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Ch15: Planter's Punch from Golden Boy

Emma Call lived on the shielded side of the island. Embry pulled down a narrow lane bordered by lush coconut palms and ficus bushes.

When she saw the enormous house at the end of the drive, Leah laughed. "Why do you call it a farm? It's a mansion."

Embry shrugged. "It's a house on a working farm."

Leah stared at the beautiful house built in the Beaux Arts style. In the distance she saw the brilliant waves of the Pacific Ocean.

"You grew up here?" Leah murmured in amazement as she gawked out the window.

He squeezed the hand that he had locked in his grasp. "Yep babe, you okay?"

Leah swallowed looking at him. "As okay as I'll ever get."

He gave her an easy grin although it didn't reach his eyes. "Just relax, I'll be right with you, no one is going to mess with my girl."

Leah raised her left eyebrow. "When did me becoming 'your girl' happen?" she was a bit surprised her voice came out steady and strong even though her heart felt like it was about to hammer out of her body.

He didn't answer her as he pulled behind a long line of cars and popped the trunk.

Since Leah couldn't ask him to explain now she thought of how he had asked her if they might have known one another when she had lived on the island as a child. She doubted the possibility even more now that she understood the vast differences in their families' socioeconomic statuses.

Embry retrieved an enormous package wrapped in a pink bow from the trunk of his car and they headed inside. He refused to let go of her hand, and at the moment Leah couldn't bring herself to care. It was rather comforting as he entwined their fingers together.

The interior of Emma Call's home was simple but elegant with dark hardwood floors, comfortable ivory colored sofas and chairs, and spinning fans on the high ceilings of every room. As they neared the back of the house, the sounds of talking, laughing people and shouting children grew louder. Embry led her into an large, airy kitchen and seating area. Opened French doors led out to a multilevel terrace. A swimming pool was situated on the lowest tier, its brilliant turquoise color echoing the much vaster body of water that took up the entire western horizon. A couple dozen kids of various ages frolicked inside and around it.

"I can't believe you grew up here. It's beautiful." Leah murmured.

Embry opened his mouth to say something but someone called his name.

"Bry! Leah, I'm so glad you came," Rebecca exclaimed.

Several people looked around with interest. Rebecca approached them with a smile, her daughter on her hip. Claire was once again wearing the yellow life preserver that made her look like an adorable beach ball. Leah wondered if the little girl didn't spend half her day in the padded garment.

"There's the birthday girl," Embry set down the present on a table filled with other gifts and reached for his goddaughter. Claire's dark eyes grew round as saucers when Embry lifted her above his head. She giggled and waved her hands in excitement when he blew into the side of her neck.

"One year old and she's already a flirt," Embry proclaimed when he settled Claire on his hip and the little girl wrapped her chubby arms around his neck.

"You're the flirt, Bry," Rebecca corrected matter-of-factly. "Leah, can I get you something to drink? Gran makes an amazing planter's punch but watch it; it's got a kick."

"I have experience with her mai tais. How does it compare to that?" Leah asked as she followed Rebecca over to a large punch bowl on the counter.

"Just don't have any more than one, and chances are you'll remain conscious."

Leah laughed and accepted the glass Rebecca offered. "Now if that's not reassuring, I don't know what is."

"Gran will be sorry she wasn't here to greet you. She just went out to show some friends her hot house flowers, but she will be back in a moment. Come on, I'll introduce you to a couple people."

Leah was highly conscious of multiple stares on her. "I have a feeling they already know who I am,"

Rebecca scoffed, "Well, they would be wrong about that, now wouldn't they?"

Leah smiled when she saw how Rebecca's perfect, delicate features pulled into a fierce scowl. She understood why Rebecca was one of Embry's favorite people.

Rebecca sighed. "Sorry. I'm sure this is no picnic for you. Come on, I'll introduce you to Quil first—my husband. He's dying to meet you."

After twenty minutes of meeting various Call family members and several sips of Emma Call's punch, Leah was feeling somewhat more relaxed. Austin's calm, friendly presence helped a lot, but she also met Embry's father, Joshua. Embry was like a taller, more exotic, darker haired version of his dad. Joshua Call had the same flashing grin. His charm had a mellower quality than Embry's potent charisma, but Leah could easily imagine a young Makah author falling for him on her romantic vacation in Hawaii.

Much like Leah was falling for her son, she realized. Would Embry's and her affair end similarly—each of them half a world apart?

Joshua was warm and kind toward her, doing almost as much as Rebecca and Austin to alleviate her anxiety. When she thanked him for arranging to have Embry's houseboat guarded, he waved off her gratitude.

"The Calls are always saying they will guard each other's back. Unfortunately, our lives are so boring; nothing ever happens that we get to prove it. This gave us the chance to flex out unused muscles a little bit," Joshua teased.

An older teenage girl had come and claimed Claire from Embry, saying she wanted to take the baby for a swim. Leah met Billy Black, the gossip loving octogenarian Embry had referred to earlier. When Rebecca had pulled her away to meet someone else, Embry had remained behind talking to his great-uncle.

Leah was still highly aware of the speculative stares, but she no longer interpreted them as being hostile… just pervasive.

"I feel like I'm onstage," Leah muttered at one point to Becca.

"People are just curious," Becca had whispered. "And not just because of the news, either. Embry never brings a woman out to Gran's farm."

Leah had tried to ignore the pleasant warmth that had flooded through her at Rebecca's statement.

All in all, Leah thought things were going fairly well… considering.

Becca insisted that she get something to eat, and Leah thought it might not be a bad idea, considering the alcohol content in the punch. Leah had filled up her plate with savory smelling barbequed whole grain bread, and a pear and walnut salad. She glanced up and saw Embry watching her from across the room. He gave her a small smile when she looked down significantly at her plate. He said one last thing in parting to his great-uncle and started across the room toward her.

Leah saw him pause when Sam entered the kitchen accompanied by the man he had been with at Bry's the other night: Edward Masen. Both of them wearing suits and looked highly overdressed for the casual luau.

"Bry," Sam greeted. "Are we back on good terms brother?"

For a few seconds, Leah though Embry wasn't going to respond. He merely studied his cousin with a stare that made Sam look distinctly uneasily.

"I have no reason to not be on speaking terms with you brother," Embry finally replied coldly.

Sam shared a smile with Edward. "That's good news, huh, Ed?"

"Sure it is," the man replied, his polished grin never wavering.

Embry looked irritated. "I don't have a solid reason, yet."

Then Embry stalked across the room toward Leah. "I can't believe he brought that sleazeball Masen to Gran's house. I have a feeling Masen pushed Sam into leaking that story; not that it clears my stupid ass cousin of anything." Embry seethed under his breath after Leah passed him a plate.

"Did you find something out from your uncle Billy?"

"No, nothing for certain. Still, something stinks around here, and the stench got a hell of a lot worse when Sam and Masen walked in the room. Masen has been after a piece of my Gran's land for a few years now, and his determination seems to have grown in the past few months, according to Uncle Billy. He's been systematically seeking out my family that are close to Gran; trying to find a crack where he can wiggle his way into Gran's good graces. I've got no problem believing Edward's underhanded motives, but I can't believe Sam would sell out so easily." He frowned distractedly. His cell phone started ringing in his short's pocket.

"Give me just a second, babe, and we'll sit outside and eat," he muttered when he glanced at the caller's number. He walked over to the corner of the kitchen to take the call, so he didn't notice that Sam approached Leah.

"Ms. Clearwater, welcome to the Call Farms," he greeted warmly.

"You're grandmother has a beautiful home." She was highly aware of the increase of speculative stares from people milling about the large room and attempted to say something neutral. Both she and Sam knew she felt nothing but animosity toward him. It pissed her off that he dared to come over and talk to her like they were old friends.

"One of my relatives tells me you're here with Embry, as his girl. You'll forgive my surprise. You seemed… less than pleased with him last night."

Leah met his eyes. "I've changed my mind about who I suspect is responsible for leaking my name and those pictures to the press."

"Ah I see. And from your tone of voice, I gather Embry has convinced you that I'm the one who was solely responsible. Convenient for him, I'd say," Sam's gaze lowered over her body suggestively.

"I told you where I stand on the matter last night. Nothing has changed as far as where you and I stand." She began to walk away from him.

But he halted her abruptly with a hand on her upper arm. "Since we were both in diapers, Embry has charmed every woman who comes within fifty feet of him. I wouldn't put too much of your cookies in his small basket of reassurances."

"Embry and I are none of your damn business," Leah hissed quietly. She tried to yank her arm free, but Sam's grip tightened.

"If you want to keep that arm attached to your body you will let her fucking go right now."

Leah jumped slightly at the snarling tone and turned around to see Embry standing close. His face looked so stark and stormy, Leah instantly thought of the brutally harsh coasts of his mother's homeland. She had caught a hint of his fury, but Sam remained clueless. He still had a fake smile on his face when Embry slammed his fist into it. Sam fell back against the counter, his hand plopping in some kind of whipped cream desert before he slumped onto his knees on the tile floor.

"No, Sam here feels like everyone is his business," Embry bellowed down at his cousin, who looked like he hovered in the hazy realm between consciousness and passing out. Every occupant in the room had gone utterly still and silent, making Embry's voice vibrate resoundingly off the walls. "We're so much his damn business that he hired someone to take pictures of us on private property and then sold the photographs, along with some juicy little lies, to the Channel Eight News."

"Embry, don't," Leah exclaimed when he reached for Sam's sagging form, looking like he was planning on pulling his cousin to his feet only to knock him off them again. She grabbed his forearm. Embry didn't seem to hear her, but he had no choice but to respond when Joshua Call joined her efforts. His father pushed him away from Sam with a hand on his shoulder.

"You just about took his head already, son. Leave him be," Joshua said when Embry shook him off.

"Do you know what that son of a bitch did?" Embry asked.

"I've got a good idea. You just informed everyone in the room," Joshua replied wryly.

Meanwhile, Sam was recovering from Embry's punch. He tenderly touched his nose, smearing some whipped cream on it, and winced. He tried to pull himself up to a standing position with a hand on the counter. Edward rushed over to assist him.

"God damn son a bitch," Sam muttered under his breath, seeming to gain steam as he spoke. He blinked, trying to bring Embry into focus. "You fucking golden boy. I'm so sick of you!"

Embry lunged forward threateningly, only to be hauled back by his father. "You're sick of me? You're the one who betrayed your own family, buddied up with your criminal pal over here, and tried to discredit me in Gran Emma's eyes so Edward fucking Masen could get a crack at that land he wants. Am I right?"

"So what if you are?" Sam shouted. "It's not like it worked. Grandma thinks the sun rises and sets out of your ass."

Embry's eyes popped out in disbelieving rage at the open admission.

"Calm down, Sam," Edward soothed diplomatically. "Maybe we'd better be going."

"I think that's the greatest idea anyone has had all night." Joshua said firmly.

"You admit it's true?" Embry roared, seemingly oblivious to any other comments besides Sam's.

"Yeah, I admit it. And it wasn't just because of Edward, either. I'm sick and tired of you: perfect Saint Bry." He clasped his hands together and placed them by his head as he changed the sound of his voice. "Oh Bry did this, oh he did that… oh did you see what he donated?... oh, oh, oh, oh he's so amazing." Sam finished his strange woman voice snarling, before he changed his voice back to normal. "You want to look for someone to blame for me being the black sheep of the family? Well, look in the mirror, asshole! I owe it to you that I run a strip club and sell sex to rich bitches like that fucking cunt," He jabbed a finger in Leah's direction. "You know why? Because anything would be better than being compared to Embry Call. Ever since we were kids you were the anointed one. No one can look at Grandma's books besides Bry; no one can give any sound business advice except for Bry. 'I'll ask Bry if he thinks that's a good idea," Sam mocked in poor imitation again of what must have been Emma Call's voice. "Just the sound of your name makes me want to puke!"

"Samuel Uley."

They all turned. It was like a gong had just gone off in the room. Leah saw a tiny lady with liquid brown eyes and attractively styled curly white hair. She held three white orchid stems in her hand.

"What's going on here?" she asked, her tone surprisingly forbidding for one so small.

Emma Call's dark eyes scanned first Embry and then Sam. Leah thought she could have heard a pin falling on the limestone-tile floor.

"What's all this nonsense about you selling sex?" Emma demanded.

Joshua groaned softly and closed his eyes. Embry's expression collapsed. "Gran, I'm sorry. I hit him, Sam's upset. He's saying things he doesn't mean."

"I meant it!" Sam seethed. His midnight black eyes looked a little deranged. He abruptly whipped his torso around, throwing Edward off him. Some whipped cream flipped onto the floor and counter. "Let's get the fuck out of here."

Edward had a grim expression on his face as he followed Sam.

"Is he going to be all right with Edward?" Leah heard Joshua ask his son quietly.

"You mean now that Sam's blown his cover, and Masen's not depending on him anymore to get him in with Gran?" Embry asked grimly. "Masen isn't going to dump him on the side of the road if that's what you mean. Too many people have seen them together at this point. Of course I can't guarantee Sam's liquor license won't suddenly get pulled or that the cops won't come nosing around Hawaiian Heat asking questions about his extracurricular activities, but he'll be safe enough in the physical sense."

"What in the world are you two talking about?" Emma asked incredulously.

Embry's gaze wandered over to Leah. He still looked angry but regret weighted his features as well. Clearly, he had let his temper get the best of him when he turned around to see his cousin manhandling Leah.

"Who was on the phone, Embry?" Leah asked reasoning it had been the call on his cell phone that had sent him over the edge.

"Emmett McCarty. The guy Rosalie spent time with last week. I talked to him earlier today, but he was guarded. He must have had a change of heart though, because he called and admitted that Sam offered to pay him to take pictures of us out at my boat. Rosalie overheard part of the conversation while they were at the Green Turtle together. Even though Emmett turned down the offer, he made some comment about being a shit photographer and sort of looked guilty when he noticed Rosalie had overheard. She forgot all about the incident until I explained about what had happened with the news leak. Rosalie told me about it last night on the phone. It was a long shot, but it paid off."

Joshua whistled under his breath.

"I can't believe Sam would do such a thing to his own cousin. You boys have known each other since you were toddlers," Emma said. Her face was pale and rigid with shock.

Leah noticed the flowers she held were slipping out of her hands. "Here, let me help you with those," Leah said softly as she took the stems from the older woman's stiff fingers.

Emma Call looked fully into her face for the first time since she had walked into the room. "Why… you're Harry Nahua's little girl,"

Embry blinked, sure he must have misunderstood his grandmother. The excitement must have gone to his head. Surely Emma Call hadn't just said—

"You're 'Aileah Nahua. I never knew you when you were little, but I've seen pictures. I wouldn't need to see photos though. You're a younger version of your aunt Patricia."

Leah's gaze shot over to Embry briefly before she glanced nervously at the crowd in the room. While the partygoers had mostly remained stock still during the unexpected fight that broke out, currently they seemed to be surging forward like a single, many headed creature.

Leah looked like a deer in headlights.

"Patricia is one of my closest friends. Have you contacted her, 'Aileah?" Emma asked quietly. Perhaps the shock of the fight between Sam and Embry still clung to Leah, because she seemed entirely unaware of the room full of curious people.

"I… I don't know what you're talking about," Leah replied through lips that looked like they had gone number. An alarm started to blare in Embry's brain.

He had seen her look like that before—he had seen that face.

He stepped forward and put his arm around her. She hardly seemed aware that he took the orchids from her and set them on the counter. She had lost four shades of color since Emma had said Harry Nahua's name. He thought for sure she was going to faint.

"Patricia tried to get custody of you soon after your mother passed away, but Harry kept her at a distance," Emma Call continued, her tone weighted with sadness. "He wouldn't allow Patricia to see you and kept changing addresses, living like a gypsy and forcing you to do the same. And then his drinking got worse and worse. Eventually Patricia's husband got a job in Maui, and they moved. She didn't give up on you or her brother, but when she returned home and found him—living alone and wasting away from illness and drink—he told her your grandmother had come to the island and taken you away. Patricia was furious with him for letting you go with your grandmother when he wouldn't allow you to live with her or your younger brother Seth."

Embry felt a fine tremor vibrating from Leah's flesh into his hands.

"Younger brother?" Leah's voice was barely audible. Embry's tightened hold on her seemed to temporarily lift her out of her shock and bring her into the moment. She cast a furtive glance at the crowd of people watching them.

"Come on guys, give us some privacy. What are you all gawking at?" Embry barked. "Go on. This is Call Farms, not the circus!"

But his attempts were only semi-successful. Call family members and friends seemed to waken as if from an enchantment at his harsh words, but they still milled around and glanced back at the drama being played out by Leah and Emma.

"It broke Patricia's heart the way your father made you perform like that in public, forcing a little child to sing for tourists while he panhandled for money to buy drink. It was a crime," Emma said quietly her voice shaking with feeling.

Leah made a muffled cry of dismay. She jerked in his hold throwing his arm off her in an angry gesture. Her face was a study in misery as she turned and hurried out of the kitchen.

"Leah… babe—hold on."

"Give her some privacy, Embry," his father said, bringing him up short for the second time that evening. Embry hesitated as he saw the bright orange flash of Leah's dress as she rushed out of the room toward the front of the house.

His father was right. She was such an intensely private person. The last thing she needed—the last thing she wanted—was another person staring at her while she suffered.

Leah had probably had enough of that by the time she was five or six years old.

Even though there was hardly any Leah and Embry this chapter I needed this chapter to get Leah where she needed to be. And the picture leak culprit had to come out. It never fails that information comes out at the most inopportune time, especially in large social functions...

I adore all the readers /alerters/ favoriter's and everything in between but I'm in love with every review I've received so far.

Anyways I'm going to study now, I have a test in less than seven hours. Yay for cramming, I need to work on my procrastination problem.

Looking forward to the reviews. :)