“You haven’t heard anything I just said.”
“I’m ignoring it. While I’d really like to spend the entire day with you, I’m also trying to show some understanding. Don’t I get points for that?”
He heard a reluctant laugh and smiled. Humor. Humor always worked.
“You’d need a ticket for tonight. The concert’s at Symphony Hall, a really big deal, and Emily…well, she might be as highly strung as her violin. Uh…that’s a family joke…sort of.”
“Very funny. I’m glad you shared it. And don’t be sorry when you realize what you said.” Sharing a family joke was a good sign—almost like in the old days.
“I’m sorry already. See you at five o’clock. At the house.”
“I’ll be there.”
He hung up and wanted to cheer. Better than sharing that joke, she’d just invited him to her most precious place. A place he hadn’t entered in five years. Her family’s home. That was the upside. The downside? How would he be received?
Shrugging, he searched for the Symphony Hall website. He couldn’t control how Jen’s siblings felt about him reappearing, but he could buy a last-minute ticket to Emily’s concert.
##
Doug immediately spotted the limousine as he approached the house on Beacon Street. He shouldn’t have been surprised. Mike Brennan would make sure Emily’s special night was special in all ways. And safe, too. He had to admit the guy had taken on a load of responsibility when he’d married his wife.
Doug had liked the man when they’d first met. After learning Doug was a writer, Mike had extended his hand, saying “Welcome to my world, Doug, where you either have what it takes or you don’t.”
“Thanks. I intend to make my own kind of touchdowns.”
He recalled that conversation and stood a little taller as he approached the door.
Whatever his reception, Jen was worth it.
The door swung wide before he could knock. And there stood Jennifer Grace Delaney. Stunning. Long sparkly earrings, a black dress that hugged her figure and strappy, high-heeled sandals. The woman had legs. Did she ever. He took it all in with a glance and then focused on her eyes. Her violet eyes shone, then darkened as she looked up at him.
“You clean up pretty well, Doug….”
His reservations melted as he burst into laughter. “Glad you approve. I did learn a little something in New York.”
“Well, come in, come in.” She stepped back, and he walked into familiar territory—with a twist. No one matched his memories in the small crowd that had gathered. Two identical-looking young men approached him, same blonde hair, green eyes, same walk and body movement. Dressed up for a night out.
“There’s no way I can distinguish between you two,” Doug said, extending his hand. “But it’s amazing to see the grown-up version of the boys I once knew.”
“We’re not done growing yet, I hope,” said one, his voice light. “I’m Brian.”
“But we’re old enough now to figure things out.” This brother’s tone was more serious. “I’m Andy. And, if you haven’t noticed, we’re both going with you and Jen to the concert.”
“We couldn’t disappoint Emily,” added his brother, with a meaningful glance back at his twin.
The air had definitely cooled. He had walked into the proverbial lion’s den.
“For crying out loud,” said Jen. “Cut the drama. Doug’s an old friend. Just a friend. So relax and focus on your little sister.”
“But we…”
“You were sad…”
“I can take care of myself, boys,” said Jen. “Stick to baseball.”
“Mike’s not liking…”
She turned to Doug then. “If you want to change your mind about going, I’ll understand. Maybe there’s such a thing as too much family!”
“I wish mine were more like yours.” His unplanned response surprised him. And must have surprised Jen, from the wide-eyed look on her face.
“I never knew that.”
“I didn’t either. Until this minute. But I have a great sister.”
She flashed a warm smile. “I remember. Sisters are the best. And speaking of…”
She nodded toward the hallway.
Emily appeared. White blouse, long black skirt. Violin case in her hand. “We need to go,” she said quietly. “Lisa and Mike are with the baby. And Bobby won’t leave their side. So let’s just go.”
“You’re the boss tonight,” said Jen, her arm going around the girl.
“I always think Mozart is my boss or Mendelson but then…when I play, I think maybe it’s me who’s the boss. You know, it’s complicated.”
Doug caught the questioning look passing between the brothers. “The limo’s outside,” he said quickly. “Are you ready, Jen?”
She nodded. “C’mon, everyone.”
