Family Ties (19 page)

“I see that a lot in my line of work.” A small chime sounds from Alana’s watch. She stands without glancing at her watch. “I’m sorry, Sara. I need to check on Jason’s dad. I’m so glad you came over.” 

“It was nice meeting you, Alana.” 

I forget that Jason told his mom about my parents and ask the more immediate question. “What’s wrong with your dad?”

He strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. “He has prostate cancer.” 

“What? Why didn’t I know this before?” I ask.

“You had enough to worry about, Parker. I didn’t want to burden you.”

“Jason, you’re always there for me. You came running when I called this morning and your dad is here. With cancer.” 

He straddles the bench. “He survived once, but whatever happens, we’re better prepared because we went through this before. Trust me. When I’m not with you or at school, I’m with him.”

“Is that why you brought me around the house instead of through?”

He nods.

“Can I meet your dad?”

“Today?” 

“No. It’s been an eventful day already and it isn’t even noon.” 

The crooked grin spreads into a full smile, lighting up his face. He leans in and our lips meet, a twenty-foot wave cresting inside me.

I return his kiss with the ferocity of the wave crashing through my body. He guides my arms around his waist then cups my face with both of his hands as we continue a long tangle of lips and tongues. Jason is always cautious, never pushing for more than I give.

I imagine this is the thrill surfers have in the barrel. Water roaring and rushing over them, salt water spray pelting their face, open air in sight, fingers trailing in the water, riding it out until they emerge victorious. 

He pulls away. “Parker,” he says, breathless, touching his forehead to mine. My face still in his hands. “That was just…”

I take slow breaths to steady myself. Even imaginary waves can knock you off balance. “Yeah.”

His head draws back and his eyes pierce mine. “I love you, Parker.” 

They aren’t just words he feels he should say. He truly loves me and needs to tell me so. “I love you too,” I whisper.  

A wisp of a smile crosses his lips and we unwrap ourselves from each other to get up. Jason interlaces our fingers and strolls to the sliding door, opening it a crack.

“Mom, we’re heading back to Sara’s,” he calls inside.

“Okay, honey! Have fun today!” she calls back.

Arissa drags me away from Jason and into her room as soon as we walk through the front door.

“How did it go?” she asks, plopping us both onto her bed.

“A little awkward, but she’s nice.”

“Awkward how?”

I grab a pillow and play with the edges. “He told her about my parents.”

“He did?” She crosses her legs under her.

“Yeah. But, like he told me this morning, he talks to his parents like you talk to yours.” 

“Makes sense I guess.”

“Are you going to talk to Damian?” I pinch a corner and roll it under.

Her expression turns grim. “I know I need to. I just don’t know what to say.”

“Say what you feel, like you always do.”

“No, I always say what I think. There’s a difference.” 

“No, you always say what you feel, whether you realize it or not.” 

She pauses a moment. “Maybe.” 

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Oh, I don’t know. He breaks up with me?” She throws herself back on the bed.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” I hit her with the pillow.

“What the hell, Sara?”

A wide grin spreads across my face. She grabs the other pillow and hits me back.

“Talk to him when he gets here. We can always see a later movie,” I say, climbing off the bed and throwing the pillow at her.

She catches it and drops it next to her.

Arissa whisks Damian into the TV room when he arrives and I take Jason out back.

“What’s that all about?” he asks, sitting next to me on the grass.

“She’s having the talk with him.” I plant my hands behind me.

“Parker, I think it’s a little late to have ‘the talk,’” he says like I’m being ridiculous.

“Not the sex talk. The relationship talk.”

“Oh.” His eyes widen. “
Oh.
”

“Yeah. She finally admitted her feelings last night after I called her out.” 

He grins.

“What?” I ask.

“Let’s just say we won’t be the only happy couple today.”

“I knew it!”

His mouth captures mine swiftly, catching me by surprise. After he pulls away, he moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.

“I love how I feel when you kiss me like that,” he whispers in my ear.

“How do you feel?” I hook my hands over his arms.

“Like you’re finally breaking down the last of the walls you had up for so long.”

“I just know I can trust you because you love me.”

His cheek tightens in a smile against the side of my head. “I have for a long time.”

The sliding door zips open. “Break it up, you two!” Damian bellows.

I flip him off without looking back and he laughs. I peer over my shoulder. An ear-to-ear grin is plastered on Arissa’s face. “I take it your talk went well.”

“You could say that,” she says, blushing.

“Are you guys ready to go, then?”

“Sure thing,” Damian says, draping his arm over Arissa.

Two. Two happy couples.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

We slap white cards on Hunter’s dining room table, laughing raucously at the Cards Against Humanity answers with Skillet playing in the background. It was the easiest game we could think of for five people because Hunter and I guessed correctly: no one else showed up.

Arissa and Damian took to Hunter quickly. No surprise, since he’s charming and they make friends with almost everyone they meet.

Someone pounds on the front door and Hunter leaves to get it.

“Where is he?” she yells.

Hunter keeps his voice low so we can’t hear his reply. We glance at each other, then leave our seats at the same time, poking our heads through the doorway.

“I know he’s here, asshole!” Nicole screams.

Jason joins Hunter at the door and I shake my head. Nothing ever goes well when Nicole or Becky is involved.

“What is your problem?” Jason asks.

“Your skank girlfriend,” she answers, glowering. “She did nothing but cause trouble for three months, Jason.”

“That’s a fucking lie and you know it,” Hunter says.

Arissa nudges me and gives me her what-gives look.

“Becky’s sister,” I whisper.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Nicole asks.

“Yes,” Hunter answers.

“I never-”

“Always.”

She glares at Hunter, then turns her attention back to Jason. “You owe Becky.”

“I owe her nothing,” Jason says. “It’s been a year and a half. Both of you need to get over it.”

“You left her for that smelly cunt!”

I grip the doorjamb harder. I’m back with the Jerichos and a specter of Foster Hell won’t leave me alone.

He steps closer to her. “Watch how you fucking talk about my girlfriend. I know what you did while she was at La Costa. You were the one causing trouble. Not her.”

Her face morphs into an ugly sneer. “Didn’t you hear? She’s not the little innocent princess you think she is, Jason.”

“I never thought she was. Unlike you and Becky who need constant attention because you’re both insecure, she’s strong and independent and doesn’t need to be doted upon.”

I’m strong because I learned how to stand up for myself, mostly through therapy. The rest I learned from watching Arissa be tough as nails. Friends can be good role models whether they know it or not.

“Jesus, Nic,” He continues. “You attacked her after meeting her. Who does that?”

“Because she stole you from Becky!”

“I’m not a belonging. I can’t be stolen.
I
broke up with Becky.
I
was the asshole who left her at the game. Got it?”

“You’re a fucking asshole!”

“Yeah, he just said that,” Hunter says.

She storms off in a huff.

“Sorry ‘bout that, guys,” Hunter says when they return. “Where were we?”

Jason slips his arms around me and draws me close, kissing my head.

“In the middle of an insane shit storm,” Arissa answers.

Hunter laughs. “You’re good people, Arissa.”

We play a few more rounds of Uno, then decide to watch a movie. Hunter and I pop popcorn while Jason, Damian, and Arissa choose the movie.

“Thanks for bringing them with you,” Hunter says.

“I know we would’ve had fun, just the two of us, but we did a lot of that the last few weeks. It feels more like a party now.” I grin.

He pulls me into a lingering hug, just like the many hugs he gave knowing I missed the affection I got from the Jerichos and Jason. He was my boon in the desert.

A throat clears and we break apart. Arissa’s scrutinizing gaze shifts between us. Hunter grabs the popcorn and heads to the living room.

“What are you doing?” she asks, hushed.

“What are you talking about?” I answer, keeping my voice low.

She tips her head towards the living room. “You and Hunter.”

“We’re friends, Riss.”

“Looks like more than that.” She stares at me, planting her hands on her hips.

I let out a deep sigh. “Do you know what it’s like to have no friends? None? No one to talk to at all?”

She casts her eyes down and her arms fall to her side. “No.”

“I had no friends at La Costa and Hunter lost all of his when he stood up for me, going against Nicole, after we just met. He sought me out later and befriended me when I
needed
someone.”

She throws her arms around me and buries her face in my shoulder. “I’m sorry. I just saw him holding you with Jason in the next room and I saw red.”

“I’m not going to sabotage my relationship with Jason. Not after he waited for me again.”

“Yo! Babe! Sara!” Damian calls. “Movie’s starting.”

Arissa breaks away and swipes at the tears under her eyes. I laugh and give her a playful shove towards the living room. She pushes me back and smiles.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Jason takes me to his house a week later to meet his dad. My fingers are interlaced with Jason’s and he’s facing me on the porch. “He’s having a good day today, but he might not look like it.”

“Okay. Are you worried?”

“Just hoping his appearance won’t freak you out.”

“J, you know me better than that.”

“I do.” 

“Then stop worrying,” I say.

“Okay.” He kisses me softly.

From the entryway, Jason leads me through the living room. A blue sofa faces two matching chairs with a mahogany coffee table between them. An enlarged photo of a deserted tropical beach hangs over the white fireplace. Assorted seashells line the mantle.

We walk through the large opening in the back of the living room, then to a room on the left. A large, flat screen TV takes up much of the wall space opposite the door. Two overstuffed black leather sofas line the two side walls and two recliners face the TV on the edge of the taupe area rug covering the dark wood floor. A low, black entertainment center sits under the TV and holds various electronic components, including a stereo playing jazz through the room’s speakers.

Alana is in front of the left chair, holding a lidded cup with a straw. She peers up and smiles. “Sara! I so enjoyed our dinner at work the other night.”

“I did too, Alana.” I smile in return. 

Jason leads me to the chair. “Dad.” He bends down and kisses his dad on the cheek. “This is Sara.” 

His dad looks like nothing more than skin covering a skeleton. His white t-shirt and blue basketball shorts are ten sizes too big for him. His head is bald and his face sunken, yet ice blue eyes shimmer at me. A sign of true life behind the disease ravaging his body.

“Sara,” he says, slow and deliberate. “I’m thrilled to finally meet the girl who stole my son’s heart.”

“I’m glad to meet you as well, Mr. Waters.”

He rolls his bright eyes and slowly waves his hand in dismissal. “Mike. My name is Mike.”

“Okay. Mike,” I say, smiling.

Jason tugs me to the sofa closest to his dad, covering our joined hands with his free hand. Alana sits in the other recliner, holding Mike’s cup.

“Tell me,” he says, leaning over the recliner’s arm, “is my boy treating you right?”

“He’s been nothing but a gentleman since we met.”

“Good.” He shakes a finger at Jason. “You better keep it up.” 

“And risk you being on my case if I didn’t?” Jason asks in jest.

“You like me being on your case,” Mike jokes back.

“Yes, I do, Dad.” He grins, releasing my hand and sliding his arm around me.

Mike returns his attention to me. “Do you know what colleges you’re applying to in the fall?” 

I tense and Jason squeezes me into him. “I really hadn’t thought about it. I’m just trying to get through one day at a time right now.”

“Oh, right. The trials start soon. Jason told us about that. I do hope they get what’s coming to them. There’s no excuse for what they did to you.”

“Thank you, Mike.”

He sits back in the chair and closes his eyes.

Jason pulls his arm out from behind me, setting his forearms on his lap. “Dad? Are you okay?”

“Just a little tired, son,” he answers with his eyes still closed.

“Do you want me to take you to your room?”

“That might be a good idea with company coming later.”

Jason squats in front of Mike. He leans forward and wraps his arms around Jason’s neck, the strain of the effort etched on his face. Jason sets his hands into Mike’s armpits and slowly lifts as Mike pushes up with trembling legs. Alana pulls a wheelchair over from the back corner of the room. Jason and Mike each keep an arm around the other as they shuffle to the wheelchair.

“Sorry to leave you so soon, Sara. I’ll be back out once I’ve had a nap,” he says, tired but cheerful as he’s wheeled out of the room.

When Jason returns, I place my legs over his lap. He takes my hand into his and sets his other hand on my shins.

“You downplayed how sick he is,” I admonish him, giving his hand a small squeeze.

“There is always hope, Parker. He beat it once.” He hangs his head.

“You don’t have to put up a front and be strong for me, J. You’re just one piece of my support system.” I weave my fingers through his soft hair, stopping at the back of his head. “We’re both going through major things right now. I don’t want you to suffer because you think you have to be the hero. You told me when I came back that I didn’t have to hide the ugly stuff. You don’t either.”

Tears well in his eyes and the corners of his mouth turn down. He sniffs and takes a breath before the tears fall in earnest. He draws me into his lap. His body wracks with sobs as he abandons himself to his anguish.

The tight-knit strength and happiness he wore for years unravels before my eyes.

I cradle him, remembering each time he comforted me, and repeat those tender touches and kisses. His forehead, his temple, the top of his head. He cinches his arms around me, rocking side to side. His sobs slowly subside, then he stills. I cup his face in my hands and turn it to me, wiping away his tears and placing a light kiss on his lips.

“Oh, Parker,” he murmurs, running his hands up my back and into my hair. His mouth meets mine, tenderness expressing his sorrow before pulling away and touching his forehead to mine.

It leaves me breathless and wanting more.

“Promise me you won’t hide stuff like this from me again.” I let my arms rest over his shoulders.

“I won’t.” His hands trail along my arms, then down my back. “What would you like to do until everyone gets here? We have time to burn.”

“You choose.”

A spark lights up in his eyes as he grins. He shifts under me and grabs a remote off the end table, then aims it at the entertainment center, pushing a series of buttons.

A bass guitar plucks a simple line.

He drops the remote next to him, places one arm under my legs, wraps the other one around my back, and stands. I stiffen in response.

“Relax.” He lowers my legs to the ground. “Keep your arms around me.” He slides his hands to my back, then sways us side to side. 

My lips curl up. “Dancing?”

He shrugs. “Why not? We missed prom.” 

A soft male voice croons. I feel like I’ve heard the song or the voice before, but I can’t place it. After three years, I’m still learning everything I missed.

“Who is this?”

“Anberlin.”

My fingertips stroke his neck. “I like it.”

He guides my right arm down to the side and dips me low, planting a quick, chaste kiss on my lips before bringing me back up. Then he leads into a tight waltz and I easily follow without tripping or feeling shy. The left corner of his mouth curls up.

“Aren’t you the dashing dancer,” I say, impressed. “Who taught you to dance?” 

“My parents. They’ve been ballroom dancing since before I was born.” 

He releases my waist and twirls me before taking my waist into his arm again.

“Are you trying to sweep me off my feet?”

“Is it working?” he asks.

“Always.”

He dips me again and kisses me, not so chaste or quick this time. “Good.” He beams.

We return to swaying and I rest my head on his shoulder, drinking in the comfort as the music plays on.

Jason takes his dad out back before everyone arrives and starts up the grill, with Mike directing him from his lounge chair.

“Dad, you taught me how to grill years ago. I know what I’m doing.” 

“Oh, what do you know?” Mike asks, waving his hand in dismissal, but I spot the grin he’s trying to suppress.

“Everything you and Mom taught me.” He grins.

Mike looks at me and points his thumb casually at Jason. “Can you believe this guy?” 

“I’d say he’s a chip off the old block, Mike.” 

“Jason, what have you been telling her about me?”

“Just that you’re the most awesome dad around.”

Mike smiles and it brightens his eyes. “I love you too, son.” 

Damian, his parents Felix and Shelly Riven, and the Jerichos arrive together and a whirlwind of introductions occur between them and Jason’s parents.

I notice Mike settle back into the chair, chest heaving, as everyone disperses. I squat next to him, placing my hand on his forearm. “Can I get you some water?” 

He sets his hand over mine. “Thank you, but I think Alana is bringing me some.” He smiles. “Hey, son.”

“Yeah, Dad.”

“She’s a keeper,” he says, gazing at me, still smiling.

“Hands off, old man,” Jason says, pointing the tongs in his hand at Mike. “She’s mine and you’re married.” 

“She touched me first, son. I can’t help that the young ladies find me irresistible.” 

I chuckle and glance at Jason as I stand, patting Mike on the shoulder. “Now I know where you get it from.” 

He shrugs nonchalantly in response. “I never had a chance.” He grins and winks at me.

I head into the house through the sliding door that opens into the bright green kitchen and dining room. The charcoal granite counters hold a variety of dishes that Alana fixed, as well as pitchers of lemonade and ice tea.

Alana is busy washing dishes at the sink while scrutinizing the scene through the window.

“He’s doing okay out there, you know,” I say. 

“I just worry, honey. The longer you spend sharing your life and love with one person, the more you worry about them.” 

“I came in to get him some water.”

“Oh, I forgot!” she exclaims, turning off the water and drying her hands.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind taking it to him.”

“Thank you. We haven’t really had people over since he got sick again. I’m not used to taking care of him and playing host.” 

“Tell me what you need me to do. And don’t worry about the Jerichos and the Rivens. They’re pretty laid back and don’t mind taking care of themselves.” 

She nods in acknowledgment, filling a cup with water and then screwing a lid on with a straw. “Now, you can’t let Mike keep this. His hands don’t always cooperate and he’ll end up dropping it.”

“Got it.”

I take the cup to Mike, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and offering the cup to him.

“Oh, thank you, Sara.” He accepts the cup with both hands and takes a deep draught through the straw.

“You’re welcome.”

He hands the cup back to me and I slide my free arm around Jason’s waist. He smiles and slips his arm around my shoulder, brushing his lips over mine.

I sigh, wishing I could stay with him. But Alana needs help. “This is your dad’s.” I lift the cup to show him, then set it on the table next to the grill. “I’m going back in to help your mom. She’s a bit frazzled.” 

“I can help her.” 

“No, you need to watch the grill and your dad.” 

“Thank you,” he whispers.

“Anything for you, J.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “Watch what you promise, Parker.”

“You’re incorrigible,” I say loud enough for Mike to hear as I walk away.

Alana swipes her hand under her eyes when I return. “Are you okay?” I ask.

“Tears of joy,” she laughs a little. “You’ll understand when you have children of your own one day. I was worried when Jason broke up with Becky. We knew how he felt about you, but your parents weren’t allowing you to date. It’s good to see you both happy.” 

Jason brings in a platter of chicken, placing it with the rest of the food on the counter. He leans in, kissing my head as he passes by. 

“Hey, Mom.” He pecks her on the cheek.

I marvel at the adoration he shows his parents. Almost losing a parent once only to see them on the brink of death again must make you see life differently.

Maybe that’s why he’s so patient with me. Why he’s willing to do anything for me. I finally see the boy who knows life is precious and refuses to waste it on trivial things just because everyone else does.

There is a pull inside me, tugging on my heart and my previous doubts disappear. This is where I belong. I
am
the girl for Jason. I am certain of this now.

“How’s your dad?” Alana asks, still fretting.

“He’s enjoying himself.”

I peek through the window. The guys are gathered around Mike, laughing, while Arissa wanders through Alana’s vegetable garden with Rose and Shelly.

Several minutes later, Jason gets Mike situated at the picnic table and I take Mike his dinner while everyone is inside getting theirs. I return to an empty kitchen and work my way down the line of food.

The door slides open and Jason takes my plate, setting it down as I question him with a look. He answers with his hands cupping my face and his lips meeting mine with fire. My arms enfold him as I return his kiss with equal intensity.