It's Better This Way(71)

Brushing his fingers through his hair, Michael looked decidedly uneasy. “I guess. I thought, you know, that Dad was content to stay out of your life, especially now that you’re with Edward.”

    Lee nodded. “Yes, I suppose we would have both gone our separate ways if it wasn’t for Julia coming into his life. That changed everything.”

“And I suppose Julia is your newfound friend.”

“You just won yourself a Kewpie doll, son. You’re smarter than I give you credit for. He got that intelligence from you, Heath,” she teased.

Adam joined them, so that the only one keeping track of the game was Eddie. The popcorn started to pop when the doorbell rang a second time. Heath checked his watch and knew it was Julia.

“I’ll get that,” he said. “Lee, would you mind dealing with the popcorn?”

“Of course.”

Heath opened the door to Julia, who looked uncomfortable and wary. While this had been her and Lee’s idea, he knew Julia shared his doubts. Heath reached for her hand and gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze. “How’s it going?” she whispered.

“About what we expected. It’ll be fine,” he whispered, although he wasn’t sure this was going to end the way they’d all hoped. And this was only the first step in the women’s plans for reconciliation.

Putting on a bright smile, Julia headed toward Lee. “Oh good, popcorn.”

Putting on a show of affection, Lee hugged Julia. “I understand you all know one another.”

Michael glared at his mother and then at Julia. “We’ve met.” His words were clipped and unwelcoming.

Lee’s face fell with marked disappointment. “You should know that over the last couple weeks, Julia and I have gotten to know one another. She’s actually quite lovely.”

    “I don’t believe it,” Adam said, standing next to his brother. He crossed his arms. The two stood side by side and looked like bouncers guarding the outside of a popular nightclub, their expressions none too friendly.

“Then you’d be wrong,” Lee said, glaring at their sons. It appeared to be a practiced look she reserved for when they’d misbehaved as children. “That’s quite enough of this foolishness from both of you. Julia and I have set our differences aside, and I expect you to do the same.”

“But…”

“There are no buts about it. Heath loves Julia, and I heartily approve of their relationship. She’s a much better match for your father than I ever was. Furthermore, I refuse to allow you to be unkind or mistreat her. She deserves your respect the same as your father and I do.”

“Hey, what about me?” Eddie asked.

“And, of course, Edward,” she added. “Sorry, love, I didn’t mean to exclude you.”

Michael and Adam exchanged looks, as if all this was beyond belief.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” Julia said. “Still, we do share something in common.”

“It’s definitely not affection for your daughters,” Michael said under his breath, but loud enough to be sure he was heard.

Julia smiled, and Heath was grateful she didn’t take offense. “No, that would be hard for now.”

“Now or ever,” Michael returned.

“Michael,” Heath warned in a low whisper.

    “What we share,” Julia continued, “is that we both love and care deeply about your father. How crazy is it that we would find each other?”

Heath scooted behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed the top of her head. “In case I haven’t made it clear, I’m crazy about this woman,” he told his sons. “And, given the chance, I know you will come to love her, too.”

Julia looked from Michael to Adam. “Would you be willing to give me a chance?” she asked gently.

Michael looked to Lee. “You’re sure about this, Mom?”

“Very sure.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Michael shrugged. “I’m going to need to think it over. But no matter what I decide, I don’t want anything to do with either of your daughters.”

Adam agreed. “Ditto for me.”



* * *



—

Eric was late, which was a small problem with their relationship. He’d agreed to meet her in the lobby. They’d planned to spend the afternoon biking in Cal Anderson Park in the Capitol Hill area. She didn’t need to guess what had held him up. Eric had gotten absorbed in some computer issue with one of his accounts, and time had slipped away before he noticed. He was much better, though, and seemed to look forward to their outings. They’d been on several such adventures over the weeks. At first she was the one who made the suggestions. It was Eric who’d suggested the biking, once he learned she enjoyed riding these special trails around the city.

Rather than call, she decided to collect him herself, otherwise he might easily get absorbed in his work until it was too late. It wouldn’t take much for her to fall for this guy. What a contrast from Justin, who didn’t seem to find a job necessary. Eric was a workaholic in recovery. Since they’d started seeing each other, he’d been willing to let go of some of the control he held over a few aspects of his business. It was necessary if he planned to have a life outside of his condo. Only last week he hired an executive assistant and took on a CPA full-time to deal with payroll, taxes, and other issues he’d been handling himself, freeing up his time so they could be together more often.