Page 5 of Lahaina Noon (Modern Legends of Dragons & Shadows #1)

Chapter 5

B ridget was comfortably ensconced in her favorite ratty t-shirt and shorts, a glass of wine in hand, watching TV when Gabriel walked in the door. “Honey, I’m home!” she called out in anticipation of his confusion. She heard the thump of his backpack and the slap of his oversized feet on the tile as he ran to the living room.

“Mom?” he asked slowly and quietly, as if she was some figment of his imagination. He looked like he was afraid she would disappear if he breathed too hard. “Why are you home? Are you okay? Are you sick? Are you hurt? Do I need to call Uncle Jack? Or Aunt Jorrie? Mom!”

He rushed over, flinging out his words rapid fire. He patted her shoulders to reassure himself she was in one piece.

“Calm down, baby,” she laughed softly, touched by his concern, “I’m fine, absolutely fine, never better, in fact.” She saluted him with her wine glass.

“But why are you home before six and already into the wine?” he asked suspiciously.

Pfft, already , she thought as if she did it so often. Okay, so maybe she did have a glass after a hard day at work. Maybe two. And yeah, most days were ‘hard’ if she really thought about it. Okay every day was hard when working for Major Payne. Speaking of, “Well baby, I’m not working anymore.” She watched his face for signs of alarm or concern, maybe even a little panic. She had been trying to decide how to break the news since she finished her crying jag in the driveway.

He completely surprised her, breaking into a giant grin and shouting, “Hell yeah! It’s about time you dumped those jackasses!”

She sat up quickly, “Gabriel Patrick Ridgeway!” she snapped. Nothing said you mean business like using a full name. “Language, young man!”

He laughed at her fury. “Sorry, Mom, but you know you hated working for Major Payne in the Ass!” He danced backwards out of her reach.

“Where did you hear that name?” she demanded, then smacked her forehead “Uncle Jack. I should have known. He’s behind this, isn’t he? Well, regardless, I didn’t dump their asses, they dumped mine. Major Payne surprised me today at my presentation and made a fool out of me. She did it in front of an audience because that’s how she rolls.” Bridget watched her son’s face darken with anger.

“That bitch!” he grumbled. “Sorry, Mom, I know language , but come on! You know I’m right! Where was Uncle Jack? Why didn’t he do anything?” he demanded with the injustice of a teenager who knew life had been more than a little unfair to him. Losing his father at a young age was certainly a battle his peers had not fought.

What a sweet boy being so outraged on her behalf. “Uncle Jack was there, honey, but there wasn’t much he could do. He doesn’t work there. If it makes you feel better, I did have to talk him and Aunt Jorrie out of slashing her tires in the parking lot.” She ruffled his hair in the way she knew he hated, but she had done since he was little. It was a sign of how upset he was that he didn’t lean away.

“Honey, you know we are going to be okay. We still have plenty of money left over from the settlement fund. I really don’t need to work right away, but you know I hate being in the house all day,” she reminded him.

“I know, Mom. I just hate they were so mean to you. You worked so hard for them; you didn’t deserve it! Besides, I know you shouldn’t be left unsupervised for too long.” Gabe eyed her craft room door with unease.

“Hey!” she slapped him playfully on the arm. “I’ll have you know those blankets were super comfy once you got past the lumps!” She grinned at him and was relieved to see he grinned back at her.

“I’m pretty sure Aunt Jorrie and Uncle Jack are coming over after work to commiserate with me, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk about the ‘bitch’.” She got up and started towards the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, “Tacos, okay?” knowing the answer was never no.

Bridget was in the kitchen shredding the last of the cheese for dinner when she heard voices at the door before the bell heralded the arrival of her squad.

“Gabe! Get the door, would you?” she called out. No reply. “Gabriel!” she called again, using her mom voice. Still no answer. Rolling her eyes, she set the grater down and walked to the door to let Jorrie and Jack in. “Sorry for the delay. Gabe must have his headphones on again. Playing in a tournament, I’m sure! ”

She was enveloped in a cloud of blonde hair and squeezed within an inch of her life. “Air. Breathing. Not. Overrated!” she gasped, patting Jorrie on the back.

“Sorry, sorry!” Jorrie let her go and jumped back.

Bridget laughed; Jorrie was certainly an enthusiastic hugger.

Jack chuckled behind her and slid past, calling over his shoulder, “If you’re done assaulting the love of my life, let’s get in the kitchen. I have margaritas!”

“I thought Darren was the love of your life!” Jorrie challenged him.

“Only when he’s around!” Jack trilled as he pranced down the hall.

Bridget and Jorrie giggled and followed him back to the kitchen, where they found him bent over in the fridge.

Jorrie sighed. “You know Jack, I’ve always said that fine ass was wasted on you. Dump Darren and run away with me instead!” she reached over, pinched his butt, and ran around the island.

He squealed and gave chase, making Bridget howl with laughter.

These two truly were her best friends. She had loved Jack from the moment Brian had introduced her to his older brother. Jack had grabbed her, thrown her into a dramatic dip, and begged her to leave his brother and be with him instead. He’d kissed her soundly on the mouth before winking roguishly and giving her back to her then-boyfriend. She’d been in her junior year of high school, and this was well before he’d come out. She had laughed then as she laughed now and knew Jack was doing his best to fill up the hole in her heart left when Brian died. She really had gotten the better end of the family deal in the marriage. Jack was the brother she’d always wanted and never had .

They had met Jorrie in college and the four had quickly become inseparable. They studied hard, partied harder, and had memorable trips together. They had all been each other’s shoulders to cry on. Jorrie had been her maid-of-honor at her wedding, although Jack had campaigned hard for the honor. He had resigned himself to being best man for his brother instead. Jorrie had been her other rock when Brian had passed.

Jorrie walked out of the kitchen, calling out, “Gonna let the Rutabaga know dinner is ready,” as she walked to Gabe’s room. There were a few blissful seconds of quiet then shouting as Jorrie no doubt pounced him, probably tickling him mercilessly. Thank goodness her best friend and the love of her life got along so well. They had a special bond and were always trying to get one over on the other.

“Aunt Jorrie’s trying to kill me!” he shrieked from his room.

“Okay, as long as there’s no forensics to prove it. Dinner’s ready!” she called back.

“Rutabaga.” Jack mused. “I’ve never understood why she calls him that.”

“To annoy him.” She turned to Jack to ask him to set the table when she saw his face had lit up with alarm.

He looked at the clock, then back at her. “Girl! It’s almost seven!” he said in a panic. “You don’t have your face made up, your hair is still in a pony, and I’m sure you haven’t dusted off anything to wear!” He ran to her bedroom like his ass was on fire.

She followed slowly. “Aren’t you forgetting something? Vaughn doesn’t know where I live; how is he supposed to pick me up? I’m sure it was just a pity ask. He probably got outside and thought, thank goodness I don’t have to deal with her anymore,” she said ruefully.

Jack stared at her as if she’d suddenly started speaking in tongues. “Honey,” he started slowly. “That man most certainly wants a piece of you. He asked me all kinds of questions about you during the project. Things that weren’t related to work. He’s interested in more than a business deal. Also, he absolutely has your address. He sweet-talked me into giving it to him two weeks ago. Even if he didn’t, he’s Vaughn Drake! He knows everything about everyone! He’s got a lot of information easily at his fingertips. He knew where you lived. I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t want you to get in your own head. Now, I’m telling you this because I love you, but go get your perky butt in the shower and do something with that hair! I’m going to pick out your outfit.”

He turned towards the closet, then back, reaching over and gently pushing her mouth closed. “Shower. Now!” he clapped, shaking her out of her stupor.

She turned and rushed to the bathroom without even thinking it through.

“Squee!” Jorrie squeaked in an octave that shouldn’t be heard by humans.

Bridget removed her hands from her ears, sure she could hear the neighbor’s dog barking. Then again , she thought, that doofus barks if the wind blows too hard .

“You look ah-mazing!” her friend sighed. “That man is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you. Who knew you were hiding such a hottie under those baggy clothes! ”

Bridget wasn’t so sure about that. “Are you sure about this outfit? It seems a little… revealing,” she muttered, trying to pull up the neckline and then had to pull down the hemline. “What if he just wants to go to Chili’s? I feel really overdressed.” she fretted.

Jorrie rolled her eyes and spritzed some Chanel on her neck. “Seriously, Bridge, Vaughn Drake? Some chain restaurant? No way, that man is going to wine and dine you and then hopefully have a little Bridget Ridgeway for dessert!”

“Jorrie!” Bridget said with a horrified expression. “I am not a first-date kinda girl! In fact, I’m not an any-date kinda girl!”

Jorrie looked at her with a serious face. “No one since Brian?” she asked quietly.

Bridget shook her head. “No,” she whispered.

“Honey, you used to be the life of the party. We used to have to peel you two apart all the time because you and Brian went at it like rabbits every chance you got. I understand why you took some time off, but it’s been so long. You’re a beautiful woman and you don’t even remember it. Quit second guessing and get back to that fiery red-headed siren you used to be. No wonder you have so much tension built up! You and Vaughn have been circling each other nonstop for the last six months. You want him. He wants you. You’re both consenting adults. Time to be a bad girl and let that inner slut loose, don’t you think? Brian would understand and want you to move on. Live a little. Get you some.” Jorrie smiled wickedly.

Bridget gave her some serious side-eye then her face softened. Jorrie was right. Ever since Brian had passed, she had certainly turned into a shell of her former self. She knew that Brian would encourage her to move on as well, but it had been hard. No one had piqued her interest that way until now. She gave a soft sigh that made Jorrie grin.

Whenever she saw Vaughn, or thought about him, her insides were full of butterflies, and she grew warm in places she’d thought long dormant. She was about to respond, when she heard the doorbell. She grabbed Jorrie’s hands and squeezed hard, “OHMYGOD. He’s here!”

Something large and smelling faintly like gym socks came flying into her bedroom. Gabe stared at her in confusion. “Mom,” he said softly, “You look beautiful! But Uncle Jack said you’re going on a date? With a man?” his eyebrows quirked up.

“Well, yeah, a man, Rutabaga,” Jorrie retorted, “Who do you think she dates, Bigfoot?”

Gabe snorted at her, then looked at his mom again, “Yeah, Mom doesn’t date . That’s the issue. And it’s about dang time!” He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re the best mom ever in the whole world, and you deserve someone who can make you happy,” he whispered.

Bridget felt her eyes tearing up as she squeezed him tightly and laid her cheek on his. He was so tall now! “Thank you, baby,” she whispered back. “You’re the best son ever.”

Jorrie leaned over and pried Gabe out of her arms. “As much as I hate to break up this Kodak moment, there is a very hot man waiting to take your momma out for the evening, and I don’t think we should keep him waiting. Also, if you mess up her makeup, I’ll kill you both,” she threatened laughingly.

Gabe stepped back, crossing his arms. “Just who is this guy anyway?” he demanded .

Jack leaned into the room, “The guy is standing in your front hallway waiting for your mom to come out and join him in the very nice Rolls Royce out front.”

Jorrie turned to look at Gabe, and they looked at Bridget. “Ooh, a Rolls!” they said in unison, then snickered at her pained expression.

Gabe gathered himself. “Well, as the man of the house, I need to meet this guy!”