Trinity Falls (7 page)

Where did that leave him? “I guess you really can't go home again.”

“That depends. What's your definition of ‘home'?”

“What do you mean?”

“‘Home' is what you make of it. You left Trinity Falls to make your home in New York. Now you're back. If you don't know what you want in a home, you'll never find one.”

Ean watched Megan walk away. She was right. If he didn't know what he wanted, he'd never find it. But what did he want?

CHAPTER 9

Ean sat at the dining-room table Thursday night, staring hard at his mother's boyfriend. Most people would find it hard not to like Leonard George. Ean wasn't most people. As a high school quarterback, he'd thought his coach had been great, second only to his father. Now that the man was dating his mother, he didn't like him at all. He drained his glass of iced tea, wishing the beverage was a cold beer and the evening was over.

“Why don't we relax in the living room while we enjoy our desserts?” Doreen's smile seemed forced.

Tension returned to Ean's neck and shoulders. He'd thought the evening would end after dinner. He'd been wrong. Ean carried the serving tray of Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownie, which his mother had made for dessert. He dutifully followed his mother, Leonard and Megan into the living room. A surreptitious glance at his watch showed the time to be seven-thirty. How much longer would this event last?

Doreen and Leonard sat, thigh to thigh, on the dark pink love seat to his left. He avoided looking at their linked hands. Megan had chosen the overstuffed armchair and ottoman opposite the matching sofa, on which he'd settled.

“This brownie is fabulous, Doreen.” Megan speared another forkful of the dessert.

Leonard's laughter forewarned another joke. “It must have been great growing up with a mother who baked like this. But it's a good thing you played football, otherwise you would've gotten fat.”

Ean lifted his gaze to find Megan's encouraging smile. He wouldn't have made it through the evening without her. “You're right.”

Leonard gestured toward him with his fork. “You look like you kept up your training. Did you work out in New York?”

His former coach had been asking let's-get-reacquainted questions all evening. How had Ean enjoyed Georgetown University? What was his favorite part of attending law school at New York University? Ean would have been fine with those questions—if he wanted to get reacquainted with his coach. He didn't.

“I still run and lift weights.” Ean felt Megan's eyes on him. Was she remembering their jog through Freedom Park? He'd never forget it.

Doreen glowed with pride. “He attended Georgetown on an academic scholarship.”

“I remember.” Leonard smiled a little too long at Doreen.

“Of course you do.” Doreen touched Leonard's arm with too much familiarity.

Leonard finally seemed to remember he and Doreen weren't alone. “Ean, maybe you could come to a couple of Heritage High games.”

The silence in the living room was absolute. Everyone seemed to be holding his or her breath, waiting for Ean's reaction. Tension drilled down his neck. Dinner with Leonard in the company of his mother and Megan was bad enough. Attending the coach's football games would imply he approved of Leonard's relationship with his mother. He didn't.

“Maybe.” Ean stretched forward, setting his empty glass on the serving tray. Hopefully, Leonard would forget his invitation.

But the idea had been planted and Leonard was persistent. “The kids would get a kick out of it. You're a legend at the school. You conquered Trinity Falls. Then you conquered New York.”

What was his former coach talking about? “I didn't conquer anything.”

“Yes, you did.” Leonard insisted. “It'll be fun for you and the kids. And it'll give us a chance to get reacquainted.”

Ean's gaze dropped to Leonard's fingers intertwined with his mother's. The coach appeared to make Doreen happy. He wouldn't get in the way of that. But their relationship didn't mean he and Leonard had to be friends.

He spoke with finality. “Coach, I'm not making any plans right now.”

“Call me Leo.” Leonard's smile wavered. “I understand. You just got back to Trinity Falls. You're settling in, trying to get back into the community.” He stood as he checked his watch. “It's late.” Leonard helped Doreen to her feet.

She frowned at Ean before cupping the side of Leonard's face. “Thank you for coming, Leo.”

Leonard's good humor was restored. “It was fun, Dorie.”

Ean stood from the sofa, fearful that his dinner might come back up. He gathered the dessert plates and empty glasses onto the serving tray, and turned to carry the load back to the kitchen.

“I should be going, too.” Megan's voice carried from across the room.

Ean looked at her over his shoulder. “Wait for me. I'll walk you home.”

“It's only three blocks, Ean. I'll be fine.” Megan crossed to kiss Doreen's cheek and give Leonard a hug.

Doreen took the tray from Ean and gave it to Leonard. “Leo and I will handle the cleanup. I'd feel better if you took Megan home.”

“Sure.” The evening had taken a turn for the better. Was it getting out of kitchen duty or the prospect of being alone with Megan, even if it was only for three blocks?

Megan accepted her purse and navy coat from his mother. “Thanks again for dinner and dessert, Doreen. They were both delicious.”

Ean stepped forward to help Megan with her coat.

“Thank you.” She gave him a long, slow blink and the world slowed down.

Ean came out of his trance. “You're welcome.”

In silence, he followed Megan through the front door and down the steps. The early-November night was cool with a brisk, late-fall breeze. A deep breath brought the scent of moist earth and the advent of winter. Sidewalks were lit only by their neighbors' porch lights. Halloween decorations were still on display a week later. They hung next to the sesquicentennial banners.

It was so quiet here. Ean enjoyed the silence and the comfortable presence of the woman walking beside him. No honking horns, emergency sirens, blaring television programs or driving rock music. He could hear himself think.

“Do you suppose your mother's making out with Coach Leo, now that we've left?”

Megan's question drew a mental picture Ean could do without. “I'd rather not think about it.”

Her soft laughter blended into the evening. “I was just joking.”

“That's not funny.” Ean resisted the urge—just barely—to wrap his arm around her waist and draw her closer to him. “Thank you again for coming. Your presence really did make a difference.”

“You're welcome. You did well.”

He basked in her praise. “Until the end of the evening.”

Megan's throaty chuckle strummed across Ean's abdominal muscles. “Leo can be a little pushy.”

“That's a nice way of wording it.”

“Don't worry.” Megan patted Ean's arm. “Well, at least not until he shows up on your doorstep next football Friday night.”

Ean felt her warmth even through his coat sleeve. He ached with the desire to press her hand to his arm.

“Let's change the subject.” Ean put his hand on Megan's shoulder. He dropped it when he felt her tension through his fingertips. “I'm sorry. I forgot that you don't like to be touched.”

“It depends on who's doing the touching.” Her voice was wry. “How's Ramona?”

Ean smiled at her pointed question. “She's your cousin. You tell me.” He looked both ways before they crossed the street.

Megan forged ahead, picking up the pace. “Don't play games, Ean. Have you two gotten back together?”

“I've only been home a couple of weeks.”

“So?”

“
She
left
me
six years ago, remember?”

“Still, you probably should have invited
her
to dinner at your mother's house tonight instead of me.”

Ean again recalled his mother's comment:
“It may surprise you to know that Ramona isn't my first choice for you or my second. Or my tenth.”

“I don't think so.” Ean shook off the memory. “By the way, I enjoyed watching you stand up to Ramona.”

Megan's gaze flew back to his. “When did I do that?”

Ean's brows knitted in confusion. “During your store's Halloween costume party. You made her take responsibility for hiring Stan. Not one of her better ideas.”

Megan gave him her slow blink. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” Why did she seem surprised by what he'd said?

She was silent, seemingly lost in her thoughts until they arrived at her home. What was on her mind?

“Thank you for walking home with me.” Megan led them up the winding walkway to her front steps. She'd left her porch light on.

“It was my pleasure.” And he meant it. He'd enjoyed the sound of her laughter, her gentle voice and serene silences.

Megan lifted her winged brows above her chocolate eyes. “You may not be as pleased if Ramona finds out you escorted me home.”

“She'd rather I let you walk by yourself at night?” He stood only an arm's length from her. It wasn't close enough.

Megan chuckled as though he'd said the silliest thing she'd ever heard. “You must have forgotten how possessive Ramona can be.”

“She broke up with me.”

“But she's not done with you.”

Ean held her gaze. “What if I was done with her, Megan?”

“What do you mean?”

He knew of one way to clear up her confusion. He stepped forward and lowered his head to hers. Megan's eyes widened and her mouth parted in surprise. Ean touched the tip of his tongue to her top, then bottom lip. They were soft and sweet. He laid his mouth on hers and swept his tongue inside. Megan trembled against him. Ean wrapped his arms around her to comfort and reassure. The feel of her body in his embrace—even through the layers of clothing—drew a primitive response from him. He was man. She was woman. His body shook in reaction.

Megan pushed away from him. She mounted the bottom step before facing him. The boost in height put them at eye level. “That was a mistake.”

Not to him. “Why?”

Megan started to respond, then seemed to change her mind. She turned and climbed the steps. “Good night, Ean.”

He caught her wrist to stop her. Her pulse fluttered beneath his thumb. “Tell me why you think my kissing you was a mistake.”

“You think Ramona stayed in Trinity Falls because she broke up with you?” Megan whispered the question.

“She did.”

“You're wrong. She'd always intended to go back to you.”

When Megan turned to leave this time, Ean let his hand fall free. Not because he wanted to, but because she'd caught him by surprise.

He remained on her walkway until Megan entered her house. When he heard her lock her door, he began the return trip to his home.

Ramona had intended to restart their relationship? Interesting. Maybe things would have been different six years ago. But he didn't have feelings for Ramona any longer. What would it take to convince her of that? How could he convince Megan?

CHAPTER 10

Ean wished he'd never agreed to this Saturday evening dinner with Ramona. It had started badly and was skiing downhill at Olympic speeds. She'd wanted to go into the city to dine at a fancy chain restaurant, but Ean had disagreed. He hadn't seen the point in driving for more than an hour for a meal. Besides, he wanted to try the local restaurant, Trinity Falls Cuisine. It had been under construction when he'd been home for his father's funeral in February. Ramona's terse responses as they sat in the comfortable booth conveyed her displeasure with his decision.

Ean studied the menu. “What do you recommend?”

“I wouldn't know.” Her response was pitch-perfect disdain.

He raised his gaze to Ramona. Was she warm enough in that low-cut, tight black minidress? Her straight black hair hung past her shoulders, framing her impressive breasts.

Ean frowned. She hadn't even glanced at the menu. “Have you eaten here before?”

“Of course not.”

Why wouldn't she have eaten at this restaurant? It was new and in the heart of their community.

“New businesses mean more employment opportunities. As mayor, don't you think you should try them at least once?”

“No.”

It was going to be a long night.

Ean took in the restaurant's beige-and-gray stone walls and wood trim. The lighting was low, giving the place a romantic ambience. He still noticed the other diners looking hastily away. So it hadn't been his imagination. People were staring at them. The town's prodigal son had returned home and was out for the evening with his high-school-sweetheart-turned-town-leader. He should have anticipated the stares.

A movement toward the front of the restaurant caught his attention. Ean froze. The hostess was leading Quincy and Megan to a nearby booth.

Impulse lifted him from his seat and prodded him to call across the aisle. “Quincy.”

“What are you doing?” Ramona came to life, hissing like an angry tigress. She glanced over her shoulder, then faced forward, squeezing her eyes shut.

Quincy turned toward Ean's voice. His expression stiffened when his gaze dropped to Ramona. Megan looked around, too. She seemed surprised—and dismayed?—to see him.

Ean waved them over. “Join us.”
Please.

For the second night this week, he hoped the company of friends would defuse an uncomfortable dinner.

“I don't want them here.” Ramona roasted him with her glare.

Quincy and Megan consulted with each other. Megan shook her head twice in response to whatever Quincy said. Finally, the young hostess led the couple to Ean and Ramona's booth.

Quincy must have met Megan right after the bookstore closed. What were they doing here together? They couldn't be on a date. The idea threatened his appetite.

Megan carried her navy coat over her left arm. She wore a dark gray sweater dress. The color wasn't appealing, but the material traced her slim curves and ended just below her knees. Her dark, wavy hair floated around her shoulders.

Ean waited until the hostess left before speaking. “What a coincidence, running into you tonight.”

“Not really.”

He ignored Ramona's sarcasm and moved over to give Quincy more room.

Megan sat beside her cousin. “I thought you said you'd never eat here.”

Ramona's scowl darkened. “This wasn't my idea.”

Quincy opened the menu and studied its contents. “Refusing to eat at a perfectly good restaurant just because it's in your backyard is nonsensical.”

Ean's eyes widened. He didn't think anyone had ever spoken so dismissively to Ramona before. A ghost of a smile softened Megan's lips. Ramona's scowl deepened.

Ean addressed his friend. “I take it you've eaten here before.” He meant to divide his attention equally between Megan and Quincy, but his gaze lingered on Megan.

“Several times.” Quincy sounded preoccupied.

Then why are you studying the menu as though you've never seen it before? And have you always come together? Are the two of you dating?
Ean wouldn't ask those questions—even though he was frantic for the answers.

“What would you recommend?” Ean kept his gaze on Megan's bent head.

The differences between Megan and Ramona were even more pronounced as they shared the booth's bench seating. Both women were lovely, but in different ways.

Everything about Megan was understated in comparison to her cousin. She was quietly elegant, with conservative clothes, lack of makeup and minimal jewelry. In contrast, Ramona's expertly applied makeup and thick gold jewelry gave her an exotic appearance.

Megan looked up and her gaze locked with Ean's. She hesitated before answering. “I like their chicken Parmesan. What about you, Quincy?”

His friend peeled his attention from the menu. “I like the New York strip steak and steamed vegetables.”

Ramona's grunt was far from ladylike. “If you want a New York steak, you should go to New York.”

Quincy met Ramona's gaze without expression. “It's typical of you to criticize something you know nothing about.”

Ean stared at Quincy. What was the cause of his hostility?

Ramona leaned into the table and hissed, “I know what a New York steak tastes like.” She turned on Ean. “Tell them.”

“Ramona.” Megan's low voice was a request.

Ean ignored Ramona's command. “Both recommendations sound good. I'll go with the steak, though. I've already had chicken this week.”

Ean gave Megan a quick glance. Did she remember their dinner—and the kiss they shared? She looked away. The blush rising beneath her honey brown skin said she did.

Their server arrived to take their drink orders. She appeared young enough to be carded, but must have been a student at Trinity Falls University. Everyone ordered iced tea, except Ramona, who wanted white wine.

Ramona leaned back into her seat. She looked from Quincy, who was diagonally across the table from her, to Megan on her left. “Are you two dating?” The question was tinged with sarcasm.

Ean stilled. He needed to hear the answer. But wouldn't Quincy have said something to him? Wouldn't Megan have mentioned it Thursday night?

“Are you and Ean dating?” Quincy's response didn't relieve Ean's worry.

But why was Ean concerned over whether one of his best friends was dating his ex-girlfriend's cousin? He wasn't concerned. He was jealous.

Ramona held Ean's gaze. A secretive smile curved her lips as she answered Quincy's question. “I don't know whether or not we're dating again. It depends on whether I can convince Ean to return to New York with me.”

Ean wasn't playing this game. “That's not going to happen, Ramona.”

Quincy shrugged. His response was swift and satisfied. “It sounds like you have your answer. You're not dating.”

Ean frowned at his friend. In high school, Quincy had barely spoken two words to Ramona. That had been bad enough. But now his friend wouldn't stop attacking her. Why?

“Are you really staying in Trinity Falls?” Megan's question redirected the tension.

Ean met her gaze. “I wouldn't have come back if I didn't intend to stay.”

He wasn't dating Ramona and he was staying in Trinity Falls. What did Megan think about these things?

Their server delivered their drinks, then offered to take their orders. Ean and Quincy ordered the steak. Megan requested the chicken Parmesan. Apparently, she wasn't opposed to eating the same thing several nights a week.

Then the young woman asked for Ramona's order.

Ramona glared at the menu. “Did you get this salmon fresh?”

“Yes, ma'am.” The young woman stood with her pen poised above her notepad.

“How fresh?” Ramona's questions snapped out with a speed and ferocity that would catapult a criminal prosecutor to fame.

“I—I'm certain it's fresh, ma'am.” The server seemed taken aback by the cross-examination.

Ean studied Ramona, her tense posture, her strident voice, her lack of eye contact with the server. Had she been this arrogant in high school?

“You don't sound certain.” Ramona's eyes remained glued to the menu.

Megan turned to her cousin. “Ramona.”

“What?” Ramona snapped the word. “Why are you always whispering my name? That's so annoying.”

“Stop it. You're making a scene.” Megan spoke through clenched teeth.

Ramona rolled her eyes, then addressed their server. “Are you certain the salmon is fresh—”

Ean interrupted the exchange. “Ramona, she answered your question.”

The server's pen began to shake above the notepad. “We get all of our seafood fresh, ma'am.”

“Stop calling me ‘ma'am.'”

The young woman's eyes grew large. “Yes, m . . . yes.”

Quincy's sigh was long and loud. “Mona, do you want the fish or not? If you want it, for the love of God, order it or I'll order something for you.”

Ean sat back in his chair. No one had ever spoken to Ramona that way in her life. Of that, he was certain. Even Megan did a slow blink at Quincy's outburst. He prepared himself for the fireworks.

Ramona erupted like Vesuvius. “My name isn't ‘Mona.' Don't—”

“People are starving in Third World countries while—”

“—call me that!”

“—you cross-examine our server.”

“And you wouldn't dare order my meal!”

Quincy narrowed his gaze. “Test me.”

Ean glanced at the nearby tables. People didn't seem to realize he was there any longer. All eyes were on Ramona and Quincy. Considering the circumstances, that wasn't an improvement. Apparently, Megan felt the same. Her cheeks were bright red and she stared at her glass of iced tea as though it could transport her away.

Ramona shoved her menu toward the server in a dismissive gesture, but saved her glare for Quincy. “Get me the salmon. And it had better be fresh.”

“Yes, m . . . yes.” The young woman took Ramona's menu, then fled the scene.

Ean was certain the outburst would be all over Trinity Falls before he, Quincy, Megan and Ramona left the restaurant.

Megan sat up in her seat and rubbed a hand over her hair. “Now that we have
everyone's
attention, perhaps we can try to act as though we've eaten in formal restaurants before.”

Ramona expelled an affronted gasp. “This wasn't
my
fault.”

“Nothing ever is.” Quincy turned to Ean before Ramona could respond. “So you're here to stay. And what are you going to do?”

Ean took a drink of his iced tea. “Find a job.”

He didn't know what bizarre phenomenon had changed his best friend into his sworn enemy. But he was in danger of losing his appetite if Quincy and Ramona continued to act out their hostility.

“What do you want to do?”

In response to Megan's question, Ean shrugged. “For now, I just want a job. There are several companies nearby. I'll apply for work in their legal departments.”

Ramona sipped her wine. “You had a job in New York.”

“New York wasn't home.” Ean set his glass on the table.

Ramona laughed. “Do you really think this town can keep your interest this time?”

Ean shifted his attention to Megan and held her gaze. “Yes, it can.”

Megan dropped her gaze.

There,
Ean thought,
Ramona and I are done.
He glanced at Quincy. But what was his friend's role in Megan's life?