Mosaic (14 page)

“I need to wash my hands.” Lucy pushed roughly out of Jack’s hold and stormed out of the dining room with Robert right behind her.

Jack dropped back into his chair, and Will stood for a moment, dabbing his sweater with his cloth napkin. “I’m going to change.” His voice was a low growl, but at least his tirade had ended. “This isn’t over.”

When he’d left the room, it felt too quiet and still all of a sudden. I was still trying to breathe. Ms. LaSalle’s face was pale, and her eyes went to Mr. Kyser’s.

He gave her a weak smile and walked to where she sat. “In all of my imaginings of how this would play out, I never saw
that
coming.”

Julian’s mom stood slowly. “I need some air.”

She left the room, and Mr. Kyser followed her out, leaving Jack, Julian, and me sitting at the table. I finally remembered how to breathe, but Julian continued studying the plate in front of him.

“I can’t believe he just did it like that.” Julian’s voice was quiet, and I reached for his arm.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.

“So.” Jack’s voice was only a little off. “How about that? Brother.”

Julian’s eyes flickered across the table. “I guess it explains a few things.”

Jack pushed himself out of the chair. “I need a drink. You?”

Julian nodded. “Sure. Thanks.”

“Anna?” Jack looked back over his shoulder, but I shook my head no. “That seems familiar.”

Tumblers refilled, Jack handed one to his brother and sat in Robert’s abandoned chair. Then he exhaled a laugh. “Dad sure knows how to break up a dinner party.” He clinked Julian’s glass and took a long sip. “That takes the edge off.”

I wanted to say something, but I had absolutely no idea where to begin. Julian took a short sip and placed the glass by his plate. He seemed as disoriented as I felt, but just then Lucy swirled back into the room.

“Where did everybody go?” Her voice was quieter now, calmer. Robert entered after her and pulled the doors closed.

Jack leaned back in the chair and looked in her direction. “Nice work, sis. Of all the ways Will’s had his fat mouth shut in the past, that might’ve been my favorite.”

Speaking of the devil, their older brother stalked in and looked around, pausing only to give his sister a withering glare. “Where’s Dad?”

“No idea,” she said off-handedly. Her expression turned serious as she approached her twin. “I don’t like seeing you this way. What’s happening in New Orleans?”

“I’ve turned into a total ass, haven’t I, Anna?” Jack stood and went back over to his chair, pausing behind Julian for a beat. “Sorry I kissed your girl, bro. I wasn’t thinking straight that night.”

My eyes flew wide. After all we’d witnessed here, those words literally the worst that could’ve been said. Julian didn’t look at me, but he straightened in his chair.

Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth, I intended to see what Lucy’s response to her brother’s words might be, but instead my eyes caught on Will. His eyes narrowed slightly, but in a blink it was gone. “I’m not spending the night here. Jack, you riding back with me tonight?”

Instead of sitting, Jack kept moving to where his brother stood. “I don’t know how else I’m getting home. You drove.”

Will’s eyes cut one last time toward Julian and me. “Let’s go.”

They walked out and Lucy’s shoulders dropped. “I don’t like this at all. As much as I hate siding with him, Will’s right. Jack’s got a problem.”

My mouth was completely dry, and I could feel the irritation in Julian. He’d had a pretty rough night as well, and Jack’s words poured a can of gasoline on the whole thing.

Lucy turned to me. “Did Jack say he saw you at school?”

My voice was quiet. “I ran into him once.” Julian shot me a glare. “Or twice, I guess.”

His sister exhaled deeply. “I wish there was some way I could get down there, but I know he’d never let me help him. Just like he’d never admit to having a problem.”

Julian stood and went over to her. “I want to thank you for what you did. That was pretty brave of you standing up to that guy.”

She shook her blonde waves. “
That guy
now known as your brother?”

“I guess you’re right.” Julian glanced down. “Not sure he’s too thrilled about it.”

“Will’s an ass. He’s had that coming for years.” Catching his hand again, she gave it a squeeze. “I guess I should feel angry or something, but I don’t.”

Julian nodded. “Thanks for that. It’s all been pretty weird for me, but… I like knowing who I am.”

“I’m glad we never got serious! Talk about gross!” She stuck her tongue out, making big eyes. Then she laughed. “But I love my ring. It’s so much more special to me now.”

“Thanks, sis.”

They smiled, and Lucy pulled him in for a quick hug. Then she caught Robert’s hand. “I need some dinner! My first course is all over Asshat Older Brother’s sweater.”

Robert laughed. “You could eat his serving.”

“And die of whatever poison lives in his mouth? No thank you!” She pulled her fiancé’s arm. “Let’s go to the Shrimp Basket. I’ve earned a honeydew daiquiri.”

Robert smiled, watching her with so much love. “Okay. See you guys later.”

Lucy paused before departing. “Text me before you head back. I want us to get coffee or something.”

I nodded, and they were gone. Julian and I were alone in the room, but he didn’t come to me. It hurt so badly. After all the drama, after I knew he had to be feeling winded and wounded, now Jack’s words had put a wedge between us, and I couldn’t even comfort him.

His voice was impatient when he spoke. “You didn’t think I needed to know he kissed you?”

“Julian, I swear—”

“Just stop.”

My voice was too desperate, and I knew it worked against me. I took a moment to collect myself then I tried again in a calmer tone.

“It was one of my first catch-up nights with Rachel. All the way back in October.” I studied the Oriental rug at his feet, not daring to look in his eyes. “He said a bunch of stuff that was completely stupid, and I argued with him. Then he kissed me, and I pushed him away and left. That’s all it was. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but it was so random and pointless, I didn’t see the need to upset you over it.”

“It would’ve been better if I’d heard it from you first.”

“I’d practically forgotten it.” That wasn’t entirely true, but I wanted it to be true.

Julian didn’t respond, and for several moments we faced each other in silence. Finally, he closed the space between us and wrapped me in his arms.

I was sure I’d have dropped from the combination of relief and fatigue if he hadn’t been holding me up.

“I believe you.” His voice was soft at my ear. “Let’s forget it.”

My eyes were hot, and I hugged him tightly around the waist. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you the whole story and not let you be ambushed twice in one night.”

“I still can’t believe he did it that way.”

For a few moments, we only held each other, breathing together, coming down. I thought about what he’d said and how different things were from the spring. Our relationship had grown, and we did trust each other. Even if I was still working on stupid, emotional flare-ups.

“Thank you,” I said, leaning back. “For trusting me, for not being angry.”

With one hand, he smoothed my hair away from my face. “I can’t resist that cute little newsy nose. Or those green eyes.”

I laughed. The relief had me slightly giddy. “Hazel.”

“You always call me that.” Leaning forward, he kissed my cheek. “It’s Julian. Juu-lien.”

That made me laugh more. He grinned and pulled me toward the door. “I never know what to expect with these guys.”

“Lucy was fantastic.”

“Yes. She definitely was. If I was never in love with her before, I am now.”

“She’s been through so much, and she’s been alone so long. B—I mean Robert has really been good for her.”

Julian nodded. “Even though it’s an ‘insta-family’ type of deal, I already feel sort of protective of her. It’s weird… but I like it. And I like him. I like having a family.”

I thought of what I’d read in Mr. Kyser’s journal about how his own mother had left him and his father behind. I remembered the nights he’d documented lying awake at night, alone, with his father passed out drunk. He’d described taking one of the horses from their ranch and riding it down to Soldier Creek, vowing not to grow up to be like his dad. For a while it was exactly what he’d done, but now he had a family, too, and Ms. LaSalle was helping him heal.

“I think your dad always wanted the same thing himself.”

“We’re fumbling our way toward happiness.”

* * *

Lucy was bright and beautiful as always sitting in the coffee shop, waiting for me Saturday afternoon. It reminded me of the day we’d met last spring. Right before she’d insisted I take her to see her father’s girlfriend, a.k.a., Julian’s mom. A tiny crease was between her perfect brows, but it instantly disappeared when she saw me.

“Anna!” She hopped up and hugged me before I slid into the booth opposite her. “Can you believe last night? I couldn’t sleep for thinking about it. My mind’s still a little blown.”

“It was pretty bomb-shellish the way your dad did it.”

A small laugh bubbled out before she sipped her coffee. “Who knew Dad could be so dramatic?”

“Are you still… I mean, do you still feel the way you did last night?”

“It helps that I knew her a little while first.” She blinked at the table a minute, thinking. “I know I should be mad about it, but it was all so long ago.”

She paused, but I didn’t know what to say. Instead, I sipped the large cappuccino I’d ordered.

“I don’t remember my mom. I love her…” Her lip caught in her teeth. “I should be loyal to her memory, but I can’t seem to find it in me to punish them. They’ve punished themselves better than I ever could.”

It was such a difficult situation, and I had no basis to relate to any of it or offer any help. So I tried a different approach. “It was really cool how you stood up for Julian.”

Slim fingers scrubbed her forehead. “I suppose Will was right. I lost it for a minute, throwing my food.” Then she blinked up at me. “I don’t want any more fighting. I want a family. It’s something I’ve never had. Dad’s happy… I just want us all to be happy for once.”

“Well, you’ve got a knack for derailing arguments, I’ll give you that.”

She smiled and for a moment we sipped our coffee. “You like New Orleans?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “I haven’t really had a chance to check it out.”

“Oh, you have to! You can’t be there and not experience the city.” She gave me a teasing look. “Get out of the classroom and hit the streets.”

“You’re right. I will.”

“Promise me you’ll do it when you get back.”

I laughed, but she didn’t. Her lip was back between her teeth, and I knew there was more to this meeting.

“I’m so worried about Jack. I know he’s not Julian’s favorite person, but you have to be worried, too.” It came out so fast, I couldn’t argue. I’d have been lying if I’d even tried.

“He has been different.” I took a sip, trying not to commit.

“Why?” She leaned forward against the table, desperation filling her blue eyes.

“I-I don’t know.”

“Somebody has to help him. Will obviously isn’t going to do anything but sneer as he goes down the drain.”

I remembered the few times I’d been around him and my personal vow not to get involved. “Sometimes you have to let people realize for themselves they need help.”

She began shaking her head before she’d even finished her coffee. “Jack’s been there too many times for me. I cannot let that happen.”

Everything inside me resisted this conversation. Yet, I said, “What did you have in mind?”

“I have no idea.” She shrugged and leaned back again. “I know it’s too much to ask, but if there were any way you could just… keep an eye on him for me? Let me know if things get too bad—”

“I’ve got an incredible amount of work going on this semester…” I couldn’t get involved. Julian wouldn’t like it.

“Anna, please.” She reached across the table and caught my hand, and it was difficult to tell her no, especially in view of how she’d stood up to Will.

My eyes met hers, and I caved. “I’ll do what I can… but, Lucy, you have to understand—”

“Oh, thank God!” She slid down and out of her seat then rounded the table to hug me. “Just think. One day we’ll really be sisters.”

I gave her a tight smile. Making that dream a reality was top priority for me, and I wouldn’t let Jack derail it because his life had gotten off track. I’d have to figure out a way to help Lucy and stay away from her brother at the same time.

It wasn’t going to be easy.

Anna’s Private Blog: Dead Week

Only two short weeks were left before the end of first semester. It had gone by so fast, and I’d spent most of it either studying too hard or pining for Julian. But somehow, knowing so little time was left, it was like a weight lifted off me. I thought of what Lucy said, and I wanted to see more of the city. I wanted to forget about all the stress and anxiety, and get out and explore.