What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9) Read online

  Her lashes lowered. “Thank you. I have to admit, seeing you in a tux is pretty hot. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dressed up.”

  “Oh yeah? You think so?” His brows shot upward. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Probably one of his sisters looking for another favor. He decided to ignore it and continued to dance with Blaine.

  “You’re vibrating,” Blaine commented.

  “Nope. Not me. However, my phone is. And I’m choosing to ignore it. I’m dancing with this great gal and she deserves all my attention!” He should have turned the damn thing off.

  “Great gal, huh?” Blaine cringed, but the look faded in seconds.

  Concerned, Randy stopped. “What’s going on?”

  “It’s nothing,” she said quickly. Too quickly.

  “Damn it, Blaine. I don’t buy it.”

  She heaved a sigh. “I overworked myself. Hurt my back. It’s fine. I’m taking some muscle relaxers, but sometimes when they wear off, I get a little bit of pain.”

  “Hurt your back? How did you-?”

  “Randy, enough. Please?” Blaine never pleaded with anyone, yet she pleaded with him right then and there.

  He felt bad, even though he pushed out of concern. “I’ll leave it for now, but I’ll find a way to get you to talk,” he warned. When she came back a few months ago after her mother had been admitted to the hospital when her drinking spiraled out of control, Blaine had been easy to talk to. They’d connected. Randy still hadn’t told her how he felt about her, but he already had a feeling Blaine knew. She’d had a lot of her mind back then, and whatever happened when she went back to work must have taken a toll on her. She looked worn out. He’d wondered when she left if that was it. Blaine avoided coming home multiple times since she left all those years ago.

  Not the Blaine he knew. Did anyone know what was up with her? Jameson? Avery?

  “I don’t have a problem talking,” Blaine responded quietly. “Just not about certain things. I don’t want to think about work right now. I’m trying to do my best to stay relaxed.” She shot him a smile. Almost genuine.

  Randy held her a little closer. “Fair enough. You know I care, right?”

  “I do know.” Blaine leaned her head on his shoulder for another slow dance.

  His pulse quickened. Would she ever know just how much he wanted to be with her?

  His phone buzzed again, breaking the connection. Blaine raised her head from his shoulder, her eyes inquisitive. “Someone really wants to talk to you.”

  “I’m sure they do. Hold on a second.” Randy sighed, pulled his phone out and without checking the caller ID, turned it off. “There.” With a satisfied grin, he dropped it back in the pocket.

  Blaine’s blonde brow rose. “Looks like I’m not the only one not wanting to talk.”

  “When it’s the same old thing everyone wants, yeah, I’m all talked out,” Randy muttered, hoping that he didn’t sound to cross.

  “I suppose it wouldn’t be right to ask what’s going on if I’m not willing, huh?”

  “I’m sure we could work out some kind of deal.” Randy hoped she’d move closer in his arms again, but the slow song ended, replaced by something upbeat. Mood killer. Damn.

  Blaine had her attention on something else now. Randy followed her gaze. Maybe she was watching her mom.

  “You do know there’s no alcohol being served tonight. Lucas isn’t a big drinker, and I think he and Avery decided it was a good idea to just keep it out.” Maybe he should have waited to find out if that was why Blaine watched her mom. Too late now.

  She tore her gaze away and looked at him, surprised. “Really?”

  He nodded. So he’d been right. She was still wary of her mother. Not that he could blame her. “Yeah. Your mom’s been doing really well,” he assured her.

  Her tense features softened. “I hope so. I don’t want to lose another parent.”

  Randy curled his fingers through hers. “I know.” The loss of Mr. Grant took it’s toll on the entire family. Randy remembered childhood summers with the Grants and the Callimers. With them was where he always felt like he belonged. They didn’t rely on him to take care of their problems, unlike his own family. The oldest sibling and the only boy, everyone wanted him to set an example, be the one they could all rely on. His sisters all had their issues, especially Marsha.

  “I’ve been feeling so nostalgic, especially since coming back. I hate change, and there’s been too many of them.” Blaine focused on him again.

  “Change isn’t all that bad.”

  “Maybe not. Do you think everyone is really happy?”

  Randy led Blaine away from the dance floor so they could sit. Neither were in the mood to dance any more, and it opened up some time to talk. He sat across from her at a table. “Look at everyone. There’s a lot of happiness around here. Your mom is smiling again. She’s been spending a lot of time with the Callimers and even helping out at the inn. Jameson found love with Melody and they are writing a lot of music. Avery finally has the holes in her past filled. She still has a great relationship with her parents, and she’s close with Belinda. Look at her with Lucas and Emily. I admit, the past few years have been rough, but it’s finally falling into place. And hey, we’re finished with the demo and things could start turning around for the band. We’re going to get noticed! The question is, are you happy? You don’t seem it. I know you’re excited for everyone else’s news, but how are things going for you?”

  Her face fell, and she looked almost ready to cry. “They aren’t,” she whispered.

  “What do you mean? What’s going on?”

  She looked ready to bolt, and Randy wondered if she would even talk. “I’m home for good, Randy. My career, my … it’s done. Over.”

  He reached across the table to cover her hand with his. Now they were getting somewhere.

  Of course, fate stepped in. The speeches began, and there was no way for them to continue the conversation. Just when he’d reached Blaine, another interruption. Not that he didn’t enjoy listening to the best man speech from Jameson, or the maid of honor speech from Laura. There were some great memories they shared that had Randy laughing and reminiscing along with everyone else. They’d had some great times growing up and it was fun to relive them through the speeches.

  He just didn’t know when he’d have a chance to talk to Blaine again and find out her story.

  The next hour consisted of picture taking, the bridal bouquet toss, which Belinda caught, and cake. The reception wound down right after Lucas and Avery headed out for their honeymoon.

  “What are your plans for the evening?” Randy asked Blaine before she had a chance to run off.

  She shrugged. “A good book and a bath? I don’t know. I haven’t thought it through.”

  He opened his mouth to suggest they do something when Blaine reached in her purse. Her phone was going off. As she looked at the screen, her face paled. “Sorry, I should probably take this.” Without another word, she darted out the door, leaving Randy flabbergasted.

  “Is it just me, or is something going on with my sister that she doesn’t want us to know?” Jameson said from beside him.

  Well, that answered his question. Jameson didn’t know a thing either. Randy sighed. “I was hoping maybe she’d said something to you.”

  “Not a thing. According to Avery, she didn’t want to talk about it the other night either. Said something about how she didn’t want to bring everyone down with her stuff.”

  “And do you notice how she’s always rubbing her back?”

  Jameson nodded. “I don’t want to push her, but I’m worried. She wasn’t herself a few months ago, and she’s got that same reserved attitude now.”

  Jameson wasn’t the only one worried. Blaine was hiding something, and he hoped she’d tell someone soon.

  Chapter Three

  That night, Blaine sat in her car in front of Randy’s house, debating on getting out to knock. She’d started a conversation with him earlier and n
ever got a chance to finish. She owed him an explanation, but what she really wanted was for him to promise he wouldn’t mention anything to Jameson, or anyone else for that matter, until she gathered her nerve to do it herself. She’d have to, considering they would all wonder why she hadn’t left yet.

  There was nothing to go back to. That phone call from earlier proved it.

  Good thing she’d been traveling so much the last ten years, so she didn’t have that much to pack. It all fit in the trunk of her car easily.

  Heaving a sigh, she shuffled out of the car, up the driveway and stood on the porch. She rang the doorbell before she lost her nerve.

  If he didn’t answer within-.

  The door opened. “Blaine! Hey. Come on in.” Randy smiled, but she could tell he was curious. “What’s up?”

  She stepped in cautiously. “That conversation we had earlier. Is there any way you’ll forget it?”

  He leveled her with a long, hard look. “No.”

  “Didn’t think so.” Damn it.

  Randy closed the door behind her. “Blaine-”

  “If I tell you, just promise me you won’t say anything to anyone until I do?”

  “Fair enough. Want something to drink? Coke? Water? Something stronger?”

  “Water is fine.” She followed him to the kitchen, where he gestured for her to sit. She pulled out a swivel stool and settled on it.

  Randy handed her a glass of water with a little ice, just how she liked it, then sat on the stool beside her. She took her time sipping the water before she finally started talking.

  “I’m thirty four years old and have no idea where to go next,” she muttered. Okay, not the best place to start. That made her sound like an idiot.

  “Wherever you want.” Curious eyes stared back at her.

  Ha! Like it was really that easy.

  “I guess the question is, why is your career over?”

  She thought long and hard how to explain this one. “I’m burnt out. Overworked. I don’t enjoy it any more.” The passion had died a long time ago, but she fought hard to try and get it back. That only made it worse. Not to mention the jerk she worked with. He had a way of making everyone around him grouchy and miserable. If only she’d learned what she needed to know about him before getting romantically involved with the ass. Hindsight was 20/20.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been there,” Randy said quietly. “But it doesn’t mean your career is over. Take a break. See how you feel in a few months. You never know. That light might come back.”

  Blaine didn’t think so, but she nodded anyway, as if it were something to think about. “Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I think I need a back up plan.”

  He leaned over and touched her hand. “If I know one thing about you, it’s that you’re determined. You’ll find something. Take it easy for a while. Enjoy some vacation. Relax.”

  Blaine laughed a little bitter. “I don’t even know how to relax! I’ve been so wound up for years that I naturally feel like I waste time just sitting around!” She raised the glass to her lips again.

  Randy raised a brow, a sly grin spreading. “Okay. I can put you to work here. There’s plenty to do. I’m sure if we ask Jameson, he could find a few things. Oh, and the inn…”

  “I’m going to kick your ass, Randall Wayne Hughes!” He was such a smartass!

  “Uh oh, full names. Time to run!” Randy chuckled as he bolted from his seat. Blaine ran after him. She chased him all the way out the front door. Taking a good leap, Blaine jumped him from behind, throwing her arms around him and shoved. They both tumbled down in the grass.

  “Hell, woman! You still know how to tackle!” Randy gasped for breath as he rolled over. “There’s a career for you. Tackle football!”

  Pain shot up her back and Blaine realized she’d made a big mistake doing that. With a grunt, she tried to sit up without giving away how much it hurt. “And you still know how to drive me nuts,” she shot back playfully.

  “Took your mind off things for just a little while though,” Randy replied in a more serious tone. He climbed to his feet and held out a hand to her. Blaine kept her eyes on his face as he helped her up. Randy could be a pain in the ass, but he always knew how to help. “I hope that didn’t hurt your back even more.”

  “It’ll be fine. It was worth it to catch you off guard.” Blaine blew it off, hoping he’d leave it alone.

  “You always were a little crazy. Come on, we’ll go back inside and I’ll teach you how to relax.” He let out a laugh. “We’ll start off slow.”

  As Randy led the way back inside, Blaine rolled her eyes at his back, then smirked. In seriousness, it was nice that he wanted to help. They’d started a connection when she was here a few months ago. She’d known him forever. Back then, Randy had been a shy teenager, even hanging around Avery, Jameson and sometimes herself, he wasn’t one to talk a lot. What a surprise when she’d come home and Randy was more talkative and less shy.

  “So how’s your family?” she asked casually, hoping to bring the conversation more about him than her now.

  His shoulders raised and fell. “Still the same,” he said with a flat tone.

  “As in, you’re still the glue that holds everyone together, and you’re taking care of everyone else’s drama because you’re the oldest and the only male?”

  Randy sank onto the couch and scowled. “Pretty much. And if I mention the band and everything going on, they blow it off. It doesn’t help that my cousin’s wife ran out on him about a year ago, going on tour with a R&B singer and landing themselves in trouble. Their fourteen year old son has been living with Matt now, and he’s not dealing with his mother’s abandonment well at all.”

  Blaine sat beside him, shifting her position to face him, ignoring the throb in her back. “Ouch. That’s rough. So of course, they look down on your musical dream even more.”

  “Exactly. Ironic thing is, Matt still supports me. He hates the music roadie scene right now, but he’s the first to ask genuinely how Baby Stetson is doing.”

  “Takes a lot of class. I’m sorry the rest of your family doesn’t have a clue,” Blaine said softly.

  “I’ve learned to accept it. I can’t keep putting my dreams off for everyone else. There’s only so much I can do. Being the one expected to take care of everyone isn’t easy. My sisters need something and I’m expected to drop everything to be the big brother. The kicker? They’re all married and have their own families. They seem to only want from me and other than that, if I’m not around it doesn’t bother them. Marsha is the neediest one right now. She still struggles after becoming a mom as a teenager.”

  Blaine wondered if that was how Jameson felt recently. He’d been the middle man, the one that stayed home and took care of their mother after she lost it when Dad died. Her brother had grieved the most. Blaine only wished she’d known how much he’d suffered before she came back when things took an even bigger leap off the wrong end.

  Randy was about to say something when the doorbell rang. “Who could be here this late at night?” He leaped from the couch to answer it.

  Blaine half expected to see Jameson or Marty, but was surprised when a freckle faced young teen stood on the other side of the open door.

  “Andrew! What are you doing here? Is your dad with you?” Randy asked, his voice rising.

  “No, Dad’s not with me. I went to a party with some friends and things got crazy. Since I knew you were close by, I ditched them and ran over here. Please don’t call Dad.” The boy sounded a little scared. Was this his cousin Matt’s son, the one they’d just been talking about?

  “Have you been drinking?” Randy stepped back and let the boy in. Curious eyes met Blaine’s. She saw the fear and worry in the kid’s face.

  “Just a couple! I didn’t realize how bad it would be, I swear!”

  “Where does your dad think you are?” Randy closed the door. No, more like slammed.

  Maybe it was time for her to go.

  “With another friend.
”

  “And was that friend at the party with you? Did you leave him there?”

  “No! He’s only eleven. No way would I take him to one of these!” Andrew raised his hands to his head, rubbing his temples. “I think they gave me a stronger drink than I wanted. I don’t feel so well.”

  “Bathroom. Now!” Randy pointed, his eyes ablaze with fury, but Blaine could also tell he was worried.

  The kid bolted.

  “Maybe I should go.” She stood. Pain shot up her back again and she winced.

  “Please don’t,” Randy pleaded, noticing her look. “You did hurt yourself more.” He moved toward her.

  “You’ve got your family to worry about,” Blaine protested.

  “I could really use some company.”

  “Okay. As long as I’m not going to get caught in the middle of any family drama.” She’d had enough of her own, plus she didn’t want to be in anyone’s crossfire.

  “You won’t. Thank you, Blaine.” Randy headed toward the bathroom to check on Andrew.

  “You know I need to at least call your dad and let him know you’re here,” Randy told Andrew after he’d cleaned himself up and left the bathroom.

  His second cousin’s eyes widened round as saucers. “He’s gonna kill me!”

  Randy sighed. “Tell me, what if he were to call your friend and find out you’re not there? Your dad would be even more pissed, let alone your friend and his family would be in the middle of it. You made a mistake. They happen. Now it’s time to own up to them. Tell you what. I’ll tell your dad you can stay with me tonight and I’ll take you home in the morning. You have to face it eventually, buddy.”

  Andrew’s gaze lowered and he stared at something on the floor. “Okay,” he mumbled.

  Randy pulled his phone and made the call. “Hey Matt. Andrew’s here with me.”

  “What the hell? I thought he was with David!”

  Randy wasn’t sure who David was, but he filled his cousin in on the details. “I’ll bring him back in the morning if you want. He’s pretty upset and he does feel bad. It’s up to you.”

  Matt sighed on the other end. “I’m at my wit’s end. I get his frustration and pain, but this is really taking a toll. I don’t want to impose on you.”