Brandon

by Anne, Melody

  “Oh, Brandon, you are such a charmer,” Genevieve said with another girlish giggle that had Chloe completely baffled.

  “Ah, I just never like to leave a lady waiting,” Brandon said with a slight bow. He waited for Genevieve to sit before he took the stool beside her. Chloe wasn’t going to sit with them. Instead, she moved behind the counter and grabbed her mother’s favorite bottle of wine. She didn’t bother asking her if she wanted a glass, just poured it and handed it over.

  “What has you out and about? I didn’t know you were coming to Cranston,” Chloe said.

  “I was doing some shopping. Your father had meetings all day today, and I was lonely,” Genevieve said as she pulled up her bag. “And I also wanted to give you a copy of your father’s latest book. He just got the advanced copies.”

  Genevieve pulled out her father’s newest cookbook, and Chloe grabbed it, excited to see the beautiful picture on the front cover. She’d worked with her dad on that particular recipe.

  “I can’t believe the copies are in already. This is his best book ever. He put so much time into it,” Chloe said.

  “This was also the first time he had a coauthor,” her mother said.

  Chloe was confused. Then she looked back down at the front cover. Her eyes filled with tears that she desperately tried to blink back. She took some deep breaths as she pulled herself together.

  “I don’t understand,” she said.

  “He wanted to surprise you,” Genevieve said. “That recipe on the front is both of yours. He also included three of your cookie recipes in it.” She pulled out an envelope. “Here’s an advance. You get ten percent of the sales.”

  Chloe never would’ve expected something like this from either of her parents. They only gave credit where credit was due, and they’d never praised her for anything in her life that hadn’t been done to perfection. But the front of the book—in small letters, but still there—said WITH CHLOE HITMAN. She was speechless.

  “I didn’t do enough to earn this,” Chloe said. “I was just playing with Father in the kitchen.”

  “Your father pointed something out to me that I wasn’t aware of. I didn’t know quite how to process what he was saying to me, and so it took me a while to work through it,” Genevieve said after several moments. She then reached across the counter and took Chloe’s hand.

  “I love you very much, and I’ve always wanted what’s best for you. I haven’t always been able to say the right things or do the right things. I see the world very black and white. So does your father, but not quite as badly as I do. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are, and we are both incredibly proud of you,” her mother said.

  Chloe was fighting to keep tears back. “I know you just want me to be the best I can be,” Chloe assured her. There were many times she’d wanted to scream at her parents that she was trying her best, but her mother saying these words to her made her feel bad.

  “I’m not going to promise to change my ways, as I don’t know if I can completely do that. But I’m going to try to not nitpick you so much and try to appreciate what a fine young woman you’ve become. It’s very hard for an old woman to change her ways, but I think between the two of us, together we can navigate the waters.”

  Chloe smiled. “I think the two of us can do anything together if we put our minds to it.”

  “That’s for sure. I raised you to believe in yourself and to never settle for second best. You’ve proven yourself more than capable of that over and over again,” Genevieve told her.

  A tear slipped down her cheek. “I’m sorry, Mother. It’s been a long week,” she said, trying to explain away her emotional state.

  “Yes, the holidays take their toll on us, for sure.” She squeezed Chloe’s hand. “You earned this spot on this book. I want you to celebrate it and enjoy it. This definitely wasn’t given to you because of who you are. If anything, it was more difficult for you to get there because we expect so much more from our daughter than we do anyone else.”

  “I’m glad you expect so much from me. I don’t think I’d be who I am today if you and Father hadn’t pushed me so much. Some people might think kids don’t need that, but I think that’s exactly what we all need. I’m glad I don’t easily give up on things.”

  Brandon had sat there quietly the entire time they’d had this conversation. She was well aware of him sitting there, but she didn’t mind. A part of her didn’t want him to see her this vulnerable, but another part of her—a bigger part—trusted him to not take advantage of the situation.

  Genevieve seemed to remember he was sitting there right then, as she turned toward him. “I’m sorry you had to witness our little moment,” she said, seeming slightly embarrassed.

  “I feel privileged to be a small part of it. I love Chloe’s cooking, and what a beautiful moment to see.” He then turned to Chloe. “You’re officially an author.”

  Her eyes widened. “No, I’m not,” she said, shaking her head. “My father is the one with a magic way of speaking. Look,” she said as she opened the book. She’d seen some of his early drafts.

  “What makes his books stand out in a sea of cookbooks is that he adds pictures of the process with little anecdotes of failures and humor in the kitchen. What’s really funny about it is that he only really lets go when he’s working on one of these books. He finds humor in the process.”

  She found a picture that brought more tears to her eyes when she came to one of her cookie recipes. There was a picture of her laughing, her eyes sparkling as her father tossed a spoonful of flour her way. She could practically see the tiny granules flying in the air through the picture. Her mother must’ve snapped it. She hadn’t even been aware of a camera coming out. That had been a fun day.

  There hadn’t been a lot of time for fun and games while she’d been growing up. Her parents were overachievers, making her that way, too. Or maybe that truly was just her personality. That made those little moments that much more special. This cookbook would be her favorite book of all time.

  She turned the book to the beginning and found the dedication. “To my beautiful wife, who has always supported my goals and my career, even when that took me from my family for eighteen-hour days, seven days a week. And to my daughter, who makes me realize it’s not what I’ve learned in life—it’s what I’ve been able to see, touch, and feel. I’ve found magic in the kitchen once more, and not just a formula that needs to be perfected. Without the balance both of you bring to my life, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. I love you both more than I’ve ever been able to express.”

  Chloe felt another tear fall. “I guess I’ve learned a lot from your father, as he’s learned from both of us. We’re a family. I forget that sometimes. I’m so focused on what’s before me that I forget that you and your father are the reason I do what I do,” Genevieve said.

  Chloe rushed to the other side of the counter and threw her arms around her mother. It was the first time she’d done that since she was a young child. They hugged often, but they were side hugs and quick embraces. They weren’t those tender embraces that filled you with warmth.

  “I love you, Mother,” she said.

  “I love you, Chloe.”

  They stood there for several moments before pulling apart. Chloe looked up to see Brandon beaming at them. Chloe couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy in her life. She couldn’t wait to see her father next. She’d give him just as big of a hug.

  “Now, enough of all this emotional stuff. Would you and Brandon join me for dinner so I don’t have to sit alone?” Genevieve asked. “I’m famished after shopping all day.”

  “I would love to join you,” Chloe said. “Let me tell my manager so she can take over.”

  “It would be my honor,” Brandon added.

  Chloe got them a table, and it was the best meal she’d had in a very long time. She truly hoped this was a new phase in her life with her parents. And maybe, just maybe, it would be a new phase with Brandon as well.

&
nbsp; CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Chloe was sitting outside on her porch swing, perfectly content—well, somewhat content. She was reading a particularly erotic scene in her newest romance book that was making her slightly hot and bothered, but that was nothing new lately.

  When a voice spoke, it made her jump, and her cheeks flushed as she guiltily looked up, as if the person would know exactly what she’d been reading and what that had led to in her mind. Brandon was standing before her. She’d been so immersed in her book she hadn’t noticed him.

  “Come take a walk with me to the veterans center. It’s a beautiful day,” Brandon said as he looked at her, then tried to see the book she was quick to cover. He seemed confused. She understood why.

  “What did you say?” she asked, realizing he was waiting for her to speak.

  “I asked if you’d like to go for a walk with me to the veterans center. We’re truly behind schedule now,” he repeated, glancing at her book again. She quickly tucked it inside her jacket. She wasn’t going there.

  She was having a really difficult time going from fantasy to reality, especially when her fantasy was now standing before her, looking better than ever in a pair of tight jeans, a molded sweatshirt, and running shoes. Of course, he could wear anything and look just as good. It was criminal how amazing he looked day and night—especially at night.

  “That sounds like a great idea. Let me run inside and get a warm coat,” she said. She jumped up and had no doubt she was fleeing from him to try to gain some of her lost composure back.

  She took her time getting her UGG boots on and finding her warmest jacket that wasn’t too bulky. She needed a good walk. Though she’d been on her feet all day at the restaurant, it wasn’t the same as strolling outside. She got really sick of artificial lights all of the time.

  When she’d made him stand around long enough, she finally made her way back downstairs and found him in her living room. She could’ve made him wait on the porch, but she was tired of being rude to this man who was going out of his way to accommodate her.

  “Sorry I took so long. I had a hard time finding my boots,” Chloe said as she moved to stand beside him.

  “You took hardly any time at all,” he told her. “Most women I know hate to do anything last minute because they need hours to put on makeup and do their hair.”

  “I’m not sure if I should be offended by that statement. Are you saying I don’t care about my appearance?” she asked, only half teasing. She was a woman, after all, and didn’t want to look as if she’d just woken up when she was exiting the house.

  He held up both hands. “I was totally giving you a compliment, because you’re naturally beautiful, and it would be a shame if you tried to cover anything up with a bunch of silly paint,” he told her.

  Though she didn’t want it to feel good, the compliment made her glow inside. She couldn’t stop the beaming smile she sent him. “I guess I can’t complain about words like that,” she said, then giggled.

  Her hand flew over her mouth when the sound escaped. She was acting like a nervous teenager on her first date. Brandon put an arm around her and gave her one quick kiss before releasing her just as quickly.

  “You’re adorable,” he said. She didn’t know how to reply to that, so she just walked toward her front entrance.

  They stepped through the door into the cool afternoon air. There was a bit of snow falling, but not enough to keep them inside. It couldn’t be a more perfect winter day for a brisk walk.

  “It’s so beautiful this time of year. Every time I look out the windows or step through the front door, I’m reminded of a winter wonderland. It’s like it snows here just to make a perfect Christmas,” Chloe told him.

  “I’ve lived all over the place, and coming here feels like home. My family was originally from the Seattle area, then we moved away. I love it here, though, and never want to settle anywhere else.”

  “I’ve done my share of travel, and I have to agree with you. This place does feel like home.”

  They’d made it about a half mile when she slipped, the ground slick from the snow and low temperature.

  Brandon was quickly there to catch her fall. Then he took her arm and ran it through his so he could help steady her. She didn’t pull away from him. She liked being this close.

  They walked in silence, enjoying the quiet around them. There weren’t too many people out and about as they left the small town. It was only about a mile and a half away from her house, but in this cold that might end up being quite the distance. Still, as they moved along, Chloe gasped in pleasure as they passed a herd of deer only a few feet from them. The animals looked up but didn’t run for cover. She stopped and admired how regal they appeared as they gazed back at Chloe and Brandon, trying to determine if they were a threat.

  “We should’ve brought some hay in our pockets. Maybe they would’ve come over and taken it from you,” Brandon told her. “Next time we’ll remember.”

  “That would be amazing,” Chloe said, wanting to run back and get the hay right then. Brandon tugged her along, and she reluctantly walked away from the animals. It was too cold outside to be out for long. “I know a lot about your family since my two best friends are married to your brothers. But is there anything you can tell me I don’t know?” she asked after a while. She loved learning about family history. Everyone had a unique story, even if they didn’t think so.

  “Hmm, you should know it all. My mother died a few years ago, and that’s when my brothers and I discovered we had an entire family we hadn’t known we had,” Brandon said.

  “That had to have been a huge shock,” she said. “I can’t even imagine if that happened to me.”

  “I wasn’t in love with it at first, but it all worked out really well in the end, so it isn’t as if I can complain about it. My mother didn’t do it out of spite. My father was a horrible man, and my mom felt a lot of shame because of it,” he said.

  “Everyone has skeletons in their closet, but you seem to have more than most,” she said. “Maybe that’s the way it is in all wealthy families. They want the world to see perfection, but money can’t solve all problems. It can buy pretty things, and it can also cause jealousy and conniving. So many people out there want what they don’t earn. They don’t look inside their own home first to fix problems, but look at the outside world and make unfair comparisons.”

  “I agree with that,” he said. “But I think there are more good people in this world than bad.”

  “Yes, I believe that as well. I just get frustrated sometimes. We all want the American dream, but so few try to actually achieve it. On those days I’ve worked eighteen hours and my feet have blisters and I still have a few to go, I want to kill someone when they see my new car and say it must be nice.”

  He laughed. “I’ve been there. We lived in a tiny house growing up. We knew from the time we were young that if we wanted to have anything in life, we’d have to do it ourselves. Our mom taught us that hard work was the only way we’d survive. I watched her work hard every day of her life.”

  “Now, you don’t ever have to worry about that again,” she told him.

  He laughed. “Maybe if I was a spoiled brat. But I love my work. Without it, I wouldn’t have the same drive and purpose. Sure, there’s security in having a hefty sum of money in the bank, but that doesn’t mean I want to do nothing more than jet around the world. I want there to be meaning to my life. I did my playboy days, and that’s empty. I want to show something for my life. I want a legacy. I don’t need my name in lights. I just want to have made a difference.”

  She paused for a moment. “Which is why you and your brothers were so eager to work on the center.” It was a statement.

  “Yes, we all served, and to give back is pretty much amazing. I want to know I helped. And when I have children, I want them to know I did all I could, and my hope is they’ll follow in the great footsteps of the men and women before them. Many people don’t realize how much Joseph gives back. Ye
s, the man is a multibillionaire, but he does so much for his community. No, he doesn’t give it all away, but he gives the opportunity for anyone who wants to succeed to have a chance at doing that.”

  “I guess that goes back to the saying of ‘Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day, but teach a man to fish, and he eats for life,’” she said.

  “Yeah, exactly. I’m all for giving to those who truly need it. I love this project. I love what it means to so many who have already given their all. I will give everything I have to someone worthy.”

  “What makes you the judge of who is worthy and who isn’t?” she asked.

  He looked at her with a smile. “That’s a great question, and one I’ve never thought about before. I don’t know the answer. What makes someone more needy than the next? We’re going to have this amazing center for veterans, but we obviously can’t help every single person who comes through the doors. Do we turn away a sick mother asking for help because she’s not a veteran? Do we put a cap on who we help and who we don’t? I have no idea what that answer is.”

  Chloe looked at him with new respect. “I love that you’re thinking about it. Because I honestly don’t know the answer, either. I’m not sure any of us do. But I do know I don’t want to do nothing. So that leaves me trying to figure it out. Maybe if more people try to do the same, all of the world’s problems will get solved, instead of us all just complaining and talking about it nonstop.”

  “At least we are talking about it,” he told her. “If we didn’t care at all, we wouldn’t discuss it, and we wouldn’t try to solve anything. We’d just worry about ourselves.”

  “That’s a good point, but I do remember my younger days when I went to church, and one thing stood out to me. It was a saying an old Sunday school teacher said to me. She said that faith without works is dead.”

  “What does that mean?” he asked.

  “I guess the simple explanation is to say that we can tell ourselves and our neighbors all day long that we want to make a difference, that we want to help others, but without action it doesn’t mean a lot. Now, saying that, I don’t think we help anyone by simply handing things over, but I do think we make a difference by doing something like building the veterans center. This facility will help so many who deserve it. I also love that Joseph has set up so many programs and brought in so many community members so the people who will be staying here will also be doing work, will also be giving back. It gives them a sense of pride and some more skills for the next steps in their lives.”