“My dad.”
Marianne nodded. “And she was pregnant. Too pregnant for a new bride. Marty wouldn’t talk about it, and he wouldn’t talk about her. Those floors never got such a sweeping as when someone asked Marty about Doreen.” Marianne swallowed. “Your dad was working at the mill and said to be doing well there. I didn’t see much of Doreen since they were living at that place outside town, but we all assumed they were happy.”
Reid looked down at his boots, glad to hear that there had been some normal interval in his parents’ troubled marriage. It was hard for him to believe that his dad had ever been anything other than abusive, but he trusted Marianne’s memories. He wanted to believe that his mom had been happy, even if it had only been for a short time.
She smiled sadly in recollection and shook her head. “I even had an argument with Marty about him being a sore loser.”
“He probably knew more than you did.”
“Yes.” Marianne sighed. “He probably did, but Marty was never one to gossip about other people.”
“No. He wasn’t.”
“Did you know about his book?”
Reid nodded and their gazes met. “He worked on it every Saturday night, keeping it up to date. It was in the office at the store after he died and I didn’t know what to do with it.”
“Until you gave it to Cassie.”
He took a deep breath. “She told me what happened to her, and I could see that she didn’t think anyone would believe her. Marty had guessed the truth and I wanted her to know that he would have believed her.”
“And that you did.”
Reid nodded.
“Thank you.” Marianne touched his arm briefly. “You have your mom’s compassion.”
Reid looked away, his tears welling and his throat working.
Marianne cleared her throat. “As you probably guessed, Doreen had a baby boy.”
Reid chuckled despite himself.
“The very spitting image of his father.”
Reid frowned.
“And no sooner had she delivered than your father lost his job at the mill. At first, it was just because they were cutting down on expenses and staff, but he stormed out of there and spent the afternoon at the bar, then went back to fight. He broke old Jeff Tucker’s nose, caused a bunch of destruction and turned the air blue, by all accounts. There was no chance of him ever being hired there again.”
“Or anywhere else.”
“Or anywhere else. Word got around and your father really began to drink. No one saw Doreen very often. She was much quieter and more shy. I was back from college before I saw her bruises. She ran away from me when I asked, and wouldn’t tell me what had happened. Finally, she said she’d tripped in the house.”
Reid felt his lips tighten.
“Marty used to deliver their groceries, when they could pay, and I know he slipped something extra into the order when he could.”
Reid closed his eyes, remembering his father finding something extra and deciding that his mother was paying Marty with sexual favors. He’d nearly killed her that night.
“What?” Marianne asked at sudden proximity. “What are you remembering, Reid?”
“He found it once.”
Marianne studied him with concern. “Tell me.”
“He said there was only one way she could have been compensating Marty for extra groceries. He said she was his and had no right to offer what belonged to him to anyone else.”
She winced. “He made you watch,” she guessed.
Reid nodded. “Always two lessons in one.” He took a shaking breath. “But that was the first night he hit me, too. And that was when my mom decided we were going to run.”
“Where?”
“California was her plan, but really, the challenge was getting out of that house alive. If she’d managed that, we would have figured out the rest on the way.”
“But he found out,” Marianne guessed. “And he taught her a lesson.”
Reid nodded.
“Surely he didn’t make you watch that.”
Reid met her gaze steadily.
“Sweet Jesus,” Marianne whispered. “Did he kill her?”
“Close enough. She died that night. He locked us in when he was done and I held her hand. I remember when her pulse stopped.”
“Dear God,” she whispered unevenly and touched his arm again. “All by yourself and dealing with that kind of wickedness.” When Reid didn’t pull away, she stroked him a little. He appreciated both that she wanted to comfort him and that she had no idea how to start. “And you were just a boy.”
“Twelve.”
She looked around. “Where is Doreen’s stone?”
“She doesn’t have one. He wasn’t going to waste good money on a funeral for a woman who didn’t love him.” He heard his own bitterness. “Her ashes are in the potter’s field.”
“Nothing to commemorate the life of that sweet, sweet girl,” Marianne said with a shake of her head. “What a wicked man he was.”
Reid bowed his head.
“Nothing except, of course, her son,” Marianne said, touching him briefly again. “The son she loved more than anything in the world.”
“It wasn’t enough. I couldn’t help her.”
“But you were just a boy!” She gripped his sleeve. “Don’t you understand, Reid? Marty helped you because you were Doreen’s son, because she loved you and that was enough for him to need to help you. That’s why he was good to you. Because of Doreen.”
“He told me that he just took her,” Reid confessed. “That he cornered her and took what was his, and that she’d had no choice but to marry him. He was proud of having asserted himself.” He wanted to spit after just repeating those words.
“I’m glad her parents never knew,” Marianne said and Reid was suddenly annoyed.
“Because it might have upset them? Shouldn’t it have upset them to have their daughter married to a monster? Shouldn’t they have stood up for her?”
“But an illegitimate child...”
“A raped daughter,” Reid said, biting off the words. “When did she need their support more than in that moment?”
Marianne studied him and he knew she was making the connection. “If Cassie had told us who the father was, I would have forced a marriage on her.”
“And how good of a husband could a rapist possibly be?”
Marianne nodded and exhaled, surveying the cemetery. Reid thought she was reorganizing her assumptions and wondered whether she’d be able to do it.
Then she turned to study him, her eyes bright. “Do you wish your mother had terminated her pregnancy?”
“I’ve wondered many times if it might have been smarter.”
“You can’t say that! She loved you.”
“Bad plan,” Reid murmured.
Marianne’s lips pursed. “Why haven’t you ever married? Are you, like Marty, yearning for a woman you can’t ever have?”
“I wasn’t, but I might be now.”
“Cassie loves you.”
“I’m my father’s son, Marianne. You can’t wish that upon your daughter.”
“You’re your mother’s son and you might as well have been Marty’s for all you show of your dad. I can wish that for Cassie.”
“No. It’ll come out. I’ll get angry about something and I’ll hurt her, and that would be an abomination.” He glared at her. “I will not do it. I will not break her heart.”
Marianne glared at him. “Maybe you already are.”
Reid had to turn away.
“I’ll drop off Marty’s book before I leave town then, and you can get to work, living vicariously and keeping those lists updated,” Marianne said bitterly. “You can hide in the office of the Shop ’n Save just like Marty did and wish for something that can never be—but in your case, it’ll be because you refused to reach for it.”
“You don’t understand...” He turned on her in anger, only to find her just as angry.
“I do und
erstand, Reid. I respect your concern but I see the difference between you and your father. If Doreen could reach down from heaven and slap you, she’d do it right now. Maybe I should do it for her.” Marianne pointed a finger at him. “Because if you think that my daughter would ever lose her heart to a man who wasn’t completely worthy of her, then you’re very seriously mistaken. Cassie knows what she wants and she’s always been a smart girl. She’s always been ready to wait for the best possible solution and to work hard for what she wants. She loves you and I trust that.”
“I don’t believe in love.”
“Then you need a tutor. I recommend Cassie Wilson.” She fixed him with one last glare then pivoted and surveyed the cemetery. “Your mother needs at least a tree here, if not a memorial garden.” She pointed. “Maybe right there, close to Marty. They’d probably both like to be within sight of each other, even now.”
“I can arrange that,” Reid said, his voice husky. He took a breath. “Maybe even before I go to New York.”
“Well, don’t dilly-dally over it,” Marianne said sternly, despite her smile. “I’d like some grandchildren soon.”
“I’ll have to see what Cassie has to say about that.”
“You certainly will,” she agreed, then opened her arms to him. “I hope you’re feeling persuasive.”
“I am.” Reid grinned, buoyed by a new sense that things could be right in his world.
That maybe he could be lucky.
That maybe he could have a dream.
“Isn’t it time someone gave you a hug, Reid? Thank you for helping to make this right.”
It was awkward at first to hug Cassie’s mom, and it didn’t help that Reid was a good foot taller than her, but once they connected, it worked out just fine.
It felt right.
Just like going to New York.
“Cassie!” Ty said and she turned at the sound of his voice.
It was two weeks after Kyle’s wedding and it seemed that things were never going to settle back to what had once been normal. Cassie had borrowed Ty’s empty apartment for a photo shoot and was looking through the results. There were two shots of her that were really similar and both good.
She’d been thinking about Reid way too much and wished that he could be there to see the result of his idea. It was going to be a great campaign.
Actually, she just wished he could be there, period.
“Just the person I wanted to see.” Ty looked a bit agitated, which was unusual for him, and she felt a moment’s concern.
“Really?”
“I wondered if you could do me a favor.”
“Possibly.” She checked her watch. “I have a class to teach at eight but have nothing planned before then.”
“Excellent.” Ty tossed her a set of keys and she caught them instinctively. “There’s a guy coming to see the apartment, and he’s really interested.” Ty made a face. “But Amy was feeling off today and she finally got an appointment with her OB/GYN. She’s working her into her schedule at the end of the day...”
“And you want to be there, too.”
Ty nodded then he grabbed his stuff and headed for the lobby. Cassie followed him. “He’s made an offer, but it’s conditional on him seeing the place and liking it.”
“I can’t imagine he won’t,” she said. “The views are awesome.”
“I think so. It’s just a crossing of the t’s and dotting of the i’s, but I’d like to leave it with someone I trust.”
Cassie smiled. “I’m glad to do it. I’m sure he’ll love it.”
Ty nodded and checked his watch.
Cassie and Sonja exchanged a glance and Sonja smiled.
“Don’t worry about it,” Cassie said, thinking that Ty would be a wreck when Amy went into labor. “When’s he supposed to show up?”
“Any minute now, but I really have to go if I’m going to make it back to the Bronx in time.”
“Rush hour traffic will be brutal,” Sonja contributed.
“I know,” Ty said, checking his watch again. “Maybe I should just take the train.”
Sonja nodded wisely. “That’s a better plan.”
Ty tugged on his raincoat and seized his briefcase, pausing to glance at Cassie. “It’s really okay?”
“It’s really okay,” she said with a smile. “Go already.”
She watched him stride through the F5 lobby, enjoying the view but not feeling the same desire she had just months before. No, it was a different man’s long-legged stride that lingered in her imagination, though she doubted she’d see Reid again anytime soon.
Cassie sighed and turned to Sonja. “I might as well work on the scheduling for that next flight of Aquafit classes,” she said.
Sonja was just handing her the folder of notes when she paused and glanced toward the doors to the street. “Well, hello,” she said softly and Cassie turned to look.
Then she blinked.
Because it was Reid Jackson walking toward her. He paused to survey the rock climbing wall, then turned in place to scan the lobby. He was carrying an overnight bag and a messenger bag, wearing jeans and a casual shirt, and looked as scrumptious as ever.
Maybe better.
Maybe she just had more of an appetite for what he had to offer.
Cassie was glad she was wearing the blue latex dress with the zipper down the back.
So, apparently, was Reid.
He surveyed her and smiled in appreciation. “As gorgeous as ever,” he said, then bent to touch his lips to her cheek. “You are a sight for sore eyes, Cassie Wilson.” His voice was low and sent a familiar thrum surging through Cassie.
“Did you just come here for sex?” she asked, hearing the breathlessness of her voice. The man’s effect upon her was apparently never going to diminish.
“Well, that, too,” he said with a smile.
“Just as mysterious as ever,” she teased.
“Ty invited me to come to F5 and do some consulting,” he admitted. “Take a look at the retail and make suggestions. I’ve got one already.”
“What’s that?”
“If you’re going to sell apartments in this building, you need some food shops in the lobby.”
“There’s a bodega down the street...”
Reid shook his head. “Why would you encourage them to leave? A little boutique grocery in that corner, with prepared meals to go, healthy choices, coffee, open late.” He shook his head. “You’d practically be printing money. They could come down in their jammies at midnight for sushi and butter chicken.”
Cassie smiled at the unlikely combination. “Is that really why you came?” she dared to ask.
Reid sobered and looked down at her. “No. It’s an excuse.”
Cassie caught her breath at the intensity of his gaze.
He held up a set of keys. “I’ve been invited to view an apartment for sale in this building by the owner.”
She gasped in understanding. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I don’t even want to see it, without your approval.”
“It’s not up to me...”
“It is up to you, Cassie,” Reid said firmly, interrupting her. “If you don’t feel the way you did in Santa Cruz, there’s no reason for me even to be in New York.” He smiled crookedly. “And if you do, I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Cassie’s heart was thundering. “You just want to stick close and torment me?”
Reid’s smile turned mischievous. “I was thinking of courting you.”
“Courting me?” she echoed. “You got that word from Ty.”
“I did. I’m intrigued. I know I’ve never courted anyone before. What’s it like?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been courted.”
He eased her toward a wall and Cassie smiled as she backed up, unable to tear her gaze away from his. He looked unpredictable and sexy as hell. “My usual plan is just to seduce a woman who interests me.”
Cassie nodded. “I just jump the bones of any guy I want.”
He brushed his lips across her cheek. “Then maybe this courting thing isn’t for us.”
“Maybe we should seduce each other first, then talk about it more,” she whispered, feeling breathless and thrilled.
“I love how you have all these great ideas,” he murmured, then slid his mouth over hers. Cassie shivered right to her toes. “It’s like you can read my mind.”
“Kismet,” Cassie whispered.
“No,” Reid argued. “I think it’s love.”
Her eyes flew open at that and she found him watching her closely.
“I love you, Cassie Wilson,” he said with heat. “It scares the shit out of me, but I’m informed that if I need a tutor in the art of falling and staying in love, you would be the ideal candidate.”
“Who told you that?”
“Your mom.”
Cassie laughed. “And what are you going to do about that bit of advice?”
He dropped one of his bags and lifted his hand to her chin. “I was thinking that I would buy an apartment, provided it has enough closet space for you and your shoe collection, then seduce you repeatedly until you agreed to marry me.”
“I might agree right now.”
“That would spoil the fun.”
“I could agree and then you could seduce me anyway. Or I could seduce you.”
“We should definitely try all the possibilities,” he murmured, then slid his hand into her hair. Cassie closed her eyes as he kissed her, slowly and sweetly.
He lifted his head all too soon and smiled down at her. “I missed you.”
“Took you long enough to figure it out.”
Reid shook his head. “No, I knew at Emily’s christening. I just didn’t have it in me to believe I could be so lucky.”
“I thought you were lucky.”
“I work for all my luck. It’s never just turned up on its own like this.” His gaze searched hers and his voice dropped lower. “Like you.”
“Then maybe I should make you work for it,” Cassie teased.
Reid kissed her again, a little more possessively. “I needed you to teach me about the possibilities, Cassie.” Their next kiss was even hotter and lasted long enough to coax a few whistles.
“We’d better look at that apartment now,” Cassie whispered and Reid grinned.
Some Guys Have All the Luck Page 31
