by Judy Kentrus
“That’s a mouthful, but I actually understood what you said. How long till you find out anything? We’ll need the information by Thursday.”
“I’ll check with him tonight. I’m also going to ask him to check out Burt Springer. It would help if you could give me his social security number.”
“No problem, but you’ve really piqued my curiosity.”
Jennie lifted the covers and smiled at the front of his tented briefs. “Something else is ‘peaking.’” She glanced at the time on his bedside clock. “We’ve got an hour till Matt comes home.” Jennie reached for the bottom of her t-shirt and drew it over her head. “Feel like boosting your ratings on items six, seven, and eight? I’ll give you bonus points.”
“Never let it be said I didn’t make the most of improving my numbers.” His briefs joined her t-shirt on the floor.
Grayson earned ten bonus points.
Chapter 9
Jennie tucked away the beautiful hours she’d spent in Grayson’s bed in a part of her heart that would remain with her forever. Fantasy time was over, and now it was back to reality. Gray volunteered to meet his nephew at the school bus while she started dinner. Before leaving for school, Matt asked if she would make his favorite for dinner: homemade macaroni and cheese. She’d added baked ham and a vegetable medley.
They were halfway through dinner when Mathew made her feel like a loathsome creature.
“Jennie, I’m having my first soccer game next week and I told the kids you would be there. They think you’re cool because you made such a great party.”
She hated to disappoint him, but had to tell the truth. “I’m sorry, Matt, but I’m leaving on Sunday.”
“You don’t have to go. Stay here and live with us forever.”
Jennie’s heart was breaking. She reached across the table and touched the back of his hand. “I really can’t. I have a new job and many children are depending on me.”
He looked at his uncle. “Manuel’s mom is getting a baby, so she and Boomer are getting married. You could marry Jennie and give her a baby then we could live together like a family.”
“Matt, I wish I could make your dream come true, but Jennie has responsibilities elsewhere.” If only she would stay, Gray silently added.
“I’m sorry, Matt, I truly am,” Jennie said. “Before I go, I’ll leave my email address and cell number and we can talk and write to each other.”
“Will you come back and visit sometime?”
“I’d like that.” Jennie wished with all her heart she could stay, but she’d made a commitment and would never bail out on a job. Why couldn’t she have met Grayson a year ago?
Matt excused himself right after dinner so he could finish his homework. Jennie asked if he wanted a piece of leftover birthday cake, and he said he didn’t feel like having dessert.
“Tell me you understand that I have to go.” Jennie set two cups of coffee on the table before sitting down again.
“Do I understand? Yes. Do I like it? No. Is it killing me that you’re going to leave? Yes.”
“Gray, please don’t make this harder than it is. I’ll tell you what. Give me six months. If I don’t like my new job, I’ll come back and work for you at the brewery.” Jennie held out a hand. “Deal?” It wasn’t completely a lie, but one could never be sure of the future.
“Deal!” Some of his depression faded. Nothing said he wouldn’t do things to try and get her back here sooner. “Speaking of the brewery, if you don’t have any plans for tomorrow, how about I give you a tour? I’ll be free after eleven, then we’ll have lunch.”
“It’s a date.” Jennie’s eyes drifted toward Mathew’s bedroom, which was too quiet. “If he brings up the subject of me leaving, please try to make him understand. I know we got sidetracked earlier and I’m concerned about the meeting on Thursday.”
“I’ll take that kind of interrupting any day.” Gray wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“Enough! You earned ten bonus points, and get that silly grin off your face. It’s time to get serious. Since Dottie is coming with two lawyers, we should have a plan.”
“You’re the professional in these matters, so I’ll go along with your suggestions.”
“I’ve never had to deal with this kind of situation. Matt isn’t depressed or having emotional issues. He’s a happy, wonderful kid, and it’s perfectly normal for him to miss his parents. He’s been a great deal happier since you created a home office. It also helps that you guys use that mega-expensive wall screen to play video games.”
“He loved his birthday gift from me. We both can enjoy the newest Xbox. I’m looking forward to playing the FIFA soccer game you gave him.”
“Boys and their toys,” Jennie said with an all-knowing laugh. “I think you should meet with them alone to hear what they have to say. Let them think they have the upper hand. Seeing me right off might immediately put them on the offensive. When the caseworker asks about me, I’ll come in and introduce myself.”
“You should pass out your fancy cards to put them in their place.”
“No, they think they’re coming here to meet—I hate to say this—a blond-haired hussy who is corrupting the morals of a minor. I’m saving my card till last.”
“Jennie girl, remind me to never get on your wrong side.” Gray finished his coffee, put the cup in the dishwasher, and stole a quick kiss. “If Matt’s finished with his homework, we’re going to try out his new video game.”
The following day, Jennie was amazed at the complexity of Wolff’s Brewery and how well it ran under Grayson’s leadership. He’d insisted she wear earplugs when they toured the bottling room. The glass bottles made a deafening noise when they jiggled on the conveyer belt. They’d started giving daily tours six months ago, and visitors were invited to sample the beers and enjoy a light lunch in the rathskeller in the basement of the building.
“I am truly impressed,” Jennie said, and sipped her iced tea. The low-ceilinged room was chilly, and she was glad she’d worn a sweater with her slacks. Again, she wanted to impress Gray’s employees. “Is there beer in all those barrels lined up behind the bar?”
Gray sat on the opposite side of the thick wood table that could seat four. In the center was a hurricane lantern with a lit candle. “They’re there for show and are actually antiques. The beer is stored in smaller kegs under the bar. The original building was built around 1850, and everyone laughed when I purchased an old brewery. I checked with the ladies in the historical society, only to find out it was a stagecoach stop and a brothel. The brick section and brewery were added on in later years. People like having lunch down here so much they want me to add a dinner menu.”
“It’s obvious, since all the tables are full.”
Gray smiled at the waitress when she set two turkey club sandwiches on the table. He’d recently changed their uniforms to black skirts, gambler’s vests, and ties. The waitresses added red garters to their white, long-sleeve blouses.
“Thanks, Rachel. Please bring another iced tea and a Wolff’s Head for me.”
“You know about me, but I really know nothing about you. Why aren’t you working beside your father, managing a huge beer conglomerate?”
“My father and I never saw eye to eye. Whatever he told me to do, I did the opposite. Am I capable of running my father’s company? Yes. But do I want to be there at his beck and call? Absolutely not. My mother claimed my father and I were too much alike. That’s why we butt heads. He thought it was a punishment putting me in charge of Wolff’s Roadhouses. To me it was a way to escape the corporate rat race. When I told him I wanted to add microbreweries to them, he thought the idea ridiculous. If I wanted to make the changes, I had to use my own money.”
“Your enthusiasm for this part of the business is obvious. You haven’t stopped smiling since we got here.”
“I personally report the success of my investment at our quarterly board meetings. The reason I’m smiling is because you’re here.”
“Was
your sister ever involved with the company business?”
“No, she went to college to be a teacher. One night she attended a concert with her friends and met the drummer. He was ten years older. They fell in love and he encouraged her to finish school. He eventually quit the band and managed a music store, while she taught elementary school. She has a trust fund that was never touched. They lived in a very small town and led quiet lives. I didn’t learn about Mathew until social services tracked me down.
“That was over three years ago, and he’s changed my life. Absolutely nothing is going to stop me from adopting him legally.”
“Do you know if your sister ever signed any paperwork making you his legal guardian?”
“If she did, it was nowhere to be found. She cut off all ties with her family. My father is very bitter, and has forbidden my mother to have any contact with Mathew. I send her pictures without my father’s knowledge. She loves him from afar.”
“If I ever met your father, I’d get on my soapbox and tell him a thing or two.” Jennie wiped her mouth with a red and white cloth napkin and checked the time on her watch. “That was delicious, and your customers know a good thing. We’d better get going. Matt will be getting home soon.”
They walked up the set of iron stairs to the main level, and Jennie waited in the reception area while Gray checked in with his assistant. Framed pictures of the different beers he produced were on the wall, along with their newest microbrews. This tour had been a real eye-opener. How different their lives were. He made beer and all she drank was piña coladas.
Gray went to the Roadhouse after dinner, so Jennie spent the evening with Mathew. He tried to show her how to use the Xbox controller. She was a total failure, but they did laugh a lot.
After he took his shower and got in bed, she asked him what was wrong. He’d gotten terribly quiet, and confessed he was nervous about doing an oral report in front of the class the following day.
“You loved the Percy Jackson book.”
“I don’t like to stand up in front of the class. The teacher goes to the back of the room and doesn’t see the kids making funny faces at you.”
“Focus on something different. Are there any posters in the room?”
“Yeah, next week we’re having sports week and we have to read a book about a sports person. There’s a picture of Michael Jordon.”
“Pretend you and Percy are playing basketball with Michael Jordon.”
“I can do that!” Matt sat up and threw his arms her waist. “I love you, Jennie.”
“I love you, too.” Jennie held him to her breast. Inside, her heart was breaking.
She needed to get out of there before she started blubbering like an idiot. “Now it’s lights out. As a special treat tomorrow night, what would you like to have for dinner?”
“Pizza!”
“Sure, why not.”
Jennie barely made it back to her room and quietly closed the door before the tears started. She sat on the bed, wrapped her arms around her waist, and rocked back and forth.
The pain around her heart had never been greater. She loved Grayson and Mathew so much, it hurt.
“Oh my God, what am I going to do? Matt loves me and Grayson is depending on me to make sure this adoption goes through. I really need to talk to my mother.
“Mother! Jennie, you’re an idiot.”
She scrubbed her tear-stained face, reached for her tablet, and sent off an email to her mother. She followed it up with an email to her brother, requesting all information on Dottie Dimple and Burt Springer as soon as possible.
She’d just gotten into bed when she received a text message from Grayson.
The joint is jumping and your fans are asking for Malibu Barbie.
Tell them she’s taking bull-riding lessons.
I can help you with that.
How?
Practice on me and then take on the mechanical stud.
Grayson, you’re making me blush. She really was blushing.
Why? You played cowgirl on me just fine, and your girls were bouncing with joy.
Jennie was about to turn the tables on him. You’re on. This is my official challenge.
What challenge?
Riding the mechanical bull at the Roadhouse. Whoever stays on the longest is the winner. The loser has to ride the bull a second time, stark naked.
You’re on, and be prepared to lose, Jennie girl. I love to see your girls bounce with joy. Oh, and you don’t have to be totally naked. Wear cowgirl boots.
She was wide awake. “Now what am I going to do?”
She remembered Loretta was working tonight and sent off a quick text. I need you to give me pointers on riding the mechanical bull at the Roadhouse as soon as possible. Also need a place to get a decent pair of cowgirl boots and jeans.
Thursday morning, Grayson was a basket case. He sat at the table and drank his fourth cup of coffee, and it was only eight-thirty.
“You need to slow down on that caffeine.”
“Do I look okay? Is the shirt and tie too much?” He adjusted the knot with nervous fingers.
“Lose the tie. A sports shirt and dress slacks is fine. They’ll be expecting Malibu Barbie, but I’ll wear the same outfit I wore into Fort Mavis the other day.”
“Did Matt clean his room?”
“His room is fine. I just checked.”
“Have you heard back from the guy who’s getting that information about the caseworker and Springer?”
“I got a text last evening. He was waiting for one more piece of information to confirm a lead, and will be in touch with me this morning.”
“He does know how important this is?”
“Trust me, he knows.”
Gray decided he was talking too fast, and took Jennie in his arms. “I need to hold you for a few minutes. My heart is racing like an out-of-control freight train.” Deep, calming breaths helped. No, it was Jennie, his salvation. “I really appreciate all your help.”
Jennie rested her cheek on his shoulder and felt his nervous energy. “I haven’t done anything, really.”
“Just being here with me means more than you’ll ever know.” He went to lower his mouth to kiss her, but the doorbell rang.
“Bastards! They’re early!”
“Grayson, settle down. Just calmly go to the door.” Jennie fought hard to keep the smile from her face.
He yanked the door open with too much force, and the decorative boot fell off and landed on his foot. He also got the shock of his life.
“Mom!”
“Pick up the boot, son. Let’s use it to kick some righteous ass.”
Chapter 10
Grayson still couldn’t get over the shock of seeing his mother on his doorstep. Caroline Wolff maintained a very active social life, but they managed to talk three or four times a month. The last time he saw her was two months ago at a mandatory board meeting.
One would never know she was in her sixties. Her slender figure reflected a regimen of daily exercise and healthy eating. She’d admitted to getting a facelift, and kept her beautician busy with her monthly visits to keep her hair a natural-looking blond. She’d dressed in slenderizing designer jeans and a red cashmere sweater. Always one to coordinate her outfits, she’d paired her hoop earrings and rings with the shiny studs on her denim jacket.
“What are you doing here?”
Caroline gave her son a quick hug, making sure she didn’t get any makeup on his dress shirt, and smiled at Jennie. “I got here as fast as I could. We’ve never been formally introduced, but I feel like I know you just from your mother.”
“Jennie told me about your favor, stopping by to check on Mathew, but she never mentioned issuing an invitation.”
“This was a last-minute decision. Grayson, there are times in a man’s life when he needs his mother. Consider this one of them. I love your father, but Simon Wolff can be a stubborn ass. He’s kept me from Mathew long enough.”
“Does he know you’re here?”
“Mrs. Wolff, I’m impressed,” Jennie said. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Call me Caroline, please. I could use a beer, but it’s nine o’clock in the morning and I don’t like beer. I’ll take coffee, black.”
“You don’t like beer?” Jennie laughed, getting a cup from the cabinet.
“No. Can’t stand the taste.”
“Mom, meet your soul mate.” Grayson joined his mother at the table. “Now what are you really doing here?”
“It’s time I became a grandmother. Your stubborn father turns a deaf ear when I mention his only grandchild, and doesn’t want to hear Mathew has the family’s gray eyes.” Caroline’s annoyance faded. “He resembles you so much, but he’s got Crystal’s mouth.”
“Does Dad really hate Matt that much?”
“Crystal severed all ties with us, saying there was more to life than money. She was a free spirit and wanted to live simply, without notoriety, and do her own thing. If I didn’t know any better, one would think she was a damn flower child.
“She did let us know she wasn’t married and was expecting a child, and would let us know when the baby was born. I so wanted to go to her, but she refused to tell us where she was living. When your father found out Crystal was pregnant and not married, he was livid and declared he’d never accept an illegitimate child into the family. We were devastated when she was killed. In my opinion, his hate has festered so long he doesn’t know how to forgive himself or your sister. Mathew is our only grandchild, and the only one who will be able to carry on the family name.”
“What a stubborn fool. All he ever sees is the bottom line, but that blindness has kept him away from a great kid. Matt is entitled to Crystal’s money, and after today, he’ll become my heir.”
“That’s the other reason I’m here. To support you.”
