“No. It was a metaphor. He wants someone to stand next to him so he isn’t alone to battle demons he doesn’t always want people to know he has.”
She found that odd. “Arik has been clear about this weekend. He’s warned me he doesn’t get along with his father and why. The same with his mother.”
“Did he ever tell you the meaning of his name? Why he’s named after his father but it’s spelled differently?”
“No,” she said. “I was curious, but it hasn’t come up yet. I just recently found out his father’s name was Erik.”
“Well, my son was adamant that his son was going to bear his name. My daughter-in-law felt everyone should have their own identity. Which I agree with. They fought, the compromise was spelling it differently. To this day, Arik’s mother insists it was the first and only compromise she gave to the marriage and she was damn glad of it.”
“That’s not a happy story to attach to your name. I mean, he told me things could get out of hand today, but I guess I didn’t understand.”
“Who knows what can happen or will? Got to be prepared for anything.”
“I believe I’m going to meet someone named Brandi today?”
Sophie grinned. “The appalled look on your face says it all. I don’t know what is going on with you two.”
“Neither do I.” Which wasn’t a lie.
“But whatever it is, you’re here by his side when he needs it.” Sophie patted her hand and stood. “I only care about Arik’s happiness. He can handle all the other nuisances life throws his way.”
“I’m positive he can.”
“And it seems as if you’re a pro at it too. Don’t judge him too harshly by what you might witness today. He’s not like the rest of them.”
“I’ve got no reason to judge or compare. I like the man I’m getting to know more of each day.”
“If you make it through this weekend without running from the room in frustration, you might just be the one.”
Oh, crap.
She didn’t want anyone thinking along those lines.
“I’m not sure how to reply.”
“No reply needed. Your frightened face says it all. You’ll keep Arik on his toes and sometimes I think he needs that the most.”
15
INTERESTING RIDE
“Do you have any grill marks on you?” Arik asked twenty minutes later.
He’d been surprised when his bedroom door opened, and Natalie was standing there smiling.
“I don’t know,” she said and did a twirl for him. “Do you see any? These sleeves catch on fire quickly.”
“You look just as perfect as you did earlier. Not even flushed cheeks or anything. My grandmother can be harsh.”
“She wasn’t light on me,” she said.
“And she wouldn’t let you give practiced answers either.”
His grandmother would have seen right through someone who flawlessly crafted all their replies.
His grandfather had been an attorney, just like his father. Sophie Crest was used to bullshitters.
“She didn’t. I think it went well. No worries that she is seeing through things with us.”
