Chapter 4: A Lunch To Remember
I watched as a dark blue car parked in the driveway around noon that Tuesday. I had been so nervous about what to wear. Monday night I had paced the floor, wondering what to wear to lunch with Jory. I had finally decided on a dark blue suit and black shoes. I hoped it would be appropriate attire.
I stood at the driveway, with my hands in my pockets, as Toni parked the car. She got out of the car and looked at me. I flashed a smile at her, and it seemed to have calmed her down, because she couldn't help but smile back. She went around and got Jory's crutches out of the backseat.
Toni was still beautiful, her dark hair as curly as ever, her grey eyes still warm. But she deserved to be with Jory, not me. Jory stood up, wearing a casual sweater and black slacks. I already felt embarrassed, overdressed. I wanted to sink into my shoes.
I watched as Toni handed Jory his crutches and put her arm lovingly around him. They hobbled over to me.
"Wow Bart," Jory remarked, looking at what I wore. I squirmed uneasily.
"I...I didn't know what to...wear," I said helplessly.
"But I'll go and um change..." Jory smiled.
"It's okay, Bart," he said, but I shook my head, glanced at Toni and him.
"No...I...I'll change," I blurted, before I turned and ran back into the house.
I quickly went up into my bedroom, where I changed into dark blue slacks and a white sweater. I went downstairs, and as I did, I saw Melodie outside...talking to Jory.
"What in the hell are you doing?!" I growled. Toni looked at me with surprise.
"You leave my brother alone! He has a wife, he doesn't need you!" I said. She had tears in her eyes.
"I wasn't going to ask him back!" she whined. She looked down, pouting.
"I just wanted to see my children.." she started. I exploded.
"You wanted to see your children?! What children, Melodie? You don't have any children! You abandoned them! My mother and Chris and Jory and Toni raised them, not you! You left them motherless, with only my mother to truly care for them, for Jory wasn't able! Toni has raised them more than you ever have, or ever could! Deirdre and Darren are Jory and Toni's children, not yours. When you left, you gave up all rights on them!"
Toni and Jory just looked at me, shocked at my words. For my words proved that I did care about THEM.
I glared at Melodie. She pouted before she ran back inside. She really was a weakling. I had honestly been expecting more of a fight from her. I smiled at Toni and Jory.
"So sorry you had to see that...eh shall we?" I asked. Jory nodded and we all walked to my car. Toni kissed Jory and helped him into the passenger's side of my Mercedes.
As I walked to my side, I paused as Toni came up to me.
"Bart, that was a good thing you did back there," she said. I shrugged, brushed my hair back nervously, felt my face go a little red.
"Oh it was really nothing," I said. She smiled and kissed my cheek.
"Thanks for what you said though. Take care of him," she whispered, and I nodded.
"I will," I promised, getting into the car. Yes, Jory did deserve her. And we drove off.
After we were seated and had ordered our plates, we became uncomfortable on what to say.
"So...have you found anyone?" Jory causally asked. I looked down at the table.
"No," I muttered.
"No woman wants me." I felt Jory touch my hand, and surprised, I looked up to meet his dark eyes.
"Bart...there has to be someone out there, just for you," he said sincerely. I shrugged.
"I'm not so good with women. I always end up using them."
"Then stop using them." I frowned.
"I've done it for so long that I've forgotten how to not use them."
"You could try not to though, couldn't you?" he asked. Reluctantly I nodded.
"I can try." Jory appeared thoughtful as our food arrived. We ate in silence for a moment, then Jory looked at me.
"I think I know what you need," he said. I looked at him curiously.
"Really? And what is that?" I asked.
"A vacation."
"A vacation? To where?" I asked, shrugging. Jory shrugged in return.
"I don't know. Wherever you want to go. Start dating again," he said. I looked at him.
"I'll think about it," I quietly said, doubting I'd find anyone that I'd like enough in this world.
"Well?" Jory asked as we arrived back at Foxworth Hall that afternoon. I looked at him, a bit puzzled.
"Well what?" I asked.
"Have you thought about it?" he asked. I hesitated and then nodded.
"Yes. I think I'll try it...at least. But could you do a favor for me?" I asked.
"Anything."
"Keep an eye on my house?" I asked.
"Sure. What about Melodie?" he asked. I shrugged.
"When she gets enough money to rent an apartment, she's out of there," I said.
We went up to my study to have a quick drink and then we returned to my car. I drove him home, and helped him into the house. They lived in a nice, three bedroom white house with blue shutters and a blue roof.
As soon as I opened the door, two little kids threw their arms around Jory's legs.
"Daddy, Daddy," the twins chanted. The twins were both five, and Christopher was twelve months old. Toni came into the room with Christopher in her arms. Christopher had his parent's curling dark hair, but Jory's dark blue eyes.
Toni smiled and invited me to sit down. We all talked for a long time in between playing with the children. Yes, Jory was very lucky. When I left their house, I only had one thought residing in my mind as I headed back to Foxworth Hall. The thought of a vacation….