Page 65 of Summer Salvation
We’re all seated around the dining room table except Hadley. She’s buzzing around, placing dish after dish on the table, filling plates for Piper and Colton. She finally sits down after everyone is served but her plate remains empty. I’ve seen her do this before; she watches and waits until I’ve eaten, making sure it’s good enough. This time is no different. The kids have zero complaints about what she’s prepared; they love everything she makes.
“This is so good,” I tell her, shooting her a wink. “Thank you.”
“Jolene’s granny gave me the recipe,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve been waiting to try it out.”
Her head swivels toward her brother, her eyes expectant as she awaits his verdict. No matter the animosity between them, it’s obvious she wants to please him.
“The biscuits are dry,” he says, spearing a piece of egg with his fork and taking a bite. “You know who makes amazing biscuits? Izzy. I don’t know what she does, but they’re like heaven.”
Hadley blinks but her smile doesn’t falter. “I didn’t know Izzy baked.”
“She’s learning,” her brother replies. “Maybe you’ve lost your touch being out here in Oregon.”
“Hadley made me the most delicious cioppino a few weeks ago. Best I’ve ever had.”
This could very well turn into a pissing contest, and luckily, the kids haven’t picked up on the tension. But I refuse to let Curtis throw shade Hadley’s way.
“That sounds much too fancy compared to the simple Southern cooking I’m used to.” He dabs his lips with a napkin, indicating he’s through despite having a nearly full plate.
“Are you done,” she asks, reaching toward him, ready to clear the table. My hand shoots out and grabs her, pulling her back down into her seat. She glances over her shoulder at me, a deer-in-the-headlights look on her face.
“Sit down. Your plate is still empty.” She looks down, her cheeks pink, and settles back into her seat before I offer her one of the platters of biscuits and gravy. She takes the tiniest bit of food, much less than I’ve seen her eat.
She takes a bite and then immediately sets her fork down. “You’re right,” she says, glancing at her brother. “The biscuits are dry. Maybe I over-mixed them.”
It pisses me off to see her trying so hard to please her brother, a man who seems to only bring her misery with his selfish demands. But what really makes my blood boil is seeing the smug smile on Curtis’s face, as if he knew she would capitulate to him.
“Have you seen Hadley’s sweet tooth?” he asks with a laugh in his voice. “She once ate an entire peach cobbler on her own. We always hide the sweets at our house whenever she comes over, otherwise there won’t be anything left for the kids.”
“As a matter of fact—” I start to say but Curtis keeps on talking.
“I’m surprised you look so slim after living out of a van. You must have starved yourself. Hadley also loves to binge junk food. Who would have known considering her family runs a chain of gourmet grocery stores. It’s not like she doesn’t have access to the finest organic foods.”
“Why are you doing this,” Hadley whispers.
He reaches out and squeezes her shoulder. “Just helping Theo get to know you.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing, what he’s implying, and if it weren’t for Colton and Piper sitting next to me, I would have exploded by now. Is this man blind? Doesn’t he see how gorgeous his sister is? There are some soft edges to her petite frame but what he’s implying is simply untrue, and even if it were, so what? Everyone has their vices.
“Hadley, why don’t you clear the table and take the kids to the beach while Theo and I talk business,” Curtis impolitely suggests.
“No,” I say firmly. That was the last straw. “We will not be talking or conducting business today, and we certainly won’t be doing it without Hadley.”
“I guess I was mistaken. I thought you wanted to settle this issue today.”
“I did,” I state. “But that was before you came into my home and disrespected Hadley.”
“Listen, playing knight in shining armor is nice. It’s sweet of you to help my sister out, make sure she gets what she’s owed. I even appreciate the lovesick puppy act—”
“It’s not an act, and I’m not playing at anything. I love Hadley and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.” I glance across the table, my gaze locking with Hadley’s. Silently, I remind her I’m her ally. She’s not fighting this battle with her brother alone.
The asshole shoots me another smug smirk. God, what I wouldn’t give to knock it right from his face. “Charlie Kirk told me all about you. I know about the messy situation you’re in. Don’t you have enough on your plate? Let me handle my family business while you handle yours.”
“Curtis, stop,” Hadley says. She looks toward him and repeats herself. “Stop. Don’t say another word.”
By this time, the kids finally notice something is happening. How could they not with the panic in Hadley’s voice? All I want to know is what he’s going to say next.
“Hadley,” he says, his face turning slowly toward her. “Are you really going to tell me you love this man? He fell in love with a con artist. She completely defrauded him, and guess what? Now she’s in prison.”
The moment he finishes speaking, all hell breaks loose.