I could tell she wasn’t done, and so I waited.
Colour crept up into Chloe’s cheeks. “But the truth is, Austin doesn’t know about you. Brendon did, of course. He knew everything. But I never told Austin. It wasn’t his business, and Brendon kept my secret. Now, I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave. Austin will be here any minute and I want to avoid any awkward questions.”
She pushed unsteadily to her feet and I was quick to offer assistance. Chloe accepted, a small smile playing on her lips. The sound of a car coming up the driveway put an end to that and she cursed, “Goddammit.”
A late-model Mercedes pulled into the townhouse carport, its male driver glaring at the three of us watching from the bay window.
Chloe squeezed my arm. “Do you mind putting the scrapbook back, please?”
“Of course not.” I did as she asked, then returned to take her arm, saying, “Tell Austin whatever you want about who we are. We’ll follow your lead.”
Chloe’s eyes shone with gratitude. She placed her hand over mine, the gentle touch rolling back the doors on far too many memories. “Thank you, Nick. And don’t forget to call me about tomorrow.” She glanced through the window and gave a weary sigh. “Buckle up, boys. Austin means well, but he can be a little intense.”
CHAPTER NINE
MADIGAN
Oh boy.The man making his way up the path to Chloe’s front door looked anything but happy to see two strange men standing there with his... deceased father’s partner. Quite a mouthful.
In his mid-forties, Austin was of average height, with short brown hair cut in a modern style, carefully groomed scruff, and thin, almost petulant lips. The lack of any grey I put down to design rather than genes, along with a remarkably wrinkle-free complexion that screamed Botox and fillers. Then again, what would I know? Gleaming white teeth, designer jeans, and a crisp white shirt completed the picture.
“Chloe? What’s going on here? Who are these men?” Austin’s shrewd blue eyes bounced between Nick and me, his gaze lingering on my hand, which rested around Nick’s waist.
Chloe leaned against the doorjamb for support as she introduced us. “This is Nick. He’s the son of someone I used to know a long time ago. And this is his partner, Madigan. Boys, this is Austin, Brendon’s son.”
Following Chloe’s lead, I took the pressure off Nick by offering my hand first. “Pleased to meet you, Austin.” I waited,and after a brief hesitation, he shook my hand. “We happened to be in Nelson, and when we realised Chloe lived close by, we took a chance and dropped by unannounced to surprise her.”
Chloe nodded enthusiastically. “It’s been wonderful to catch up.”
Austin didn’t look convinced, let alone happy about the explanation.
“That’s right.” Nick shook hands with him next. “Chloe was very kind to me as a young boy, but we’d lost touch over the years.”
Austin’s gaze flicked warily over the three of us, but it was hard to tell what he was thinking. “I’m sure Chloe was pleased to see you.” He sent her a pointed look. “Can’t say I’ve ever heard her mention you before, though. That’s fine, of course, but a call beforehand would’ve been appreciated. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve made sure to be here to greet you. Chloe is getting on a bit now, you know how it is. The memory isn’t what it used to be and she doesn’t handle surprises as well anymore. I’m sure you understand.”
“Nonsense,” Chloe snapped. “Don’t be rude, Austin. I’m perfectly fine.”
I wasn’t sure I liked the man’s tone or the lack of respect he showed in talking to Chloe’s guests in front of her that way. And in her own house, as well. Chloe certainly didn’t like it.
Beside me, Nick tensed, his hackles rising. Like it or not, Chloe was his mother, and he wouldn’t stand for any disrespect. I pre-empted his response with, “Of course. I have an aunt in her eighties and I understand, right, Nick?” I didn’t bother adding that Shirley would skin me alive if I dared talk about her as Austin had about Chloe.
Nick’s expression flattened to something between mildly irritated andwho the hell does this arsehole think he is, with a definite lean toward the latter. He ignored Austin and directedhis answer to Chloe alone. “I’m sorry if we disturbed you, Chloe, but thank you for seeing us. If you want to get hold of me, we’re staying at Primrose Cottage on the Ballantyne Wine Estate. We’ll be in town a couple of nights.”
She gave a crisp nod. “I’ll make a note. Thank you. And you didn’t disturb me at all.” She sent an annoyed look Austin’s way. “Contrary to rumour, I’m a long way from the grave yet.”
I almost laughed. It was such a Shirley thing to say.
Austin was clearly less amused, but he held his tongue.
Chloe patted Nick on the arm. “Keep in touch and let me know if you’re ever coming back this way. I don’t get out as much as I used to, and visitors keep me young.” She threw another look at Austin.
He gave a tight smile in reply. Almost like a warning. Then he drew a business card from his pocket and handed it to Nick. “I’d appreciate it if you went through me first. Chloe has good and bad days. On her bad days, she might not even know who you are.”
“Be quiet, Austin,” Chloe scolded. “I’m not so far gone that I need your permission to talk to a friend.” Then to Nick. “Ignore him. Call me direct whenever you like.”
Austin’s cheeks blew red and his jaw clenched, but he said nothing. I was liking the man less and less.
“We’ll talk again.” Nick held Chloe’s gaze, emphasising his next words. “I’ll make sure of it.” Then he smiled and kissed her affectionately on the cheek. Based on the conflict he felt over his mother, the gesture surprised me. I wondered if it was done more to piss off Austin than anything else. Regardless, Chloe grinned, making no attempt to hide her pleasure at Nick’s attention. And with a final nod in Austin’s direction, Nick led me down the path toward the Focus and we got the hell out of there.
