“What’re you doing here?” His icy tone freezes me in the doorway but it’s not me he’s addressing, it’s his son.
“Now, don’t go getting all mad. I invited him.” The woman I assume to be Suds’ mother, steps to the bed and takes the older man’s hand.
“What for?” The angry gaze moves off from Suds and onto me.
No wonder Suds didn’t want me to meet them.
Suds holds forth his arm, the SEAL tat apparent. “Nice to see you, too, Dad. This here is my fiancé, Sam.”
A fifth wheel, I wave and smile but his dad doesn’t return it. “Sam. What kind of name is that?”
“It’s Samantha, dear.” His mother pats his hand.
Suds, however, growls under his breath. “Nice way to greet, her, Dad.”
His step mom holds her hand out to me and smiles a little nicer. “Don’t mind him none. He’s ornery because he hates hospitals. I’m Sue and he’s Dave. Lovely to meet you.”
We chat awkwardly about the weather, the upcoming elections, and taxes. I’m about to escape to find coffee when two young boys bound into the room.
“Uncle Sebby!” One, about ten jumps into his arms and he laughs for the first time today.
“Boys!” A female likeness of Sebastian gives him a tight smile as she enters the room. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
He shrugs. “Sue said Father wanted to see me.”
“I never said any such thing.” His father juts out his chin as if daring anyone to argue.
Wow. Talk about not pulling punches. Considering we flew all the way to North Carolina to see him, he could be a whole lot nicer.
Suds grabs his coat and nods at his small family. “Well, if y’all feel that way, think I’ll be goin’. Glad you’re feeling better, Dad.”
His sister taps him on the shoulder. “At least stay for dinner.”
“Nah, me and Sam will grab something at the motel, but thanks.”
“Don’t be silly, of course we’ll come.” I hold out my hand. “I’m Sam, Sebastian’s partner and fiancé.”
“Stephanie. I’m Sebastian’s older sister. I practically raised him until Dad married Sue-Ann.” Her grip is colder than her smile and the oiliness of her tone makes me want to wipe my hand on my jeans.
“Nice to meet you.”
Suds fumes, smoke practically coming out his ears, but family is family. He hasn’t been to visit them since we started dating. In fact, he’s hardly mentioned them more than a handful of times. Maybe, as an outsider, I can help reconcile them.
A nurse enters and waves us out the door. “I need a few minutes with our patient here and a couple of you need to go. Hospital rules, you understand. Thank you.”
I look to Suds’ sister to volunteer to bring the boys back downstairs. They’ve jumped on the bed, pressed the call button, and are now in the bathroom, laughing hysterically.
Sebastian tilts his head, grabs my hand, and makes a break for the door. “Best we be getting’ along. Nice to see y’all.”
“Dinner, Sebs. You do remember how to get there?” His sister grips his bicep and pleads with her eyes.
Two wet boys, grab his arms and pull. “Please, Uncle Sebby, Pleeaaaazzzzze.”
He kneels down and gives them both a hug. “If you promise to sit down on the bed, fold your hands, and behave until your momma is done visitin’ with Grandpa.”
“Scout’s honor.” The oldest holds up two fingers and the younger follows suit.
“Good. C’mon Sam. Time to go.” Back in the car he closes his eyes with his forehead on the wheel, then turns to me. “Why in God’s name would you agree to have a meal with those people?”
