“I was actually wondering if you might be able to stop over later today. There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
Josh squeezed the back of his neck.Like why my girlfriend was on your doorstep two weeks ago? Or just exactly how your son came to work for the uncle he didn’t know he had?
“Hello?”
“Uh, yeah. I’m still here. Can I ask what this is regarding?”
“I—I really prefer that we talk in person, if you don’t mind. Would one o’clock work? I know it’s short notice. I can give you my address. We live on the southwest side of Wilmington.”
“I know.”That’s not creepy at all.“I mean, Will’s address is on his application. One o’clock is fine.”
“Okay. Good. I’ll... I’ll see you later, then.”
“See you later.” The call ended.
What had just happened?
Josh paced to the other side of the patio and back. She hadn’t seemed angry, but then again, he didn’t know her. If she’d connected Ethan and Josh, she must believe he’d hired Will knowing he was Josh’s nephew. And while that wasn’t entirely accurate, it was true enough.
If Robyn was as skittish as Maggie had portrayed, she couldn’t be happy about the turn of events. About the way Josh had invited Will into his life without divulging his identity. From her perspective his actions would seem underhanded. Sneaky.
Josh could only imagine the kind of protective feelings a mother might have over such sensitive information. Maybe Robyn had put it all together and would beg Josh not to tell Will about Ethan. That would put Josh in a terrible position. He couldn’t keep this discovery from his family. And once he told them, there was no way they wouldn’t insist on meeting Will, on being in his life—if that’s what the young man wanted.
Josh’s thoughts, still whirling, spun in an entirely different direction.
Maybe Maggie’s visit had scared Robyn into telling her son the truth. That might be how she’d come to mention Ethan’s surname—and then Will would’ve connected the dots. Reynolds was a commonname, but Will was a bright kid. He would’ve gotten on the internet. He would’ve had to look no further than social media to find Ethan’s Facebook page—and Josh listed as his brother.
That was probably it. Josh’s duplicitous motives for hiring Will would’ve been revealed, which could’ve upset them both. But this scenario was much preferred over being asked to sweep the whole thing under the rug.
He glanced at his watch. Only five minutes had passed since he listened to the voice mail. Now he had three and a half interminable hours of waiting and wondering ahead of him.
By the time Josh knocked on the Jenningses’ door, it seemed as if three and a half decades had passed since his call with Robyn. He’d twisted himself into all kinds of knots, and now his empty stomach churned because he’d forgotten to eat.
The door opened and a woman appeared. Robyn Jennings couldn’t have been much over five feet tall. She looked much like the photo they’d found online—an attractive woman with blue eyes and dark blonde hair flowing to her shoulders.
Her lips tilted in a strained smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hi. You must be Josh.” She opened the storm door, allowing him entrance.
“You’re Robyn. Pleasure to meet you.” He stepped into the small foyer, taking in the space. Original wood flooring, tasteful rugs, and throw pillows gave the home a warm, lived-in vibe. The savory scent of bacon, mingling with something sweeter—maple syrup?—reinforced the feeling.
Robyn twisted her hands. “Won’t you come in?”
He followed her into the living room, where a recap played of lastnight’s season opener between Notre Dame and Boston College. “Is Will home?” The answer to that question would reveal a lot.
“He’s in his room, but I’d like to—” Her gaze darted back toward the door. “Excuse me, please. Would you like something to drink? I have sweet tea and, well, water. Unless you’d like a glass of milk.” A flush swept up her neck.
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
“Please have a seat.” She dashed away before Josh could tell her what a good worker Will was. He’d intended to open with that. He lowered himself onto the puffy beige couch.
The sound of a car engine reached his ears, growing louder. Then it shut off.
They had company. This was getting more intriguing. He’d know soon enough what was going on. He tried to focus on the game, which had been a blowout in favor of the Irish. But even his favorite team couldn’t distract him from what was about to happen—whatever that was.
Voices drew his attention toward the entry hall. He blinked at the woman who appeared.
Maggie jerked to a stop.“Josh.”
He popped to his feet. “Maggie.” He tore his attention from her only long enough to get a read on Robyn—a pointless endeavor.
