Heartless (11 page)

Thanksgiving at the Reynolds house began the day before.
Christopher and Courtney had told Parker that the families took
turns hosting holiday events. This year was their turn to host
the Thanksgiving feast. Wednesday, Larkin set everyone to
work chopping, grating, mixing, and so forth.

At four, the door chimes sounded. Courtney squealed,
"They're here!" She grabbed Parker's hand. "Come on." He had
no choice but to follow.

Albert and Dorothy Reynolds were in their seventies but
still healthy and active. Albert was a little less than six feet
with snow white hair. He was not overweight, but he had a
little paunch. Dorothy was five-seven and weighed about one
forty. She obviously colored her dark-brown hair. Her blue
eyes, not as vivid as Ray's, snapped with authority as well as
love. Albert scooped Courtney into his arms. "My goodness!
You're getting too big for Papaw to pick up."

Albert put Courtney down. "When he tells me he's
comfortable with it."
Dorothy snorted, "Well, I'm not waiting. Give your
meemaw a hug."
Parker timidly hugged the forceful woman. Holding his
chin lightly between her thumb and forefinger, Dorothy tipped
his head to the side. "What happened to your eye?"
"I had a fight."
"Why?"
"My girlfriend's ex put his hand on her breast."
Dorothy widened her eyes. "Now did he? Well, I hope he
looks worse than you do."
"I busted his lip."
"Good for you."
"Sheena already broke his nose. You'd think he'd get a
clue."
"Sheena? Little Sheena Johnson?"
"Yeah…I mean yes, ma'am."
Dorothy chuckled. "Well, that's a good choice."
Courtney slipped under her grandmother's arm. Dorothy
kissed the girl on the forehead. "Where's Christopher?"
"Outside helping Momma wash the crawfish for tonight."
Parker kept stealing glances at Albert, not sure what to do.
The white-haired man seemed nice, but he was not as assertive
as Meemaw. Albert sensed Parker’s confusion. He said,
"Parker, I didn't bring in our luggage or the yams and ham yet.
Will you give me a hand?"
"Sure. Yes, sir."
"Ladies, go help Larkin."
Albert opened the trunk of their elegant, BMW. "Do you
want to talk about it?" he asked.
"What's that, sir?"
"What you're worried about."
"I'm not worried," Parker hastened to say.
"Yes, you are." The autumn breeze tinkled the wind chimes
hung along the porch eve. The grandfather sighed and then
smiled. "Ray told me that the first time he came to this house,
those chimes gave him a sense of peace. This is a safe place,
Parker. Talk to me. I know Meemaw can be a little scary, but
I'm just a big teddy bear."
He looked at the kindly face. "Well, to tell the truth, I'm a
little overwhelmed. I'm just afraid I'll wake up and all this will
have been a dream. I don't understand why my mom never told
Ray about me. I never met my other grandparents. I guess
Mom was ashamed of me."
"Well, she should be ashamed of herself!" Albert's pale
honey-brown eyes flashed. "Honestly, I resent having been
cheated out of my grandson. I'm looking forward to getting to
know you. As you've already figured out, our family is a bit
unusual. That's what makes us strong. We love one another no
matter what. None of us is perfect. We all mess up. I’m certain
Larkin has already shared her faith with you."
Parker nodded.
"Trust what she says. Larkin is the glue in this family. She
holds it together, even when the rest of us are falling apart. Ray
calls her Angel. Maybe she is. Let her love you. She'll make
you believe in yourself. Let us love you. We're not ashamed of
you, Parker. We're a little overwhelmed, too, having never
known about you, but we're proud to claim you as one of us.
Now, do I get to give you my papaw hug that you're dying to
receive? I'm afraid I can't pick you up, but just know I would
have if I had been given the opportunity when you were
younger. Come here and give your old papaw a hug."
Parker slipped safely into his grandfather's embrace. Albert
whispered as he stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head,
"Let us love you, sweet boy. We're thankful to have you in our
lives. Let us show you."
Parker nodded against the man's chest. He breathed in the
scent of Old Spice cologne and pipe tobacco. It was a scent he
would never forget, one that brought comfort. The older man
released his embrace, and the two carried in the items from the
trunk.

Larkin was up early setting the turkey to roast. Parker came
into the kitchen before anyone else.
"Well, good morning!" chirped Larkin. "I didn't expect
anyone to be up for a while. Do you like coffee, Parker?"
"I've never had it."
Larkin realized more each day that this child she had
brought into her home had been severely deprived. How he
displayed any semblance of normalcy was beyond her. She
smiled. "Let me make you my special English toffee coffee."
Parker laughed. "That's funny."
Larkin set a cup of her favorite coffee along with a hot
cinnamon roll in front of Parker as he sat in one of the bar
chairs. "So, try it. Remember it's hot."
Parker sipped the beverage. "This is great! I thought coffee
was bitter. Miss Maxi said it was and it made little boys
hyper."
"Both can be true, but if you make coffee right, even
unflavored, it's not bitter. Now, Uncle Raif's coffee is bitter."
She shook her head and grimaced. "It's too strong for me. I
always have to add hot water. As for hyper—the caffeine does
bother some people. Miss Maxi did well by you. She tried to
protect you from something she thought was harmful to you.
Was Maxi her first or last name?"
"First. Her name was Maxine Carmichael."
"Well, Ray wants to thank her for taking care of you, so
now we know the right person to call. Now, please, tell me
you've had cinnamon rolls."
"Yes, but never hot. You must think awful things about
me."
"No, Parker, I think you've had a rough life." She leaned on
the bar across from him and laid her hand on top of his. "You
know, my parents were killed when I was five, and I lived with
my grandmother until I was thirteen. Then, she died. After that,
I lived for a while in a children's home before I went to live
with Pastor Moore and his wife. Believe it or not, they were
killed when I was seventeen, so I struck out on my own. You
see, I know what it feels like to be bumped around, but I was
blessed because all the people I lived with cared for me. I don't
think anything bad about you. I think you're amazing
considering the hell you've been through." She squeezed his
hand and let go. "To be honest, I'd like to bitch-slap your
mother."
Parker's mind wandered a moment as he tried to picture
Larkin bitch-slapping anybody, most of all, his mother, but he
tuned back in quickly as Larkin continued to talk. "If I ever
meet her, I might just do it. Children are gifts from God, and
they should be treated as the prizes they are. I know you
haven't been here long, but I already love you. I promise to
treat you like the treasure you are."
"You love me?" he said in disbelief. "Even though I'm
Ray's son by another woman?"
Larkin reached out and stroked Parker's cheek. "Parker, one
reason I love you is because you
are
Ray's son. I love Ray
more than my own life. You're a part of him. That love extends
to you. Maybe one day you can love me back. I can wait for
that."
"It's not hard to love you. You're so nice. I wish Mom was
as nice as you."
"She's your mother. You should love her."
"I do, but sometimes I don't like her. She has never treated
me as if I were a prize—a toy sometimes—but not a treasure. I
think she was ashamed of me."
"I'm sorry, Parker. I wish I could make the pain go away."
"Can I have a hug?"
"Yes, always."
She walked around the bar and held Parker in her arms
tightly for several seconds before they heard Ray joke in the
doorway, "Hey! You've got your own woman. Leave mine
alone."
"Ignore him," whispered Larkin.
"I love you, Larkin. Thank you for loving me."
She brushed Parker's hair from his eyes and kissed him on
the forehead. "You're very welcome."

Mid-afternoon, the house came to life as all the dinner
guests began to arrive. Raif, Chris, Patrick, and Trista arrived
first. They brought with them seven-layer salad, cranberry
salad, and a huge bag of potatoes to make mashed potatoes.
With them also came Dupree, Lindsay, and Roxanne Parks,
along with Dupree's mother, Estelle Funchess. They brought
crescent rolls to bake and Estelle's apple pie. Meemaw was
already baking a honey-glazed ham and making candied yams.
Larkin was roasting the turkey and making her special squash
stuffing and pumpkin and pecan pie.

Parker helped carry in food items and whispered to Patrick,
"This kitchen is as big as the one at school. Larkin says there
are two full ovens, eight burners, a convection oven, and a
microwave."

His cousin nodded. "Yeah, and it used to be wood burning
and they had an outdoor kitchen for cooking in summer
because it got too hot inside. That’s where Uncle Ray’s grill is
set up." They set the food on a counter, and Patrick said,
"Come meet Dupree and Lindsay."

Parker followed Patrick to the famous R & B recording
artist. "Guys," Patrick said. "This is Parker, our new cousin."
"Welcome to the best family ever," Dupree said, extending
his hand, which Parker shook. "Hang around with me a while
and let me tell you how I became a part." Dupree went on to
tell Parker about how he had thrown a book at Larkin his first
day in her class and sent her into a life-and-death struggle. "But
she forgave me, and now look at me. I would have been dead
by now if it hadn’t been for Aunt Larkin."
"My husband is right," said Lindsay. "This is the best
family ever. Although Mom gave me up for adoption when she
was fourteen, I came here after my adoptive parents died. I
found total happiness."
Parker continued to get to know Lindsay and Dupree until
Grandma Audrey and Grandpa Walter arrived. They brought
green bean casserole and pitchers of sweet tea and lemonade.
There were already coolers with soft drinks and Bud Light,
Killian's, and Corona beers on ice. A few minutes after them,
Dr. Fairchild and her husband Augustine, called Auggie,
arrived, bearing platters of deviled eggs and fresh vegetables—
carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and cherry
tomatoes—with ranch and curry dips.
Parker looked at the people already there and knew more
were expected.
Good thing this house is huge. Wow! This is a
little mindboggling.
About four-thirty, the Johnsons finally arrived. Their
family was made up of Terry and Carol, along with Sheena and
three younger children, Tasha, Townes, and Wesley. They
brought several bottles of Zinfandel and rum and tequila with
margarita mix and various flavors of daiquiri mix. Last to come
were Brian Baker and his family, his wife, Olivia, and their
three children, Brandi, Royce, and Trent, home from college.
Baker brought the four FBI agents, Lawrence Dantzler, Joyce
Lyon, Carey French, and the profiler, Austin Chancellor, with
him since they could not go home for Thanksgiving. They
brought with them broccoli-rice casserole, cranberry sauce, a
Texas brownie cake, and several more cases of beer.
Parker had never seen so much food at one meal. Neither
had he seen so many people who actually seemed to like one
another in one place. However, there was only one person he
really wanted to spend some quiet time with, but it would have
to wait.
With all the hustle and bustle inside the house and the rain
threatening outside, nobody was aware of the unwelcomed
interloper watching the hoopla from outside. Mia Godchaux
seemed much calmer as she watched the happy chaos, and a
small part of her wished she could be inside. Still, she fought
that feeling as she realized Parker seemed completely happy,
and she slowly began to be angry again.
The adults began cocktails around five. The men
congregated in front of the television for Thanksgiving Day
football while the women set the food out around the kitchen
counters and bar like a buffet. A little before six, Larkin
whispered in Ray's ear. He excused himself and went into the
kitchen to carve the turkey and ham. At six, Ray actually rang a
dinner bell. The guests crammed into the dining room for a
short time as the head of the house made a Thanksgiving
speech.
"As host of this annual event this year, I have to tell y'all
some things I'm thankful for. As always, I'm most thankful for
my faith, my family, and my friends. However, I must
announce to all of you that my family has grown. First, I'd like
to introduce all of you to my son. Parker, come here." Parker
went to Ray's side. "I only found out Parker is my son a couple
of weeks ago, but I'm very thankful to have him in my life.
Second, I'm thankful to Raif, Chris, Rona, and a few
Munchkins for keeping my next announcement a secret. Guys
and gals"—Ray motioned Larkin to his side and put his arm
around her—"we're having another baby. He or she will be
here in late June."
Ray and Larkin's guests applauded for them. Outside, Mia
wished she could hear what was being said. Obviously, some
of it had to do with Parker.
Inside, it was apparent that Lindsay and Dupree were
having a disagreement. Finally, it appeared Dupree lost as he
said, "Uncle Ray, my very insistent wife would like to know if
she can steal your thunder."
"Are you expecting, too?" asked Ray.
Dupree nodded.
Ray raised his beer. "The more, the merrier. A toast—to
this crazy, wonderful family! Now, a prayer."
Ray blessed the food and offered a prayer of thanksgiving
before he joked, "Can we eat already?"
The dining room, the kitchen dining nook, and several
more temporary tables with folding chairs were packed. A
myriad of conversations went on simultaneously. Even in all
the frenzy, Larkin Sloan Reynolds was not a glutton for
punishment. They ate on biodegradable disposable plates and
drank from biodegradable disposable cups or recyclable cans or
bottles. After the meal, the clean up was easy. The leftovers
were stored and the few dirty dishes washed. The men returned
to football until the women joined them. Then a game of
Taboo
ensued. The younger boys hit the video games in the game
room above the garage, and the girls fell to dressing Roxanne
like a little doll in Courtney's room. The college students left
with night plans with friends.
As the drizzle set in, Sheena caught Parker's eye. She gave
him the come-hither finger. When he crossed the room, she
grabbed his hand and dragged him out the back door to the
gazebo by the pond.
"Are you crazy?" asked Parker as they dashed into the
gazebo to escape the rain.
"No, I'm very sane. I wanted to spend some time alone with
you." She shook her wet hair. "I love getting caught in the rain
even if this rain is really cold." She shivered.
"They'll be looking for us."
"No, they won't. The girls are too busy dressing Roxanne
up, the boys are obsessed with the video games, and the adults
are really into that
Taboo
game, not to mention a little
inebriated. This is the perfect time to get to know each other a
little better." She latched her arms around his neck. "Unless
you don't want to. I'm sure you'll like me better than your other
girlfriends."
Unknown to the two teenagers, an adult
was
watching them
with interest. "Not bad, Parker boy," murmured Mia. "Let's see
what you've got."
Parker slipped his arms around Sheena's waist as he
confided honestly, "Actually, I've never had a girlfriend
before."
"You're kidding, right?"
He shook his head.
Sheena teased, "Do I need to mentor you in that as well?"
He shook his head again. "No, I think I'll wing it."
Mia whispered, "Good line," as she watched her son lean in
for what proved to be a very sensuous kiss, albeit his first.
Sheena breathed after he released her, "Not bad for
somebody who's winging it, but you might need a little
practice."
"Is that so?" he commented as he kissed her again.
"Nice move," mumbled Mia.
Parker pulled back from Sheena and asked, "Did you hear
something?"
"No, Parker. It's just the rain and the wind. You need to be
paying attention to me, not the weather." She shivered.
"Getting closer could warm us up."
"Yeah?" he leaned in and nibbled her on the neck. She
giggled before he kissed her again.
Sheena sighed, "If you play your cards right, I might let
you get away with more than kissing."
"Is that so? And just what might I get away with?"
"You'll have to experiment and find out."
From her hiding place Mia murmured encouragement. "Go
for it, Parker! This girl obviously wants to make out with you."
The adolescent boy decided he would experiment. He
kissed Sheena again and slipped his hands under her sweater,
inching up her rib cage.
Sheena shook as the air became colder. Her breath showed
in the moist air as she breathed against Parker's neck.
A twig snapped as Mia moved slightly. Parker jerked back.
"Who's there?"
Sheena puffed irritably, "It's nobody. It's a deer being
thankful we are not having venison tonight. Now, get back over
here! That experiment failed miserably. Try again." She
grabbed the waist of his jeans and pulled him close to her.
"Yes, ma'am," he said, duly chastised.
Parker's closeness to Sheena told the girl that he absolutely
wanted to experiment. She brushed her body against his.
He groaned, "Are you sure you told that Derrick guy no?"
She laughed lightly in his ear. "I never said I didn't make
out. I just wasn't ready to go as far as he wanted to, but you
aren't Derrick."
Parker ran his hands across Sheena's breasts on the outside
of her sweater. "You're getting warmer and so am I even if it is
freezing out here," she whispered. "Sit down on the bench."
He backed into the bench without letting go of Sheena's
body. She straddled his lap. She could tell he definitely wanted
to play. "Lift my sweater up, Parker," she whispered.
"Way to go, Parker!" Mia mumbled.
Parker looked over his shoulder. "There's somebody out
there, Sheena."
"Parker Reynolds!" Sheena hollered as she hit Parker flathanded on both shoulders.
"Parker who?" Mia screamed before she could control her
temper. The temperature dropped another ten degrees.
Parker stood still holding on to Sheena. "Mom? Where are
you? Mom? Show yourself."
Mia slunk back into the fully bloomed cattails and took off
to where she had left her motorcycle, fuming all the way, "I'll
get you for this, Ray. Parker! How could you betray me like
that? You're as heartless as your father—Ray."
Parker grabbed Sheena's hand. "Come on."
She clutched his arm. "Parker?"
"Come on, Sheena. Now!" He paused a moment as
mugginess returned to the air.
Weird weather.
"Parker, you're scaring me."
"It's not me that you should be afraid of. Now, come on."
Sheena balked. "Parker, did she hurt you?"
"You'll never understand. Now, please, come on." He
tugged her forward.