Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,43
Atwood Estates…”
“Wait, you knew?”
“Hunny, there’s little I don’t know. He talked to Asher about it, who spoke to his darling Evie about it, who whispered in my ear, and of course, there was your mom.”
“Mom?” That’s no surprise.
“I know things were messy between the two of you in high school.” Abbie’s expression softens.
“Abbie—”
“Let me finish.” She turns her attention back to the pot she’s scrubbing, while I aimlessly dry the same plate again. “Let me tell you a few things I know about my son. Brody never takes on a client unless there’s a killing to be made. He’s done well for himself, exceptionally well, and I’m a very proud mama. He’s kind and generous with his wealth. But he’s driven. He’s a lot like his daddy, a man who went after what he wants. So when I see him taking on a client of your scale, there’s more involved. Since it’s not about money, that leaves only one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Sweetie, it’s about a girl. And it’s not too hard to put two and two together.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m not asking you to say anything, just listen. Right now, we’re just two women having a conversation. When a man changes his routine, there’s a reason behind it—a motivating factor. I don’t know what he’s up to, except there’s something going on in that head of his. I’m not going to tell you what to do—I’d never presume—but I will say this…”
I’m not sure I want to hear whatever she has to say, but Abbie is a woman who speaks her mind.
“Whatever happened between you two is years in the past. You’ve grown. He’s grown. Maybe there’s a chance you grow back toward each other. Maybe this is his way of reaching out to make up for what happened between the two of you. Maybe the gulf between you has grown too wide to overcome. No one can really say, but no matter which one it might be, don’t be hasty.”
“Hasty?”
“Yes, luv. Don’t discard him out of hand, but don’t run back into his arms either. Both of those are mistakes, and you’re a smart girl—a brilliant young woman. If he wants you, make him work for it. Make him make amends for the past, but don’t hold the past over his head. You’re not the same person you were, and neither is he.”
“I don’t really know what to say.”
“I know my boy, and I have a feeling I know what he’s up to, but like I told you, he’s no angel. Brody has a history with women, not a good one. Don’t let his reputation make up your mind, and don’t let your experience in high school dictate your future. Don’t let it ruin something that might be exactly what you need. When the right woman comes along, Brody’s not going to know what hit him. All that’s to say is that you don’t owe him anything, but he’s sure bending over backward and breaking his rules for you. Don’t dismiss him out of hand. And if you need any help putting him in his place…” She places her hand on my arm. “I know exactly how to do that. I’ve done it his whole life. Men like to think they’re in charge, but they’re really lost without a good woman telling them what to do. I’ve held that crown for far too long. It’s time to hand over the reins, if you get my drift?”
No doubt about whether Abbie La Rouge is in my corner. My only question is which corner is she in? The one where I walk away, or the one where I stay?
For whatever reason, Abbie’s little talk helps. I don’t feel alone anymore, and I know she’s got my back. Which is funny knowing she’s his mother and not mine.
As far as Brody’s concerned, bring it on.
And boy does he bring it. After my talk with Abbie, or rather her talk with me, I can’t get Brody out of my head. I toss and turn all night, until exhaustion pulls me under. When I wake in the morning, the havoc he wrecked on my sleep is evident all around me.
My bed’s a mess. My pillows lay in scattered heaps all over the floor. I have no memory of flinging them off the bed. My sheets twist around my legs, and my head spins. I know one thing with absolute certainty.
I’m in trouble when it comes to Brody La Rouge.
Sixteen
Brody
It’s been two long days