The Tycoon's Temporary Baby(48)

He felt, rather than saw, the stillness sweep over Wendy. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

He should have told her. Of course he should have. But it wasn’t the kind of thing that came up in normal conversation and he’d never particularly wanted to talk about it with anyone.

“Cancer,” Marie said. “Probably from all those chemical pesticides.”

“Oh,” Helen said, trying to smooth over the awkward pause. “Is your family in agriculture?”

“Our dad worked in the apple orchards, if that’s what you mean, but I wouldn’t fancy it up by saying he was in agriculture.”

“I see.” Helen managed to sound almost sympathetic, but the faint glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes ruined the effect. “And your mother?”

“She lives in Tucson now, with her sister.”

“And are there other siblings?” Helen asked.

Beside him, Wendy stared sightlessly down at her plate. He could practically read her mind. All the things he hadn’t told her about his family were coming back to bite him on the ass. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. He couldn’t very well call a time-out, pull her back into the kitchen and pour out his whole miserable life’s story. Even if he was the kind of the guy who would do that.

Before Marie could answer, Jonathon cut in. “Enough, Marie.” Marie sharpened her gaze into a glare and looked as if she wanted to respond, but he didn’t let her. “Enough acting defensive. If you’re mad at me for not visiting more often or whatever, fine. We’ll talk about it later.” He turned his gaze on Helen next. “And enough from you too.”

Helen looked as if she’d been slapped. He suspected that it was rare for anyone to put her in her place. “I never—”

“If you want to know about my family, ask me. Chances are, none of us are going to meet with your approval. My father worked in the orchards. My mother checked groceries. There are a lot of babies born out of wedlock. A sprinkling of jail time, but no felons. On the bright side, all of my nieces and nephews who are old enough have graduated from high school and most of them have gone to college. On scholarship. Not many families can say that. All in all, we’re mostly just hard working people you’d look down your nose at.” He swept his gaze from Helen to the rest of the table. “Any other questions?”

No one spoke. After several seconds of silence, he pushed his chair back and said, “Wendy, why don’t you grab Peyton and we’ll go check into the hotel.”

He dropped some cash by the register on the way out and waited for her on the sidewalk.

The second he left Cutie Pies, he knew it was a mistake. People like Helen were emotional vultures. Once she saw his vulnerabilities, she’d be circling overhead until something else brought him down. Then she’d pick over his carcass.

There was a bench out on the sidewalk, just a few steps away from the door to the diner, but still out of view of the interior. He sank to the bench and propped his head in his hands.

“That was brilliant, by the way.”

He looked up to see Wendy standing there, Peyton on her hip, purse slung over her shoulder.

“That was stupid,” he replied.

“No. Brilliant. Helen needs to have someone stand up to her occasionally. She puts on airs too often. If she knew how much Mema hated it, she wouldn’t do it.” Wendy gave a sly grin. “Which, I suppose is why I’ve never told her that Mema hates it.”

“It was still stupid.” He stood, rolling his shoulders to release some of the tension there.

“No, I agree with Wendy,” came a voice near the door.

Jonathon looked around Wendy to see Marie standing just behind Wendy. “You know how I feel about putting people in their place.”

“Yes, I do. I’m just not sure the patented Bagdon method of dealing with things is the way to go.”

“What?” Marie asked. “The old beat-the-crap-out-of-someone-until-they-agree-with-you wouldn’t work on her?”

He chuckled, despite himself.

“Look,” Marie said, taking a step closer and giving him a little pat on the cheek. “It was good to see you. Even if it meant putting up with Ms. Snooty-pants in there.”

Marie turned and headed down the block.

“Wait!” Wendy called out. “Won’t we see you tomorrow at the reception?”

Marie sent her an amused look. “No offense, but no Bagdon is going to set foot in the country club. It’s just not going to happen.”

“But—”

“Sorry. It was nice to meet you.”

Wendy watched Marie walk away for a second before thrusting Peyton into Jonathon’s arms and rushing after her. “Then where should we have it?”