanie could work her magic on his brother. He didn’t wish for a miracle. He just prayed that Melanie would demonstrate to Joshua that not all women were evil.
Dinner was served, grace was said, and food was passed around. Conversation was entertaining and certainly interesting; at least Melanie thought so.
The boys were well behaved; their mother saw to that, and it wasn't long before conversation turned to Melanie.
"So Melanie," Mrs. Angel asked. "Do you have any long term plans?"
"Not really," she replied with a shrug. "Being a paralegal is okay, but I prefer my art."
"Oh, you're an artist," Mrs. Angel replied with judgment.
The comment's meaning was not lost on Melanie, but she just shrugged and agreed that she was an artist. She then talked about some of her work.
"She's actually very good, Mom. You'd be impressed," Michael said.
Melanie glared at Michael for a second. She knew he was trying to defend her, but she didn't want it.
"I'm sure she is dear," his mother replied, and Michael rolled his eyes at the condescension in her voice.
"So do you ever want children, Melanie?" Mrs. Angel asked.
"Oh, maybe," Melanie replied. "I haven't thought about it much."
"You can have children can't you?" was the next question, and Michael's eyes widened at the nerve of his mother.
"Oh, I'm sure. All the plumbing works as far as I can tell," Melanie replied as she scanned about the table for something.
Michael looked to his brothers who returned his silent entreaty with dumb stares. The looks all said one thing.
Hey, at least it's not us getting grilled.
&n
bsp; "Mom, that's not really an appropriate question," Michael stated as he turned back to his mother.
"Oh, Michael relax," Melanie said as she reached for the roll basket and began to pick out a roll she wanted. The basket had several varieties and she couldn't decide.
"Besides, it's not like she's asking if we've had sex," Melanie said as she finally picked out a roll.
"Have you?" Mrs. Angel asked directly.
"Yep," Melanie replied without taking her eyes off the roll she had chosen. She smiled at it and began to open it as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
Brian had been taking another sip of his beer and for the second time today, he choked on it. He began to fight his laughter and attempted to keep from choking at the same time. He stood quickly and headed to the kitchen, pausing long enough to grab his brother by the shoulder and whisper in his ear.
"Damn, Michael," he said with a laugh.
He then left for the kitchen, and Michael could see by the rapid movement of his brother's shoulders and the hand over his mouth that the man was about to bust a gut.
Michael turned to his other brothers and they both appeared amused. He was pleased that Joshua was being entertained, but he was not so sure he liked the reasoning. Turning back to his mother, he could see that the head of the household was unhappy.
"All right, boys. That's enough," she said.
Nathan ignored his mother.
"So, Melanie, is he any good?" Nathan asked.
"I'm still grading him," she replied as she eyed her roll and began to spread butter on it.
Joshua gave an honest chuckle, smiled, and looked at Michael as he spoke. "Well let me know how he does. Michael's always checking on my grades. If he slacks off, I'll make sure he works harder for you."
Melanie stopped spreading her butter and looked to Joshua. He actually turned to her as well and kept his smile in place.
"All right, Joshua, for your birthday present I'll keep you informed," Melanie said with a smile that spoke of innocence.
Michael could hear Brian laughing in the kitchen; the man obviously found the conversation too amusing to be able to contain himself at the table.
Enticing An Angel Page 8
