Page 87 of Bend Him, Break Him
“Well, I needed to have a word with your dean. After the audacious way your assault was handled, I reminded him that some families don’t tolerate such incompetence,” Mrs. Lennox explained. “He squirmed a lot, but we came to an understanding. Truthfully, it was easier talking with your coaches about—”
“You talked to my coaches?” Colton’s voice went high and pitchy for a beat. “Mom!”
“What?” she responded, sincerely baffled by Colton’s outburst. “They needed to know it’s not appropriate to bench their best player on the team because of a tiny scandal. And I made it clear that in the future if…”
It was in that moment, as Mrs. Lennox explained her agenda and expressed her devotion, that Isaac realized she’d kept a much closer eye on her son than Colton ever dared to believe. Most of the time, Colton felt alone because his family didn’t approve of how he chased his dreams, and Isaac shared in that pain. He found solace with Colton, noting how their familiesand lives might’ve differed, but they were each left to fend for themselves in one manner or another.
But it appeared that Mrs.Lennox was finished with that façade and sought to demonstrate a show of elite family support, something the administrative team at Clinton University likely didn’t contend with much. Seriously, Lennoxs, much like Parkers, typically roamed the halls of Ivy Leagues, buying wings or donating scholarships or simply threatening careers.
“I’m meeting with Roger later, but perhaps we can do lunch?” Mrs. Lennox said, finally pulling Isaac from his thoughts.
“What the hell is Roger doing here?”
“Who’s Roger?”
“A friend,” Mrs. Lennox replied.
“Family lawyer,” Colton corrected.
“What?” Mrs. Lennox shrugged. “He’s ensuring this tragic excuse of a police department does its job. Three suspects in your assault, and can you believe they only had charges for one of them with the intention of making a deal with another and letting the last one walk away unscathed? Oh, no. I think not.”
Isaac wondered which of the two the police or the prosecution intended to use to testify against Leon. Obviously, Leon had a swarm of charges to contend with, especially given the recorded confession. Isaac wondered if William made a deal considering his involvement in drugging Colton or if Devon made a deal since he must’ve helped Leon illegally film and upload the sex video. It didn’t seem to matter who wanted a deal and who intended on slipping away since Mrs. Lennox made it a point of pride to eviscerate anyone who had a hand in harming her baby boy.
“And the absurdity they were wasting resources looking into this one.” She waved her hand up and down, gesturing to Isaac. “As if he were any threat.”
“Wait, what?” Isaac practically yelped.
“Don’t worry, deary,” Mrs. Lennox continued. “Roger is expressing how I want this handled and—”
“Mom, you can’t just come here and take over everything in my life.”
“I can if someone is trying to ruin your life. Now that the dean understands where he sits in the grand scheme of things, this should all roll over soon. Your coaches, God help them, now know to keep an eye out for jealous players and realize the mistake of benching their best. Once Roger’s done, we should be able to put this whole incident behind us, and you can enjoy your summer without any hiccups.”
Colton stood speechless, seemingly embarrassed by his mother’s involvement, whereas Isaac found himself awed and a bit envious. This was something his parents would’ve never done for him. It was controlling in the most protective manner, unfiltered love, and Isaac wanted to bask in it a little longer. A vicarious sensation that Colton couldn’t appreciate at the moment but would learn to value in the long run.
“Can we do lunch?” Mrs.Lennox asked. “I’m famished.”
“Um, well, I uh…” Colton blinked away his confusion, which didn’t help.
“I know a good spot,” Isaac said.
“Perfect,” Mrs. Lennox replied.
With that, she led the way to a spacious town car she’d rented, and they all slid into the back while Isaac gave the driver the restaurant name. It was a mostly silent ride except for theclickity taps of Mrs.Lennox’s phone. She kept the keyboard sound on as she typed away furious texts that prompted the ping of even faster replies.
Then the driver reached the destination, and Mrs. Lennox stepped out and took a long pause to survey the restaurant.
“Oh, how I do enjoy a quaint place.” Mrs. Lennox grimaced. “It allows them to focus on the important things like the menu. Instead of the aesthetic and atmosphere.”
Bitchy and refined. Isaac shivered at the way it reminded him of his own mother and her many quick-witted jabs.
After they put in drink orders, Mrs. Lennox eyed her menu for a moment before resting her gaze on Isaac. “You know, Mr. Parker, I spoke with the dean on your behalf as well.”
Isaac swallowed his water down the wrong pipe and took pained breaths as he cleared his throat.
“Mom, you can’t just do that,” Colton said. “You can’t mess with other people’s lives.”
“If he’s screwing my child, I most certainly can.” She made a face. “At least your taste is better than Charlotte’s. Christ, her taste in suitors is more atrocious than mine.”
