Chapter Twelve
“I can’t believe it,” Colby’s mom uttered for the third or fourth time since learning about Alec.
Stitch wandered into the living room and made himself comfortable on that old afghan, staring at Colby like an inquisitor who knew exactly what she was thinking.
“You think it’s a mistake?” She looked away from the wise old cat to her mom, although why her mother’s opinion on love meant anything remained a puzzle.
“Do you think so?” Her mother sipped her seltzer, legs curled beneath her like a young girl. The deep cushions of the corduroy sofa nearly swallowed her petite frame.
“More like a gamble.” An all-or-nothing kind of bet.
Her mom patted Colby’s knee for encouragement. “It’s time to get back on the horse, whatever happens. Besides, Alec is very handsome.”
“Handsome is irrelevant.”
Her mom cocked a brow and snorted.
“Fine, his looks are a bonus. But that’s not what got to me. Alec knows me and cares about my happiness. He’s patient. He’s obsessed with making my restaurant a success. And the way he looks at me . . .” She paused, body flushing from that perfect kiss. It had branded her. “I just wish I knew how it will turn out.”
“The unknown is half the fun.” Her mom shrugged. “Speaking of unknowns, how’d Hunter react?”
Colby leaned forward, knowing her next words would please her mom immeasurably. “You’re the first to know.”
Her mother’s mouth fell open. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“I’m the first?” She set down the drink, a delighted smile distorting her cheeks.
“Yes, Mom. The very first.” Colby chuckled at this simple side of her mom. Needy? Sure. But also easily enthused.
“I’m so proud that you confided in me first. Before Sara, even! It absolutely makes my day.” Then her mother’s expression became one of self-pity. “Almost erases my depression about Richard.”
Uh-oh.
Depression? The word still called forth visceral memories, making Colby’s pulse flutter until she reminded herself that her mom tossed it around every time she felt anything less than bliss. “I thought you really liked him.”
“I do!” She dismissively waved a hand, her frown solidifying into feigned resolve. “I did, anyway.”
No one performed self-possessed nonchalance like her mother. Colby couldn’t decide whether to admire it or be wary.
In any case, the news rocked her. Richard and her mom’s relationship had encouraged her to consider dating. He’d seemed so sweet; her mom had been so happy. Wrong again? Not exactly news that boosted Colby’s confidence about her instincts. “What happened?”
“He broke it off.” Suspiciously pink cheeks hinted at a story.
Colby crossed her arms. “Why?”
Rather than look at Colby, her mom stared at the throw-pillow fringe she was tugging. “Snickers.”
“The imaginary dog?”
“Yes.” She wrinkled her nose.
Softening her tone, Colby asked, “He busted you?”
Her mom nodded.
“How?”
“I was careless.” She shook her head in a self-pitying manner. “I invited him here for dinner last night. I even cooked.”
Colby stifled a chuckle. “Are you sure the dinner isn’t why he ran?”
“I used to cook all the time,” her mother defended. “Maybe not like Alec, but I can cook.”
“I’m teasing, Mom.” Colby squeezed her hand. “Back to Snickers.”
“We were enjoying a perfect evening out on the deck, actually. Stargazing to Kenny Garrett’s Triology.” A dreamy expression signaled that her mom had traveled back to that moment, but then her smile drooped. “When we came inside, I took some things into the kitchen and left him milling around here. I returned to find him studying the photos of you, your brother . . . Stitch. He quizzed me about why Snickers wasn’t in any.”
“Oh, no.” Colby covered her mouth with her hands. She shouldn’t giggle, but this sounded like a cheesy sitcom episode.
“I was so flustered. I mean, I hadn’t thought about that, you know.” She stared into space while gulping more soda. “I had two choices. Keep fibbing or fess up.”
“So you confessed.”
“I did.” She sighed and sat back, now stretching out her legs. “I’d hoped he might chuckle about the lengths I went to in order to spend time with him.”
“He didn’t see the humor?”
“No! He was ‘deeply troubled’ by my lie, and by how I made Hunter lie. Said he couldn’t be with someone so dubious.” Shaking her head, she added, “I mean, really. Dubious.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.” Breakups. Another kind of special hell relationships often bring. In fact, Colby might be sitting on this couch crying over Alec someday.
“He acted like I lied about another man or something.” Her mother snorted. “Honestly, he overreacted.”
Perhaps he had, but Colby couldn’t completely dismiss his uneasiness. “Some people think if you’re willing to lie about something frivolous, then you’ll definitely lie when the stakes are high.”
Alec had lied to Joe to cause pain and then kept it a secret for years. Might he also lie to or keep secrets from her? After a marriage riddled with half-truths, that idea held no appeal.
“Don’t pretend you’ve never fibbed.” Her mother rolled her eyes. “Everyone tells white lies. Most people tell real lies once in a while, too.”
“Maybe.” In truth, Colby hadn’t been completely honest with anyone in years. Where exactly was the line between protecting one’s privacy and lying? And would she and Alec agree on that line? “But you can’t be shocked when a lie causes you to lose someone’s respect, either.”
“Let’s not discuss this anymore.” Her electric-blue eyes dimmed.
Fine with Colby. What business did she have telling anyone what to do, anyway? What mattered was that her mother was hurting because her boyfriend broke up with her. That sucked at any age. “Give him a day or two. Then call or send a note.”
“No.” Her mom huffed, bravado rebuilding. “I can’t be with someone who expects perfection. Who wants me to wear the right clothes, say all the right things, and all that.”
“Did he criticize your clothes?”
“Of course not.” Her mother’s eyes widened, indignant. “I have fabulous taste!”
“I’m confused.” Colby resisted slapping her forehead.
“It’s a slippery slope. If a man won’t accept a little mistake about this, then he’ll never forgive a mistake about that or the other. These things always start the same: they love you for being unique and spontaneous until they lull you into feeling secure. Then come the criticisms and the ‘Don’t do that’ and ‘Why can’t you do this?’ demands. You twist into a pretzel to please them, and they end up leaving, anyway.”
She’d stealthily broadened the conversation to encompass Colby’s dad—the filter through which all men were now viewed. Colby supposed every woman’s—every person’s—former relationships affected how one viewed love. Hers certainly had.
“But that won’t happen with Alec, honey.” Her mom’s eyes regained a little of their twinkle. “He always seemed more sensitive than other men.”
Colby didn’t remind her mother how, just a few weeks ago, she’d considered Alec an odd duck. Now, thanks to his pastry and cat-saving runs—and apparently his looks—he’d swayed her mother’s opinion. “That’s true.”
“Your brother trusts him, and Hunter doesn’t suffer fools. All things considered, this is a good step for you. It’s about time you took a chance on something again.”
“Leaving my job to run a restaurant wasn’t a big enough risk?”
“Heavens, no!” Her mother brushed that off with a quick wave of her hand. “You have the option to go back to lawyering if this doesn’t work. Failure won’t hit you here.” Her mother pointed at her chest. “Before you got married, you’d fling yourself into everything with your whole heart. That changed, even before Mark’s death. You never confided in me, so I couldn’t help. Maybe you thought I didn’t know much about marriage, given my own failure.”
“That’s not it, Mom. Mark and I . . . well, we thought we could fix things on our own. In retrospect, that was a terrible mistake.”
“Don’t blame yourself for what he did.” Her mom stared at her, as if those energetic blue eyes could chase away the guilt. “Focus on what you have now. Be happy, sweet girl.”
The doorbell interrupted them. Colby placed her hand over her stomach. As encouraging as her mother had been, she doubted Alec received that same reception from his parents.
“That’s probably Alec now.” When her mom’s face lit up, Colby added, “Don’t expect pastries or a visit. We’re going to Hunter’s.”
An unladylike snort escaped. “I’d pay to see Hunter’s face when you tell him, but Sara will be supportive.”
Her mother dashed ahead, beating Colby to the door. Alec flashed a warm smile at her mom, and Colby hated the fact that she wondered what he was hiding behind that mask, and whether he’d be honest about his parents’ reaction to their news.
“I couldn’t be more tickled.” She patted his check. “Partners in every sense of the word. We should have a glass of wine.”
“Not now, Mom. I told you we have plans.”
“If Hunter gives you grief, don’t listen to one word he says.” Her mother rubbed Alec’s arm like she was preparing an athlete for competition.
“Hunter and Sara have been together for more than a decade. If there’s anyone we should listen to, it’s probably him,” Colby exclaimed.
“He got lucky. Only Sara could deal with his single-mindedness and stay happy.” Her mom shrugged. “Doesn’t mean he knows anything.”
“He knows how to pick the right person,” Colby grumbled.
Colby’s mom flashed a flirtatious smile at Alec before looking at Colby. “Honey, I think you’re on the right track now, too.”
“See why I like her so much?” Alec hugged her mom again, his broadening grin lighting the entry.
Colby clasped his hand. “Let’s get you out of here before she does something to embarrass us both.”
“Good night, Leslie.” Alec quickly kissed her cheek before Colby dragged him from the house.
“Is it safe to say your parents didn’t react like my mom?” she asked once seated in his car.
“No one reacts like Leslie.” He checked the rearview mirror while backing out, conveniently avoiding eye contact. “Some people will need time to adjust.”
If two years hadn’t helped them forgive her, more time didn’t seem like the answer.
Almost as if in afterthought, he uttered, “If only I were more like Joe . . .”
“God, no, Alec.” Her sharp reply startled him. Softening, she said, “Don’t be like Joe.”
The car slowed as Alec’s bewilderment took hold. “I thought you loved Joe.”
“I did, but he wasn’t a better man than you. Not in any way.”
Alec shifted uncomfortably as he turned onto Hunter’s street, looking completely unconvinced.
“I mean it. You are a kinder, wiser man than your brother ever was. Even as kids, that much was obvious.” She leaned across the console and kissed his cheek.
Alec remained quiet. That had always been his way. He thought; Joe acted. She supposed years of being unfavorably compared with Joe wouldn’t be undone by her single declaration. But she’d prove to Alec that he no longer needed to compete with his brother.
When they arrived at Hunter’s, Sara greeted them at the door. “Alec, my friend Susan had dinner at A CertainTea this weekend and is telling everyone it’s the best food around. She’s not easy to please, either.”
“Good word of mouth is priceless.” Alec pecked her on the cheek. “Next time she comes, I’ll try to stop by her table and meet her.”
“She’d love that. She likes to feel important.” Sara hugged him and then Colby.
They followed Sara back to the kitchen, where she’d already opened a wine bottle and set out four glasses. Unlike Colby’s sleek kitchen and empty pantry, Sara and Hunter’s kitchen screamed “home.” Colorful plates were displayed on a baker’s rack. Fresh flowers filled a vase on the island. A checkered dish towel was carelessly draped over the edge of the sink. Colby envisioned a future where kids’ artwork might be displayed on the stainless-steel refrigerator, too. For the first time, she suddenly wanted a home of her own.
“It’s a nice night. Maybe we’ll sit outside.” Sara poured herself a glass. “Let me get Hunter. He’s in his office, as usual.” She rolled her eyes with the remark, which had been delivered with an uncharacteristic edge, and sauntered off in search of her husband.
“You okay?” Alec asked Colby, having accurately read the surprise on her face.
“I wonder if we’ve come at a bad time?” she answered, but the conversation ended when they heard footsteps approaching.
Hunter trailed Sara as they entered the kitchen.
“Hey, loser,” Hunter joked with Alec. “You missed a gorgeous morning. Squeezed in twelve miles. Why’d you bail?”
Hunter waved off the glass of wine Sara offered, so Colby guzzled it, earning herself a quizzical grin from her sister-in-law.
“I was in Portland.” Alec also declined wine.
“At six thirty?” Hunter crossed his arms. “Produce market?”
“No. I went up yesterday evening to check out the competition and bumped into Colby. We ended up talking late into the night.”
Sara glanced from Alec to Colby, her gaze dropping to the point of contact where Alec’s hand rested lightly against the small of Colby’s back. Sara grinned, but Hunter remained clueless.
“So you crashed up there,” Hunter said, reaching inside the fridge for a beer. “Want one?”
“No, thanks.” Alec’s composure helped Colby tap into some courage.
“He didn’t just crash up there.” Colby cleared her throat. “We came to a decision.”
Hunter cracked open the bottle and took a swig. “Don’t tell me you’re fighting about the menu again. People love Alec’s food. Letting him take the lead there is the right call, Colby.”
She held his gaze, unwilling to discuss her desire to add a few comfort foods to the menu to satisfy people with her palate. “That’s not what we were discussing.”
“What, then? Not that happy-hour idea again, Sis?” Hunter’s brows pinched like they always did when he went on a fact-finding mission. “Did Gentry mess something up?”
“No, none of that.” Poor Gentry—everyone always assumed the worst.
“Inventory? Accounting? What?” He cocked his head. “How can I help?”
“Stop talking, for starters.” Colby rested her hands on the island. “This isn’t about the business.”
If Colby could’ve whipped out her phone and snapped a photo of Hunter’s perplexed expression to share with her mom without being rude, she would’ve. Rarely was he this confused. Sara, on the other hand, appeared to see what was coming and decided he needed a little help.
“Honey, take a seat.” Sara slid a barstool out for him.
“Why do I feel like I’m about to be punked?” Hunter glanced at Alec and took a bigger swig of beer.
“Your sister and I have decided to see each other outside of work,” Alec said.
Hunter choked on his drink. “What?”
“We’re dating, idiot.” Colby rolled her eyes.
Hunter’s lemon-faced expression telegraphed his thoughts loud and clear. “Dating?” He looked at Sara as if somehow she’d right the ship, which had clearly tilted beneath him. He attempted a smile, grasping for something that made sense. “Is this a joke?”
“No.” Colby sympathized with her brother’s shock.
“You two are dating?” Hunter repeated dumbly, his brows lowering. “Why?”
“Hunter!” Sara slapped his arm.
“I just mean it’s not a great idea. They work together.” He frowned and turned on Colby. “You’re breaking your own policy. It’s not too smart, Sis.”
Before Colby could respond, Sara interrupted. “Everything doesn’t revolve around business. At least not for most people.”
“Here we go again.” Hunter heaved a massive sigh.
“Yes, here we go again.” Sara raised a hand overhead. “Why can’t you set aside work for five minutes and think about your sister and your friend?”
“I am thinking about them. Colby’s finances are tied up in the restaurant. Alec’s career is, too.” Hunter shrugged, hands held out in question. “If this relationship doesn’t pan out and they can’t work together, they’re both screwed.”
“You’re hopeless.” Sara shook her head, then grabbed Colby’s hand. “I think it’s awesome. You’ve both been through so much, and I think you’re perfect for each other.”
“Oh, yeah. Kumbaya!” Hunter rolled his eyes. “You’re all being a little naive. Alec, seriously, my sister?” Then his face contorted, as if certain activities involved in dating just registered. “What are you doing with my sister?”
“Nothing that makes her unhappy.” Alec remained calm, although he looked weary.
“Don’t want to hear it.” Hunter waved his hands in front of his face. “Don’t even want to think about it, actually. Way to start off my week. Like I don’t have enough to worry about with CTC and Jenna’s stupid ideas, now I’ve got to worry about our investment in A CertainTea, and whether or not one of you will hurt the other?”
“Maybe you could stop thinking about yourself for a second, unless you like emulating Jenna.” Colby wrapped her arm around Alec’s waist. “How about we start over and you choose to be supportive?”
“Don’t hold your breath,” Sara muttered. “It’s practically impossible for him to drag his head away from CTC for more than five minutes.”
“Everyone back off,” Hunter huffed. “It’s a bit much to absorb in three seconds. Even without the business issues at stake, Alec and Colby dating is a little weird. I need time to adjust.”
“Grow up, Hunter.” Sara stood there looking like Khaleesi gearing up for battle.
The energy in the room shifted.
“Please, don’t argue,” Colby interjected. “Hunter, I get it. It’s a shock. It’s caught us by surprise, too. But the time we’ve spent together these past several weeks changed things. We aren’t kids anymore, but the fact we’ve all been friends forever is exactly what makes me trust Alec and think we could be happy. I’d hope you’d want that for us.”
“I do.” Hunter hung his head for a second and then stood tall. “Of course I do.”
“Our friendship is important to me, but I’m not here for permission,” Alec stated. “We just didn’t want to sneak around behind your back.”
“Thanks.” Hunter shifted his weight to his other leg and shot Sara a sidelong glance. She didn’t smile or poke fun at him or do any of the things she normally did to make him feel better.
“We should go. Obviously, you were busy when we showed up.” Colby hugged Hunter. “I’ll touch base with Sara tomorrow and find some other time when we can all go out.”
“Sure.” Hunter crossed his arms. “But tell me this. Will you announce this at work or keep it on the down low? There are a lot of implications to consider before you jump into this in front of your employees.”
Sara groaned and then gave Colby and Alec a quick kiss. “Call me tomorrow, and we’ll look at the calendar.”
She spun on her heel and stalked out of the kitchen, her heavy footsteps echoing as she jogged up the stairs. Hunter stared over his shoulder to where she’d gone. “Not what I needed tonight.”
He tossed his empty bottle in the recycling bin, where it shattered. Colby hoped that wasn’t some kind of omen, for her brother or her.
“Thanks for telling me. I didn’t mean to be a dick about it.” Hunter bro-hugged Alec. “But don’t hurt my sister.”
“I won’t,” Alec promised, and she believed him.
Hunter gave Colby a heartier hug. “We’ll talk later.”
“Woo-hoo.” She smirked, but she knew he felt bad, and now he’d have his hands full with Sara. They’d work it out, though. Theirs was the kind of love that always found a way to survive. Maybe, just maybe, Colby would also find that this time around.