LLucy’s Revenge(Divine Creek Ranch 15)(126)

“Mr. O’Malley doesn’t have several out-of-wedlock children?”

“No.”

“You’re not all having sex together?”

“Can I clarify that one?”

Mrs. Owen’s eyes got a little bulgy but she nodded.

“Mrs. Owen—”

“Please, call me Amelia.”

“Amelia, I am in love with your son and I adore your grandson. But I also love Beck,” she added without hesitation.

“And Beck loves Patrick? George nearly had a conniption fit when Tabitha told him that Patrick is gay.”

Lucy smiled. “Patrick is not gay.”

“You know what the funny thing is? I wouldn’t have cared if he was. I raised my son to be a loving, caring person, and to see past color, creed, or orientation. How I managed that is a minor miracle considering his father’s views on the subject. He’s from a different generation and very set in his ways. Did I mention that?” she asked with a sparkle of humor in her eyes. “So that’s how it is?”

“I love both of them. And they both love me. We all love PJ and see him as Patrick’s son no matter whose blood runs in his veins.”

“Well, then all of my questions have been answered.”

“They have?”

“Yes. Now, there is the matter of this silly lawsuit that George has threatened to bring against Patrick. I’ll deal with that, Lucy. I just needed to know what type of woman you are. I would gladly have cared for Patrick Junior but I think he’s better off with you. You have more energy than an old woman like me,” she added with a chuckle. “One time, when he was about two, I actually had to extricate him from a hanging light fixture, using a stepladder. I still have no idea how he got up there. His father was the same way.”

“So Patrick’s father never planned to sue his son for custody?”

Amelia nodded with big eyes. “Oh, yes. He did. I have no idea what he thought he was going to do if he won. He would never be able keep up with that boy on his own.”

“On his own?”

“Oh yes. I intend to tell him that if he proceeds with that ridiculous lawsuit that I plan to leave him and move to Atlantic City.”

“Atlantic City?” Lucy asked, unable to hold back a giggle.

“Yes. I plan to gamble. And find me a younger man. A gigolo. I have my own money and I could do it.”

Lucy blinked, her eyes attempting to picture this slight, demure woman at the craps table with a younger man to cater to her whims. She giggled some more.

Amelia giggled with her. “What? I could do it. Now you know who Patrick gets his kinky side from.” They shared a good, cathartic laugh. “Anyway, I just wanted to get to know you, so I could decide what course of action to take. I’m meeting George for lunch and I plan to tell him how the cow ate the cabbage, and high time, too.” She squeezed Lucy’s hands.

“Amelia, regardless of what happens with Atlantic City, I want you to know that you’re always welcome to come visit.”

“Are you all three living together now?”

“It’s complicated. No, not really, but we’re at Patrick’s house a lot because of PJ. He’s our first priority. Beck and I both have our own places and responsibilities. Beck is a beekeeper and has his bee colonies to tend. I think it would be problematic for him to leave where he lives. I suppose we’ll deal with that issue…when the moment seems right.”

“Oh, I can imagine. Well, I know it’ll all work out somehow. I’m so glad you didn’t turn out to be a pervert, Lucy. I think I already knew you weren’t, as I do not care for that Lester woman and all her gossip. She loves to talk and spreads rumors about other nice people, too, not just you. I think some people aren’t happy unless they’re making everyone around them miserable. I believe you’d make a fine daughter-in-law. As far is Beck is concerned, to each his own, and I imagine I could come to love him as a son, too.”

“That sounds wonderful, Amelia. As far as I know, there are no wedding bells ringing right now.”

Amelia grinned and pointed at her. “Then I’m predicting them, my dear.”

“Did you really call and ask for the appointment just to talk to me today?”

Amelia scoffed and shook her head. “Oh no! I want the massage. Whatever you have time for. I have a lot of tension in my shoulders, as you can well imagine. And a pain in my neck.” She grinned. “His name is George. Stubborn old goat.”

They shared another laugh over that. Lucy ran through her first-time-appointment checklist with Amelia, to find out about any health issues or problem areas, and then they proceeded with the appointment.