Chapter 14
Sorry for the delay, crazy busy week at work and something had to give. This is a short chapter but sets up a few of the next chapters. Robson won't be the next chapter but it's coming soon. Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews, they mean the world to me. Especially the ones that think I am an evil genius. All I can say is you ain't seen nothing yet...
James left Laura's bedroom quietly. He quickly used the bathroom before heading downstairs. Quiet voices from the kitchen told him Robbie and Jean were awake. He stood at the entrance of the kitchen and cleared his throat to get their attention, "You wouldn't happen to have more coffee would you?"
Robbie nodded and took another mug from the cabinet. He filled it, set it on the counter and pushed it to James, "How is she?"
James delayed by fixing his coffee then taking a sip, savoring the taste, "She's better. She's taking a shower."
Robbie looked toward the stairs, "I should go and check on her."
He started toward the stairs and James put his hand on Robbie's arm to stop him. He set the coffee down, reached into his pocket and removed his keys. Handing them to Jean he nodded to the door, "Can you give us a minute ma'am?"
Jean looked between the two then took the keys, "I'll wait in the car." James smiled at her, "Robbie, if you two need me I'll be at the office all day. Don't hesitate to ask."
Still looking up the stairs, Robbie nodded and waved, "Thanks Jean." He turned his head toward her, "For everything."
She nodded and headed for the door. Both men watched her walk away. Once he heard the door close James turned to Robbie, "Don't go to her. Let her come to you."
Robbie turned to James anger brewing in his expression, "Why shouldn't I go to her? She needs me."
James nodded acknowledging Robbie's claim, "She does, but right now she needs you to give her some space."
"Space, damn it James I gave her space last night. I spent the night on the sofa while you spent the night in my bed with her. What the hell else am I supposed to do?"
James paused for a moment. He didn't think Robbie was jealous but he also didn't want to push any buttons, "I can't give you all of those answers all I can give you is advice."
James could see the anger bubbling under the surface when Robbie glared at him, "Advice, from you? You're going to give me advice on relationships, on Laura?"
James' anger flared, "Yes, I am. She's my friend too, in some ways I am closer to her than I am to you. So, yes, I am going to give you some advice. And if you care for her as much as you claim you will take it."
It was James' anger that calmed Robbie. He was used to James being calm and detached but his incensed speech was like a wet blanket. He dropped his head, "I'm sorry. I can't be objective when it comes to her." He looked up at James, "Tell me what to do."
James smiled, "She has a story to tell you. But she needs to tell you in her way. Let her come to you, let her talk, listen."
"So I just wait here until she comes down to me?"
The look on Robbie's face almost made him feel sorry for Robbie, "Do you trust her?"
"With my life."
James squeezed Robbie's shoulder, "Then trust her to come to you."
"Can't you just tell me the story?"
James turned to the door, shaking his head, "It's not my story to tell and I don't know the whole thing."
"She didn't tell you?"
"No, she only wants to share it with you. I will tell you this, she's afraid."
"Of Malcolm?"
James smiled sadly, "She's afraid you will think less of her."
"There's nothing she could ever tell me that would do that."
James opened the door then turned back to Robbie, "I know, make sure she does."
Jean was leaning against the car when James came out. She watched him walk, gauging his mood. She forced herself to remain calm as he neared not sure of what she should do. He solved the problem, "Ma'am…" He saw the hurt look on her face, "Jean, I am sorry about last night. I might have been a bit unfair to you."
An apology was the last thing she expected from James, "It's OK James. We all just have Laura's best interest at heart. Is she OK?" She looked back at the house, "Are they OK?"
James leaned against the car next to her, "They will be. She has a story to tell him."
She looked at him from the corner of her eye, "What makes me think you know the story?"
Taking a deep breath he looked up to the bedroom window. He saw Laura and nodded at her, "I don't know all of it but I know enough to know they will be just fine."
"Care to share it with me?"
He held his hand out for the keys, "No, Jean, I don't. I will, however, buy you breakfast."
She smiled at him as she opened the door, "This is one of those 'not your secret to tell moments' isn't it?" He nodded as he opened his door, "And you think buying me breakfast is going to make that OK?"
"I'll make it a full breakfast." Their eyes met over the car and they both laughed as they got in the car.