Tackling Her Obsession with the Tight End

Chapter 5: Interruptions

Liam

"Mama, you do know that Thanksgiving isn't anytime soon, right?" I laugh, looking over the mountain of pies Mama stands behind.

"Pie was the request for what I needed to make." She says with a wry look that I recognize all too well. Because I make it identically.

"Shouldn't you have had this catered since your daughter is the party honoree?" Sean asks as he steals some pie crust cookies. He moves to my side and sneaks them into my hand.

Mama tilts her head with her eyes crinkling in amusement. "You can eat them. Not like I didn't hear the cover lift off the container, Sean Murphy Jameson."

I let out a snicker at that and shove the two he gave me in my mouth. The taste of cinnamon and who knows what other spices explodes in my mouth. My mama can cook and we knew to be grateful growing up. "Damn Mama, those are so good. I want the recipe written down please." I tell her pointedly. Mama doesn't have recipes written down, but she taught us all how to cook. Sean would write while she’d teach us. Dad couldn't make eggs when he went off to college though Gigi tried so hard to teach him. He cooks well now, though often enough, my petite little fireball of a mother shoos him away and does it herself. She nods, rolling her eyes and we all laugh now. She hates to write stuff down unless she's making it at the time. "Guess you'll have to make more Mama and write it down for ALL of us." Caylee says as she swipes a few and goes off to find Noah in the living room. She might share them with him since they are celebrating their engagement today .

"Such demanding children. I'll make more tomorrow if all of you will spend the night and write it down. You each get to help too." She points at me with her stern mama face.

"Deal." I say and move to hug her. "Love you Mama. And not just for the recipe and cookies."

She wraps her arms firmly around me. "I know. I love you Lima Bean." She whispers and I chuckle. When Alex was little he couldn't say Liam and he called me Lima. Mama started calling me Lima Bean. It stuck for a long time. I look up from her shoulder to see Sean smiling sadly before he turns, leaving us alone. Which means he did something….

She runs one hand over my hair before kissing my cheek. “You know you are too much like me.”

“I didn’t think that was a bad thing, Mama. Nutville needs someone else to rein Pop and Uncle Baylor in.” I tease hoping he only told her about Nita’s behavior at the wedding and calling me the other night.

“It isn’t bad until it is sweetie. You are so used to hiding behind your humor shield that you cannot stop. Just make sure you remember to listen and not let your own mind and defense strategy be your worst enemy.”

I close my eyes for a second, knowing her comment is a loaded weapon. She always knows, but it's how much she knows I can never tell until she reveals it. Before I can say anything else, the back door opens and Aunt Hannah, Pop and Uncle Bennett come charging in. “Pie pickup services have arrived.” Pop remarks before moving toward me with his arms wide.

“Hey Pop.”

“No date today? Wasn’t sure if you were sincere last time.” Those sharp blue eyes watch mine. He had asked at the wedding if he’d see Nita again. I’d sworn it was a one time thing, but this is Pop. I swear the man is a human lie detector.

“Nope. I’m swearing off women. They’re expensive and claim I’m too predictable. Complain about boring date nights at home. Think I’ll get a fish. Doubt it would complain about spending Friday night at home with me as my ideas of a hot date.” I say with sarcasm. It’s not all untrue. My only girlfriend said that when she broke up with me.

“Cheaper maybe but not nearly as nice to discuss things with. Like movies or dinner, unless the theme is oceanic. Well, Flounder did you feel that Nemo’s father caused his entire almost deadly abduction? Or in your experience was it more the ignorance of young fishhood?” Pop grins as he taps his chin.

“Bitty! Come feed Pop or check his blood pressure. Your father’s brain is taking on seawater.” Uncle Bennett shakes his head.

With that, Pop frowns. “It’s just extra salt. I’ll disperse it later with my commentary today.”

“And now I know I wasn’t switched at birth.” I joke.

Uncle Bennett and Dad both shake their heads. “You got your mother’s sharp wit and nicknaming ability. We know you belong to us. Had you been a girl, we'd name you Sofia Bedelia instead of Sofie Amelia.” Dad says with a grin.

“And your daddy’s good looks.” Mama squeezes my waist before we all start loading pies up to haul over to Uncle Bennett’s house. We find almost everyone there already hauling food in. Outside, we split off from the female Nutville population who head for the kitchen. We set up the chairs and extra tables like our normal routine.

“Beth is bringing a date.” Noah adds quietly watching his parents when they move toward the front table talking by themselves.

“The struggling actor?” I ask sarcastically.

“That would be him.” He says grimly. Noah never really comments on Beth's dating life but this guy must have done something to irritate him because he has mentioned him more than any other one and not in a delighted fashion.

“What’s his name again?” Sean asks as Dad shakes his head muttering about Uncle Colby being a barbarian bear today instead of a teddy bear.

“His real name is Brad Knight, but that’s not edgy enough for the stage world, so he goes by Riven Kyrell. And he’s trying to convince Beth to go by Bronx because it would go better with his name.” I watch Alex snicker at that.

“Tell me he’s insufferable without telling me.” I mutter. “Wait can I call him Rivet or Divot by mistake?”

Noah shakes his head. “Don’t. I said something that rhymed not even rude and she got pissed. And I might have said I wasn’t calling her a city.”

“What did you call him?” Sean asks with interest.

“Riven wishes he was Jeremy Piven.” He answers dryly. Alex nudges his head toward the gate and we see Beth leading a guy with black hair gelled back over a pale face that resembles any other generic actor. He has a bored expression on his face and he’s way overdressed for this. He wears white linen pants and a white silk shirt. It's unbuttoned an extra button or two with three silver chains around his neck. I take one glance and know that expression is forced and part of his act. Hate to tell him, we don't invite anyone of a media presence to these events. I can see exactly why Noah isn't his biggest fan.

Chad steps closer with Eli. "He was told this was a barbecue right? As in red thick sauce with meat that splatters when eaten. Why do all our sisters have such bad taste in first boyfriends?” A great question I think as I search for his sisters. They aren’t here yet. I bite my tongue from asking if Sarah is attending.

Noah smirks. "It gets better than that. He's gone vegetarian recently to aid himself in identifying with his current role. And Beth said he had a promotional event before this, so he was going to be in character for that. Mom strongly suggested he bring a change of clothes.”

Eli shakes his head slowly. "This is not going to end well. Who is going to tell Pop the truth early to head him off?"

"I’m on it. I'm on bomb diffusion duty today." Sean mutters before he moves toward our grandfather. Pop snorts loudly a few minutes later. Beth leads him inside and I can hear the gears turning in Pop and Uncle Baylor’s heads.

“What’s black and white and red all over?” Uncle Baylor asks slowly his eyes twinkling.

I already know as I start laughing because I had the same idea. Only Uncle Baylor is brave enough to voice it. I watch him for a second grateful he has ignored Sarah and I's falling out. He and I get along way too well and I'd miss our banter. A reason I need to fix this s**t between us somehow.

Pop frowns. “Mr. White from Head to Toe by the end of this barbecue. I think I have one of those all-you-can-eat seafood buffet full body bibs. I can go get it. And it has a giant lobster on it. Can continue the theme of Noah and Caylee’s engagement. Spare our sweet Bethy his complaining later.”

“I’ll grab him a shirt of mine.” Uncle Bennett offers, walking into the house.

We’re all distracted momentarily by Aunt Hannah telling everyone to start eating. I notice Riven take the shirt but only after I see Beth take it and hand it to him with a pleading smile on her face. Yeah I like him less and less already.

Our mothers hung signs congratulating Caylee and Noah with little lobsters all over the place. The guys try to tease Noah with it who merely shrugs smiling. “Joke all you want. My pretty girl agreed to marry me and says I’m hers for life. You're all jealous you don't have your own shellfish to hang out with.”

I turn from making my plate knowing she's here. Like I can always sense her. Her eyes meet mine, widening slightly. And then they are averted to the side where Caylee and Noah stand. I wait until she hazards a quick glance back in my direction and raise my hand in a still wave. The corners of her lips twitch and she raises her hand in similar fashion.

"Later." I mouth to her and she nods, looking a bit surprised. Now I sense I'm being watched and catch Sean staring at me along with Noah. Chad too though he tries to hide it.

As we eat, Alex pokes me in the ribs and I watch Pop move to the center of the patio. "Alright everyone. Our honored couple are sitting lobsters right now because they are eating dessert. And if you know my blood children and grandchildren, we do not skip or interrupt dessert. So I thought this was a good time for me to say my piece congratulating my....captive audience. We had no idea you two would end up together and didn't meddle at all in this process, but I want you to know that no one is happier to see you two together than me. Or Caylee's Mama, or Colby, or anyone who bet and won for their first date. Be happy you two and we can't wait to plan your bachelor party Noah. It might involve candles, I have on good authority." I watch Noah shake his head as he laughs.

"Can we do Ghostface masks for the next ceremony?" Alex asks grinning. Uncle Baylor is right behind him and he turns around grinning.

"I'll get black robes this time. And maybe we could have a sanctified pumpkin instead of candles." He taps his chin and Chad snickers.

"Dad, you ever get tired of plotting out gags?"

Uncle Baylor looks offended. "Gags? These are serious time-honored traditions that will completely be used to justify our stays in some psych ward one day when we need an alibi."

"Amen to that." Dad says with a grin and a wink.

"Alibi? I'm in, tell me where to sign up." Pop says as he sinks into a chair after his little speech.

"We don't sign anything, Arthur. Verbal contracts only." Papa wags his finger at him. He's a cold-blooded lawyer in the courtroom but the warmest man you'll ever meet otherwise. I was blessed with two wonderful grandfathers who taught us to laugh and about protecting your family at whatever cost.

"You know. I think we should maybe take some applications to join this family for some of the things we are missing. We have lawyers, architecture, sports, a chef, writers, media influences, hackers, designers, a nurse, teachers, accountants....what are we missing?" Uncle Manny throws out.

"Ryker's an honorary member, so we have bodyguards and security. We need a gardener. Nutville could become self-sufficient should we need to close ranks ever." Uncle Clint adds thoughtfully.

"Roller coaster operator..." Uncle Jared says wickedly. "We could buy the land behind us. Never have to leave our compound."

"We have that one, it's Pop." Uncle Bennett proclaims.

As they continue on with plans for turning our circus into a possible theme park, I see Sarah step inside the house. I quietly get to my feet and head that way hoping the crowd stays outside. She's washing her hands at the kitchen sink that overlooks the backyard. I move closer to her.

"Hey." I say quietly. She turns around slowly. I notice how her eyes sweep around, finding no one besides us here. She had to make sure first. That stings a little that I've pushed her that far away.

"Hey. I figured it was ok if I came today." I barely hold back the wince at that admission. She's been staying away to not see me.

"Sarah, listen I never meant to make you feel like you couldn't be around your family. Or I guess it could be that you didn't care to see me...." I start, but she shakes her head with a sad grimace.

"You didn't make me feel that way. I did that. My family would and should be ashamed of my behavior. And you didn't deserve to have to see me." Her eyes lower to stare at my feet. Oh so she felt bad FOR me, not about me.....goes to show what assumptions will get you; the wrong end of the stick.

"Look, I want to hear you out. This awkward tension has to end somehow. What's your schedule like after next week? I have training all week and won't have time." Her eyes meet mine and she nods slowly.

"Yes we need to fix this. I leave that week for a work trip to California and my former boss's wedding. I'll be gone ten days. Nothing after that."

I think in my head. "Then let's meet that Sunday. I'll text you a place and time close to then."

"I'll be sure to be there. Thank you for....for deciding to give me a chance to explain. I never, ever meant to hurt you like that. I haven’t been….”

The back door slams loudly on whatever she was about to say.

"Yes, I know I left abruptly, but it makes for a better story. Makes me seem mysterious and they'll wonder where I went. Besides I had to leave, Beth had a family thing and I promised to be here." I stare at Pivot which is how he'll now forever be known, and wish he'd copy the action. "With all the famous football players but they do not like attention so don't even think about it. The size of these guys..." Just then his eyes find us and he gulps. "Gotta go. Talk to you Monday." He hangs up, instantly flashing Sarah a dazzling smile and the charm in his voice amplifies about a hundred fold.

"Hi there. I was talking to my agent. She doesn't really understand family commitments or privacy. Have to explain things in ways they listen to." Nevermind now, he's got a new nickname from me. What utter crap, does he really think we'll believe that? My eyes cut to Sarah and she is also giving me the side eye. She nods subtly as I catch her folded arms and irritated demeanor. She'll be my witness if I need it.

"Make sure they understand. We aren't the most hospitable to...uninvited guests, especially if they are looking for attention." I explain evenly thinking about Sean and Violet's wedding with those reporters who burst in. Most of them had to find new jobs recently after they said horrible things about Mama and Noah. My dad doesn't play with people who hurt her or even look at her wrong. He went for their throats the next morning.

"Don't have to tell me twice." He says slowly backing out the door. But then a few others step in calling out for us to come join in for cake.

"Beth needs to run while she can." Sarah mutters as we move outside.

"You don't like Captain Drivel?" I raise an eyebrow.

She chuckles a little. "You are so like your mama. I'm going to see him that way no matter if he ever becomes some award winning serious actor. No I don't; he's bad news just waiting to make the evening edition in bold, flashing headlines." She walks away leaving me puzzled. If she can see that about him, why couldn't she see her ex the same way?