“Oh, that’s nice,” her mother commented. “What kind of law do you practice?”
“A little bit of everything, really. I’m building a general practice in the Gold Coast area. I handle a lot of real estate, along with some bankruptcy and estate planning.”
“That sounds interesting,” said her mother.
Luke nodded. “It keeps me on my toes.”
“How old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?” Embry’s father pried.
“Thirty-one,” Luke answered.
“And do you usually make a habit of hitting on younger law students?”
“Dean!” her mother gasped.
“Dad!” Embry said at the same time.
The only indication that the question bothered Luke was the slight tightening of his hand on her thigh. He looked her father dead in the eye as he answered. “No, sir, I don’t make a habit out of picking up students at the law school. But as I’m sure you’re aware, your daughter is pretty special. After running into her on several occasions, I couldn’t help but want to spend more time around her.”
Embry’s father smiled and winked at Luke. “See?” He gestured toward Embry and her mother. “Good man. Honest answer.”
“Glad you think so, sir,” Luke responded.
“You can cut the ‘sir’ crap now, too, son. Call me Dean.”
“Okay, Dean,” he said with a smile.
Embry rolled her eyes and let out the breath she had been holding. Her mother did the same.
Luke helped Embry clear the table, and her mother began washing the dishes. Luke was heading out of the kitchen to keep her father company, but he spun around and looked at Embry, eyes wide.
“I almost forgot!” he said, reaching into his pocket for his keys.
“Forgot what?”
“I picked up a little something special.” He was grinning like a kid on Christmas.
“You did?” She couldn’t help but smile at his giddiness. “When?
“When you were in class the other day. I took a little day trip.”
“What? Where?”
“Be right back.” He twirled his keys around his finger and shot her a wink.
“Frustrating man,” she mumbled.
“He’s very handsome,” her mother whispered. “And he clearly adores you, honey.”
“You think so?” Embry grabbed a dishtowel and began to dry the dishes her mother had washed.
“I know so. The way that man looks at you, well … it’s the way your father looked at me when we first started dating.”
That made Embry smile. The majority of her friends’ parents were divorced, but her parents were happily married and going on thirty years. She always joked about how gross it was, but she hoped to find a love like that. One to last through years, tears, and fears, someone to share it all with. She didn’t want to think too far into the future—she knew they had a lot on their plates already—but she was starting to hope that maybe Luke could be that person.
“You seem so … happy.” Her mother was hesitant, as if she thought that pointing out Embry’s happiness would spook her.
Embry had kept her parents—and everyone else for that matter—at arm’s length since she left New York, but had she really kept herself so closed off that her mother was scared of pushing her too much? “I am, Mom.” She put down the dish she was drying and pulled her mother in for a hug. “I’ve missed you and Dad. I’m sorry I’ve been so distant.”
Her mother began to shake it off, probably about to blame it on school, but Embry saw something shift in her eyes, a decision not to brush it under the rug like they’d done for so long. “Whatever it was, we’re just glad to have you back, sweetheart.”
Embry had never wanted to tell her mom about Jack … until that moment. “Mom, I—”
Luke interrupted them, walking back in with a square bakery box in his hands. She’d recognize the logo on that box anywhere. He’d gone to the best pie shop on Long Island. People drove from far and wide just to get their pies for Thanksgiving.
“You didn’t!” Embry was completely stunned by Luke’s thoughtfulness.
Luke nodded. “I heard they’re the best. I took a ride out there to check them out.”
“What kind?” Embry pulled the box from Luke’s hand, set it on the counter, and pre-heated the oven.
He gave her a devious grin. “Guess.”
Before she had the chance, her mother opened the box. “Oh! Pecan pie! This looks delicious, Luke! Thank you!”
Embry rolled her eyes dramatically but couldn’t hide her smile. “Could you be anymore southern?” She loved how sweet he was but couldn’t resist giving him a hard time.
Celia pushed past her and set the pie in the oven. “Ignore my rude, teasing daughter, Luke. It was very thoughtful. Dean just loves pecan pie. Why don’t you go relax and we’ll get everything set in here.”
“Thanks, Celia.” Luke headed out of the kitchen, but as he passed Embry, he brushed his lips against her cheek. “I’ll show you just how southern I can get later, baby.” He left Embry in the kitchen with her mother, blushing furiously.
Embry and Luke snuggled on her parents’ big leather couch, sipping spiced cider and warming up in front of the fire. She was stuffed and content. Her parents seemed to like Luke, and he appeared comfortable around them. Her father and Luke had just begun a discussion about fishing spots when the doorbell rang.
“Did you invite someone over, Embry?” her father asked.
“You know I always extend an invite to Morgan, but she and Brett were going to spend time with their families. She told me she’d call if they were stopping by.”
Her father looked over at his wife, who sat quietly, awkwardly. “I’ll get the door,” he said, heading toward the front of the house.
Embry’s mother stood and smoothed her sweater, an uncomfortable look on her face. “I seem to have made a bit of a mess of things.”
“What are you talking about, Mom?”
Her mother gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. “Remember I left you that message a few weeks ago? You know, about Jack?”
Embry stiffened beside Luke.
“Well,” her mother continued, “I happened to run into his father in town, and I thought it would be nice for you to see him again. I didn’t know about you and Luke at that point, or that you’d be bringing him. I just got so caught up since then that I completely forgot …”
“Forgot what, Mom?” Embry said slowly, trying to control the tremble in her voice.
Her mother offered Luke an apologetic look before returning her attention to Embry. “I invited the Stowes to stop by after dessert.”
At that moment, Jack walked into the room, his gray eyes trained on Embry.
27
Embry went completely rigid. She literally felt the blood draining from her face. She was frozen, paralyzed. All of the air left her lungs in one big whoosh, and she fought to suck in another breath. He’s here. No, no, no, no, no.
He stood directly in her line of sight. She felt as if she were in an alternate universe. Things were moving in normal time around her—Jack’s parents exchanging hellos with hers, friendly chatter everywhere—but in her world, everything was suspended, stock-still. She stared at Jack, his intense eyes boring into hers. She had loved those eyes once. She’d loved everything about him. But none of those feelings were surfacing. All she felt was numb.
He was tall, handsome. His black hair was shorter than she remembered, but the smile on his face was the same. That was how Jack had sealed the deal. His charm and that smile. It was more dangerous than any weapon he could have wielded. It could tear her down or make her feel alive. She once saw the world in that smile. But in that moment, all she saw was hate.