Change of Heart (The Flanagan Sisters, #2) (26 page)

She didn’t waste time arguing. They left the bar. Carly was a little unsteady on her feet, but Hayden kept close enough to support her.

“Geez, Carly. Can’t you handle your liquor?”

“I can. It’s the heels.” She stepped into the elevator and kicked them off. Her balance was better already.

Hayden picked up her shoes and when the doors opened, he accompanied her to her office, helping her into a seat at her meeting desk.

“I need the computer.”

“I got it,” he said, sitting at her desk and switching it on. He started to type. “What’s the budget?” he asked.

“Unlimited.”

Hayden grinned and picked up the phone. In a very short period of time he organized a plane, plus helicopters either end to get her to and from the airport.

He put down the phone. “It’s arranged.”

Her stomach danced a jig of nerves. Was she doing the right thing? What if Evan didn’t want her there?

Carly pushed aside her fears. No matter what, she needed to show him she was there for him. If he didn’t want to see her, if this was his way of breaking up with her, then he could tell her face to face.

She deserved that at least.

***

T
he last thing Evan wanted to do was go to his younger brother’s engagement party. Not when his heart was still so sore. But it would be selfish of him not to go when Karl wanted him there. Just because his heart had been broken, didn’t mean that others couldn’t be happy.

He just needed to tighten all of his defenses, be pleased for the couple, and be ready to face his parents.

It couldn’t have come at a worse time.

He arrived in New York on Wednesday evening. It took him some time to find Karl at the airport as he hadn’t replaced his phone yet.

“Evan!” His brother gave him a man-hug. “I’m so glad you could make it for Thanksgiving.” Karl lifted his suitcase into the car.

Evan froze. He’d forgotten all about Thanksgiving. He forced a smile onto his face. “What do you have planned?” He opened the car door for McClane and helped him inside. The dog was a little subdued after flying for the first time.

“Not much. Mom and Dad are coming for lunch and then we’ll watch the game.”

Evan closed his eyes. He knew Karl meant well, but he didn’t need their negativity right now.

They chatted about what Karl had been up to on the trip back to his brother’s house in the suburbs. Karl had done well for himself. He’d bought a house, had a successful business, and was now marrying the woman he loved. Evan had met his brother’s fiancée, Sarah, once before he’d moved to Houston, and she seemed down to earth and nice.

McClane barked in the backseat. It sounded like he’d recovered from his flight. Evan got out, unstrapped McClane, and together they followed Karl inside.

In the living room. Sarah was sitting at a table, putting paper lanterns together and swearing under her breath. She was originally from Jamaica and her dark hair was restrained by a red scarf. She looked up and smiled.

“Hey, Evan.” She got to her feet and kissed his cheek.

“Hi. Thanks for letting me stay.” It hadn’t occurred to him until he was flying here that Karl might not want his older brother hanging around while he was newly engaged. Evan had made up his mind to see how things went, but he could always find somewhere else to stay if he was getting in the way. “What are you working on?” he asked Sarah.

“Decorations for the party. It completely slipped my mind with all the other preparations.”

“Need a hand?”

“Yes, please. The instructions make it sound simple, but they’re tricky little things.”

Pleased he could do something to help, he got to work.

***

T
he next day, Evan woke to the smell of turkey cooking in the oven. Thanksgiving. Briefly, he debated whether he could pretend to be sick and not leave his room, but he knew it wouldn’t work.

He got dressed and found Sarah and Karl in the kitchen cooking. He smiled at the domestic scene. “Need any help?”

Sarah glanced over and smiled. “You could peel the sweet potatoes.”

“Sure.”

Karl glanced over from the pot he was stirring and said, “Mom was really happy when I told her you were coming.”

Evan tensed. Mention of his parents was inevitable, but it didn’t mean he had to like it. “That’s a surprise.”

Karl sighed. “They treated you badly, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some kind of relationship with them.”

“Why would I want to?” They hadn’t believed in him at all.

“Because they’re your parents. Because one day we’re going to have kids, and it would be a hell of a lot more pleasant at family gatherings if I didn’t have to stress about you fighting on what’s supposed to be a happy occasion.” Karl was agitated.

Evan had never considered that Karl might feel like he was caught between them. Was it worth holding on to his grudge, if it hurt his brother who had done nothing? It was hard. That shield had protected him for almost ten years.
Could
he let it go?

“I’ll try.”

“Good.” Karl beamed at him. “You know, Thanksgiving has improved a lot since we were kids, but that’s probably because I cook the meal.”

His father had always grumbled about the cost, but instead of pointing it out he said, “That’s not saying much.
Everyone’s
a better cook than Mom.”

Karl laughed. “Amen to that.”

Evan smiled, pleased to see his brother happy. He would be on his best behavior when his parents arrived.

When the food was almost ready, the doorbell rang. Evan glanced at his brother. Karl’s expression begged him to be nice. Was he ready for this? He had to be. He wasn’t going to ruin the day for his baby brother, no matter what his own feelings on the situation were.

Sarah went to answer the door. Evan moved out of the small kitchen into the living room. He wanted space around him, wanted the opportunity to move if he needed to.

“Evan?” Karl wanted reassurance.

“I’ll
try
to be good.” He wasn’t going to promise a miracle.

The voices in the hall came closer. Evan braced himself.

His parents stepped into the room. They were older; his father’s hair had a generous sprinkling of gray and his mother’s face was more lined than he remembered. He had a moment to study them before they noticed him, and all conversation ceased.

“Evan,” his mother breathed. “You look well.”

He nodded. “Mom. Dad.” What the hell could he say? Nice to see you? That was a lie. “How are you?”

“We’re both very well.”

The child inside him wanted to say, look at me, see what I’ve done with myself, look at how much I’ve achieved on my own. Instead, he stayed silent.

“Helen, Powell, why don’t you take a seat?” Sarah invited. “Lunch is ready.”

Evan went into the kitchen to help Sarah carry out the food.

She gave him a sympathetic smile. “This really means a lot to Karl.”

“I know. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.” He took the bowl of salad she handed him, and then followed her back to the dining room.

His parents were seated on one side of the table and Evan took a chair opposite. Karl and Sarah chatted with his parents while he concentrated on eating.

“So, Evan,” said Powell, “Karl tells us you’ve got an exhibition in New York next week.”

“That’s right.”

“Where’s it at?” He laughed. “Or won’t I have heard of it?”

“It’s the Real Life gallery in Chelsea.”

Both his parents raised their eyebrows.

“Didn’t you used to talk about that gallery when you were younger?” Helen asked.

Evan blinked. He couldn’t believe she’d remembered. He hadn’t thought she’d listened when he’d come home from a day in the square and talked about the latest exhibition at Real Life. “I used to walk past on my way home from work,” he said.

“That’s right. You must be thrilled. I’m happy for you.” She gave him a cautious smile.

“Thanks.” He couldn’t quite believe his ears. His mother was happy for him?

“So do people actually pay ridiculous sums for your paintings?” Powell asked.

Helen glared at her husband. Trust his father to bring it straight back to money.

“I earn enough.”

“Not too much, I’d guess, if your brother had to pick you up from the airport.”

Evan refused to rise to the bait.

“A cab wouldn’t take McClane,” Sarah said quickly and handed her future father-in-law a bowl. “More salad, Powell?”

“That’s right.” Evan smiled at Sarah. She was trying to keep things polite, but she needn’t worry about his reaction. He wasn’t going to spoil his brother’s day. He would be civil.

“McClane? Who the hell is McClane?” Powell demanded.

Until now his dog had been sitting behind the sofa. At the sound of his name, he came trotting out.

“That’s McClane.” Evan nodded to his dog.

“Isn’t he the cutest!” Helen exclaimed, leaning over to give him a pat.

Evan frowned. He never would have taken his mother for a dog person. They’d never been allowed any pets.

“Expensive creatures,” Powell said, ignoring the dog entirely.

“Anyone for dessert?” Karl asked.

It was a very long afternoon. The conversation while they ate revolved around the engagement party, which avoided any further awkwardness. Then after lunch, they sat and watched football. Evan wasn’t particularly interested, but he did what was expected of him and cheered for the same team as Karl and Powell. Finally, his parents left.

When they’d gone, Karl said, “Thanks, Evan.”

Evan shrugged. “Don’t sweat it.” It hadn’t been as bad as he’d feared, but he did have an urge for some fresh air. “I’m going to take McClane for a walk.” He grabbed the leash, whistled for his dog, and headed out the door.

***

T
he engagement party was being held at a nearby bar. Evan wore his brown pinstriped suit and vowed to be on his best behavior. His parents hadn’t embraced him warmly, but he hadn’t wanted or expected that. His mother had been far more attentive than she’d ever been, and his father had barely changed.

He headed to the venue early with Karl and Sarah, so he could help them set up. As the guests filtered in, Evan was surprised how many people he recognized. Karl was still friends with almost all of his school friends and so there were guys Evan had known growing up. It was kind of surreal to see them all as adults. Then there were the family members – aunts, uncles, cousins, and his grandparents on both sides. He’d kept in touch with them a little over the years, though he’d never accepted any invitations where his parents were likely to attend. It was so great to catch up with the relatives, and they were all keenly interested in how he was doing. It was a nice change.

The party was quite a casual affair. After everyone had arrived, there were a few speeches and finger food was passed around. Toward the end of the night he was walking by his grandma and she grabbed his arm to stop him. She was talking to his parents.

“It’s so lovely that Evan is here, isn’t it, Helen?”

“It is.” There was that cautious smile from his mother again.

“Why didn’t you bring a date?” Grandma asked. “Are there no ladies in your life?”

His heart hurt. He’d made a concerted effort not to think about Carly. It was too painful. “Not at the moment.”

“That’s a shame. I was sure you would have married before Karl.”

“Who’s going to want a man who can’t provide for her?” Powell asked.

Evan’s control slipped for a moment, but he grabbed hold of it again. It was Karl’s night. His father’s comments couldn’t hurt him. It didn’t matter what his parents thought of him, or his work. He’d been holding out for their praise for far too long and he might never get it. As long as he was happy, as long as he knew the work was the best he could do, that was all that mattered.

The epiphany chased all of the tension from his body.

“Powell, that’s quite enough,” Helen said. “Evan seems to be doing perfectly well and he’s not once asked us for help. You need to let go of your resentment. Your son is doing what he loves.” She stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at her husband.

Evan’s jaw dropped. He’d never heard his mother speak so passionately.

She turned to him. “Ignore him, Evan. He’s just jealous.”

It was so ridiculous that his mother was defending him, that his father could be jealous, that Evan couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing.

“It’s hardly funny,” Helen said.

He didn’t bother keeping the incredulity from his voice. “You told me to go and not to come back. There’s no jealousy involved. But you’re right. I am doing well for myself and I am enjoying life.” He turned to go, but his mother grabbed his arm.

“I am truly sorry for the way we acted. We didn’t want you living the hard life and we thought ultimatums would prevent that. We were wrong.”

Evan had no words. He should say something, but nothing came out. His mother was apologizing to him.

“I’d . . . we’d like to come to your exhibition, if you’ll let us.”

His response was automatic. “It’s open to the public.” At the hurt on his mother’s face he added, “But I might have a spare invitation for opening night.” Karl was right. It was time he mended the fences, if only for the sake of his brother.

Helen positively beamed at him. “That would be lovely.”

Not quite sure how to deal with this sudden change in their relationship, Evan excused himself.

He needed a drink.

T
he Central American Refugee Symposium started at nine in the morning, and Carly was there with Carmen and Zita. She listened to the forums, taking in the latest research findings and was discouraged by the horrific standards of the detention centers. Why didn’t those in charge understand that jailing these people wasn’t the way to start a relationship with them?

At the lunch break, Carly called Hayden. She needed some positive news and she wanted to check the details of her flight to New York were confirmed.

“Sure is. The helicopter will be at the conference center at three. It will take you straight to the airport and your plane is scheduled to take off as soon as you arrive. There’s a shower on board, so you can freshen up and change. You should land in New York just before the gallery opens.”