Brian Page 2

  Scowl. “It’s your turn.”

  “I folded him, Mom.” My ninja nephew leans toward me and whispers in that loud voice of a kid, “Mom said she had a head over this morning.”

  I bite back laughter, sitting up and correcting Jack. Questions and definitions follow, to which Brooklyn will only tell me that she’s going to bed. I’m not too concerned. It’s not like I want to tell her about seeing Hadley last night.

  Liar.

  I totally want to tell someone. I glance at Jack’s expectant face. I didn’t hear what he said, and I know better than to agree. “How about we go out for second breakfast?” That’s what we call it when I’m eating breakfast at two in the afternoon.

  “Yes!” Jack races out the door, one arm straight out leading the way Superman style. Kid has a thing for super heroes and ninjas, not always in that order.

  I push the door to Mack’s Diner open. “Ok, now, only one donut.”

  Jack grins up at me. “Three donuts.”

  Kid loves to negotiate. I shake my head. “Not gonna happen.” And he laughs. At me. I roll my eyes heavenward, bopping him on the nose. “I’m not a pushover like your mom.”

  Truthfully, I’m probably worse than his mother. But I’ll deny it to the grave.

  “Who’s this?”

  I halt immediately, eyes widening. “Hadley.”

  She finger waves at me. “Brian.” But her eyes fix on Jack. “Your son?”

  Talk about fishing. My hand falls on Jack’s shoulder. “Who’s she, Uncle Brian?”

  Something flickers in Hadley’s eyes as her smile grows. “Uncle Brian, huh? I’m Hadley.”

  Jack nods, shaking her hand. “He’s getting me second breakfast.”

  “Second breakfast?” Hadley grins. “I’m getting second breakfast too.”

  Jack isn’t buying it. “How’s she know what second breakfast is?” he asks me. “That’s our thing.”

  Wrinkling her nose, Hadley says, “True. I slept in really, really late today too. I didn’t eat a normal breakfast.”

  “Then you can’t have second breakfast,” Jack declares.

  “I can’t?” Hadley blinks, eyes flicking between me and Jack.

  “You can’t. You have to have first breakfast before you can have second breakfast.”

  Hadley points at me. “Is he having second breakfast?”

  Jack shakes his head. “He’s having first breakfast. I’m the only one getting second breakfast.”

  Hadley’s eyes drift up to me. “Can I join you?”

  My mind comes to a screeching halt. Jack’s telling her yes, even though I’m too tongue-tied to answer her.

  “Great.” Hadley points to a nearby booth. “Let’s sit there.”

  “Why there?” Not that Jack’s overly concerned. I mean, he’s dragging me straight toward the booth.

  “Because I was already sitting there. That’s my bag.”

  “It’s really big.” Jack climbs on to the seat across from Hadley’s bag. I slide in beside him.

  “And heavy. I carry my life around in it.”

  Jack’s head tilts. “Maybe you should consider a backpack. I’ve got one for school and it makes carrying my books way easier.”

  Suddenly, I’m the silent middle of a huge backpack discussion. Throughout it all, I’m staring at Hadley in awe. When did she learn to interact with kids so well? As the youngest, and only girl, she’d was spoiled. And quite manipulative.

  6

  Hadley

  My late breakfast with Brian and Jack led to a trip to the park. By the time 4 rolled around, I said my goodbyes. “This was fun.”

  Brian smiles at me as Jack runs in circles around us. “You can hang out with us any time cause you’re a cool girl.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” I may see a smile on Brian’s face, but I can tell it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Later.”

  Brian nods. “Later.”

  “Bye, Hadley.” At least I have Jack’s vote.

  “Do you want me to beat him for you?”

  I glance up as Julian stalks toward me. He grabs me in a hug. “Humph.”

  “Cause I will totally pound him into the ground for you.”

  “Get in line.” Andrew stands behind Julian, scowl firmly in place. “Let her breathe.”

  “Forget beating him. I’m suing him for breach of contract,” my eldest brother, Camden announces, striding into the entry.

  “Mom told you.”

  Andrew shoots a thumb over his shoulder. “To hear her tell it, you’re bound to die an old maid now.”

  Camden grins, all teeth and anger. “Yeah, she thinks you should take George back.”

  I choke on the bile that rises. “Not happening.”

  All three of my brothers smile widely. The sight makes me uneasy. “What are you planning?”

  Each one shrugs, lying through their teeth. Dad appears at the end of the dining room. “It’s dinnertime.”

  If there’s anyone who’s thinking is the same as my mother’s, it’s Dad. He doesn’t even spare me a glance.

  Dinner goes steadily downhill. Mom continually sips from her glass of wine. Dad tops her off when she low.

  Finally, “It’s not that bad,” I say solely to cut the tension they’re causing.

  Mom glares at me. “Not that bad? I was married with a baby and another on the way when I was your age.”

  “Times have changed.” It’s true. The world isn’t going to stop revolving if I don’t marry George.

  “Not in this family,” Dad replies.

  Four sets of forks still on their plates. My brothers and I share a look. Camden shakes his head slightly, urging all of us to silently ignore them. It’s a challenge we began when I was in college and Mom started every family meal asking me if I was engaged. Until now, I’ve consistently managed to keep bitterness about the difference in their attitude away.

  Tonight I’m not having. Throwing my napkin on the table, I rise.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Dad demands.

  “Home.”

  “This is your home.”

  I shake my head at him. “This stopped being my home years ago. And this time, I’m not coming back until you two grow up and realize I’m not marrying someone just to make you happy.”

  With those words, the bravest I have ever uttered to my parents, I head for the front door. Dad continues to spew the same crap from behind me. I don’t care. I’m a more than a breeding factory.

  I still stare in shock when my brothers troop out the front door moments behind me. My lower lip wobbles.

  They gather around me in a group hug. “Thanks. This is the kind of support I need.”

  “We’re here for you, sis,” Camden says. All of us turn as one to see Brian’s patrol car roll to a stop at the edge of the driveway.

  7

  Brian

  Tessa’s Gossip Column

  Who did I spy playing in the park today?

  None other than former exes Brian and Hadley.

  We know he skipped out on the reunion, dear reader. So why were these two on the swings together today?

  “I hate my job,” is the thought going through my mind as I stare up at the Mitchell family home. I see Hadley and her brothers congregated by her car.

  “Think we might need backup?” Damian asks.

  “Let’s try the easy way first.”

  Damian snorts. “Something tells me this woman is a real piece of work. Easy ain’t her speed.”

  If I hadn’t spent a good portion of the afternoon with her and Jack, I’d think the same thing. But I spent time with her, and she’s not exactly who I remember from high school.

  “Follow my lead.” I get out of the car and walk up the drive.

  Hadley’s eldest brother, Camden, moves to the front of the little group. “Evening, officers. Is there something we can help you with?”

  I heard through the grape vine that he’s a lawyer but I’ve never had to deal with him. I nod my head at Hadley. “We
need to discuss a situation with Miss Mitchell.”

  Andrew and Julian step in front of her. I see Hadley try to wedge herself through them. “I’m her attorney. You can discuss it with me.”

  “Camden...” Hadley shoves a shoulder into Julian’s back. “… it’s all right. Brian helped me last night.” Her brothers maintain their lineup. “Will you move?” She kicks Andrew in the back of the knee, darn near taking him down.

  I’m impressed despite myself.

  They let her move forward to stand beside Camden. Hadley faces me. “What’s up?”

  “George has decided to press charges.”

  Hadley’s brows rise, then slam down. “What?”

  Camden stretches an arm in front of Hadley, but she smacks it away. “What is George pressing charges for? I think he deserved a beating and then some.”

  “That was good lawyer-y talk,” I comment. My smile at Camden’s glare doesn’t enter my eyes. “Theft.”

  “Theft?” the brothers ask in unison. Hadley uses a few choice phrases.

  “Theft of what exactly?” Camden demands.

  “He claims Hadley is refusing to return the engagement ring. He’s also changed his mind about pressing charges for assault and breaking and entering.”

  Andrew and Julian suggest several creative things George can do with himself and his claims. Hadley pinches the bridge of her nose as they approach vigilante mode in front of me. She smacks Julian on the arm. “Don’t say things like that in front of a cop.”

  Camden, issuing a string of legal threats, falls silent for a moment. Then he squares his shoulders. “Hadley is not obligated to return the ring. It was a gift given to her on Christmas day. We have video proof.”

  “We’re still obligated to take her in,” Damian says, putting his hands on his belt.

  “Do you have a warrant?” Camden ignores Damian.

  I wince as Damian thrusts it forward. Camden’s eyes narrow as he read it.

  “Am I really under arrest?” Hadley asks softly, peeking over her brother’s shoulder to read the warrant.

  “You are.” Camden folds the paper as Andrew and Julian make their opinions about this arrest known.

  The front door of the house opens. Camden turns to Hadley. “I’m going to suggest you go with them while I get this resolved.” He puts his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t say anything incriminating?”

  “Is telling them I want to kick George in the balls for this incriminating?”

  “Yes.”

  Hadley rolls her eyes as she turns to me. “Then you’d better work fast because I’ve got a lot about George to say. None of it good.” She winks at me. “And remind him I know about all of his issues, Camden.”

  Then she steps forward, holding out her wrists. “Cuff me, Officer.”

  Damian takes a step forward and gets a nasty glare for it. Both Andrew and Julian fist their hands. “That won’t be necessary if you’re coming quietly,” I say. I let her walk ahead of me. Damian beside her, at a safe distance. “I’ll make sure she’s treated well.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be right behind you,” Camden says, turning and issuing directions to Andrew and Julian. “George is asking for a beating.”

  I can’t disagree with him. With a nod, I walk around my patrol car and get in. Hadley wiggles her fingers at her brothers from the backseat.

  As we drive away, I see Mr. Mitchell raging at Julian. Glad I didn’t have to deal with him. Watching the four men scramble is the most fun I’ve had in a long while.

  8

  Hadley

  “My time in the slammer was a lot of fun,” I tell Brian with a heavy eye-roll. “Can’t wait to experience that again.”

  Brian smirks at me, trying not to laugh. “You never even saw the inside of a jail cell.”

  Hand to chest, I glare. “I’ve seen things now. I’m changed.”

  The humor fades. “You have changed.”

  I blink at the change in his eyes. “Excuse me?”

  A shrug rolls across his shoulders in a most enticing way. When did he become so broad shouldered? It must have happened while I was dating a loser and trying to make my parents happy.

  “You’ve changed,” he says again.

  I can only blink at the news. “Doesn’t everyone?”

  Brian’s lips firm, his eyes flashing over to my father and mother. “Um, no. Everyone does not change.”

  I glance at my parents. “True.” Sighing, I tell Brian about them being upset that I’m an old maid. I can’t believe I’m blurting it all out to him.

  “You’re twenty-eight,” he points out. “Same as me.”

  “I know.”

  “This isn’t the 1950s anymore.”

  “Trust me, I know.” I raise a hand to my forehead, pressing it against the headache that will form if I think too hard about it. “I run a successful wedding and party planning business. I have my own house, that I pay for with my money. I didn’t borrow a cent from them.” I cast a narrow-eyed look as my mother pretends to have a case of the vapors, or whatever they’re called now since this isn’t Gone with the Wind and Tara. “You’d think they’d be pleased but the only thing that matters to them is if I’m a homemaker.”

  “That…”

  “Sucks.” I pinch my nose. “What’s the word with George?”

  Brian doesn’t have time to answer. Camden walks over, glaring briefly at our mother. “George is dropping his claim. The ring is yours.”

  “Excellent.” I’ve got plans for that diamond, cause I’m never wearing the ring again.

  “How’d you manage that so quickly?” Brian asks Camden.

  The arrogant grin on Camden’s face makes me want to punch him. Given that he’s gotten me out of a night in jail in only a matter of hours, I’m refraining.

  “I reminded George that we have a video of him giving the ring to Hadley on Christmas Day. With his parents present.”

  “Nice one.” Brian inclines his head at Camden.

  Camden holds out his hand. “Thanks for letting me see your report from the other night. The fact that George claimed the other woman as his wife—“

  “He claimed he was married to her? Is it true?” I’m not sure why I want to know. I’m certain knowing won’t help with anything.

  Camden’s lips flatten into a line. “No. She’s just a student from the university.”

  Dad arrives. “This is simply a misunderstanding.”

  “Yes, a simple misunderstanding.” She looks at me expectantly. “It will clear up in no time.”

  “Exactly.” Dad’s lowers his brows as he stares at me. “Patch things up.”

  Camden takes over immediately, ushering our parents out. I rub my fingers against my eyes. I’m tired, in more ways than one, and tomorrow morning will be here way too soon.

  “You know…”

  I lean toward Brian, a flare of something coming to life.

  He steadies me. Eyes guarded and watchful. “Will you be ok to get home?”

  I nod. “Yeah, Julian is waiting for me.”

  Brian follows my gaze. “Did I really hear him threaten to set George on fire?”

  I blink. My mind is so focused on his hand on my back. My fake smile falls into place. “Don’t worry about it. Camden makes sure they keep things legal.”

  Brian nods. I know he’s about to say goodbye. I have to see him again. I blurt out, “Would you like to go out sometime?” As I stare at his shocked face, I wish I’d said anything other than that.

  9

  Brian

  Whatever I might want to say to Hadley, saying nothing is my worst option. And it’s all I’m doing as I stand there with my brain cells stuck in what just happened mode.

  Hadley fixes a bright smile on her face, then turns on her heel to walk away. “See you around.”

  Damian’s fist punches me in the shoulder. “Nice one, bro. You blew that big time.“

  “Shut up.” I stalk to the locker room without a backward glance. Damian, the pain in m
y butt, yells that he’ll take care of the paperwork. I know he’s irritated. I keep walking.

  Two days later, I’m standing on her front doorstep with a bouquet of flowers at two in the afternoon. It’s just my rotten luck that Hadley’s not answering her door. “I’m such an idiot.”

  “You’re an idiot if you think a woman’s gonna be sitting at home in the middle of a day waiting for you.“

  Looking to my left, I see a diminutive elderly woman with snapping eyes in a floral muumuu and a wide brimmed straw hat holding a cane. She’s definitely glaring at me too. “I thought Hadley worked from home.” I’m not sure why those words tumble out of my mouth, but it is the truth.

  “Hm, well that makes you a bit more intelligent than her loser of a fiancé.” The woman turns away, fast firm steps belying the need for a cane.

  I follow her. In my line of work, a neighbor can have valuable information. “Have you lived next door to Hadley long?”

  I hear a snort. “I was here before she was, young copper.”

  “How can you tell I’m a cop?”

  “You’ve got that look about ya.” She glances over her shoulder. “You thinking to arrest me?”

  I grin, realizing that I like this feisty lady. “Nope. I’m planning to ask you about George.” Her nose wrinkles like mine would if I’d stepped in dog poop. “I’m Brian Miller. I’ve known Hadley since high school.” I hold out a hand, unsure if she’ll be willing to shake it.

  She gives me a sniff, eyeing my hand. Out tumbles more truth in the form of, “She asked me out the other day and I blew it.”

  With a cackle, she grabs my hand in a strong grip. “Oh, you I like.” She pumps my hand up and down. Somehow I feel less strong because this little old lady has a grip like a vise. “Name’s Gloria Johnson. I been about these parts for over forty years. Hadley’s been a breath of fresh air for this old lady.”