Page 7 of Jack
He turned towards the doorway and drew herattention in that direction. Her eyebrows lifted as she caught sightof the elegantly dressed woman coming towards them. And she lookedvery familiar. Zuri's practiced eyes noticed that the rose-pink silkof the skirt suit was a designer label. The woman's blonde hair wasswept back from her face, and she was wearing diamonds at her lobes.
"Did you catch her on her way to aparty?"
Jason grinned and for the first time in hislife, he felt the tension and sadness melting away.
"She's always dressed like that."He rose as the woman came closer, light blue eyes darting towardsZuri.
"Thanks for making him call me."The distress was evident on her classically lovely face. "Youngman, you're in big trouble." Her voice was soft and cultured anddespite the disapproval in her tone, it was obvious the boy had herwrapped around his finger.
"Does dad know?" Zuri caught thetremor in the youthful voice and wondered at it. Of course, the boyhad sneaked out of the house and made his way to a club. If she washis parent, she would tan his hide for causing her such worry.
"I could not tell him." Sheextended a delicate hand towards Zuri. "Thank you."
"No problem. Goodbye Jason."
He turned towards her, taking her hand inhis. "I liked hanging out with you."
"I'm too old for you." Graspinghis hand, she pulled him in for a kiss on the cheek. Hiding a smileas the blush stained his face, she squeezed his hand, before lettinggo and walking away. Not before she heard the woman giving him astern lecture. She had reached the counter before she realized shehad not gotten an introduction.
*****
Jason felt the clamor of fear burstinginside his chest when the doors were opened and his father stoodthere.
The color fled from his face and for asecond, fear paralyzed him. He was going to boarding school now andthere was no stopping it.
"Where the hell are you coming from?"the deep voice was icy cold, gray eyes boring into his.
He opened his mouth and no words came out.And he was trembling.
"Darling-" His grandmothertouched his arm lightly and he settled slightly. "It's all myfault." She had spent the entire journey, berating him andwatched the abject misery on the boy's face.
"It's entirely my fault." Shedrew Jason's hand through her arm and patted the trembling flesh,reassuringly. "I was feeling a little cooped up and restless andasked Jason to take a ride with me." She held her son'sinscrutable gaze steadily, praying that she could carry it off. Shehad not approved of him sneaking out, but knew why he did and did notwant him punished even more.
"He's not supposed to leave thehouse." Her son reminded her tightly.
"I know and I apologize for goingagainst your wishes."
"Orders."
"Yes of course."
"I'm sorry." Jason said in asmall voice, bringing his father's attention to him.
"Go to your room." Jack snapped."And stay there."
"Yes sir." Taking a deep breath,Jason fled.
"Mother, I would like to have a word."Without waiting for her to respond, he spun on his heel and strode inthe direction of the green and gold salon. Curtly dismissing the maidwho was hovering, he went to the cabinet to pour himself a drink.Ingrained courtesy had him glancing at her over his shoulder, onethick brow raised.
"Nothing for me, thanks." Takinga seat on a rose-colored padded chair, she folded her hands in herlap and tried to appear nonchalant.
"You're indulging him."
"Someone has to."
She watched as he brought the snifter tohis lips, his eyes trained on her face. "Why don't you say it?"
"I don't know what you mean." Herhands tightened on each other, and she had to force herself not tolook away.
