“You will not,” Cherise bossed. “They’re grown men. I haven’t enjoyed this much excitement in a long time. Oh, there goes my boy, he’s rolling up his sleeves. He means business now.”
“Oh, geez,” Scarlett muttered.
“The Rocker man took a step back. He’s listening now. See, he has some common sense. If he didn’t, my Ty would’ve wiped the floor with him by now.”
“I don’t want them to fight. Rocker’s got a hot temper,and I imagine my late-night phone call put him on edge,” Scarlett explained, biting her lip.
“Nope. I think it was Ty hearing you call him a friend that did it. It’s only my opinion, dear. I know you can’t see, but you’ll need to pay a bit more attention to your surroundings,” Cherise gently chastised her. “My son seems besotted by you. You appear comfortable around him, too. Putting him in the friend category will surely backfire on you. I suggest you get yourself out of hot water without involving your friend.”
“How do I do that? I didn’t ask Rocker to show up here,” she exclaimed.
“We’ll sit and have a civilized conversation and let those boys simmer down. This might provide some entertainment. Stay here,” she ordered.
“Ty, invite your friend inside. I’m Cherise Bradshaw, Ty’s mother,” She said to Rocker. “You must join us for brunch. My son made a lovely spread while we entertained Scarlett. She mentioned you served with her. Thank you for your service.”
Scarlett listened intently.
“Thank you, ma’am. I came to see Scarlett,” Rocker said, sounding a bit uncomfortable.
“Come right on in. She’s at the table finishing her quiche. Ty, grab another plate and scoop out some of those lovely potatoes and beef tips for Rocker.” They moved into the kitchen and toward her.
Scarlett smiled, hoping to put Rocker at ease. “Hi. You’ve got to try this Caprese salad. It’s so much better than the stuff Parrot made us.”
“May I speak with you alone?” Rocker asked on edge.
“Not until you sit and have a bite to eat while it’s still piping hot. I’ll help my son with the dishes while you two have a pleasant visit. Scarlett said you flew here. I hope you didn’t have a long flight. I detest waiting atthe airport. The security lines get longer and longer, and flights get delayed almost every single time.”
Ty dropped a bowl in front of Rocker and sat. The tension at the table could be cut with a knife.
“No ma’am. The flight went by fast. Security at the airport seems laughable,” Rocker grumbled.
“Right? I said the same thing. Half the time, TSA agents get distracted by passengers bringing in items like sealed bags of chips or candles made from sand. I imagine they put up with a lot of shi—I mean bull from a lot of entitled passengers. It’s not a job I’d relish,” Ty spoke up.
“Me, either. It never fails, I get stuck in a line with someone who can’t find their ID, doesn’t want to remove their shoes when the scanner goes off, and has six kids they can’t control,” Rocker said, relaxing.
“Or the person who wants to argue about taking a pocket knife on board after they read seven signs leading up to the scanner,” Ty chimed in.
Rocker shook his head. “Exactly. Dang, these taste good. Don’t you own the restaurant in town?”
“I did. With the fire, I’m temporarily shut down,” Ty said, his voice sounding calmer.
“I apologize for not recognizing you. I worried about Scarlett after hearing about what happened,” Rocker said apologetically.
“He looks different without his chef’s jacket,” Scarlett quipped.
“You’re wearing a nice-sized black and blue necklace there, Sassy Pants,” Rocker chimed in.
“I let down my guard. I thought Sledge returned home,” Scarlett confessed.
“We’ll talk about this later,” Rocker said. “May I have a slice of quiche?”
“Of course,” Cherise said, passing it to him. “Do you likelemon cake? Ty made an entire cake to send home with me. Will you help me eat it?”
“You won’t have to twist my arm, ma’am,” Rocker said.
“Ty made me a chocolate lava cake. I think he’s found my kryptonite,” Scarlett said, finishing her meal. “How’s Sledge?”
“He’s tired and weak but seems worried about you. This team doesn’t seem to have a clue about what they’re doing,” he muttered.
