M.B. Forester-Smythe's Blog, page 50

Lillian: Post 22

Chapter 10

Jace stared at the elegant three-story house that used to be his childhood home. The windows on each floor gleamed beneath the afternoon sun while the wraparound patio below lay in shadows. The house boasted five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a stainless steel and granite kitchen, a dining room with a table for twelve, and a living room that had only been used for his parents intimate get-togethers.

The house was hardly used nowadays as his parents, Walter and Olivia, had moved to Boston several years ago. They came back to Silver Bridge twice a year, once during the summer and again for Christmas, and each visit seemed more hectic than the time before.

His mom didn't know how to mind her own business, and his dad was only interested in golf. Jace would tolerate the endless questions and comments from his mom, answering only what he wanted to answer and ignoring the rest. Walter would usually sit in the living room watching the latest golf game and would only talk during commercials.

With a shake of his head, Jace climbed out of his truck and rubbed a weary hand over his face. The uncertainty of the day ahead weighed heavily on his heart and mind. He didn't want to confront his parents with what Lillian had told him but he knew he couldn't ignore what she'd said either.

The sound of a car approaching drew his attention from the ground and to a black limousine pulling up beside his truck The chauffeur got out and opened the back passenger door. Jace straightened and waited.

His dad was the first to emerge and almost fell over, drunk on whatever he'd had on the way over. Jace caught his elbow. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," he snapped and shook his arm free from Jace's grip. "It's been too long of a day already."

Jace shook his head and watched him hobble to the front door. Turning back to the car, he caught a glimpse of his mom's scowl as the chauffer helped her out. She glared at the house then muttered, "Stupid man."

Jace cleared his throat. "Hey, Mom."

The tall brunette turned towards him and her expression softened from irritation into a bright smile. "Jace! I was wondering if you were going to meet us here!"

He gave her a hug. "What's wrong with Dad?"

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about him. He's just cranky from the trip. Will you be joining us for dinner?"

"Of course."

"Good! Help your brother with the baby then come inside." She kissed his cheek. "We'll talk later."

"Count on it," he muttered as he watched her go.

"So, are you just going to stand there or give me a hand?"

Jace chuckled and glanced behind him. His younger brother, Nick, leaned against the side of the car, a crooked grin on his face. Jace reached out and pulled him in a hug. "Good to see you, too. You haven't changed much."

Nick laughed. "That's saying a lot since I haven't seen you in a few years. How've you been?"

"I've been better."

Nick's smile faded. "What's that supposed to mean? Everything okay?"

Jace looked at him. As far as being brothers went, Jace and Nick shared a lot of physical similarities – hair, eye and skin color, height and build – but they'd been opposites growing up. Jace had been athletic and outgoing, making friends quickly and easily with his dimpled smile and sparkling eyes. Nick had been studious and quiet, always up to date with the latest technology and current events. They'd both attended Sacramento State, Jace majoring in business and Nick in science. Jace stayed in Silver Bridge pining after the one woman who'd left him behind, and Nick had moved to New York where he'd met and married his wife, Ashley.

"Jace? What's going on?"

"It's complicated," Jace said.

Nick studied him then turned when a petite blond with sparkling green eyes hopped out of the car. "Want to talk about it?"

"To be honest, I don't," Jace said. "But I know we're going to."

Ashley stretched up and kissed Jace's cheek. "Must be a woman," she said to her husband and grabbed a small duffel from the limo.

Nick hefted out the car seat containing their baby boy and nodded at the chauffer. "Why do you say that, babe?"

She cocked an eyebrow at them. "There are very few topics men don't want to discuss. One of them is a woman, particularly a woman they have feelings for."

They walked towards the house and Nick asked, "So who's the woman?"

Ashley chuckled. "You're dense, aren't you, babe? When's the last time Jace was upset over a woman? I mean, was he heartbroken or anything over the women he's dated?"

Nick frowned and shook his head. "No, but-" He broke off and stared at Jace. "You're kidding! She's here?"

Jace nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. She's been here for about two months."

"That's great!" Nick laughed. "I can't believe she's- Wait. Why aren't you happy?"

Jace forced a smile and said a little too quickly, "I'm happy."

Nick's gaze narrowed. "No, you're not. What happened? Please don't tell me you messed up already!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Jace muttered.

"Nick, be nice," Ashley chided then turned to Jace. "Is she married or seeing someone?"

"No to both."

Confusion darkened both their faces. Nick said slowly, "If Lillian's here and she's not married or dating, then what's the problem? I thought this is what you wanted."

"It is," Jace insisted, "but it's complicated."

Nick placed the car seat on the porch then crossed his arms. "Yeah, you've already said that. How can it be complicated if she's only been here for two months and you guys aren't dating? Aren't the complications supposed to start after you've been going out for a while?"

Jace sighed. "It's a long story, one I don't want to talk about right now."

"Well, we are going to talk about it," Nick said firmly. "Don't think I'll forget."

"I know you won't. But we should get inside before they come looking for us." He nodded at the open front door. "And why are they both mad?"

Ashley rolled her eyes. "They got into an argument on the plane over something and haven't talked to each other since. You know how your parents are, Jace. They argue, drink and avoid each other for a few hours."

"They should be decent by the time we head out to dinner," Nick added and led them into the house. "Are you going to bring her around while we're here? I'd be nice to catch up."

Jace closed the door and took a deep breath. "I don't think she'll be coming around anytime soon."

"Ah, I get it. It's complicated."

"Well, maybe we can meet her in town or something," Ashley suggested. "Would she be willing to do that?"

"I don't think she'd be willing to see me anytime soon." The look on their faces made him grimace. "Yeah, exactly. I know how to fix it and I'm going to but I don't know if it's too late. I hope it's not because I know for sure I can't live without her."

"Live without who, Jace?"