*
Jack rolled over, a groan escaping as he sat up. The only clothes he had in here were his discarded jeans. Somehow he’d lost his briefs in the living room. Not wanting to leave Gillian alone to face her irate mother too long, he pulled them up roughly. The sound of her mother’s incensed voice drifted down the hall.
“You stood me up, Gillian.”
“No, I didn’t. I told you I had plans.”
“I told you to cancel them. The dinner was important.”
“To you maybe, not to me.” Gillian’s voice dropped in degrees. “I’m not your lap dog, and I’m not interested in parading about in front of husband number seven. We’re not a family and I’m not going to take part in your little family dinners.”
“You’ll take a civil tone with me. Now, there’s a luncheon scheduled for Monday. I will expect you to be there. Wear something decent. I swear if I didn’t pick it out for you, you’d have no fashion sense.”
“Funny, seems to me you pick everything else out, so why don’t you wear it? I’m not going to be at your luncheon or tea or meeting or whatever it is. Frankly, if you’re involved, Mother, I’m going to avoid the event.” Gillian voice tightened with annoyance until it was almost painful to hear. “Besides, you’re not here about some stupid luncheon. You’re here to see who would dare to be at my house. Probably drove by and saw the truck and decided you just had to go poking your nose in.”
“You will do as you’re told. My God, how did Mike put up with you so long? I’d have left your scrawny, sexless ass long before he did.”
“He didn’t leave me, Mother.” Fear colored her voice. “And I wish you would leave me. It would make my life so much nicer. Now, I have to get ready for work today, and I have plans for this afternoon that do not include you, so leave.”
“Is there any wonder Mike felt the need to discipline you? I should have taken a firmer hand when you were younger. Why, I never thought I’d see the day when my own daughter would become such an irresponsible brat.”
“Shut up.”
“You would do well to listen. Mike was a good man who loved you, why I’ll never know, but he did; he still does. You should be grateful for that.”
“Leave it alone, Mother. Mike didn’t love shit and I’m glad to be rid of him. It’d make my day if I could get rid of you.”
“Don’t take that tone with me.” Barbara’s voice had an edge to it like a razor. “I spoke to Charles, he’s agreed to extend your lease.”
“I’m not staying here.”
“Don’t be stupid. Where else will you go? You can’t afford to move. Enough of this stupidity. I want you dressed in suitable attire by eleven on Monday. No later. As for whoever is here, I am your mother and you should be grateful I feel enough to check up on you.”
Jack frowned as he moved down the hallway. What was Barbara trying to pull? Stepping into the archway between the kitchen and hall, he stared. Dressed to the nines in a designer suit, Barbara stood over Gillian, her heeled foot tapping a steady rhythm on the floor. A pained, fearful look covered Gillian’s face as she played with her glasses, her eyes downcast.
“I just don’t know where I went wrong with you, Gillian. Irresponsible, stupid little girl trying to play house. I just don’t understand you. I have never met anyone so ungrateful for assistance.”
Anger sparked and he strode forward. “Sorry, but Gilli’s got plans all week. She’s going to be too busy to play with you, Barbara.”
“Why, Jack, what on earth are you doing here?” Barbara sniffed, rolling her eyes before turning on her daughter. “Really, Gillian, bringing in a roommate these days? How trite? Though I suppose it looks good, because we both know he wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole. After all, Lenny did tell me about his other, uh, girlfriends. You pale in comparison, Gillian. Although, I heard all about his ‘friend’; maybe he’s just gay and hasn’t realized it yet.”
Jack ground his teeth together. Obviously Barbara had an aversion to gay men. Pity he didn’t feel the same way.
“Mother, please.”
“Oh really, Gillian, we both know the truth. Even he knows it. You are as appealing as a case of genital warts.”
“I don’t think so.” Jack strode forward and put Gillian behind him. Offering a quick grin, he squared off with Barbara. “Of the two, I’d say you’re the unappealing one.”
“Indeed, how pathetic.” Barbara turned on her heel. “I’ll see you at the luncheon.”
“No, you won’t. I’m not going,” Gillian snapped.
“Yes, you are. I’ll pick you up at eleven.”
“She’s busy.” Jack smiled coldly at Barbara who turned to sneer at him.
“Not that busy.”
“Oh, and Barbara?” Jack paused, a sick sense of glee filling him. “I’m not gay. Have friends who are, yes—but I’m definitely not gay.” The door slammed on his words, leaving him and Gillian in stunned silence.
“Wow, what a bitch.”
“Yes.” Gillian leaned forward, her forehead resting on Jack’s back, her fingers tangled in the belt loops of his jeans. “She’ll be back. I guarantee it.”
“Uh…” Jack turned to pull her into his embrace. “I suppose I didn’t help the situation.”
Gillian laughed, the shadows fading in her eyes. “Nothing is going to help, but it was sure funny seeing her face go as red as it did.”
“It was.” Jack chuckled. He gestured toward the coffee pot. “You want coffee?”
“Oh, I would kill for coffee. Can’t start my day without it,” Gillian admitted. “I’ll make a fresh pot. Do you want something to eat? I’m a passable cook and can make you breakfast. It’ll only take a few minutes, just have to clean up from supper.”
“Gilli, sit down. I’ll make breakfast.” Jack paused, his gaze darting from a nervous Gillian to the
