“Can I help you?” he asked calmly, leaning back in the chair, getting ready for the show.
“Luke, tell my asshole brothers that I do not need their permission to be out at the island mansion by myself,” said Sadie, staring at the man.
“Well, I…”
“Luke, if you want to keep your pretty teeth, you’ll tell our stubborn sister that a woman cannot stay out at the mansion by herself. It could be dangerous, and she might get lonely.”
“Well, now…”
“Luke, I swear to God if you do that, I’ll tell your mother you said women weren’t capable of being at the mansion alone.”
“Hey, wait a minute!” he frowned.
“I have a solution,” interrupted Ham, clearing his throat. “I’m new here and should be out there anyway. I’ll let Mama Irene know I don’t mind doing my time at the mansion. That way, I’ll be there, I can get used to the culture here, and Sadie can have her space from her brothers. I’ll just be a house sitter. That’s all.”
Sadie stared at the big, hulking man and back at her brothers. She didn’t know Ham. He seemed pleasant enough, but she’d already vowed not to marry any man who’d ever been in the military or who worked for the family business.
No thank you.
“I suppose that’s alright,” said Patrick. “Just remember, she’s our sister. If you touch her, I’ll fucking…”
“Patrick! Luke, tell him he cannot run my life! I’m a grown woman!”
“Where the fuck are your parents?” frowned Luke, looking around the cafeteria.
“Probably hiding if they’re smart,” smiled Riley. “Look, we’ve reached a decision, and it sounds like a good one. Ham is a good man and comes with Jak’s recommendation. I’m sure everything will be fine at the mansion.”
“Fine,” said Sadie. “I’m going to get my things and move out there.”
“We’ll help,” said Christopher. She turned to them both, flaming red.
“I do not need your help! I swear, every time…” Her voice faded away as they chased after her out the door.
“What is with them?” asked Gator. “I don’t remember them being quite so protective of her or her being so, so uh, bitchy.”
“Something happened, and they’re not talking,” said Luke. “I figure sooner or later, Wes and Virginia will tell us, if they know.”
“Well, uh, I guess I’ll go move my things to this island mansion,” said Ham.
“Oh, no need,” said Mama Irene, smiling at the table. They all turned to see the little woman bundled in a warm coat. “I was rethinkin’ my decision of havin’ you at the garçonnière and thought the mansion would be good for you. I had Matthew help me move your things out there. Everything is set. Food in the fridge, pantry is stocked, you’re all good. Come with me, and we’ll meet Sadie at the dock and get them boys to leave her alone.”
“But, Mama Irene, how did you know I was going out there?” asked Ham.
“Me? Oh, I didn’t know, darlin’. Old women like me just get hints, feelings now and then and seem to know change is comin’.”
Ham stood on the dock, waiting beside one of the boats that they would use. He waved to Mama Irene and Matthew, then turned to see Sadie pulling two large suitcases behind her. Her brothers each had two boxes, and they carefully loaded them into the boat.
“We can come out and help you unload,” said Patrick.
“No! I can do this on my own,” she yelled.
“It’ll be fine,” said Ham, staring apologetically at the brothers. “I’ll make sure it all gets into the house.” They both gave him a thankful nod, and he felt terrible for the two men. As they pulled away from the dock, he stared straight ahead, not wanting the ire of Sadie Jordan pointed at him.
“You think I’m a bitch, don’t you?”
“I don’t think anything. I don’t know you. I know that your brothers only meant well and wanted to help, but I can understand needing your space.” He waited for her to yell at him, but when he turned to see her face, she looked as if she were in physical pain.
“I don’t mean to yell,” she said in a whisper.
