was. Good thing it would dry soon and be gone. But his eyes kept straying there as we talked. I finally snapped my fingers and said, “Hey, eyes up here,” and pointed to mine.
He made a funny face and said, “Busted.” Then he told me what was going on with his family. His mother must be a real viper, but the sister sounded like she needed a swift kick in the ass.
“Think your plan will work?”
“They don’t have a choice. I’m in control now, so it’s my way or the highway.”
“I’m sure that went over well.”
“Yeah, I’m waiting for my sister to stab me in my sleep.”
“What?”
He laughed. “I’m kidding, but it’s time she takes responsibility for herself. She hasn’t so far and I’m doing my best to teach her how. And my mother… she is beyond help, I’m afraid. But her betrayal was too much.”
“Betrayal?”
Tristian explained about the situation with the attorney and how he’d fired him.
“Wow, you really have had your hands full.”
He leaned back and was quiet for a second. “You know something? This has brought my brothers and me much closer. I was under the impression my father was angry and didn’t want me to succeed as a photographer, but I learned he felt the opposite. I wish we were still alive so I could thank him. It’s sad that his death achieved something I never saw happening.”
I automatically reached for his hand. “I’m happy you’re closer to your brothers now. I grew up in a home filled with love and happiness so I can’t imagine it any other way.”
He blinked several times and turned away. “I was shipped off to boarding school when I was ten. My mother didn’t want the responsibility of kids. Funny thing about that, she didn’t have it anyway. We each had a nanny to care for us.”
“Ten? My God, you were so young.”
His lip curled as he said, “She wanted us to go earlier but my dad wouldn’t allow it. It was awful, but I had my older brother there for support. I can’t imagine what he went through.”
“I’m sorry. Your mom missed out on so much. Kids are the best. I mean they’re bright and funny.”
“I realized that the other day at your house. Easton is quite a pistol.”
Shit. Why had he brought that up? I’d been trying to avoid that embarrassing conversation. “Yeah, sorry about that. She doesn’t have much of a filter and gets carried away sometimes. I think since it’s just the two of us, she is much more talkative because she doesn’t have to share me with anyone.”
He nodded. “Makes sense, but she’s quite a comedian.”
“Don’t tell her that. She’ll try to put on shows for you.”
“Shows?”
“Any kind of shows. She’ll dance, sing, try to act funny, just about anything. But hey, I don’t want to be that parent who always talks about their kid.”
“You’re not. I was the one who brought it up. Not to mention I love to hear about her. She’s great.”
I laughed. “The best thing she ever did was throw up on Stuart.”
“The dude who tried to strangle you?”
“Yeah.” Why had I brought that asshole up? That wasn’t very wise.
“How did that happen?”
“He met us out for lunch one Saturday. I had a momentary loss of sanity when I agreed to that.”
Tristian grabbed my hand and in a grave tone said, “Please don’t ever have anything to do with him again.”
“I don’t plan on it until we go to court.”
His compelling gaze had me staring right back.
“Is that a promise?”
I slowly tipped my head up and down.
We got back to work and, speak of the devil, my phone rang.
“English, it’s Clayton Summers. I’m calling to let you know that Stuart has been released and we have a court date. It’s set for the following month. We’ll meet beforehand to prepare everything. There is an order of protection out on Stuart. He is not to come near you or your daughter.”
“Should I be frightened?”
“No, but if he makes an appearance at your home, call the police immediately. Do not engage with him at all. And call me for anything.”
“Thank you, I will.”
I wanted to go get Easton out of school and hug her. The school had been notified that no one, absolutely no one was to get her except my parents or me. I would make a call and remind them now. After I did that, I called my mom to let her know about the situation.
“Mom, I’m really scared.”
“Don’t worry, honey.