And there it was. The thing I feared the most: Dad thinking I couldn’t handle both. I wasn’t afraid of many things, but losing the family business was one of them. I’d called to explain who Tess was and it all got shot to hell.
I’d need to wait until things were running smoothly again. To a point where I could prove that having Tess in my life wouldn’t interfere with anything.
“I’ll get it together.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from telling him to fuck off; that Tess wasn’t going anywhere.
“You also better get your ass over here in the next day or two and make it up to your mother.”
I flopped down onto the couch and leaned my head back, closing my eyes. “I will.”
“Good. Your mother’s almost done with dinner. Don’t forget what I said.”
He hung up the phone. I’d pull it all together, then introduce them to Tess again. Hopefully, then they’d accept her with open arms. Until then I had to continue to keep secrets.
He had nothing to worry about, though. I more than understood what I needed to do. With everything my dad had said, I needed to know my idea wouldn’t push him over the edge. I dialed Ashton’s number.
He answered on the second ring. “Don’t tell me you screwed up again.”
“Not exactly.” I rubbed the muscles at the back of my neck. “We just ran into Mom and dad in the grocery store.”
“Please tell me you finally told them about Tess.” It wasn’t hard to miss the exasperation in his tone.
“Well, I introduced her to them, but Dad was rude as hell. Basically pulled Mom away from us as soon as he could.”
“I’m guessing he thought she was just another piece of ass.”
I sighed. “He said he’s sick and tired of me introducing women to Mom, getting her hopes up, only to let her down days later.
“Why the hell didn’t you correct him?”
“He already thinks I can’t handle the business. He’ll really be thrilled that I’m distracted by a woman.”
“You’re a complete moron. That is exactly why he’ll understand.”
We were quiet for a moment.
“I was thinking of asking her to live with me. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about rent anymore and could stop working. Plus, she’d be in my bed every night when I go home from work.”
“Good luck with that one.” The sarcasm rolled off his tongue.
“What would I need luck for?”
I could imagine him shaking his head, the corner of his eyes crinkled in laughter. “Word of advice, don’t start with the rent part, you’ll just piss her off. Make her feel like she’s been bought. Go with the part where you want her in your bed every night and she’s way more likely to agree. And tell Mom and Dad.”
I hung up with my brother and thought about what he’d said. Before I told my parents, I needed to make sure living with me would be something Tess wanted. Up until now, she’d put her foot down every time I tried to give her something. I was shocked when she hadn’t fought me over the dress and the necklace.
Whatever I decided could wait a few days. I had a feeling Tess wouldn’t be up to a conversation about living with me after what happened with Dad. It would give me time to plan what I was going to say to her. Maybe asking her to live with me wasn’t the only thing she needed to hear.
CHAPTER 24
Theresa
Miller picked me up earlier than normal for the nights we went dancing at Orbit. I’d finally convinced him to drop the issue of the car by letting him replace my tires. But even though I had my car back, he was determined that he needed to pick me up. I didn’t need a bag because I’d started keeping some extra clothes and toiletries at his house.
My best guess was that he had something planned in the back he needed to oversee before he was free to spend it with me. It was his job, his business. I understood it and was more than willing to be ready early. It was surprising to see how many cars were already parked out front for such an early hour. People didn’t really start showing up until at least ten, it was a few hours before that and there were already twice as many cars as usual.
“What’s going on?” I asked stepping out of the car when Miller opened my door.
He linked his arm with mine and walked me into the building. “We have a tournament tonight.”
My stomach soured at the thought. Miller had done his best to keep me away from the club at those times. I knew Miller would never bet me, but the thought of walking in there, all eyes on me, knowing exactly how Miller and I met, was a bit much.
“I know you need to be here, but do I? I’m sure I could get a ride back to my apartment. I’ll study for the night and you can come to me when everything is done.”