by Lynn, Sandi
She continued to laugh as I headed towards the door.
“Should I bring something?”
“No. My mother has the entire barbeque catered. She even has people do the barbequing for her. Everything is taken care of.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“See ya later, Miss Ruby. I’ll bring my guitar and we can sing some songs.”
“Beatles?” she asked.
“Of course. There’s nothing else worth singing, is there?”
“No.” She giggled.
Chapter 21
Nathan
When I arrived at the park, everyone was there except Mason.
“Where’s Mason?” I asked Elijah as he handed me a beer.
“He’ll be here shortly.”
“Hi, Nathan.” Aspen smiled as she walked up holding Mila.
“Hey, Aspen.” I kissed her cheek. “Hello, sweetheart.” I kissed Mila’s forehead. “I ran into Allison in the building and invited her and Ruby to join us.”
“Great.” Aspen grinned. “That’ll be fun.”
Elijah hooked his arm around me.
“Why did you invite one of my associates?”
“Because she mentioned she didn’t have plans and so I thought why not. Nobody should have to spend Labor Day alone. Right?”
He glared at me with a narrowed eye.
“I’m sorry. Is it against your rule to have one of your associates attend a family function?” I asked.
“It is if my brother is chasing one of my associates.”
“I’m not chasing anyone, Elijah.”
“Hello, darling.” My mother kissed my cheek. “What’s going on over here. I’m sensing tension.”
“No tension, Mother. Just catching up with my brother.” Elijah smiled as he gripped my shoulder.
“Elijah, can you come over here please,” Aspen shouted a few feet away.
“We’ll talk about this later,” he said as he walked away.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” I shouted.
“What’s going on?” Mason asked as he walked up behind me.
“It’s about time you got here. I stopped by Allison’s earlier with a box of donuts for Ruby and I invited them to join us today. Elijah doesn’t seem happy about it. He thinks I have an ulterior motive.”
“You do.” He chuckled before sipping his beer.
“And our big brother doesn’t need to know that. After today, I know I’ll be in the good graces of Allison and with any luck, she’ll agree to have dinner with me.”
“Just be careful, bro. In the meantime, I’m going to just sit back and watch the show.” He patted my back and walked away.
In the distance, I saw Allison and Ruby walking towards our area. Walking over to Aspen, I took Mila from her arms.
“I haven’t had a chance to hold my beautiful niece yet.” I smiled. “Oh look. Here comes Allison and Ruby.”
“Hi, Nathan!” Ruby grinned.
“Hello, Miss Ruby. I would like you to meet, Miss Mila. This is Elijah’s and Aspen’s daughter.” I bent down so she could get a better look.
“She’s so cute.” She smiled as she touched Mila’s hand.
“Hi, Nathan. A baby looks good on you.” Allison smirked.
“Thank you. I adore children.” I grinned as I felt a light smack on my back. Apparently, Mason heard my comment.
I needed to play it safe as long as Elijah was around. I could feel him watching me, so I stayed away from Allison until the time was right. She mixed and mingled with Aspen and my mother and she appeared to be having a good time.
“Up for a little football before we eat?” I asked as I walked up to my brothers.
“We should ask Tommy,” Elijah said.
“Do we have to?”
“We need another person,” Mason said.
“I’ll go ask him,” Elijah spoke as he walked over to him.
I grabbed the football and me and Mason headed to an open spot and started tossing the ball.
“He can’t play. He has a bad knee,” Elijah said as he walked over to where we stood.
“I heard you guys need another player.” Allison smiled as she approached us.
“You play?” I cocked my head at her.
“I used to play with my—my brother and dad.”
“Then by all means, show us your skills.” I grinned.
“Allison will be on my team,” Elijah spoke like the douchebag he was.
He only said that to make sure she wasn’t on mine.
“Sounds good to me,” I said.
When all was said and done, Elijah and Allison won. But that was only because I couldn’t be rough like I usually was. I didn’t want to take the risk of hurting her. Elijah on the other hand, suffered a few hard tackles, but he made sure to get back at me for it.
“Boys, it’s time to eat,” my mother shouted.
“Are you okay?” Allison asked as we walked over to the table. “Elijah tackled you pretty hard.”
“I’m fine. He’s the one who’s hurting.” I smirked.
Chapter 22
Allison
After we ate, Nathan grabbed his guitar and he and Ruby sat down on the blanket that was spread out. I sat at the table and watched as he strummed, and the two of them began singing. I didn’t know exactly how I felt when I watched them. All I knew is that for the first time in a long time, I felt good.
“I didn’t know Nathan played the guitar,” I spoke to Aspen.
“He’s been playing since he was a kid. Mason plays too. I’m surprised he didn’t bring his guitar. I hear Mila waking up over there. I’ll be right back.”
I got up from the bench and walked over to where Nathan and Ruby were.
“Hey, Mom. Sit down and sing with us.”
“What are you singing?” I asked as I sat down on the blanket.
“Any song you’d like.” Nathan smiled.
“But it has to be a Beatles song,” Ruby commanded.
“I have an idea. Let’s sing Ob-La-Di Ob-La Da. We’ll each take a verse and then sing the chorus at the same time,” Nathan spoke. “Do you know the words?” he asked me.
“Yes. I know the words.”
“Great. And a one. And a two.” He strummed his guitar and sang the first verse, I followed with the second and then Ruby joined in.
* * *
Elijah
I stood there with my arms folded and watched the three of them singing and laughing.
“They’re cute. Aren’t they?” Aspen spoke as she wrapped her hand around my arm and laid her head on my shoulder.
“If you’re referring to Allison and Ruby, yes. If you’re referring to all three of them, no.”
“Lighten up, Elijah. Look at them. They’re having a great time.”
“Nathan is up to something. I can feel it. I know my brother better than anyone else.”
“So what. Maybe he does like her and wants to take her out or something. It’s really none of your business.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. It is my business when it involves one of my employees. My brother is incapable of having feelings for anyone except his family.”
“Sounds like someone else I knew when I first met him. You told me I changed all that for you. Maybe Allison could be the one to change him.”
“See, the thing about Nathan is that once he gets what he’s after, he’s done. He’s a very conflicted man and can’t sort out his feelings.”
“Again, sounds like someone else I knew when I first met him.”
I let out a long sigh.
“He’s worse than I was, and I will not allow him to use her. Especially after she just lost her husband a year ago. That is one relationship that will not happen.”
“You can’t help who you fall in love with, Elijah. If Allison was put in Nathan’s path for a reason, you nor anyone else isn’t going to stop it from happening.”
“We’ll see about that.”
* * *
Allison
We sang one more song and laughed our way through it. I was having the best time and somehow, a sense of guilt washed over me.
“It’s getting late. We should go.”
“No, Mom! I want to stay,” Ruby whined.
“Listen, kid, you have a big day tomorrow and you need to get a lot of rest if you’re going to blow all those kids out of the water with your smartness. We can do this again. I promise.”
“Will you teach me how to play the guitar?”
“Sure. I will.”
“Thank you, Nathan.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug.
“You’re welcome. Have a great first day of school tomorrow.”
“I will.”
I gave Nathan a smile as I got up and took Ruby by the hand. We said our goodbyes and headed back to the apartment. After she had her bath, I tucked her into bed and kissed her goodnight. Walking into the kitchen to pack her lunch for tomorrow, I poured a glass of wine and there was a knock on the door. Looking out the peephole, I saw Nathan standing there.
“Hi.”
“Hi. Ruby left her hat at the park. I just wanted to drop it off, so she didn’t think she lost it.”
“Thanks.” I took it from his hands.
“You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your night.”
He tucked his hands in his pants pockets and began to walk away.
“Nathan?” I called out to him.
“Yeah.”
“Would you like to come in for a glass of wine? I just opened a bottle.”
“Sure.”
What the hell was I doing? The words just fell out of my mouth before my brain could even process what was happening. I grabbed another glass from the cabinet and poured some wine in it.
“Is Ruby sleeping?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I handed him his glass.
“Thanks. I hope you and Ruby had fun today.”
“We did. Your family is really great. We can go and sit on the couch.” I gestured.
“Listen, Allison, I want to apologize again for everything that occurred prior to today. When we first met at the airport and with the lawsuit. And for the record, I think you’re a really good mom. Ruby is a great kid. You should be proud.”
“Thanks, Nathan. I appreciate it. You know, you don’t have to apologize for the lawsuit. I get it. I really do. If I had family who were remarkable and well-known attorney’s and they handed my case off to someone new to the firm, I’d feel the same way. But that’s all water under the bridge now. I forgive you. Even for your little airport stunt.” I smirked. “And as far as Ruby goes, her dad had a lot to do with how she was raised as well.”
“Had?” he asked.
I swallowed hard as I looked down at my wine glass.
“My husband passed away a year ago.” I choked out the words.
“I’m so sorry, Allison. I had no idea.” He placed his hand on my arm.
“Thank you.”
“Was it an accident?”
“No. He was out one afternoon on his break at the hospital playing basketball with some of the other residents, and he had a massive heart attack. He was gone in seconds. They did everything they could to try and bring him back, but they couldn’t.”
“Jesus. I’m sorry. Was he a doctor or something?”
“He was a surgical resident at Northwestern Memorial. He was in his last year. That’s why we moved to Chicago so he could finish up his residency.”
“How old was he?”
He was twenty-nine.” I took a sip of my wine. “I wanted to move back to New York as soon as it happened, but I was in a contract at my previous law firm, Ruby was in school, and I just didn’t want to do anything on impulse. So, as soon as Ruby finished school and my contract with the law firm was fulfilled, I packed us up and moved back here to be closer to my family. Not only did I need them, but Ruby did too.”
“Well, you did the right thing by moving back. Ruby seems to have adjusted.”
“She’s doing okay. She’s a strong little girl. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived if it wasn’t for her. She’s the one thing that kept me going after Jared’s death. I think I need some more wine. Would you like some more?”
“No. It’s late and I better get going. You have a big day tomorrow between Ruby’s first day of school and work.”
“Yeah. You’re right. Thanks again for bringing Ruby’s hat by.”
“You’re welcome.”
I opened the door, and as he began to walk out, he stopped and turned around.
“I know you said no before, but I still would like to take you to dinner as a thank you for what you did with regards to the lawsuit.”
“You’re not going to give that up, are you?” I gave him a smirk.
“No. I’m not.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Then fine. Just to shut you up, I’ll have dinner with you.”
“Excellent. Is there a certain night that works for you?”
“Wednesday night would work. My parents are picking Ruby up for their weekly granddaughter dinner.”
“Wednesday is good for me too. I’ll pick you up around six-thirty. Is that a good time?”
“Six-thirty is great. I’ll see you then.”
Chapter 23
Nathan
The thought that she’d been married, and her husband passed away never crossed my mind. I was shocked to say the least. I just assumed the guy wanted nothing to do with her or Ruby. Shit. My plan had just gotten a lot trickier. I was sure she hadn’t had sex since her husband and if that was the case, this was going to be harder than I anticipated.
I was up by six a.m., threw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and headed to the gym to meet my brothers for an early morning workout. By time I got there, Elijah and Mason were already at the weight bench. I grabbed a plate on my way over and started warming up.
“It’s about time,” Elijah spoke.
“I was pretty much up all night.”
“Why? Did you go out last night after you left the park?” he asked.
“No. I went home. I just couldn’t sleep.”
I glanced over at Mason who was staring at me with that “I know you’re lying” look on his face. Walking over to the rack, I grabbed two sixty-pound dumbbells and began doing bicep curls.
“Not working chest today?” Mason asked as he laid down on the bench.
“Nah. It’s been a while since I did some biceps.”
“Allison seemed to have had a good time yesterday,” Elijah said.
“Yeah. I guess.”
“Her daughter is adorable.”
“Yeah. She’s a cute kid.”
“I don’t know if Allison told you, but her husband passed away last year,” Elijah spoke.
“What?” Mason said in shock as he finished his presses and sat up and looked at me.
“I didn’t know. That sucks.” I continued with my set.
“Yeah it does. I know it was really hard on her and still is.”
“Okay, Elijah.” I set down my weights and looked at him. “What exactly is going on here?”
“Nothing. It’s just from what I saw yesterday, it seems like the two of you are very friendly and I don’t want to see her get used or hurt.”
“Of course me and Allison are friendly. Have you forgotten that she handled my case? The one you gave her because you took off for Florida. So, yes, Elijah, we’re friends and that’s all.”
“And you have no interest in sleeping with her whatsoever?” His eye steadily narrowed at me. “Because she’s an incredibly attractive woman and I know you.”
“No. She lives in my building. That would be awkward.”
“Didn’t stop you from sleeping with that Bridgette chick two doors down from you.” Mason grinned and I smacked him upside the head.
“Ouch, bro. Come on. What was that for?”
“Bridgette also didn’t have a kid.”
“Okay.” Elijah nodded his head. “
I have to get to the office. I’ll talk to you both later.”
As soon as he walked away, I let out a sigh.
“I can’t believe that Allison was married, and her husband died,” Mason spoke. “Damn.”
“Yeah. I know. She told me last night. I stopped by her place to drop off Ruby’s hat she left at the park. She asked me to stay for a glass of wine and I did. That’s when she told me.”
“And that’s why you were up all night? You were with her?”
“No, bro. I just couldn’t sleep. She agreed to have dinner with me tomorrow night.”
“So you’re still going through with your plan?”
“You know me, I don’t give up that easily. Regardless of what happened to her husband, I’m still curious about her. It just might take a little more time and charm than I originally planned.”
* * *
I spent the day running some errands and as I walked into my building, I heard someone call my name.
“Hi, Nathan!”
Turning around, I saw Ruby holding the hand of an older woman.
“Miss Ruby.” I smiled. “How was your day at school?”
“It was fun. Nathan, this is my Grandma Carol. Grandma, this is Nathan. He lives on the twenty-fifth floor. He’s the one I painted the picture for.”
“Well hello there, Nathan.” She smiled as she extended her hand. “It’s very nice to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Carol.” I smiled back as I placed my hand in hers.
The elevator doors opened and the three of us stepped inside.
“You’re not working today?” Ruby asked.
“Nah, I have a few days off. One of the perks of being a pilot.” I winked at her and she smiled.
The elevator stopped on her floor and the doors opened.
“Bye, Nathan.” Ruby waved.
“Bye, Ruby. It was nice to meet you, Carol.”
“And you as well.” She slyly smiled as she looked me up and down.
* * *
Allison
When I opened the door to my apartment, the smell of my mother’s homemade chicken soup surrounded me.
