Eight Years Gone, page 32
“I thought it would be. It seemed like we were starting to settle in, but that fall, Colton used my computer for a school project. He found an email from Dennis discussing child support for the upcoming year and realized who his father was. He changed after that. Our relationship changed after that. He grew angry. He stopped trying at school. The basketball coaches had been eager to welcome Colton to the team for the winter sports season. They had discussed putting him on varsity as a starter, but he refused to show up for practices.”
Grace couldn’t help but wonder if her dad’s interests would have changed if he had known that his forgotten son had been a star athlete.
“Although, I must say things did get better for a little while,” Jessica continued. “Colton met a girl early his sophomore year. Casey. He did much better in school while they were together, but they broke up this last summer. He’s been off the rails since.”
“That’s really tough.”
Jessica sighed. “I’d always told Colton I’d been young and in college when I got pregnant. I’d always let him assume that his father had been young, too—that he hadn’t been ready for the responsibilities.”
Jessica shrugged. “I think finding out about Steve amongst all of the changes was too much. Maybe things would have been different if Marcus and I had still been together. Perhaps we wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation if I hadn’t taken him away from the home he’d grown up in and his core group of friends.”
Jessica was clearly a caring mother. It was easy to see that she’d been devoted to her son. “You did what you thought was best.”
Jessica shook her head. “I’m at the point where I don’t know what to do. He doesn’t listen to me. Our relationship is volatile at best. Marcus has tried to help a couple of times, but Colton is hanging out with bad influences. This is his second arrest. The judge was lenient last time, but I doubt that will be the case again.”
Grace picked up her cup, seeing her opportunity to test the waters for her and Jagger’s idea. “How would you feel about giving Colton a fresh start here? Enrolling him in classes at the local high school? He could get a job and give basketball another shot if he wanted to.”
Jessica frowned. “That would be wonderful, but I’m not sure how realistic that sounds. It would take me a while to find a new job and housing. Colton doesn’t have that kind of time to pull himself together.”
Jessica sighed. “In fact, my friend is opening a bigger salon and day spa in downtown Philly. She wants me to move and manage things there, but that doesn’t seem like a good idea right now…”
Grace shook her head. “Colton could stay here with me and Jagger.”
Jessica shook her head this time. “But he doesn’t know you.”
“That’s true. But he could go to a really good school—meet a new group of kids. I run Simplicity with Aunt Maggie. He might be able to pick up some hours or help at the dojang where Jagger works part-time. If we can show the judge that he’s working hard to change his ways, he or she might go easy on him again.”
Jessica’s brow furrowed again. “Why would you do this?”
“Because he reminds me of Logan. It got to the point where there was nothing that I could do to help my brother. But I can try to help Colton.”
Jessica shook her head. “I don’t know.”
‘I don’t know’ wasn’t a flat-out no. “I’m making lasagna for dinner. We can discuss everything with Jagger and Colton if you would like to stay. If this isn’t an idea that makes you comfortable, I’ll do what I can to offer my support from a distance.”
“You’re so much like your mother. Kind and generous. I’ll never forgive myself for what I did to her. I can still see the look on her face when I ran into her at the grocery store—when she saw Colton.”
Grace stood, not interested in talking about the past—about how Jessica and her father had devastated her mother. Regrets changed nothing. They couldn’t go back. “Colton’s here. He’s my brother. He’s family. I’d like to have the chance to get to know him.”
Jessica nodded. “If I’m staying, I’d like to help.”
She walked with Jessica to the kitchen. “There’s a salad that needs to be made, too. The greens and other vegetables are in the fridge. I wasn’t sure what Colton liked. Feel free to use what you know you’ll both eat.”
Jessica held her gaze. “Thank you, Grace.”
“You’re welcome.” And then she moved into action, certain that dinner could still be ready by the time Jagger and Colton walked through the door.
Jagger took the final dish from the drying rack, using a towel to wipe away the last couple of drops of water.
When he and Grace had started cleaning up, a pile of pots, pans, and various other kitchen gadgets needed to be washed after she’d created one hell of an excellent meal.
After two changes of the dishwater and plenty of elbow grease, the kitchen was mostly tidy again.
Thirty minutes ago, Jessica and Colton had headed back to Millsdale for the night. But tomorrow, they would be back with Colton’s vehicle and whatever else he would need to feel at home for the next several months.
By the time the four of them had finished dinner, it had been decided that Colton would give life in Preston Valley a shot for a while. It had surprised Jagger some when Colton had told his mom that he wanted to be back first thing in the morning. For a kid who’d been ready to make his escape a few short hours ago, he’d done a hell of an about-face.
Grace rinsed out the dishcloth before she wiped down the counters. “I imagine it’ll be a while before we have a night like this again. Just the two of us.”
Jagger put away the large platter that had held the small mountain of insanely delicious garlic bread. “Not necessarily. Colton’s seventeen. He’ll be busy doing his own thing—working and whatnot. Hopefully, he’ll make some friends.”
Grace rinsed the suds down the sink, then wiped her hands dry. “That’s certainly the plan. I want him to be happy here.”
He hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her against him as he held her gaze. “You’re amazing. Not many people would do this.”
She locked her wrists at the back of his neck. “Thank you for saying so, but you’re amazing too. You’re always so willing to stand by my side.”
He began to move, swaying with her in a slow dance, forever savoring that he got to hold Grace. “Because I’m your number one fan.”
She grinned, following his lead. “It means more than you know.” She gained her tiptoes, kissing him. “So, where did you and Colton go today? I’m eager to hear about your field trip.”
He’d been waiting for the questions. It had only been a matter of time. He wasn’t looking forward to answering—to bringing up the place he and Grace had officially left behind just a couple of weeks ago. “To Wakeview.”
She frowned. “What did you guys do in Wakeview?”
“Took a tour. We went to my old place, which is up for auction, by the way. Then we swung by the mansion.”
There was no way he was telling her they’d taken a quick pause where Logan had mostly bled to death.
Concern filled her eyes. “I know your old home brings up a lot of stuff for you. How are you doing after that?”
He shrugged. “I’m all right.”
And that’s all he planned to say because he didn’t know how to tell her that it wasn’t his piece of shit house that had messed him up; it had been the junkyard and staring at a kid who was a near mirror image of his best friend.
“I wish I would have known. I could have come with you.”
He shook his head. That was never going to have happened. “I needed Colton to understand that your life and mine were never paved with roses. I have no plans to go back there again.”
“That couldn’t have been easy.”
“It was what it needed to be. And now it’s over.”
He kissed her, not wanting to talk about it anymore. Tomorrow he would go out for a run and clear his head, but for now, he wanted to focus on Grace. “So, what should we do with our last teenagerless night?”
She groaned, letting her forehead rest against his chest. “As much as I want to suggest wild, mind-blowing sex wherever we want in the house, I have to talk to Aunt Maggie. I can’t avoid it any longer. Colton will be here tomorrow.”
He steamed out a quiet breath. “That’s kind of a thing, huh?”
She met his gaze again, wrinkling her nose as she nodded. “It’s a major thing.”
It amazed him in the worst way that Grace was again dealing with the aftermath of Steve’s messes. He had to believe that there would be an end to it all—that at some point they would just be able to live a happy life. “Are you up for a tagalong—some moral support?”
“Yes. I would appreciate it.”
He kissed her. “Then let’s go tell Aunt Mags about our new roommate.”
Grace’s stomach grew queasy as she pulled up to the curb in front of Aunt Maggie and Asa’s pretty old house. She puffed out a breath, keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, as she looked at Jagger in the streetlight. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to not make this shocking.”
He took off his seat belt. “You’re just the messenger.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to stress her out. I don’t want her to have a setback.”
He captured her hand, gently squeezing. “It’ll be what it’s going to be, Grace. Aunt Mags is going to feel whatever she feels. We’ll handle whatever comes of it. I can help at the shop if she needs a couple of days.”
She sighed because as much as she wanted to run and hide, she also wanted to get telling Aunt Maggie over with. “I appreciate it, but I’m sure Jen and I will be fine.”
“Are you ready?” he asked, reaching for his door handle.
“No. But let’s do this anyway.”
Getting out, they headed for the door, giving a couple of knocks before Grace turned the doorknob she knew would be unlocked. “Aunt Maggie? Asa?”
Asa walked down the hallway from the kitchen that smelled like heavenly roasted chicken, frowning as their eyes met. “I thought you two were in Montana.”
Grace shrugged. “We had a change of plans.”
Aunt Maggie followed Asa, walking with the aid of her cane down the hall. “Is everything all right? You two certainly don’t look like you’re here to tell us exciting news. Are you fighting?”
Jagger shook his head. “We’re as good as ever.”
Aunt Maggie looked from Jagger to Grace. “Are you moving? For Jagger’s new job?”
Grace sighed. They were making this so much worse than it already was. “No, we’re not moving. Can we sit at the table or in the living room?”
“Let’s go to the table.”
They followed Aunt Maggie and Asa to the formal dining room where Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners always took place.
“Do you guys need anything?” Asa asked.
“We’re good,” Grace said as they all sat down.
Aunt Maggie steepled her fingers. “Now, tell us what’s going on.”
Grace sighed. “As you know, I’ve been reading Mom’s journals. In Mom’s last entry, I found some unexpected information.”
Aunt Maggie raised her brow. “Like what?”
Grace glanced at Jagger, then held Aunt Maggie’s gaze. “Um, I have another brother.”
Aunt Maggie’s crystal-blue eyes grew huge. “What?”
Grace nodded, wanting to get it all out. “Dad had an affair. A one-time fling with Jessica Sawyer.”
Aunt Maggie’s eyes popped wide again. “The college babysitter?”
Grace nodded. “Yes.”
Aunt Maggie looked at Asa, then at Jagger and Grace. “Are you sure about all of this?”
Grace nodded again. “Jagger and I met him. His name is Colton, and he’s seventeen. He looks just like Logan.”
Aunt Maggie glared at the ceiling. “Steven Evans, you’re a dirty, disgusting dog.” She closed her eyes as she hung her head. “Grace, I’m sorry I just said that.”
Grace reached over, settling her hand over Aunt Maggie’s. “I’m not offended. All of this has been a shock.”
Aunt Maggie sighed. “Poor Rose. And Grace, I’m sorry your father didn’t know how to be what any of you needed.”
“I’m doing all right.” She looked at Jagger again. “There’s more that I need to tell you.”
“All right. It can’t be any bigger of a surprise than that.”
Grace slid her hair behind her ear. “Colton’s been in some trouble. He stayed with us last night after we picked him up at the Millsdale Police Department.”
Aunt Maggie closed her eyes again. “Dear God, it’s Logan all over again.”
Grace nibbled her lip, worried that this might be too much. “Not exactly. Colton has had some issues with fighting. He’s an angry kid but doesn’t appear to mess around with drugs. He needs love and support.”
Aunt Maggie clicked her tongue as she shook her head. “I imagine Steve was as careless with this boy as he was with you and Logan. And you, Jagger.”
Jagger sat up taller. “I’m tough as nails, Aunt Mags. Just like Grace.”
Aunt Maggie huffed out a laugh. “You always know how to make me smile.”
Jagger sent her one of his excellent grins. “I do what I can.”
Aunt Maggie rolled her eyes as she smiled. “Now, finish what you were saying, Grace.”
“We had dinner with Jessica and Colton tonight. We’ve all decided that Colton will stay with Jagger and me for a while. I need to help him, Aunt Maggie. I need to try.”
Aunt Maggie nodded. “Of course you do. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my sweet girl. When is he coming?”
“Tomorrow. Jessica and I are taking him to the high school to enroll him. Hopefully, they’ll let him start on Monday.”
Aunt Maggie steepled her fingers again. “You can bring him by the shop. I want to meet him.”
Grace shook her head. “I thought you might like some time to digest everything first.”
Aunt Maggie frowned. “I know my own mind, and I know that none of what’s happened is his fault. There’s been enough pain to go around this family for more than a few lifetimes. I can be the bigger person, too. If he’s looking for something to do while he’s settling in, we can put him to work. Goodness knows with the holidays coming, there’s plenty to do. Keeping him busy will be good for him.”
Grace stood, walking around the table to wrap Aunt Maggie up in a hug. “Thank you. For being wonderful.”
Aunt Maggie returned her embrace. “Your mother would be incredibly proud of you, honey.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
Aunt Maggie patted her back. “I’ve never spoken truer words. Am I right, Asa?”
Asa nodded. “Indeed.”
Grace hugged him next. “You guys are the best.”
Asa hugged her back. “We’re always here for you guys. You know that.”
She kissed his cheek before she eased away to walk around the table again. “I do.”
Aunt Maggie changed how she sat to be more comfortable in her seat. “So, I take it you’ll use the next few days to get Colton settled in.”
Grace nodded. “But I can always come in if you and Jen need a hand.”
Aunt Maggie shook her head. “Take a couple of days, Grace. You’re supposed to be on vacation. Spend some time with your brother. Get to know each other.”
She nodded again. “Thank you.”
Aunt Maggie pushed back in her seat, clearly ready to get back to the dinner they had interrupted. “Go spend what’s left of your evening with Jagger. Parenting is going to keep you both busy.”
Jagger stood. “We’ll see you guys soon.”
Asa helped Maggie gain her feet and walk them to the door.
“Have a good night,” Aunt Maggie and Asa called.
Moments later, Grace waved as she sat in the passenger seat, exhaling a breath. “That went so much better than I was expecting.”
Jagger shrugged as he started the Sorento. “Aunt Mags and Asa are awesome.”
“They are.” She took his hand, kissing his fingers as she held his gaze in the dark. “You know, I’m feeling far more relaxed, and it’s still pretty early.”
He wiggled his brow. “I remember you mentioning something about wild sex. And wherever we wanted in the house.”
She grinned. “I did.”
He pulled away from the curb. “I say we hit every room. Where should we start?”
“Maybe the living room?”
He nodded. “Couch, chair, or floor? We’ll get to all three, but where first?”
She laughed, certain that he would deliver on his promise. “How about you decide? I’ll let you surprise me.”
“Oh, I’m gonna surprise you, baby.”
Butterflies rushed through her belly as he took his eyes off the road long enough to hold her gaze.
Within moments, he took a right onto Main Street. “We’ll make it up as we go along, but it’s a good thing we had a lot of carbs at dinner tonight. We’re definitely going to need them.”
She laughed again as they drove closer to home, more than ready to get crazy with Jagger.
Forty
Grace headed toward the bedroom with a basket of clean laundry on her hip as she ran through her mental to-do list for the upcoming week.
She hadn’t stepped foot in the shop for more than a handful of minutes over the last four days, which she already knew would cause her several headaches in the morning.
She’d done her best to take care of most things before she and Jagger were supposed to have left for Montana, but no matter how much she planned or prepared, it never took her long to find herself on the verge of being behind.
Simplicity’s newest part-time hire started this week. Amanda needed to be trained for the seasonal Saturday afternoon shifts. Inventory needed to be taken, and orders would inevitably have to be made. Confirming upcoming holiday promotions was also a must.
She slowed in the hallway when she realized the light was on in the office. Peeking her head in the doorway, she watched as Colton picked up the different picture frames that had been tucked aside after her and Jagger’s trip to Wakeview.
