Leaning against the counter, Tom analyzed JC’s adverse reaction to Luca’s surprise visit. His tongue skimmed over his teeth, drawing in air and making a squeaky sound. He hadn’t intended on questioning Luca’s intentions when he showed up unannounced earlier that morning, but watching JC’s face turn ashen white raised his suspicions.
As the lids of her eyes drifted shut, escaping his attentive gaze, Tom knew not all was happy in paradise.
Tom ambled closer, patiently waiting his turn to greet her. JC turned toward him and he wrapped his arms around his youngest. “Missed you Frog.”
A full breath puffed through her pursed lips as she slumped against him. “Missed you too. I’m so glad to be home.”
“Did you call her a rana?” Luca asked with a puckered brow.
Tom slung his arm over JC’s shoulder pulling her against his side. “Long legs, green eyes and she can jump.”
Tom could feel the tension falling away from her limbs as she tossed him a playful eye roll. “We were snowboarding one day and a little boy crashed right in front of me. Lucky for him, I jumped clean over the top of him. He wasn’t wearing a helmet. Tom’s been calling me Frog ever since.” She jabbed Tom in the side with her elbow. “Actually, I think he watched Smokey and the Bandit earlier that week.”
“Smokey who?” Luca asked.
“You know, Smokey and the Bandit. The movie. Never mind. I really can’t believe you’re here,” she muttered coolly, shaking her head in disbelief. “Did you fly with Tracy and Vincent?”
“I wanted to share my good news with you. I got the lead in the new Spartacus series. An actor had to drop out at the last minute. They said I’d be perfect. We start filming in two weeks.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, that’s awesome. Congratulations.”
“Tracy and Vincent aren’t coming,” Tom interjected sharply. “They need to hire someone to take Luca’s place. Vincent suggested she come by herself for Thanksgiving, but your sister feels her place is in Italy with her husband.”
“What? But it’s Thanksgiving.” Frustration and panic riddled her voice. JC’s neck twisted, glaring at Luca. “You just left? Tracy has to be here. We’re always together as a family on Thanksgiving.”
Tom watched a shadow of distress slip over JC’s face. After the loss of her father, the Holidays were tough on JC. They all lived busy lives, but no matter what any of them had going on, they made a point of being together for the holidays.
“It’s okay, Frog. Why don’t you go unpack?”
“But—“
“We’ll work it out. Don’t worry.”
****
Showing up at the cabin without warning bordered between desperate and controlling. Curious of Luca’s true intent, Tom trotted upstairs to poke around into his past. After making a few calls, he made his way back downstairs. Raised voices filtered through JC’s bedroom door.
He found Tess standing in the kitchen staring out the window into the thick forest. Tom ambled up behind her. Brushing the long brown hair from her shoulder, he pressed a soft kiss to the slope of her neck. “It will all work out, Tess. I’ll charter a plane if I need to.”
“I don’t like it. Tracy should be here. So should Vincent.” She sighed heavily, her gaze fixed on a chipmunk storing up on food for the winter. “I’m not blaming this on Luca. I think he was trying to do something nice by surprising JC, but this will be the first year we haven’t all been together for Thanksgiving.” Tess turned, snuggling into his arms.
“I’ll give him the opportunity to make it right. If he falls short then we’ll take Thanksgiving to Tracy.”
“Obviously, JC and Luca are more serious than what I thought.” Worry pushed a faint groove between her brows.
“I’m not sure how thrilled she is to see him, Tess. You should’ve seen her face. JC didn’t have a clue he was going to show up here. I don’t think she’s happy at all.”
Hearing JC’s bedroom door open down the hallway, they lowered their voices. She traipsed into the kitchen and leaned her elbows on the granite counter, resting her tear soaked face in her hands. Tess came to her side and rubbed her back. “You okay?”
JC’s head bobbed up and down sluggishly. “He’s trying to get a flight home. Tracy is so mad.”
Tom folded his arms across his chest. He nodded in affirmation as he sucked air though his teeth again, drawing attention from JC and Tess.
“Oh geez.” JC groaned with exasperation.
He shrugged innocently.
“Don’t start that tsk thing with me. You might as well call me by my middle name. I know I’m in trouble. Tracy was yelling and crying on the phone. I convinced her to come home. She’ll be here tomorrow. Luca’s flying home to help Vincent find someone to replace him.”