“Technically no, because we never entered into one, as in marriage.”
“True, but that’s a written contract. An oral contract is binding, isn’t it? He gave you a diamond ring and asked you to marry him. Perhaps you should investigate this. He’s put you in a financial bind. It’s not fair you have to shoulder that mortgage on your own.”
A pensive look came over her. “Maybe I should discuss this with one of the partners in the firm. I really don’t want to go down that road, but if it would help me financially, it might be worth it.”
“Great idea.”
From the top of the stairs, a voice called out. “Is my punishment over? I did a picture for you.”
“Come on down,” I said. Then I told Stacey about Tristian asking me to dinner on Friday.
“If he had asked me, I would have to wear a drool cup under my chin. That man is smoking.”
“Who smokes?” Easton asked.
“No one, sweetie.”
“Look!” She handed a drawing to Stacey. It was a picture of two big people, one small one, and an animal.
“What’s that?” Stacey asked, pointing to the animal.
“It’s my new dog. Her name is Bucker.”
“Your new dog?” We’d never had a dog so I was a bit puzzled.
“Yep. Geepa said we could look at dogs on Friday. He told me about Boonior and I said I wanted one.”
Oh, boy. She was going to hate me. “Honey, we can’t have a dog.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re gone all day. Who will take care of it?”
She grinned. “Banana and Geepa will. They already said so. And they said they’ll train it and when it gets all A’s it can come and live here.”
“They did, huh?” I was going to murder them both.
“Yeah, Bucker will be a good dog.”
“What if he eats your shoes like Boonior used to eat mine?”
“You’ll buy me new ones.”
Fuck. This child had an answer for everything. “I need to discuss this with Banana and Geepa.”
“Okay, but they’ll still say yes.”
“You’re going to Banana and Geepa’s on Friday?” Stacey asked.
“Yep, and I get to spend the night.”
Stacey eyed me and waggled her brows.
I mouthed, “Stop.”
“Mommy has a date night with Mr. Trishan. They can do kissy face. I think Mommy should marry him, don’t you, Aunt Stacey Bear?”
I got the triple brow waggle for that.
“Easy Bear, it depends on whether they love each other.”
“What’s that got to do with it?”
Oh, God, this kid.
“He’s nice and likes her cuz she’s pretty. He don’t gotta love her too.”
“It helps, believe me.” Stacey pulled her onto her lap. “When two people get married, if they don’t love each other, sometimes things don’t work out.”
Easton crossed her arms. “Nope. It’ll work cuz they kissy-faced.”
“Okay, you’re the boss.”
That was it? Stacey wasn’t going to give her any other objection or explanation? What kind of friend was she?
I tipped up her tiny chin. “Easton, like I told you before, Mr. Tristian may not want to get married.”
“But if he does, he’ll marry you.”
This was going nowhere. “I have an idea. How about we all go out for pizza?”
Easton hopped out of Stacey’s lap and clapped. “Yay. Pizza.”
Glancing at Stacey, I asked her if she was in and she was. We traipsed out to my car, but when we were pulling out of the driveway, a large, black limousine pulled up and blocked the way. When I saw who got out, I gasped.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tristian
Beck and his wife had five kids, English being the oldest. All of them were away that night, except one of the twins, who was named Rey. She was a lively thing at fourteen and was all about soccer. She took Easton by the hand and we didn’t see either of them until it was time to eat.
When I walked in the Bridgeses’ house, Beck and English were arguing about something. I assumed it was Stuart, but as I got the gist of the conversion, I realized it was the older McLure.
“He blocked your driveway and threatened you, English.”
“It was super creepy at first. He came up to my window, but I refused to get out of the car. Then he started spouting off stuff about Stuart that I didn’t want Easton to hear, so I got out and walked away so the little ears couldn’t listen. He didn’t threaten me, per se, but told me that I had been ridiculous in calling the police on Stuart because he’d done nothing wrong.”
“Nothing wrong?” Beck’s voice boomed.
“Yes, and I reminded him of the order of protection that his son had violated. Then I told him to remove himself from my driveway and to get the limousine out of the way.”
“English, was that wise?” Beck asked.
“Dad, he doesn’t scare me.”
“He should. The man works for the governor, which means he’s connected to people who could hurt you.”
“True, but he’s not above the law.”
“Are you so sure about that?” Beck aimed a piercing gaze at English.
English hesitated and her posture sagged. “Then what was I supposed to do? Hand Easton over to him?”
“No! You should’ve called your attorney and the police.”
“I did call my attorney.”
Beck groaned. “Yes, but not until after it was over.”
Listening to this exchange made my skin crawl and my blood boil.
“It’s done now, so can we drop it? I can’t be worrying about this every minute of the day.”
Sheridan cleared her throat. “Will you two stop arguing? We didn’t set up this dinner so you could fight all night.”
Beck sighed and nodded. “You’re right. Sorry you had to witness this, Tristian.”
“Don’t be sorry. I worry about her too. I’m not fond of the governor and wish they could oust him from office.”
Everyone in the room agreed. He wasn’t highly thought of in this crowd.
“Tristian, may I get you a drink?” Sheridan asked.
“I’ll have what everyone else is having.”
English laughed. “That would be like PJ, since I’m drinking wine, Dad is having a beer, and Mom is drinking a fruity concoction.”
“In that case, I’ll go with the beer.”
Sheridan disappeared and returned with a frosty mug. “Thank you,” I said.
“Come on in and we’ll hang out in the kitchen where I have some appetizers out.”
We moved to that area, where there was a large island and on it was a charcuterie board. Beck helped himself, so I followed suit. Then English took a cracker and put a piece of cheese on it.
“Mom, this cheese is fantastic.”
“Right? I love it too.”
The women talked about the food while Beck and I chatted about photos and lighting. It was small talk and I needed to discuss something important with him, but not here. As I thought about how to get him to another room, I heard my name.