Sapphire Attraction. Zuri Day
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“And even with that possibility, you’re still concerned about her welfare.”
Ike’s head quickly turned toward his brother. “Says who?”
“Says you. Back there.”
“I said no such thing.”
“When she was being wheeled into the ambulance. You said you hoped she was okay.”
“I don’t remember saying that.”
“And you couldn’t take your eyes off her. Didn’t even know how badly your car was damaged until I got there.”
“I don’t remember that, either.”
Warren gave his brother a lopsided grin. “Well, I was standing right next to you, bro, and you were definitely checking her out.” They reached the gated entrance to the Golden Gates community where several Drake family members lived. Ike lived just a couple blocks over from his parents, and Niko, two years younger than Ike, lived a mere block away. Warren tapped a device on his dash and the gates opened. “No one can fault you for being concerned about Quinn. She’s gorgeous, smart...”
“Spoiled, irresponsible, ill-mannered. So don’t even start.”
“Start what?”
“Whatever you’re preparing to instigate by blowing up a general statement made when my brain was scrambled.”
“Ha! Oh, so now the comment that you don’t remember making was said while you weren’t in your right mind.”
“Correct.”
Warren laughed again. “Okay, you go ahead and believe that. I don’t know why you’re fighting it. If I weren’t married, I’d probably ask her out.”
“Could you see someone like her feeling at home on your ranch? No, I don’t think that would have been a match. She’s more Terrell or Julian’s speed, and closer to their ages.”
“How old do you think she is?”
“Too young for me.”
Warren gave a disgruntled grunt. “I bet she’s not ten years younger than you—probably more like five.”
“She could be five years older than me chronologically and still too young. Or perhaps I should have said immature.”
“You’re full of it, Ike. There’s no way you can sit there and tell me you don’t find Quinn attractive.”
“She’s gorgeous, no doubt. Just not the type of woman I’m looking for.”
They reached Ike’s house. Warren pulled into his driveway and turned off the truck’s engine.
“So you are looking. That means you and Audrey are still off again?”
“Audrey and I are off forever.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it.”
“No, it’s for real this time. She agrees, too. Said that after ten years I should know if she’s the one. Plus, she’s not getting any younger and wants kids. She needs to be with someone ready to commit.”
“And that’s not you?”
“Doesn’t look like it,” Ike said with a sigh. “And to tell you the truth, I don’t know why. She has all the qualities I’d want in a wife. Everything except that spark, that something that leaves no doubt that you’d lay down your life for that woman. Like what I see between our grandparents, between Mom and Dad, heck, even between you and Charli, Niko and Monique, and Teresa and Atka. But it’s not there. I couldn’t lie to her and say it was, nor could I lie and say a commitment was imminent. So, yes, it’s officially and completely over, but we parted as friends.”
He opened his door. “Thanks for the lift, Warren. I’d tell you not to share the accident with Mother, but she probably knows already.” As if on cue, his cell phone rang. He pulled it out and showed Warren the picture of their smiling mother, indicating that she was indeed the caller. “See what I mean?”
He waved to his brother as he walked up the steps to his front door, placing the phone beneath his ear as he let himself in. “Yes, I was in an accident, Mom, and no, I’m not hurt,” he said in greeting.
“I know all that,” Jennifer answered. “I’m calling to inquire as to whether or not you’ve called to check on Quinn, and to know what type of flowers you had sent to her room.”
Ike actually pulled the phone away from his ear to see if the image had changed. Where was his mother and who was this stranger asking the ridiculous question? “You’re joking, right?”
“Why would I joke about performing a classy, kind act?”
“Obviously because you don’t know as much about the accident as you think you do.” Ike bypassed his living/ dining area and went into the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of water from the fridge then continued to his office. “The accident was totally Quinn’s fault, one that save for her negligence could have been avoided.”
“Be that as it may, you seem to be fine and she’s in the hospital, where she’ll be overnight for observation. So the gentlemanly thing to do is to send flowers and a card wishing her a speedy recovery.”
“All I plan on sending her is a repair bill, and that through my lawyer.”
Jennifer tsked. “Ike Anthony Drake, do not speak that way. It’s not how you were raised. I understand you being upset and can only imagine how bad you feel that your car was damaged. But it’s just a car, Ike, not a life. That neither of you were seriously injured is a blessing. Now, would you like for me to handle that for you, dear, or will you have your assistant send them in the morning first thing?”
Ike was dumbfounded into silence.
“Something grand and cheery, I’m thinking,” Jennifer continued in the silence. “Bird-of-paradise, red ginger and lilies—no blemishes, of course. And orchids, for their lovely scent. Purple would be nice. All accented with tall palm leaves and—”
“Mom. Excuse me for interrupting, but...I’ll take care of everything.”
And he would. That his idea of everything had not included a delivery of flowers to the woman who’d crashed into his Ferrari was something he saw no benefit in sharing.
“Sorry to prattle, darling. You know how much I love flowers. And so does your father. After almost four decades of marriage, he still brings them to me every week. Gets them from the florist shop in the town square.”
“He’s your husband. I’m the victim. So forgive me for not seeing a connection.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You’ve always been the serious son. At least until Julian was born. Among our children, you two are the most alike. Both of you can stand to lighten up a bit and not always take life so seriously. Except when it comes to your health. I understand you refused one at the scene, but have you seen a doctor?”
“Jeez, Mom, how do you get this information so quickly?”
“It’s a strategic process, darling, honed over time and not easily or readily explained. But very handy when one has six rambunctious sons.”
“Don’t leave the rambunctious sister out.”
“Unlike Teresa, the sensible sister, I admit London can sometimes be a bit unruly. But that comes from an inner excitement and zest for life.”
“No, it comes from being Daddy’s baby girl, led to believe that the sun revolves around her.”
“We may have been too lenient in those early years, that’s true. But your little sister has grown into an amazing woman. You