True Calling: The Short Story Collection Read online

  “Speak for yourself, dude. Having sex with the same person for life is lame.”

  Cal shakes his head. “Fine, go sow your oats. Get it out of your system, but don’t get anyone knocked up.” He rises, pulling me with him.

  “That’s it? That’s your great brotherly advice?” I stare incredulously at him.

  “For now.” He grins, sweeping me into his arms and kissing away my concerns.

  “Tell me what I can do to help.” I wrap an apron around my waist and wait for Lily to instruct me. She has more than five pans on the go, three different timers are set, and both ovens are crammed to the max. Glancing around, I’m amazed at how clean and tidy everything is; Lily has the kitchen operating with military precision. If I were in charge, this place would look like a bomb hit it.

  And it’s quite conceivable that I may have burnt the house down by now.

  While I was delighted that Lily immediately took charge—and I can’t deny it was my secret hope when she confirmed she was coming to us for Christmas this year—I’m feeling more than a tad guilty at leaving it all up to her. But she hates anyone messing up her carefully controlled plans, and I’m more of an inconvenience that anything else.

  Erin pops up behind me, giving me a quick hug. “We have everything under control. Go back and relax, spend time with the kids, kiss that gorgeous hubby of yours.”

  Twisting around, I grin at the sight of the radiant woman in front of me. Erin wears a figure-hugging knee-length red dress that showcases her magnificent curves. She could easily pass for a woman twenty years younger. Nate appears in the room, a wide smile spreading across his lips the minute his eyes latch on his woman. His hands are behind his back as he stealthily creeps up on us. I step back as he pounces, and Erin jumps, laughing loudly when Nate’s strong arms grip her waist. He dangles the mistletoe over her head, and she leans in for a kiss.

  I turn away, not wanting to intrude on a private moment. My smile falters as I watch Lily, frozen in time, staring at Nate and Erin, lost in some inner moment. “Hey.” I lightly touch her elbow, and she snaps out of it. A single tear sneaks out of her eye, and she quickly swipes it away. “Take a break for a few minutes. Let’s go outside and talk,” I suggest.

  “I’m fine,” she says curtly, indicating she’s anything but fine. Since she arrived yesterday, I’ve tried several times to get her to open up, but she clams up the minute I broach the subject. I hate to see my sister hurting so much, but I can’t push her.

  She’ll talk to me when she’s ready to.

  “Everything is going according to plan, Ari, so go back to your kids. Chill out and I’ll let you know when it’s ready to serve. You can help then.”

  I know when I’ve been dismissed.

  I stroll toward the living room as a multitude of shrieks and screams accost my ears. Cal is on the ground wrestling with Louis and Lucas, while Deacon and Zane are on all fours, taking turns ferrying Anneka and Charlie on their backs, as they crawl the length and breadth of the room. Mel is lying horizontally across the couch, shoes off, and her swollen feet are propped up on a pile of cushions. She’s laughing as she watches the kids messing about.

  “I don’t know if I can distinguish the adults from the kids,” I jest, perching on the edge of the couch. Mel starts to move her legs, and I place a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t get up on my account. I’m fine here. You need to rest. Remember, that’s the whole reason why we decided to do Christmas here.” That and the fact that our house has the largest outdoor space, so there’s plenty of room for the kids to let off a bit of steam.

  “I hate being so incapacitated,” Mel says, repositioning herself. Her hands smooth over her swollen bump.

  “Only another month to go. You’ll get through it,” I reassure her. “And it’ll be worth it when you see your baby’s face.”

  “I know. And Charlie is so excited. He cannot wait to meet his brother or sister.”

  “Anyone for a refill?” Dad says, entering the room. He’s pushing a rather old-fashioned looking drinks trolley, piled high with an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

  “Where on earth did you find that?” I ask, standing up alongside him.

  “If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you,” he says with a wink.

  “Never mind then,” I say, holding out my glass. “Top me up!” The doorbell rings as Dad is pouring the white wine.

  “That’s Eli. I’ll get it,” Zane says, scrambling to his feet.

  Ten seconds later, Zane reappears with his younger brother and a stunning redhead. “Happy Christmas, everyone,” Eli says, waggling his fingers. “This is Zara.”

  Quick introductions are made, and then Lily and Erin are calling us all in for dinner.

  “A toast,” Dad says, once we are all seated around the large table. “To family and friends and to departed loved ones. To Christmas heart and Christmas spirit. May we always remember this happy time. Merry Christmas.”

  The sound of chinking glasses is matched by a chorus of Merry Christmases. Cal kisses me, and we kiss our three dear children, and my heart couldn’t be any fuller.

  Glancing over the table, I clock the somber expressions on my brother and sister’s faces, and I offer up a silent prayer. Mom, if you are out there, looking over us, please help Lily and Deacon find happiness, because they both deserve it so much.

  Zane

  Everyone is profuse in their expressions of gratitude to Lily for the fabulous meal she’s just served us. It’s the only time a genuine smile graces her lips all day. I don’t know what’s eating her, but it’s clear she’s dreadfully unhappy. As I look around the table, at the glowing faces of those I love, it’s hard to bear witness to Lily’s obvious pain. She’s as much my little sister as she is Ari’s, and I hate to think of her being so upset on Christmas Day. This should be a time for celebration, a time to look back and thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on us this year.

  Mel leans into me, smiling widely at something her dad is saying. I kiss the top of her head while I silently thank God for bringing her into my life. Charlie races around the dinner table, chased by Anneka, both of them giggling loudly. A pile of Christmas wrap trails from their shoes, and blocks of Legos and various assortments of toys dot the hardwood floor. They maneuver the obstacle course with remarkable skill, and a flourish of pride seeps into my bones.

  Being a father is the absolute best feeling in the whole world. Bending down, I kiss my wife’s cheek as my hands land on top of hers, over her raised stomach. In a little over four weeks, our family will be extended, and I cannot wait to meet my new son or daughter. I already love him or her so much.

  Mom smiles over at me and nods. We’ve always been so attuned to each other. Nate has his arms wrapped around her, and he’s whispering in her ear. Her cheeks flush and I force myself to look away. I don’t even want to think about what he said to make her blush so. I’m still trying to get used to the idea of them, but it’s hard. A part of me will always distrust the man, and I can’t say I like the idea of him being my mom’s significant other. However, I can’t deny how happy he makes her. It’s been years since I’ve seen her shine so vibrantly. For that, at least, I’m grateful.

  Chairs scrape as we move back into the living space. I settle Mel on the couch, pressing a delicate kiss to her lips, before I head back to the kitchen and start gathering up plates.

  “I’ll get that. Shoo.” In typical Lily fashion, she insists on clearing up afterward, despite my protests to the contrary.

  “Let her do it,” Ari says in my mind. “She needs the distraction.”

  “She’s very upset. Can I do anything to help?”

  “She won’t even talk to me about it, and I don’t want to push her.”

  “I presume this is about Drew, considering he’s a no-show today.”

  “Yeah. He’s out of the picture, and it’s for the best, but it’s still too raw for her.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I always liked him.”<
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  Ari snorts in an obvious way. Cal’s head flits in our direction and he scowls. He hates when we silently communicate, and I know it’s lingering jealousy, even though it’s completely ridiculous after all this time. But he can’t change his personality one hundred percent, and to be fair to the guy, he’s changed more than I could ever have fathomed.

  “I thought you were a better judge of character than that.”

  I raise a brow. “What happened?”

  “Later.” Ari leans over and wraps her arms around Cal from behind. “Someone is going to bust a gut if we don’t cease with the silent convo.”

  “Hear you loud and clear.”

  I settle in behind Mel on the couch, her head resting on my chest. Charlie and Anneka are lying on their stomachs on the floor, coloring pictures. Louis and Lucas are in their room playing digital games. Occasional shrieks emit from that direction, and Ari and Cal share knowing smiles. Eli and his girlfriend are chatting to Deacon over by the fireplace. Whenever Eli leaves the room, Deacon flirts up a storm with Zara. It hasn’t gone unnoticed with either Cal or me. It’s obvious that Deacon is floundering, but he refuses to listen to anyone. I know Ari is worried silly about him, and I only hope that he gets through this phase without causing any collateral damage. I feel for the guy, but it’s no excuse for acting like a total douche.

  Eli leaves the room and Deacon swoops in. Mel and I exchange wary looks. Cal climbs to his feet and saunters over. Tapping Deacon on the back, he pulls him aside, and I watch as his mouth works non-stop. Deacon’s expression darkens as he drains his beer.

  Before anything can kick off, Nate and Mom stand up and move to the top of the room. All the tiny hairs rise on the back of my neck. Nate slings an arm around Mom’s shoulder and clears his throat. “Erin and I have an announcement to make,” he says in that deep voice of his.

  Oh, hell no. I sit up straighter as Mel twists into a seated position. A massive grin creeps across her mouth.

  Mom leans into Nate, beaming up at him. My gaze hurriedly scans her hand, and my heart stutters. Crap.

  “Erin and I have decided to get married. We’ve set the date for April, and we hope you can all join us.”

  Cal’s eyes lock on mine, and my shock is mirrored in his gaze. Mel shuffles in her seat and I help her to stand. She walks quickly to her dad and flings herself into his arms. “I’m so happy for your both.” Extending her arm, she pulls my mom into her embrace.

  Cal and I hover uncertainly behind her. “This is unexpected,” he mutters.

  I nod. “Didn’t see this coming.”

  “They seem happy,” he adds, shoving his hands in his pockets.

  “They do,” I agree, rocking back on my heels.

  Mel extracts herself from the group embrace and turns toward me, motioning with her eyes.

  I step toward Mom, taking her hands in mine. A massive diamond ring crowds her ring finger, almost dazzling me. Flash bastard. “You’re sure you want to do this? It all seems very rushed.” They’ve only been dating seven months, and I really think she needs to give it more time.

  Her smile falters, and I hate that I’m the one to have taken the edge off her happiness. But someone has to be practical. Cal is talking to his dad beside me. “Zane,” Nate says, drawing my attention. “I completely understand your concern, and I know no matter how far we’ve come that you are still distrustful of me.” I open my mouth to speak, but he holds up a hand. “You have every right to feel that way toward me. And the only way I can disprove that is by being the best father, the best father-in-law, the best granddad”—he glances sideways at mom, adoration repainting his features—“the best husband.” Mom tears up and there is no denying the look of love they share. Mom has spent years alone, pining for my father, and she deserves to be happy. I can’t ruin this for her, no matter the doubts that still linger about the man she has chosen to spend the rest of her life with.

  Nate refocuses on me. “I hope in time you’ll realize that I have changed and that I am deserving of your trust. But in the meantime, please believe me when I tell you that I love your mother with my whole heart and soul. These last seven months have been some of the happiest of my life, and I can honestly say that Erin brings out the very best in me. I want to spend the rest of my life cherishing her and caring for her, and I know she wants to do the same for me. I promise always to respect her and to never hurt her. And not just because of how much she means to me but how much you all mean to me. Our families are about to become even more entwined, and I won’t do anything to jeopardize that. What we have here is so precious, so special. You all mean the world to me.” Nate is looking from face to face, as he says this, raw sincerity emanating from his every pore, and you could hear a pin drop in the room.

  I extend my hand toward him and he clasps it firmly. Then he reels me in for a quick hug, slapping me on the back. “I appreciate you saying that. And I can tell how happy you have made my mother. I wish you both every happiness.”

  Mom lets out a sob, and I pull her into my arms. Soft feminine crying echoes behind me, and I’m pretty certain both Mel and Ari are reduced to sobbing messes.

  “Ah hell,” Deacon says from somewhere behind me. “This cry-fest is too much. Congrats, Dad, Erin. I’ll be out on the terrace.”

  The glass doors slide open, and I hear his receding footsteps as he walks away.

  “Daddy!” Charlie exclaims, spotting an opportunity to escape. “I wanna go play outside too!” His voice drips with excitement, and it’s so hard to deny him anything.

  “Me too!” Anneka shrills.

  “Coats first,” Ari and Mel say in unison. Tiny feet pitter-patter, and in no time, both kids are wrapped up.

  “Come on,” Cal says, tapping on my arm. “We can grab a beer while we watch them.”

  “Jesus. It’s freezing,” I say, stepping out onto the deck. Pulling the collar of my coat up, I accept a bottle of beer from Cal. He unscrews the cap, as he calls out to the kids, advising them to walk not run.

  We sit down on the bench and watch the children play. Deacon is leaning over the railing, looking pensive.

  “He doesn’t look happy with the news,” I say, pointing my bottle in Deacon’s direction.

  “He’s not happy. Period.” Cal frowns. “I don’t know how to help him. I can’t ever seem to say the right thing.”

  “Would he talk to a therapist?”

  Cal snorts. “I don’t think you need me to answer that.”

  “He’s a smart kid. He’ll figure things out. It’s a difficult enough age without all the other stuff he has to deal with.”

  “I know. I remember.”

  Now it’s my turn to snort. “Don’t even get me started. You were every bit as bad as him at that age.”

  Cal nudges me in the shoulder. “And you were basically middle-aged as a teenager. I don’t think you want to start throwing stones.”

  Laughing, I knock back my drink. “The point I’m making is that we came through it, and we are both lucky sons of bitches to end up where we did.”

  “Amen to that,” Cal says, chinking his bottle against mine.

  “He’ll be okay.”

  “Hey, careful!” Deacon calls out, heading down to the kids.

  Cal and I rise quickly, instantly on the alert. Charlie is flat on his back on the damp grass, and Anneka is sprawled on top of him. She leans down and kisses his lips. Cal’s eyes are out on stalks.

  “I think they are keeping with family tradition.” I chuckle.

  “Oh, hell to the no,” Cal says, sitting back down as Deacon reaches the two of them, helping them to their feet. “She’s never dating. Like. Ever.”

  “You planning on enrolling her in a convent?”

  “That idea sounds very appealing.”

  I laugh out loud. “God, I actually feel sorry for her. When she starts dating, you are going to be one obstinate motherfucker.”

  “Not gonna happen, told ya. She won’t be dating. Not in my lifetime.”
r />   “Oh, Cal,” Ari says, landing in front of us. “You better start visualizing it because I’ve a feeling it’s going to take you a long time to come around. Although,” she admits, peering over the railing at the kids playing below, “I have a feeling she’s already met her match.”

  Ari turns around, beaming at me. “He doesn’t like that idea either,” I tell her, winking conspiratorially.

  “It doesn’t look like he’ll have much of a choice.” She grins mischievously.

  Cal’s brow creases. “Don’t be ridiculous, Ariana. They are cousins.”

  “It’s not illegal to marry your cousin,” Deacon quips, coming up the steps toward us.

  “I thought you were anti-marriage,” Cal retorts, getting snippy.

  “I am. But you know this whole conversation is totally pointless. They’re three. I’d say you have plenty of years before you need to start worrying.”

  Deacon plops down beside us, retrieving a beer from the ground. Ari frowns but wisely says nothing. “Where is Lily?”

  “In bed,” Ari replies. “She’s not in a good place right now.”

  “Drew is an ass,” Deacon says, swiping his hand across the rim of his beer.

  “You got that right,” Cal says through gritted teeth.

  “What exactly happened?” I ask.

  Cal and Ari share a look.

  “You might as well tell us,” Deacon says. “We’ll find out eventually.”

  Ari fiddles with her hair as Cal exhales loudly. “This stays between us, and Lily can’t ever know,” Ari cautions. My eyes pop wide with curiosity. “You tell them, Cal.”

  “I was up on Novo a couple of weeks ago visiting Dad,” Cal begins to explain, leaning his elbows on his knees. “We were out one night for dinner—in one of those fancy-pants restaurants he’s addicted to—when I spotted Drew. He was at a private function in the corner of the restaurant. I headed over to say hi, and I knew something was up the minute Drew noticed me. Honestly, I thought he’d just seen a ghost or an alien or something he went that pale. As I approached, a girl latched onto his arm, grinning at him like he was the sun, moon, and stars.” He scrubs a hand over his tense jaw. “Turns out it was an engagement party. His engagement party.”