One to Love Read online

  At first, Belinda thought she’d have to be the first to make a move. He hadn’t budged. Plan B was to get up and leave him in her office until he got the message that she meant business. Although stomping out in socks didn’t have the same kiss-my-behind vibe that she’d want.

  Finally, he shifted out of his stance. Without making a big deal or pretending to give a damn, he shrugged and left. She stared at the empty space he left behind. The tumultuous energy of anger and sexual attraction evaporated, sucked out with his departure. In its wake, something akin to disappointment settled softly into place. For the first time since she started this company, she’d fired someone. Well, she hadn’t hired him. A mere technicality.

  “Thanks for nothing, Jesse Santiago.”

  Chapter 4

  Fired.

  Jesse had never been fired in his life. Not even during his days as a paperboy tossing the weekend newspapers onto many rooftops and into trees. Not during his college days when he slept through the night shift as campus security. Yet in less than an hour, the woman whom he had every intention to pursue, despite his misgivings, had not only overheard his uncensored tirade, but had also kicked his behind to the curb. The fact that she didn’t waste time working things out, negotiating, or compromising with him stung like a slap to the face.

  People in his professional sports life always contorted to please him. He was used to hearing “no problem” to any of his requests. His superstar skills on the soccer field elevated his status. From athlete to model, his personal stock soared—the money flowed and his circle of friends widened to include celebrities, rock stars and even politicians. During those days, the ladies always came and went. Some stuck around longer than others, depending on if they thought he’d end his bachelorhood for them. Being treated as a thing, rather than a person, had become the norm. Sometimes, he, in turn, made the same mistake. From the beginning, he’d underestimated Belinda Toussaint.

  This lady shone with a special light of natural beauty. Though she wore no discernible makeup, Belinda looked flawless. Normally, beauty alone characterized the women who followed him after the games. Belinda was different. Her face openly communicated her feelings, a trait he found refreshing. He didn’t peg her as the type to swoon for him with raunchy comments and come-hither winks. Although she was statuesque and curvaceous in all the right places, he was more attracted to her intelligence and determination. Fire raged in her dark brown eyes, deep-set and piercing, as she talked about her project. That intensity came at him like a loud call to something exciting.

  It jarred him. A lot. And he wanted to feel that new buzz again. Somehow, he had to make amends with Belinda to continue his exploration through the unknown.

  Since his days in elite soccer, nothing came close to holding his attention. The business and its mission sounded like a huge undertaking, but not keeping a lockdown on his thoughts gave the wrong impression. He did care. His habit of shrugging off commitments, personal and business, landed him in a sticky mess.

  “Damn it! I got fired.” Jesse pulled into his parents’ driveway.

  His gut tightened as he pushed the car gear into Park. He tried his best to come up with a story to tell his father that wasn’t a lie, but danced around the recent epic fail. Maybe he simply could break the news separately to each parent. Better for his eardrums. His father would take it all in without asking too many questions or revealing the direction of his thoughts. Jesse often joked that he was like Confucius. But when his father did deliver his opinion, Jesse wouldn’t have a doubt Ed was angry.

  His mother, on the other hand, would escalate the offense with the lungs of a vendor at an open-air market. She would be shouting, or according to her—speaking for the hardheaded—and lecturing until he begged her to stop.

  As for Diego, his brother would rip through him. It would be nice to have a default brother to commit bigger offenses. The job of screwup belonged to him. Jesse expected that his brother’s hot temper would be in full force. One day, they’d hash out the troubles that had long been brewing between them. What he didn’t want was for this particular development to ignite a bigger brouhaha between them. Then Diego would push to take over the project with Belinda. That was not happening, if he could help it.

  Time to set things straight. He opened the car door and stepped out. The front door swung open and his father waved him in with a bright smile.

  “Hey, son. Didn’t think I’d see you until later. Must be my lucky day because I just got off the phone with Diego.” His father hugged him. Although the old man had heart problems and was supposed to be in bed, Ed was clearly up and about in the house. Of course, Jesse’s mother wasn’t home to scold him.

  “Dad, you should be resting.”

  “Ah...never mind about me. I saw you sitting in the driveway. Figured that I’d surprise you with how well I’m doing.” As Jesse saw him up close, fatigue had sucked some of the vitality from his body. A dusky pallor tinted his father’s skin. “Your brother is working hard around the clock. Too much, if you ask me, ’cause your mother and I haven’t seen him in a while.” His father patted his arm. “Well, you’re here. Like old times.”

  Not quite like old times, because he didn’t visit home often.

  “I figured I’d stop in.” Jesse followed him into the family room.

  His father settled in with a few groans and a dismissive slap at his assistance. Jesse opted for the sofa next to him and stretched out his legs, pretending to be relaxed, a demeanor that he’d perfected.

  Ed looked over the rim of his glasses. “I know that I came down hard on you last night. It was one of those father-son talks that sounded more like a lecture than advice.”

  “It’s okay, Pop.”

  “You’re an adult, free to make up your mind about your career. Shouldn’t have lost my head. You’ll make the correct decision when the time is right.” Ed scratched his head. Despite not having to deal with baldness, his father opted to shave his hair. He figured it was the best way to take care of the gray. Either way, his father was a handsome man with a touch of resemblance to Quincy Jones, a heavily biased assessment that he freely acknowledged.

  “I didn’t come home to make you worry. I just needed a break. And then I’ll find something to anchor me.”

  “I don’t want you to feel depressed. This is a blip on the timeline. You know what I mean.” His father smiled and Jesse responded with a grin. What else could he do?

  His father continued, “You’re back, but you’re not really. Your mom thinks you’re moping around over a woman. She thinks that someone broke your heart.” Ed pushed up his glasses.

  “No girlfriends. No drama.” Jesse really did try to avoid the trap of having his personal life on display in the tabloids. It would only take one hanger-on’s teary-eyed accusation claiming he’d promised they would be together to make him whip out a no-strings-attached relationship contract. Although he was home, away from the limelight, he still didn’t want to mess with its unpredictable landscape.

  “Okay. Your mother may have something to say about that.” His father pointed at his own chest. “I, on the other hand, think there is more than a woman weighing on your mind. My guess is that soccer is still in your heart.”

  Jesse shook his head.

  “It’s in your blood.”

  Jesse remained silent. That was the same argument the team used to lure him back. In his defense, he’d say their expectation needed an adjustment. He was an ordinary man.

  He reached over and picked up a framed photo of the family—his parents and Diego smiling for the studio portrait with its standard blue-gray backdrop. Simpler times. Happier. The last official family portrait that included him was from about five years ago. The oversize portrait hung on the wall in the living room. In the remainder of the house, signs of his absence were plentiful. It hurt. Pinpricks to the heart. He set down
the frame on the side table.

  “When you’re ready to talk, I’m here.” Ed sighed, long and deep. “Where else am I going? My heart is like a temperamental clock that can’t keep the time. It makes me grumpy. So give me some good news. Tell me about this morning’s appointment with Belinda.” Ed’s grin showered him with fatherly pride and confidence.

  Jesse’s guilt pulled up a chair to sit for the solo act. “Pop, I’ve got to tell you something.”

  “Yeah?”

  “The job...at Belinda’s. Miss Toussaint.” Jesse cleared his throat. Oh man, this was tough. Maybe he should have reached for his father’s scotch and poured a double shot.

  “Spit it out. Did you see her plans? That young lady is all kinds of awesome.” Again, the proud grin appeared, the corners of his eyes crinkled with delight.

  “Oh, there he goes again.” His mother came through the back door by way of the garage. Her arms were laden with grocery bags. “Your father is an admirer of Grace’s granddaughters, every last one of them. But I think he’s got a soft spot especially for Belinda,” she joked. Her loud chuckle accompanied her retreat to the pantry.

  Jesse hurried to assist his mom. He planted a kiss on her cheek poised for his attention. “You bought my favorite.” He spied the package of chocolate chip cookies. After the morning he had, cookies and chocolate milk sounded ideal. But he still hadn’t forgotten the reason for the shot of scotch.

  “Belinda is a respectful lady,” Ed continued to press his point with his booming voice that reached them in the kitchen.

  Jesse remained silent, pretending to be intently occupied with stocking the pantry shelves. He didn’t question any of his father’s praise for his client. The more Jesse heard, the more his guilt multiplied. He rubbed his forehead. Now he’d have to admit his mistake with his mother present. Knowing his father was the president of Belinda’s fan club might earn him a thump in the head. Sympathy for his old soccer injuries wouldn’t get him out of this. His mother, however, might throw the large can of baked beans for a one-shot knockout.

  His father slowly walked in, much slower now that his mother was home. He leaned heavily against the counter. “Jesse will work on Belinda’s project. He went there this morning to iron out the details.” His father’s voice swelled with pride. “Grace won’t be the only one with a family business.”

  “Really? You’re going to handle the job?” Caroline beamed. No doubt her circle of friends would learn the news on Facebook before the day’s end. “My sons are so hardworking like their pop. I’m glad you’re home, Jesse.” She reached over and gently cupped his cheek. “I’ve missed you.”

  Jesse nodded—well, not actually. His chin bobbed and then he stretched his neck, offering no commitment. Now that he was home, there was an adjustment period to rejoin and blend into the family routine.

  Instead, in a short time, he’d caused a crisis. At the mention of Grace’s name, he realized a bit late that angering her wasn’t smart, even if unintentional. Not only had he lost this contract, but his faux pas could affect Ed’s relationship with Grace. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. All he had thought about was how much he hated not being in control, losing his cool and being a jerk in Belinda’s office.

  Jesse offered, “I have a few more meetings with Belinda and then we’ll get started.” Hopefully, it would buy him time to go hat in hand to Belinda and ask for his job back.

  “Good. You know I’m here if you need me. My brain is still working.” His father sat on the kitchen barstool.

  “Jesse, please remind your father that he may not get a second chance if he doesn’t follow the doctor’s orders.” His mom scrunched her nose. “He’s not the best patient.”

  “Doctor says, I’ll be up and about in another week. I can join you then.”

  “Depending on the test results,” his mother piped up.

  Jesse nodded. “Looking forward to it.”

  “Well, while my favorite guys are talking shop, I’m going to get these steaks on the grill.”

  Jesse’s stomach rumbled appreciatively. Breathing a bit easier, he settled down next to his father to watch an old classic movie back in the family room. By tomorrow, everything would be fixed, and no one would know what a mess he’d made.

  * * *

  Later that night after he had hung out at his parents’, Jesse headed home. His mother pressed him to stay at the house, arguing that the place was empty and needed younger blood to give it energy. Staying with them wasn’t a matter of how it would look, but more about him needing his space. At the end of the day, he enjoyed unwinding on the houseboat. Well, most days it was fun. Sometimes, the nights did get to him, since being alone with only his thoughts for company wasn’t always relaxing. Not when doubts and second-guessing crowded his mind that he’d made the wrong decision about his career.

  Instead of heading to the marina, Jesse changed his route and headed across the city limits. It was time to get things out in the open between him and Diego. It might be a blindside, but he didn’t want to drag out the inevitable discussion. Maybe dropping in without warning would prevent his brother from brushing him off.

  He pulled up at Diego’s town house. Good. The lights were on. If his brother was entertaining, then things might get awkward. He’d retreat and come at this another day. Taking a deep breath, he walked up and pushed the doorbell. Almost immediately, Diego opened the door.

  “Hey, what’s up?”

  “On my way home. Thought I’d stop by.” Jesse shrugged. “Talk...”

  Diego stepped back.

  Jesse entered and headed toward the living room. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “You’re not.” Diego had closed the front door, but didn’t move.

  “Got a beer?”

  “I don’t drink. Iced tea?”

  “Sure.” Jesse sat and rubbed his hands on his thighs. Tension rolled in, affecting the mood.

  Diego returned with the beverage. “It’s late.”

  “Pop was asking for you today.” Jesse tried for a safe subject.

  “The mayor’s project is running into snags. I’m there from early morning until late. Got in not too long ago.”

  Jesse nodded. Now that he really looked at his brother, Diego did look wilted around the edges. The pristine, Ivy League image had been replaced with someone who looked, well, normal. His hair was unkempt. Signs of more than a five o’clock shadow covered the lower half of his face. Even his build had a little bump-out with muscles.

  People said they almost looked like twins, except for the four-year age difference. They were close. Or used to be. Diego outdid himself academically, while soccer took over Jesse’s life from high school onward. They lived with no regrets. At least, that was the family mantra that motivated him on his journey.

  “I won’t stay long.” Jesse hadn’t touched the drink. It was to buy him time to figure out the best approach.

  “What do you want, Jesse?”

  “That’s direct.”

  “Yeah, well...”

  “What’s with the attitude? I had better conversations with you when I was in Spain. Since I’ve been back, you’re treating me like the enemy. If I said something to offend you, let me know. But I’m walking on egg shells. I don’t get it.” Jesse felt like he’d sprinted to the finish line. “Would you at least take a seat? I feel like you’re about to throw me out.”

  Diego remained standing. “You always want things your way. You left and I stayed. We both pursued our dreams. But I didn’t forget where I came from. I didn’t replace my family.”

  “Replace? What on earth are you saying?”

  “I watched you grow more distant with the family. The more success you had, the less we saw you. Your inner circle became your family. Mom and Dad praised you, made excuses when you changed your plans to come home for t
he holidays. Then you hit Spain as the young phenom, and we barely heard from you. I had to look at the sports channel to get the updates.”

  “You’ve got it all wrong.” Jesse cringed at his brother’s condemnation.

  “Why? Because you always get it right. You left without looking back. That, I learned to deal with. But don’t expect that since you tumbled off the throne, you can rewrite history and act like you weren’t a jerk, that you didn’t want to belong to Midway. The family.”

  “Stop right there. I may be a lot of things, but I have never been ashamed of my family. You don’t have a clue what I went through.”

  “You’re right, I don’t. And that’s something you made sure of.”

  “Look, I came here to talk. Instead, you’re on me like an attack dog.” Jesse stood. “I’m not sure why your view is so skewed. I called. I came when I could. I paid off the mortgage, so Mom and Dad don’t have to worry. I paid for your university education. Before you say anything else, I wanted to do those things.”

  “Why did you come home?” Diego interrupted.

  Jesse opened his mouth to shoot back an answer. But he chose to remain silent. A lot had been said with anger fueling the turmoil. He tried for a calmer approach, although his heartbeat thudded against his chest.

  “I expected you to heal up and get back on the field before a younger version of you took your place,” Diego pushed.

  “Do you really want me to go?”

  It was Diego’s turn to be quiet.

  “This is my home, too. I may not have been the best son. The best brother. But I never stopped being a part of this family.” Jesse stood and headed for the door. “Circumstances have a way of charting our courses in life. When I got hurt, I wanted what was familiar around me. I wanted a neutral place.” He opened the door. “There’s no guarantee that I will stay here in Midway. But while I am here, I want us to be friends. We’re already brothers.” Jesse bowed his head. He didn’t want to see his brother’s anger. Now that he knew what the problem was, he had a decision to make. How far would he go to repair their relationship? Right now, he wasn’t going to wait to find out. Now more than ever, he wanted to get home. That loneliness seemed like it would be more than a temporary condition.