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

  “It’s fine, really,” Randy assured him. Matt knew how his parents and siblings wanted him to do this or that, and never wanted to step over any boundaries. The thing about Matt was that he didn’t ask for help. Out of all of his family members, Randy got along with Matt the most.

  “Okay. He can stay. I’m glad he at least went to you.”

  “That’s kinda what I was thinking. Want to talk to him?” Randy noticed Andrew’s eyes go wide again.

  “If he wants to talk to me, I’d like to say hi.”

  Randy covered the phone. “Want to talk to your dad?”

  Andrew looked like he was going to decline, but held out his hand for the phone after some hesitation. As he talked to his father, Randy went to find Blaine. Did she leave? She wasn’t on the couch any more. As he rushed toward the front door to see if her car was still parked outside, she stumbled out of the kitchen. “There you are,” he said softly.

  “Here I am. Sorry. I went for my water.” Blaine held up the glass as to offer proof.

  “I thought you left.” He was relieved she hadn’t.

  “Not yet. I can hang out a little longer.” Her hand moved to her back again, then she moved it away quickly.

  Was she trying to hide the pain?

  “Blaine…”

  “It’s fine! I just took a muscle relaxer!” She sounded edgy.

  What the hell did she do to her back? What had happened to her in general? Randy wanted some answers. “Just now?”

  She nodded.

  “I hate the idea of you driving after taking one of those.” With Andrew here too, he’d have to make some arrangements for sleeping, but he wasn’t about to let Blaine drive after taking one of those pills.

  “I don’t have another choice!” She set the glass down on the coffee table.

  “You have plenty. You could stay here for the night. Or we can call Jameson and have him come get you, if you really want to get home that badly.”

  That must have triggered something, because Blaine sighed. A long, deep drawn out sigh. “We are not calling my brother.”

  “Then I guess it’s settled. You can stay here.”

  “But-” She gestured over at Andrew, still on the phone with his dad.

  “Nope, you can’t use him as an excuse. I know stubborn runs in your family, but not tonight, Blaine. I’m worried about you.”

  “Randy? I’m done with your phone.” Andrew held his hand out.

  “Everything settled?”

  Andrew sighed. “As much as it can be. I really am sorry. I think he’s pretty pissed.”

  “You know he worries about you. Your dad loves you. We all hate to see you struggle.”

  “I’m not struggling. I don’t miss Mom any more! If she wants to be with someone else and forget us, then why should we care?” Andrew snapped. He folded his arms across his chest and sank down on the recliner.

  Blaine sat up a little straighter. “You know, I felt like you did once,” she said to Andrew.

  “You had a mom that ran off with some famous dude?” Andrew’s tone was disbelieving.

  Randy sat beside Blaine, interested in where she was going with this.

  She shook her head, sadness flashing in her eyes. “No. See, a year and a half ago, my dad died. My mom started drinking heavily and for a while, through my own grief and struggle, I felt just like you. I wondered, why should I care if my mom didn’t? She had two grown children who needed her, and she abandoned us.”

  She’d felt like that? Not that he or anyone in her family would have known, because Blaine had stayed away. Jameson took the brunt of caring for their mom and it took it’s toll on him. Well, everyone grieved differently. Maybe Blaine couldn’t handle it, and had stayed away instead of being selfish like everyone thought.

  “Turns out, that wasn’t it. My mom needed my brother and I more than ever. Just because we felt like she didn’t care doesn’t mean we should have given up on her. I did, and I regret it. It wasn’t until the final blow that I came home and dealt with it. I realized I let my brother do everything and that was wrong. My brother was barely hanging on. I know it’s not the same as what your mom did, but just think about it. You and your dad should have a united front. Don’t push everyone away because you’re angry at your mom. You don’t even have to listen to me, but I just wanted to offer up some of my experiences.”

  Andrew seemed to think long and hard about it. “Who are you, anyway?” he finally asked.

  “I’m a friend of Randy’s. I haven’t been home in a long time.”

  “She’s Jameson’s sister,” Randy said.

  “Oh! I know Jameson. I love it when he shows me some chords on the guitar. Your brother is pretty cool!” Andrew finally smiled.

  Blaine chuckled. “Yeah, he’s not half bad.”

  Blaine’s words must have had an effect on Andrew. His somber attitude changed, and he was more social and talkative until he finally decided to go to bed. Randy told him to sleep in the spare room.

  “Hey, Randy?” Andrew’s sleepy voice called.

  He stopped at the door. “Yeah?”

  “Thanks for everything. I’m glad I came to your house first.”

  “Any time, Andrew. But next time, let’s make it for good reasons. What do you say?” Andrew and Matt may have needed his help, but at least they were grateful about it.

  “Good idea. Night.”

  “Night, buddy.” He closed the door quietly and went back to the living room with Blaine. He found her leaning back, her eyelids half closed. “You look like you’re about to fall asleep.”

  With a startled gasp, Blaine opened her eyes. “I guess I was.” She grinned sheepishly.

  “Why don’t you take my bed tonight? The couch isn’t going to be comfortable if you have back pain. I think Marsha might have a few of her clothes here from the last time she had a fight with her husband, so I can give those to you to sleep in.”

  “Kay. Thanks,” Blaine mumbled.

  He’d definitely made the right call to not let her drive anywhere. Forget the change of clothes. He’d just help her to bed and let her sleep it off. “Come on, you. Let’s get you comfortable.” Randy eased Blaine to her feet, holding on so that she didn’t fall.

  “I could just stay there,” Blaine protested.

  “Trust me, it’s not comfortable. You’ll thank me in the morning.” Randy wrapped his arm around her and led the way to his room.

  “Is that what you say to all the pretty girls?” She giggled. Yeah, she was way out of it. He could tell by the tone in her voice. Blaine was loopy.

  “There’s only one pretty girl I’d ever want to say it to in that way,” he shot back, knowing full well she wouldn’t remember this conversation in the morning.

  “Oh yeah? Is she cuter than I am?” Another snort. Wow, muscle relaxers had one weird ass effect on her.

  “Depends on the day,” Randy teased, finally making it to the room. “Nah. You’re always the prettiest.”

  “That’s not what Frederic said.” Her tone sounded sad.

  Randy froze. “Who’s that?”

  “The asshole I worked with. The man who ruined my life and career.”

  He helped Blaine lie down. Taking off her shoes, he realized he shouldn’t ask any more questions when he knew she was out of it and didn’t really want to talk in the first place, but he couldn’t help himself.

  “What did he do?”

  Blaine was already content under the covers as he set her shoes beside the bed.

  “He took everything from me. Brought me down. I hate him. I don’t know why I ever married him.”

  Hold up, what? Did she just say married?

  He racked his mind to think of any clues he might have missed when she’d been here last November. Nothing came up. Blaine was good at hiding things, and now that she was so out of it, she probably didn’t realize just how much she’d let slip out. Tomorrow morning would make for interesting conversation. No way could he let this go.

  Ch
apter Four

  Blaine woke up to a pounding headache and pounding on the door. “Ugh, Jameson! Why are you bothering me this early?” She threw the covers off and shot out of bed in an unrecognizable room that was not her own. Oh, that’s right. She wasn’t at the house. She’d stayed over at Randy’s since he insisted after she’d taken the muscle relaxer.

  “I take offense to that!” Randy called from the other side of the door. “I’m nicer than your brother is in the morning.”

  “That remains to be seen. What time is it?” Blaine grumbled, opening the door.

  “After nine. Good morning, sunshine.” Randy flashed her a smile.

  “No, you’re definitely not nicer than Jameson. He would at least let me have my coffee before showering smiles everywhere.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

  “Ouch. Shot down for being a morning person!” Andrew called from the living room.

  “Here’s my suggestion.” Randy touched Blaine’s shoulder. “Go back to bed, and climb out on the other side. Then you’ll have woken up on the right side of the bed this morning.”

  “Seriously? You’re getting better with your comebacks!” Blaine shook her head and shoved playfully at his hand. “That was almost funny.”

  He grinned. “I learned from the best.”

  “No way. I haven’t been around often enough.”

  “Then maybe you aren’t the best. Now come on, what do you say we grab some breakfast. My treat? I have to take Andrew home. You’re welcome to come along for the ride.”

  “Yeah, come along! You keep Randy in check. I love it!” Andrew piped up.

  “Hey, kid. Watch it. No one keeps me in check.” Randy rolled his eyes, making Blaine crack up.

  “Oh, I’m not missing this fun. Give me a few to clean up and I’ll be ready.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Randy pulled up in front of Roadrunner Café. Walking inside, the scent of pancakes, coffee, and orange juice wafted her senses. On cue, her stomach growled. As they settled in a booth, Blaine noticed a familiar figure a few tables away.

  Her mother. Sitting with a man she didn’t recognize. Blaine stiffened.

  “What’s up?” Randy asked from beside her.

  “Who’s that with my mom?” she nearly whispered, pointing in their direction. She watched as the man leaned over and Mom laughed, their heads close. Dread crept in her gut. Was her mother dating?

  “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him before.” Randy reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze.

  She wondered if Jameson knew anything about this. Part of her wanted to stalk over there and find out what the hell was going on.

  “Do you want to go say hi?”

  “No. I’m watching.” Blaine felt like an idiot. Good thing distractions came along, the first one being their waitress. For the next few minutes, she studied the menu and ordered, sill peering over at her mom and the man. Her heart did a flip flop when she noticed them sharing a kiss. “She’s dating,” Blaine whispered. Dad died a year and a half ago. Mom had so much going on. Was dating the best thing for her?

  Oh good grief, now she was debating with herself about her mother’s love life?

  How come she hadn’t said anything at Avery’s wedding? Or better yet, why didn’t she invite him? Unless–

  Unless he was a man from her rehab program. Maybe she was falling back in her old ways. Maybe she was ashamed. Maybe–

  “Blaine! Did you want coffee while you wait?” Randy snapped his fingers in front of her face until she snapped back to reality.

  “What? Oh, yeah. With cream and sugar,” she replied, keeping her gaze focused on her mom. The kiss ended, and she could hear her laughing.

  Dating. Her mom was back in the dating pool. Okay, she was a grown adult, but Blaine wasn’t sure how she felt about that. At all.

  “If she’s dating, that’s good, right? She won’t be lonely.” Randy reached for her hand again.

  “I know that, but…” I miss my dad. I miss my family. I miss what used to be.

  “Remember what you told me last night?” Andrew fiddled with his straw wrapper. “About united fronts? Maybe that’s what you need to do now.”

  Blaine stared at him. “Using my own words of wisdom back at me, huh? I like you, kid.” She cracked a smile, trying to ignore the pang in her heart from yet another change.

  “I like you too, but I’m hardly a kid.” Andrew rolled his eyes.

  “We’ll see about that.” Blaine smirked.

  She watched as her mom and the mystery man slid out of their seats. Blaine sucked in a breath as their eyes met. Mom waved and she hurried over.

  “Morning!” Mom said cheerfully. The guy had followed and stood by her side. “Blaine, I’d like you to meet Chet. He’s … a good friend. Chet, my daughter Blaine.”

  She watched as the two exchanged warm smiles. Good friend her ass.

  “I hear good things about you, Blaine. It’s nice to finally put a face with the name. Your mother is a lucky woman to have you and your brother.” Chet shot his hand out. In an effort not to be rude, Blaine shook it. He seemed nice enough. His smiles and reactions were genuine. Still, she wondered who he was.

  “So good to meet you,” Blaine managed, unsure what else to say.

  “Will I see you later at the house?” Mom asked, finally meeting her stare again.

  “Yeah. I’ll be back a little later. I’m going to do a few things with Randy, then I’ll be by in the afternoon.”

  Her mother finally nodded at Randy as if she’d just noticed he was there. “Good to see you, Randy.”

  “You too, Mrs. G,” Randy replied.

  Okay, she’d just talked to Randy like she never saw him yesterday. Blaine narrowed her eyes, searching her mom’s face for any sign she’d had a setback. She couldn’t find a thing.

  “We’d better go.” Mom leaned over to hug Blaine. “I’ll see you later.” Then they were gone. Blaine peered out the window. Both her mother and Chet climbed into one vehicle. So they’d come here together. The question was, why?

  “How odd,” Blaine muttered, finally snapping back to reality just as their orders were brought to the table.

  Matt waited for their arrival on the front porch. Randy noticed him pacing and when he pulled up the drive, he stopped and watched them.

  “Dad doesn’t look happy at all,” Andrew muttered.

  Randy said nothing, just turned off the engine and stepped out of the truck. “Morning.”

  Matt nodded in response. “Thank you for keeping him for the night.”

  “It was no trouble. He knows he did wrong.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad. I wasn’t trying to cause trouble this time,” Andrew piped up, finally making his way over.

  Matt sighed. “I know, Andrew. You did good. You knew when to stop and I’m glad you went to Randy.”

  Another set of footsteps indicated Blaine was right behind him. “Matt, you remember Jameson from the band? This is his sister, Blaine. I don’t know if you remember her.”

  “Vaguely. Been a long time.” Matt forced a smile and said hello to Blaine.

  “It really has. I don’t remember you that well, either,” Blaine replied. “Either way, nice to see you.”

  “I bought breakfast for Andrew this morning,” Randy informed his cousin. “He’s well rested, so I guess we’ll leave you to talk.” The ride home would give him a chance to bring up what Blaine said last night.

  “Randy. Thank you, seriously. I don’t know how I can ever thank you for everything,” Matt said. “I know you’re always dragged in the middle of everything and I’m sorry.”

  “Me too.” Andrew hugged him. “Thanks for being cool.”

  Randy chuckled, returning Andrew’s hug. “I’m not always cool, but glad you think so. Go talk to your dad, okay? Next time I see you, I hope it’s for better reasons.” He nodded at Matt, sending him a look that told him it would be all right.

  As he and Blaine piled back up in the truck, he watched the two head inside. He hop
ed things would get better for them.

  The first ten minutes or so, Randy debated on how to bring up last night’s blurt. Did Blaine remember? Would she have said something if she did, or just hoped that he’d forgotten? Well, it was best to just get it out and over with.

  “Last night, you said something that I want to ask you about.” There. He’d said it.

  “Oh? What, did I tell you how much of a pain you are?” She laughed.

  “Actually, I’m being serious. We were joking around and then you said something I don’t think you meant to.” Might as well just be honest and tell her. “You said something about being married to Frederic, and that he ruined your life and career.”

  Blaine gasped. The color drained from her face. “Damn stupid muscle relaxers! Randy-”

  “I won’t say anything to anyone, but I’d really like to know what’s going on. You came back here last year quiet and reserved. I know a lot of it had to do with your mom, but I knew something was up with you. You being here now always having back pain, but you don’t want anyone to know anything. What’s going on, Blaine?”

  She squirmed in her seat. He could only guess she wasn’t comfortable with having to fess up. “Even when I don’t mean to, I’m good at just saying stuff, huh? It seems to always happen around you.”

  “Married?” Randy repeated, still disbelieving.

  She let out a long, drawn out sigh. “Yeah. I know life isn’t meant to have regrets, but there’s one I’ll never be able to take back. We’re divorced finally, but it’s not even officially over. He’s drawing it out, I hate that man! He calls me all the time, wondering when I’m going to return and then makes threats. I mean … why would he even think after I divorced him that I’d work with him again?”

  “Is he why your career is over? What, since you divorced him, he’ll blacklist you or something?”

  “No he’s not the reason. Well, kind of. I think I’m burnt out because of him, but it has to do more with we were always working. No fun, no breaks. Even at home, he treated me like an assistant. At one time, he showered me with praise, but I think that was just him trying to win me over to work with him.”