Page 145 of An Engagement for Erica

“And neither do I,” his grandfather said back firmly. “But you did it anyway. You came home when I didn’t ask you to.”

“Yes,” he said. “You did.”

“No,” his grandfather said. “I didn’t. You knew what was happening and I asked your intentions and timeline. Not that you had to return at that moment. If you chose to do it then, it’s on you.”

He thought back and realized his grandfather was right.

He was never directly asked to return home and clean up his father’s mess.

It was more a question of when it was going to happen.

He took it upon himself that his grandfather couldn’t handle going back in full time and stepped in to “save” the family legacy.

“You never said otherwise,” he said.

“Why would I?” his grandfather said. “You’re a big boy. You make your own decisions in life, even if I don’t agree with them.”

“And that is why you chose to let Erica know that you were aware our engagement was fake?” he asked. “I told you I was handling it.”

“Not well,” his grandfather said. “And when I talked to Erica today she seemed surprised you were out of town so that leaves me to believe that you’re fighting.”

“You mean no one reported that back to you?”

“Don’t get sarcastic with me,” his grandfather said.

“You have it coming to you, TC,” Michael said from the kitchen, then came out with a plate of fruit and cheeses. “Eat your snack. Fiber and protein. You need them both.”

“You don’t need to air my eating habits in front of people,” his grandfather said, frowning.

“You two both have issues overstepping the lines,” Michael said. “Maybe I should put some mirrors in the room for you to look into. I’m going to my room now, buzz me when you want to get ready for bed.”

Michael walked out and Tucker moved over to snag some food off the plate. He hadn’t eaten since noon and it was seven now.

All he’d done since he got out of the airport was drive to Erica’s and get his ass handed to him and now he was having the same done with his grandfather.

“What is going on with Erica?” his grandfather asked. “Other than she’s pissed you didn’t tell her I knew. You were fighting before this?”

“I don’t know what is going on,” he said. He told his grandfather about their fight and Erica’s words when she found out about their relationship being out in the open.

“I think the two of you should talk it out. There is more going on than either of you say.”

“And how do you know that?” he asked. “What aren’t you saying?”

“I’ve stepped into this more than I should have,” his grandfather said. “I was wrong. Or maybe you’ll thank me when it’s all said and over with. As you said, it’s your relationship and you’ve got a good handle on it.”

“Don’t throw my words back in my face,” he said, looking at his grandfather’s smirk. “I’m obviously losing my grip and my fingers keep getting covered in grease when I try to reach out for a better hold.”

“Then go wash your hands and start over,” his grandfather said. “The right way.”

46

HANGING OVER OUR HEADS

“You’re here early,” Tucker said when he opened his door the next morning at six.

“I know you get up at five,” Erica said. “I took a risk that I could catch you before you left.”

Even if she felt like a fool leaving this early and then ringing his doorbell.

---