WHEN HAR PULLED HIS truck into the drive, he bit back a curse at seeing his sister’s car behind his mother’s Acadia. He hadn’t expected his mother to pull a sneak attack, and there was no doubt this was just that. It was part of why Ben had left the Gulf Coast for any place as far away as he could get. His mother believed three was a crowd, and that was never more evident than when she tried to force him and Corinna to reconcile.
Stephanie reached out and grabbed his hand. “What’s wrong, honey?”
He looked at her. “I hate to tell you this, but Mom’s ambushed us.”
Her head tilted a bit. “Ambushed us? How?”
He squeezed her hand. “Corinna’s here, and if I had to guess, she’s got no idea I’m showing up. Let alone that I’m showing up with you in tow.”
She looked lost in thought before she spoke. “Well, nothing says it has to go badly.”
“Honey, this is a bullshit move on Mom’s part. Pisses me off because it tells me she doesn’t give a rat’s ass you could’ve bled out on a fuckin’ floor last night. She’s using this to bring me back together with my stick-up-her-ass sister.”
Her other hand wrapped around the top of his. “Maybe. Just maybe, she thinks the gravity of my situation will change your sister’s outlook? Possibly soften it?”
He opened his mouth to speak, but both her hands squeezed his as she continued.
“Actually, Corinna’s just a couple years older than me. Maybe she thinks I can talk her around.”
His eyes widened. “’Cause that’s the shit you should do after being stabbed? I knew this was a bad idea when she mentioned it. Should’ve gone with my fuckin’ gut.”
She shook her head. “Nope. You need to let that go. We’re here, she’s here, and if your mother did manipulate this like you think she did, then I think your sister will be smart enough to see that.”
He exhaled sharply while bringing her hand to his lips. “Stopped thinking she’s smart enough to see the truth a long time ago, Combes. But I’ll let you have your optimism.”
As he guided her to the front door, he realized how much her injury had slowed her down. At least he had his escape plan ready, because there was no question Stephanie needed to get more rest.
His mom opened the door with a huge smile. “Michael, I’m so glad you could make it. I have the best surprise. Corinna dropped by, can you believe it?”
He said nothing, knowing the look on his face said it all.
His mom ignored it and grabbed Stephanie’s hands. “I couldn’t stand hearing what happened to you, Stephanie. Come in, let’s get you situated.”
He followed them into the living room where Corinna stood with a blank look on her face.
When his mother straightened from fussing over Stephanie, Corinna said, “Mother. I didn’t know you would have company. I’ll get out—”
She rushed to Corinna. “No, honey! I meant to tell you, but... well, never mind why I didn’t, you should stay. You used to know Stephanie. She was Sammy’s youngest stepsister for a time, until their parents divorced.” She looked to Stephanie. “You remember my daughter Corinna, don’t you?”
Stephanie’s face showed only trepidation, and Har swallowed a chuckle at her quick ability to hide it.
“I do, Mrs. Walcott, though I’m not sure she remembers me. I only lived here for two years, tops.”
Corinna could take over the role of Miss Manners if it were available. “Oh, I remember you, Stephanie. How are you? Mother acts as if you’ve been injured or something.”
Stephanie gave a deep nod. “I’m recovering, so no need to worry. How about you? What are you up to these days?”
Har followed his mother into the kitchen and out of the earshot of Stephanie or Corinna.
His mother bustled about the kitchen as though oblivious to his presence. When she went back to the fridge for a dish, he positioned himself so she couldn’t get around him. When her eyes met his, her face fell.
His gut twisted at the thought of what he had to say, but she had to be set straight. “You’re my mother and I’ll always love you. But hear this, Mom. You pull a stunt like this again, you won’t see me. Ever.”
Anger seeped into her eyes, so he added, “I don’t care what you thought could happen or might happen. I won’t be blindsided again.”
“Honey,” she started, but he quelled her with an irate look.
“Know this, I love Stephanie and I’m not only gonna marry her, but I’m gonna have kids – plural – with her. You want a shot at your grandchildren, you need to stop being so damned manipulative and underhanded.”
She put the pitcher of iced tea on the counter, turned back to him and crossed her arms on her chest. “I didn’t mean to—”
He leaned toward her. “I don’t care, Mom. This is it. Last time.”
She stared at him for a long moment. When she spoke, it was like the words were wrenched from her. “You are so much like your father. And it kills me every weekend, every holiday. Any time when we should be together as a family, I’m reminded that we aren’t the family we should be! And the worst part is that I have no damned idea why.”
He sighed and looked away.
“I want to fix it, Michael.”
He tilted his head back and took in a deep breath. Exhaling, he looked into his mom’s eyes. “I know, Mom. I’ll try, but no more forcing it between me and Corinna.”
Tears brimming in her eyes, she nodded. “I understand, honey-bunch.”
Chapter 29 I'll Allow It
Stephanie
WHILE HAR AND HIS MOTHER did God-knew-what in the kitchen, Corinna sat on the opposite end of the couch from me.
I smiled at her, but it felt strained so I let it drop. It wasn’t lost on me she’d evaded my question about what she was up to these days. Something
