Page 234 of Restless
“I have Donovan genes,” Ryan said. “So does Rory and Dev.”
“In case you forgot, so do we,” CJ snapped. “Logan Donovan was our great-grandfather, too.”
“He was a great man,” Ryan said. “Greater than any fucking Caldwell.”
“Logan Donovan was a fucking asshole, Ryan, and you know it,” Rory spat, raising CJ’s suspicions of a deeper meaning to the statement.
Grant dug in his shirt pocket for his pack of cigarettes and lighter. He was the only one who wore trousers, a white button-down, loafers, and a wool peacoat. Like CJ, the others donned jeans, boots, turtlenecks and leather jackets.
“Sounds like you know something we don’t, Rory,” Grant said as he stood. Smoking wasn’t allowed in the food court.
“You shouldn’t know anything,” Ryan said. “You’re not related to us.”
“He’s Lolly’s son, fuckface,” Ryder said. “That makes him one of us.”
“Does he look like he has any ofherblood?” Ryan asked. “She wishes he was hers.”
“I don’t like your fucking tone, Ryan,” Grant said, moving to the head of the table to better see the hateful motherfucker. “Lollyismy mother, just as much as my mom was. She stepped in when she married my dad when she didn’t have to.”
Forever the asshole, Ryan snorted. “If she wanted him, she did.”
Grant started toward Ryan, but CJ stood and blocked Grant’s path. “Beat his ass at the club. Being arrested is no fucking fun.”
Anger darkening his eyes, Grant jerked away from CJ. “Ryan, don’t fuck with Roxanne if you know what’s good for you. It’s a personal affront to me.” He glared at CJ, turned, and stalked toward the exit.
Christmas music piped in through the speakers, such a fucking contrast to the tension amongst them.
Couldonefucking day pass without bullshit?
Sighing, CJ sat down. Rule and Devon stood and grabbed their bags.
“We have to finish our shopping,” Devon said, stuffing his hands in his pockets and not meeting anyone’s gaze. “Before Dad comes back.”
CJ looked at his watch. “Uncle Val is picking you up at two. You still have an hour and a half.”
“Have you heard from Mom yet?” Ryder asked.
The bullshit prevented him and Ransom’s departure, though they remained standing, awaiting escape.
“No, I haven’t,” CJ answered.
Fear and worry slid across all three of his brother’s faces. He couldn’t admit to either feeling and send them into a panic.
“After her appointment, she’s going to spend some time with Jo,” CJ reminded them, the thought comforting him, too.
“But she’s okay?” Ransom asked.
“Yeah,” CJ said, praying it was the truth. “Finish your shopping. If she calls before we meet back here again, I will text you.”
After the four of them walked off, only CJ, Rory, and Ryan remained at the table. CJ stood and took a seat on the opposite side, to better see his two cousins.
“How’s Aunt Kendall?” he asked.
“Better now that Dad’s home,” Rory answered.
They fell silent. The discomfort between Ryan and CJ wasn’t surprising. They only had shared blood in common. On the other hand, him and Rory had been quite close at one time. As Uncle Johnnie pulled Rory to the dark side, a gulf opened between him and CJ. He wondered if they’d ever bridge it.
CJ needed a smoke, too. However, he still had several gifts he wanted to purchase, and he wasn’t sure what time his mother would call.
