Chapter nine of L&L
Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!
Thank you everybody for the reviews! Especially to Mrpointyhorns, jnwcugirl,fl1789, delvalmom, gr lewis, sweetje, haljbg, ramona4jake, gres1, coffee83.
I’m still trying to find a beta work with me on Law and Love! If you’re interested just write to me! ;)
Chapter Nine: Arriving and leaving
Ennis watched Jack as he brought Sophie to the crib that they now had in their bedroom. Jack had been unusually quiet during dinner and had not uttered a word about his visit to the vault. Ennis was already getting nervous about the situation, wondering whether or not he should mention it.
So there he was, leaning against his bedroom door, feeling trapped between the worried expression on Jack’s face and whatever it was that had happened in the vault. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and frowned at his own thoughts. The conversation with Veronica made his belly ache. He let his instincts guide him and grabbed Jack’s hand when he passed him by the door.
“Do you want to talk?” He murmured, aware that Sophie was now sleeping inside the bedroom.
“Let’s go to the living room.” Jack said and his fingers interlaced with Ennis’s.
Ennis felt a bit better and followed him silently, sitting on the sofa next to him, giving Jack time to organize his thoughts.
“I went to the vault after lunch, but I didn’t find what I was expecting, honey.” Jack searched in his coat, resting on the other small sofa, and took out a letter and a bunch of keys.
“So your father let you a letter?” Ennis asked puzzled. “Does this have anything to do with the woman in the will?”
“Not really. This was something else.” Jack offered him the letter and Ennis read it carefully.
“Do you understand what he meant with this?” Ennis asked pointing to the letter.
“No, I can’t think straight about it. But these keys were in the same box.” Jack showed Ennis the three very different keys.
“He did mention keys, but I thought it wasn’t so literally.” Ennis observed the keys closely.
“Uncle Daniel didn’t have a clue either, but then, he barely saw them. He was eager to meet someone else.”
“Hmm. Let me think. He underlined the words present, past and future.” Ennis pointed at the letter. “Key words… clearly he wants you to find a place to use the keys that is related to your present, past and future.”
“Ok, but where? There are millions of possible places. We have houses in a number of different countries. He could have given me a clue.” Jack said annoyed.
“Clearly the objective is to make you think, maybe even make you search among your family’s things. He was a very clever man Jack. Who knows what he was thinking.”
“I’m going to have lunch with Uncle Daniel tomorrow. Maybe we’ll remember something else by then.” Jack said looking at the keys.
“I have to say, this all sounds like something out of a movie.”
“The Twists were always eccentric, honey. Dad always liked riddles… this must be his ultimate riddle. You should have seen the security of the vault.”
“Still…” Ennis said raising his eyebrows and looking at the letter again.
“It’s a bit too late to wonder what you've goten yourself into.” Jack said smiling.
“I guess it is.” Ennis said kissing Jack on the lips.
“Good day, Mrs. Campbell.” Ennis said to his secretary.
The older woman didn’t say a word, but nodded knowingly and quickly gave him all his notes for the day. He had forgotten how nice it was to have a secretary. Especially when your secretary owes you her job and her family’s hopes and dreams. Hot coffee, perfectly organized notes, fresh flowers on your desk, homemade lunch and all the privacy that Ennis craved. He could easily ask her to send notes to Jack without risking that half of the firm would know about it in less than five minutes. He couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of his decision.
“Could you please bring me a coffee in about five minutes, Mrs. Campbell?” Another silent nod. “Thank you.”
Ennis entered his office and took off his jacket. He glanced over the cases that the members of the board had sent to him. There weren’t any good murders among them, but there was a case of corruption with a famous dentist’s clinics and a well-known energy company that had caught his eye. Especially because some of the doctors involved were ready to take blame in court, which was most definitely a suspicion for something else.
Ennis was reviewing the details the members had sent him when Mrs. Campbell announced that Helen Carrilho was there to see him. He was immediately curious and closed his file to watch his door open.
“Helen, what can I do for you?” Ennis said leaning back against his chair casually.
“There was something I wanted to talk with you about.” She said sitting in front him, observing him closely.
“What is it?”
“I heard you’re going to help Dave with the law suit.” It wasn’t a question but clearly she expected him to say something.
“The members wanted a well-known name, Dave wanted the case and I gave them both what they wanted.”
“He’s not going to be able to handle it all.” She said with disdain and that made Ennis curious. “You’re going to end up doing all of the work.”
“He’s young, but he has more talent than most of the attorneys at this firm. And even if he didn’t, it was my risk to take, Helen.” Ennis said with a smile.
“But Ennis… why should you take that risk, when you could have a fulltime partnership with me?”
“Are you making an offer?” Ennis asked surprised.
“Yes.” She said determined.
“Well, I’m honored but I can’t accept it...”
“Why not? We’ve worked together before. You’ve seen what I’m capable of.” Helen said almost angrily.
“You’re an amazing attorney Helen but I like to work on my own. I work with Dave in very special circumstances. He’s young and needs my guidance. I need little help and more free time.” Ennis said honestly.
“This is because of Jack Twist, isn’t it?” She said standing from her seat.
“Jack? Why would it be about him?”
“He knows about my feelings… he doesn’t want you to be around me.” She said determinedly.
“That doesn’t even make sense Helen. He has no reason to be jealous of you, for the simple fact that you’re a woman.” Ennis was surprised to see that Helen's attitude didn’t change.
“I understand your position Ennis.” She moved away, slamming the door on her way out.
Ennis sighed loudly. He was quite aware that she clearly didn’t understand his position.
The lobsters were swimming happily in the aquarium and Uncle Daniel’s red hair was shining like flames in a fireplace. Jack was trying hard not to scream at the unknown woman who kept whispering, a bit too loudly, bits of last week’s article to her husband.
“…so we broke up.” Uncle Daniel said bringing his attention back to their conversation.
“You broke up?” Jack asked surprised.
“It wasn’t working anymore. I was getting a bit tired of all her talk about botox and plastic surgery.”
“I didn’t know she was a surgeon.” Jack asked confused.
“And she wasn’t, son.” Uncle Daniel said opening his hands in a conclusive expression.
“Well, three months isn’t a bad record.”
“Not at all. Especially if we consider how vain she was.” Uncle Daniel moved his attention to his plate.
“I remember Celestine. I thought she was "the one", but then you guys fought because of the club and I never saw her again.” Jack said remembering.
“Yes, many years ago. She was something else, son. Too much for me, I’m afraid.” Uncle Daniel said happily.
“She looked a lot like you.” Jack said smiling too. “Especially physically.”
“Yes. Odd times, when I was confident enough to date a big woman.” Uncle Daniel blinked at Jack.
“I liked her.” Jack said honestly.
“We were a lot alike, son. And I’m not talking about the physical way.”
“I prefer opposites, as you know.”
“Yes, Ennis is your perfect yang. Especially because he also has many things in common with you.”
“That shouldn’t make sense, but it does.” Jack said happily.
“Did he help you with your father’s letter more than I did?”
“No, I’m afraid he reached the same conclusions. Although the idea of exploring my dad’s favorite places at the mansion and other homes didn’t occur to him.”
“He didn't know him that well. I still think you should give a good look at his bedroom. He spent most of his free time there.”
“I will. I’m just a bit annoyed about all this. Why didn’t he just leave me whatever it isin the will?”
“He liked riddles and he liked to test you, to make you do new and unexpected things.”
“Not even a note saying where the important documents of the firm were, he left me.” Jack grumbled.
“Don’t worry, son. When I pass away, I’ll leave it all for you in the will. No riddles about it.”
“Uncle Daniel!” Jack said surprised and horrified.
“What? Of course you’re my heir. I just never announce it officially, because I’m well aware of how much attention you already get.”
“We’ve never talked about this before.” Jack said, still surprised.
“I mentioned it a couple of times to your father. He understood and wasn’t against it, son.”
“Don’t you have any cousins to leave the money?” Jack pleaded.
“It’s my decision, son.” He said seriously.
“Uncle Daniel it's a lot of money. I have no need for it. Maybe you should leave it to charity.”
“I’ll leave a good amount to different organizations of charity. But I don’t trust any of them enough to leave the entire inheritance.”
“You could start a foundation in your own name.” Jack suggested.
“Maybe, but that will be your decision to make. I’ve always seen you as my son. I’ll leave my money to my only son.”
“I understand if you want me to keep the club, but the money…”
“Enough. I've had enough of this conversation.” He said solemnly.
“But Uncle Daniel…”
“No buts. I want you and Ennis to spend more time at the club.” He said looking at Jack, effectively changing the subject. “I want Ennis to like this place.”
“I don’t know…” Jack said still shocked. “Maybe I can return to my tennis lessons and bring Ennis with me.”
“Good idea, son.” Uncle Daniel said smiling. “You just need to convince him. I’ll deal with the rest.”
Jack was left wondering what else he was going to find out over the next few days. He shivered with the mere thought.
Howam I supposed to convince Ennis to take tennis lessons with me? Jack thought distractedly.
“How are they?” Ennis asked resting on the big sofa in the Twist mansion, with Sophie on his lap.
“Mary demands to see her daughter and Elizabeth has at least 300 photos to prove everything she has written me about in her emails.”
“Any problems with the plane?”
“No, Mary took some pills because of a nasty allergy she developed there and was sleeping almost all the time.”
“Poor Elizabeth.”
“Don’t feel sorry for her. She spent all her time organizing her week’s work. Some of her clients are quite demanding and she doesn’t want to leave them waiting any longer.”
“Are they going to be much longer?”
“They left their things at Elizabeth’s place and are driving over here now.” Jack said, placing his cell phone on the coffee table.
Ennis looked at Sophie. He couldn’t believe the two weeks had already passed and now that he was going to return Sophie to her mothers, he was feeling a bit sad about it. The 10 month old was a joy to take care of and even Jack, who liked to complain about it, had loved the time they had spent with the baby girl. Ennis was only sorry for the time he hadn’t been able to take care of her.
“I’m sad about it too, honey.” Jack said resting his chin on Ennis’s shoulder and looking down at Sophie. “I’m sure Elizabeth would let us babysit her anytime we want.”
“It’s ridiculous, but I was getting used to have her around all the time.” Ennis said with emotion.
“It’s not ridiculous. It’s sweet and terribly sexy. And I felt the same way too.”
“If you say so.” Ennis said with a smile.
“I’m sure you’re going to cheer up the moment we arrive at the ranch.” Jack said happily.
“I can’t wait.” Ennis said honestly. “David called me this morning. He's planned things for us to do all weekend. He was suspiciously excited about it.”
“He's probably missed you a lot, honey. And I’m excited too. I even went shopping for decent clothes this week. God, I’ve never been in some of those shops in my life!”
“I think I’m changing my mind about going…” Ennis said playfully.
“I’m serious. I went to some of the cheapest places in New York. I put on my glasses and a baseball cap, so that no one would recognize me. It was a lot of fun. I even found where in the hell you bought those socks you wear for jogging.”
“Iused to wear. Because last week, I found that my drawer was full of Nike socks. Jack Twist magic all over my apartment.”
“Someone needs to take care of you, honey. I like to think it’s my job.”
“Just stay away from my closet and no matter what happens this weekend, do not leave the house without showing me what you’re going to wear.”
“You want a runway show, honey?” Jack asked, kissing his neck.
“Seriously, baby. You know we have to keep a low profile, don’t you? Remember that not everybody is like David. We need to watch our mouths and keep a safe distance.”
“I know.” Jack said sadly. “But we are going to sleep together right? I mean… I’m not talking about the sex…” Jack was silent for a minute. “I’m used to the cuddling.”
“I’ll see what I can do, baby.” Ennis said, enamored with the confession.
“We’ve slept together every night since Elizabeth’s wedding.” Jack’s voice was sweet and Ennis knew he was being teased.
“You need to understand, baby.”
“Honey.” Jack pleaded.
“It’s not about me. You know that there’s little I can do. Now please, can we please change the subject?” Ennis said annoyed.
“Ok.” Jack said defeated. “You know? After my failure to find anything in my dad’s bedroom, I’m left with no other good ideas.”
“You spent the whole week there. I told you he wasn’t going to put it in such an obvious place. It’s a riddle, it’s difficult and it has some hidden meaning.”
“Maybe we’re not thinking right about this. Uncle Daniel said…”
“Your uncle also thinks I should have tennis lessons. He’s obviously insane!” Ennis said jokingly.
“Don’t be like that, honey. It’s a great idea. It would help you relax, we could spend a lot more time together…”
“I heard you the other hundred times, Jack.” Ennis interrupted tired.
“Well, maybe you need to hear it a few more times because you still haven't said yes yet.”
“And I’m not going to. I don’t know what you two had in mind, but I’m not taking tennis lessons.”
“You don’t need to be so stubborn about it. It’s a good idea and Uncle Daniel likes you a lot. He wants you to get to know the place better. It’s not really about the lessons.”
“I don’t see why.” Ennis said annoyed and Sophie stated to cry.
“Because he knows I love you, that is why.” Jack said annoyed too.
“Baby.” Ennis said, while trying to silence Sophie.
“Why are you acting like this?” Jack said standing up from the couch. “This is definitely not about the tennis lessons. I thought you were happy about this weekend, but now you seem nervous and worried about it.”
“It’s going to be complicated.” Ennis said resting Sophie against his chest.
“We’ve been there before and nothing happened. I acted like your perfect best friend the whole time! No one suspected anything. I don’t know why you’re nervous now.”
“Because our relationship wasn’t like this back then. We weren’t used to be around each other all the time. And that’s the least of our problems! How am I going to explain your constant visits? One time is one thing…” Ennis said passing his fingers through his short hair.
“That’s what you’re nervous about? Tell them I’m your business partner or that I’m interested in making investments in the area. Anything you want, I don’t care.” Jack said frustrated. “And if we get the upstairs bedrooms again, all you have to do is sneak into mine. I’m not the impossible, am I?”
“It’s just… I know you’re not used to hiding these things. I know you probably don’t like the place.” Ennis said, remembering Veronica’s conversation about Jack’s fortune.
“Are you crazy? I love the place! It’s different from everywhere else. It’s quiet and peaceful. And most of all, it’s about you. There are stories about you everywhere, everybody likes you. You’re the star there and I like it. I like to see what you’ve done with that place and those people.”
“Really? You feel fine there?” Ennis looked at the floor. “It’s not too simple for you?”
“Of course not, silly. I don’t like to hide who I am or what we are to each other, but the situation is very specific. They’re not ready to know the truth. It’s a pitiful lie.” Jack looked at him and smiled. “I’m not some golden God. I like the place just fine.”
“Sorry, baby. I can’t help but be nervous about it. I’m happy we’re going too, but there are so many things that can go wrong.”
“It’s ok. I’m sorry if I’m pushing you to take the damn tennis lessons at the club. Uncle Daniel wants to know you better and this is his way of being friendly. And I really wanted you there with me.”
“Baby, it’s ridiculous to start taking tennis lessons at my age.”
“I’m sure they've had much older students, honey. Just think about it. Ok?” Jack sat down on the couch.
“Ok. I’ll think about it.” Ennis said holding Jack against him with one arm.
“I know you had a busy week, so just try to relax and have fun. I’ll behave. I know I like to tease you all the time, but I know the limits. And the ranch is off limits.” Jack rested his head on Ennis’s shoulder.
“Thanks, baby.” Ennis whispered.
“Master Jack?” They both heard Edward’s voice from the hallway, a few minutes after.
“Yes.” Jack answered moving to the door.
“Mrs. Noris and her wife are here.” Edward said appearing at the doorway, followed by Mary and Elizabeth.
“My baby, my precious baby. I've missed you so much!” Mary said moving to pick Sophie up from Ennis’s lap.
Sophie was more than happy between her mothers. Elizabeth hugged Jack and then Ennis, while Mary shook hands with both of them. Sophie was more than happy, babbling «mama», every five seconds. Ennis noticed that they both had a nice tan and that Elizabeth sported a new hair cut. Mary looked just the same.
“Did Sophie behave?” Elizabeth asked caressing Sophie’s black hair.
“She made me an expert on changing diapers.” Ennis said happily.
“I changed a few of them too.” Jack added.
“So how was the honeymoon?” Ennis asked smiling, while Jack moved closer to him.
“Amazing, you kids need to go to Capri one of these days.” Elizabeth said happily. “By the way, I brought the lemonchello you wanted Jack.”
“Thanks, Beth.” Jack said with a smile.
“Honestly, I was convinced the island had beautiful beaches with sand, not rocks!” Mary explained to Jack.
“It’s an island in Italy, Mary. They’re famous for the hotels not for the beaches.” Jack said knowing.
“I have no idea what you’re guys are talking about.” Ennis said confused.
“Believe me Ennis. I was glad when I didn’t know.” Mary then explained to Ennis how the local beaches were and how she had managed to injured herself with the rocks.
“She even got sunburned.” Elizabeth said sadly.
“It’s better not to mention the pasta. Eliza was almost sick of eating so much and I was in heaven. I wanted lasagna and tiramisu for every meal.”
“I think I’ll never eat Italian again.” Elizabeth said disgusted.
“The best part was when we rent a yacht. The water is so blue, it’s inebriating.” Mary said to Jack and Ennis.
“It’s a sea plant that actually gives it that particularly color.” Elizabeth explained.
“Interesting.” Ennis said with a smile.
“But we’ll show you the pictures tomorrow. I even have some DVDs with a couple of videos.” Elizabeth said happily and Mary shook her head from behind her to Ennis and Jack.
“Unfortunately, we can't tomorrow. We’re leaving for Ennis’s ranch.” Jack explained to Elizabeth. “But we’ll be more than happy to see all of that after we return.”
Mary and Ennis shared desperate glances. They were destined to be working on the day and hour Jack and Elizabeth decide to watch the DVDs.
Author: I keep writing about Italy! I can’t resist… :P The next chapter is really sweet, at leas I think so! And everybody likes this little version of the ranch, hmm? Unfortunately -I have to wait for my beta to work on those chapters and she0s recovering at home and isn’t really able to do much work. Just don’t give up on this story, because I’m writing chapter 16 and there’s some rally cool thing ahead of us!
On the next chapter: Jack’s back at the Del Mar ranch, as Ennis’s business partner. Are they going to believe it? But our two lawyers know how to enjoy their free time, swimming naked on the river and making sweet love on the shore. Isn’t it cute:P
Safe Online Dating
Thank you everybody for the reviews! Especially to Mrpointyhorns, jnwcugirl,fl1789, delvalmom, gr lewis, sweetje, haljbg, ramona4jake, gres1, coffee83.
I’m still trying to find a beta work with me on Law and Love! If you’re interested just write to me! ;)
Chapter Nine: Arriving and leaving
Ennis watched Jack as he brought Sophie to the crib that they now had in their bedroom. Jack had been unusually quiet during dinner and had not uttered a word about his visit to the vault. Ennis was already getting nervous about the situation, wondering whether or not he should mention it.
So there he was, leaning against his bedroom door, feeling trapped between the worried expression on Jack’s face and whatever it was that had happened in the vault. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and frowned at his own thoughts. The conversation with Veronica made his belly ache. He let his instincts guide him and grabbed Jack’s hand when he passed him by the door.
“Do you want to talk?” He murmured, aware that Sophie was now sleeping inside the bedroom.
“Let’s go to the living room.” Jack said and his fingers interlaced with Ennis’s.
Ennis felt a bit better and followed him silently, sitting on the sofa next to him, giving Jack time to organize his thoughts.
“I went to the vault after lunch, but I didn’t find what I was expecting, honey.” Jack searched in his coat, resting on the other small sofa, and took out a letter and a bunch of keys.
“So your father let you a letter?” Ennis asked puzzled. “Does this have anything to do with the woman in the will?”
“Not really. This was something else.” Jack offered him the letter and Ennis read it carefully.
“Do you understand what he meant with this?” Ennis asked pointing to the letter.
“No, I can’t think straight about it. But these keys were in the same box.” Jack showed Ennis the three very different keys.
“He did mention keys, but I thought it wasn’t so literally.” Ennis observed the keys closely.
“Uncle Daniel didn’t have a clue either, but then, he barely saw them. He was eager to meet someone else.”
“Hmm. Let me think. He underlined the words present, past and future.” Ennis pointed at the letter. “Key words… clearly he wants you to find a place to use the keys that is related to your present, past and future.”
“Ok, but where? There are millions of possible places. We have houses in a number of different countries. He could have given me a clue.” Jack said annoyed.
“Clearly the objective is to make you think, maybe even make you search among your family’s things. He was a very clever man Jack. Who knows what he was thinking.”
“I’m going to have lunch with Uncle Daniel tomorrow. Maybe we’ll remember something else by then.” Jack said looking at the keys.
“I have to say, this all sounds like something out of a movie.”
“The Twists were always eccentric, honey. Dad always liked riddles… this must be his ultimate riddle. You should have seen the security of the vault.”
“Still…” Ennis said raising his eyebrows and looking at the letter again.
“It’s a bit too late to wonder what you've goten yourself into.” Jack said smiling.
“I guess it is.” Ennis said kissing Jack on the lips.
“Good day, Mrs. Campbell.” Ennis said to his secretary.
The older woman didn’t say a word, but nodded knowingly and quickly gave him all his notes for the day. He had forgotten how nice it was to have a secretary. Especially when your secretary owes you her job and her family’s hopes and dreams. Hot coffee, perfectly organized notes, fresh flowers on your desk, homemade lunch and all the privacy that Ennis craved. He could easily ask her to send notes to Jack without risking that half of the firm would know about it in less than five minutes. He couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of his decision.
“Could you please bring me a coffee in about five minutes, Mrs. Campbell?” Another silent nod. “Thank you.”
Ennis entered his office and took off his jacket. He glanced over the cases that the members of the board had sent to him. There weren’t any good murders among them, but there was a case of corruption with a famous dentist’s clinics and a well-known energy company that had caught his eye. Especially because some of the doctors involved were ready to take blame in court, which was most definitely a suspicion for something else.
Ennis was reviewing the details the members had sent him when Mrs. Campbell announced that Helen Carrilho was there to see him. He was immediately curious and closed his file to watch his door open.
“Helen, what can I do for you?” Ennis said leaning back against his chair casually.
“There was something I wanted to talk with you about.” She said sitting in front him, observing him closely.
“What is it?”
“I heard you’re going to help Dave with the law suit.” It wasn’t a question but clearly she expected him to say something.
“The members wanted a well-known name, Dave wanted the case and I gave them both what they wanted.”
“He’s not going to be able to handle it all.” She said with disdain and that made Ennis curious. “You’re going to end up doing all of the work.”
“He’s young, but he has more talent than most of the attorneys at this firm. And even if he didn’t, it was my risk to take, Helen.” Ennis said with a smile.
“But Ennis… why should you take that risk, when you could have a fulltime partnership with me?”
“Are you making an offer?” Ennis asked surprised.
“Yes.” She said determined.
“Well, I’m honored but I can’t accept it...”
“Why not? We’ve worked together before. You’ve seen what I’m capable of.” Helen said almost angrily.
“You’re an amazing attorney Helen but I like to work on my own. I work with Dave in very special circumstances. He’s young and needs my guidance. I need little help and more free time.” Ennis said honestly.
“This is because of Jack Twist, isn’t it?” She said standing from her seat.
“Jack? Why would it be about him?”
“He knows about my feelings… he doesn’t want you to be around me.” She said determinedly.
“That doesn’t even make sense Helen. He has no reason to be jealous of you, for the simple fact that you’re a woman.” Ennis was surprised to see that Helen's attitude didn’t change.
“I understand your position Ennis.” She moved away, slamming the door on her way out.
Ennis sighed loudly. He was quite aware that she clearly didn’t understand his position.
The lobsters were swimming happily in the aquarium and Uncle Daniel’s red hair was shining like flames in a fireplace. Jack was trying hard not to scream at the unknown woman who kept whispering, a bit too loudly, bits of last week’s article to her husband.
“…so we broke up.” Uncle Daniel said bringing his attention back to their conversation.
“You broke up?” Jack asked surprised.
“It wasn’t working anymore. I was getting a bit tired of all her talk about botox and plastic surgery.”
“I didn’t know she was a surgeon.” Jack asked confused.
“And she wasn’t, son.” Uncle Daniel said opening his hands in a conclusive expression.
“Well, three months isn’t a bad record.”
“Not at all. Especially if we consider how vain she was.” Uncle Daniel moved his attention to his plate.
“I remember Celestine. I thought she was "the one", but then you guys fought because of the club and I never saw her again.” Jack said remembering.
“Yes, many years ago. She was something else, son. Too much for me, I’m afraid.” Uncle Daniel said happily.
“She looked a lot like you.” Jack said smiling too. “Especially physically.”
“Yes. Odd times, when I was confident enough to date a big woman.” Uncle Daniel blinked at Jack.
“I liked her.” Jack said honestly.
“We were a lot alike, son. And I’m not talking about the physical way.”
“I prefer opposites, as you know.”
“Yes, Ennis is your perfect yang. Especially because he also has many things in common with you.”
“That shouldn’t make sense, but it does.” Jack said happily.
“Did he help you with your father’s letter more than I did?”
“No, I’m afraid he reached the same conclusions. Although the idea of exploring my dad’s favorite places at the mansion and other homes didn’t occur to him.”
“He didn't know him that well. I still think you should give a good look at his bedroom. He spent most of his free time there.”
“I will. I’m just a bit annoyed about all this. Why didn’t he just leave me whatever it isin the will?”
“He liked riddles and he liked to test you, to make you do new and unexpected things.”
“Not even a note saying where the important documents of the firm were, he left me.” Jack grumbled.
“Don’t worry, son. When I pass away, I’ll leave it all for you in the will. No riddles about it.”
“Uncle Daniel!” Jack said surprised and horrified.
“What? Of course you’re my heir. I just never announce it officially, because I’m well aware of how much attention you already get.”
“We’ve never talked about this before.” Jack said, still surprised.
“I mentioned it a couple of times to your father. He understood and wasn’t against it, son.”
“Don’t you have any cousins to leave the money?” Jack pleaded.
“It’s my decision, son.” He said seriously.
“Uncle Daniel it's a lot of money. I have no need for it. Maybe you should leave it to charity.”
“I’ll leave a good amount to different organizations of charity. But I don’t trust any of them enough to leave the entire inheritance.”
“You could start a foundation in your own name.” Jack suggested.
“Maybe, but that will be your decision to make. I’ve always seen you as my son. I’ll leave my money to my only son.”
“I understand if you want me to keep the club, but the money…”
“Enough. I've had enough of this conversation.” He said solemnly.
“But Uncle Daniel…”
“No buts. I want you and Ennis to spend more time at the club.” He said looking at Jack, effectively changing the subject. “I want Ennis to like this place.”
“I don’t know…” Jack said still shocked. “Maybe I can return to my tennis lessons and bring Ennis with me.”
“Good idea, son.” Uncle Daniel said smiling. “You just need to convince him. I’ll deal with the rest.”
Jack was left wondering what else he was going to find out over the next few days. He shivered with the mere thought.
Howam I supposed to convince Ennis to take tennis lessons with me? Jack thought distractedly.
“How are they?” Ennis asked resting on the big sofa in the Twist mansion, with Sophie on his lap.
“Mary demands to see her daughter and Elizabeth has at least 300 photos to prove everything she has written me about in her emails.”
“Any problems with the plane?”
“No, Mary took some pills because of a nasty allergy she developed there and was sleeping almost all the time.”
“Poor Elizabeth.”
“Don’t feel sorry for her. She spent all her time organizing her week’s work. Some of her clients are quite demanding and she doesn’t want to leave them waiting any longer.”
“Are they going to be much longer?”
“They left their things at Elizabeth’s place and are driving over here now.” Jack said, placing his cell phone on the coffee table.
Ennis looked at Sophie. He couldn’t believe the two weeks had already passed and now that he was going to return Sophie to her mothers, he was feeling a bit sad about it. The 10 month old was a joy to take care of and even Jack, who liked to complain about it, had loved the time they had spent with the baby girl. Ennis was only sorry for the time he hadn’t been able to take care of her.
“I’m sad about it too, honey.” Jack said resting his chin on Ennis’s shoulder and looking down at Sophie. “I’m sure Elizabeth would let us babysit her anytime we want.”
“It’s ridiculous, but I was getting used to have her around all the time.” Ennis said with emotion.
“It’s not ridiculous. It’s sweet and terribly sexy. And I felt the same way too.”
“If you say so.” Ennis said with a smile.
“I’m sure you’re going to cheer up the moment we arrive at the ranch.” Jack said happily.
“I can’t wait.” Ennis said honestly. “David called me this morning. He's planned things for us to do all weekend. He was suspiciously excited about it.”
“He's probably missed you a lot, honey. And I’m excited too. I even went shopping for decent clothes this week. God, I’ve never been in some of those shops in my life!”
“I think I’m changing my mind about going…” Ennis said playfully.
“I’m serious. I went to some of the cheapest places in New York. I put on my glasses and a baseball cap, so that no one would recognize me. It was a lot of fun. I even found where in the hell you bought those socks you wear for jogging.”
“Iused to wear. Because last week, I found that my drawer was full of Nike socks. Jack Twist magic all over my apartment.”
“Someone needs to take care of you, honey. I like to think it’s my job.”
“Just stay away from my closet and no matter what happens this weekend, do not leave the house without showing me what you’re going to wear.”
“You want a runway show, honey?” Jack asked, kissing his neck.
“Seriously, baby. You know we have to keep a low profile, don’t you? Remember that not everybody is like David. We need to watch our mouths and keep a safe distance.”
“I know.” Jack said sadly. “But we are going to sleep together right? I mean… I’m not talking about the sex…” Jack was silent for a minute. “I’m used to the cuddling.”
“I’ll see what I can do, baby.” Ennis said, enamored with the confession.
“We’ve slept together every night since Elizabeth’s wedding.” Jack’s voice was sweet and Ennis knew he was being teased.
“You need to understand, baby.”
“Honey.” Jack pleaded.
“It’s not about me. You know that there’s little I can do. Now please, can we please change the subject?” Ennis said annoyed.
“Ok.” Jack said defeated. “You know? After my failure to find anything in my dad’s bedroom, I’m left with no other good ideas.”
“You spent the whole week there. I told you he wasn’t going to put it in such an obvious place. It’s a riddle, it’s difficult and it has some hidden meaning.”
“Maybe we’re not thinking right about this. Uncle Daniel said…”
“Your uncle also thinks I should have tennis lessons. He’s obviously insane!” Ennis said jokingly.
“Don’t be like that, honey. It’s a great idea. It would help you relax, we could spend a lot more time together…”
“I heard you the other hundred times, Jack.” Ennis interrupted tired.
“Well, maybe you need to hear it a few more times because you still haven't said yes yet.”
“And I’m not going to. I don’t know what you two had in mind, but I’m not taking tennis lessons.”
“You don’t need to be so stubborn about it. It’s a good idea and Uncle Daniel likes you a lot. He wants you to get to know the place better. It’s not really about the lessons.”
“I don’t see why.” Ennis said annoyed and Sophie stated to cry.
“Because he knows I love you, that is why.” Jack said annoyed too.
“Baby.” Ennis said, while trying to silence Sophie.
“Why are you acting like this?” Jack said standing up from the couch. “This is definitely not about the tennis lessons. I thought you were happy about this weekend, but now you seem nervous and worried about it.”
“It’s going to be complicated.” Ennis said resting Sophie against his chest.
“We’ve been there before and nothing happened. I acted like your perfect best friend the whole time! No one suspected anything. I don’t know why you’re nervous now.”
“Because our relationship wasn’t like this back then. We weren’t used to be around each other all the time. And that’s the least of our problems! How am I going to explain your constant visits? One time is one thing…” Ennis said passing his fingers through his short hair.
“That’s what you’re nervous about? Tell them I’m your business partner or that I’m interested in making investments in the area. Anything you want, I don’t care.” Jack said frustrated. “And if we get the upstairs bedrooms again, all you have to do is sneak into mine. I’m not the impossible, am I?”
“It’s just… I know you’re not used to hiding these things. I know you probably don’t like the place.” Ennis said, remembering Veronica’s conversation about Jack’s fortune.
“Are you crazy? I love the place! It’s different from everywhere else. It’s quiet and peaceful. And most of all, it’s about you. There are stories about you everywhere, everybody likes you. You’re the star there and I like it. I like to see what you’ve done with that place and those people.”
“Really? You feel fine there?” Ennis looked at the floor. “It’s not too simple for you?”
“Of course not, silly. I don’t like to hide who I am or what we are to each other, but the situation is very specific. They’re not ready to know the truth. It’s a pitiful lie.” Jack looked at him and smiled. “I’m not some golden God. I like the place just fine.”
“Sorry, baby. I can’t help but be nervous about it. I’m happy we’re going too, but there are so many things that can go wrong.”
“It’s ok. I’m sorry if I’m pushing you to take the damn tennis lessons at the club. Uncle Daniel wants to know you better and this is his way of being friendly. And I really wanted you there with me.”
“Baby, it’s ridiculous to start taking tennis lessons at my age.”
“I’m sure they've had much older students, honey. Just think about it. Ok?” Jack sat down on the couch.
“Ok. I’ll think about it.” Ennis said holding Jack against him with one arm.
“I know you had a busy week, so just try to relax and have fun. I’ll behave. I know I like to tease you all the time, but I know the limits. And the ranch is off limits.” Jack rested his head on Ennis’s shoulder.
“Thanks, baby.” Ennis whispered.
“Master Jack?” They both heard Edward’s voice from the hallway, a few minutes after.
“Yes.” Jack answered moving to the door.
“Mrs. Noris and her wife are here.” Edward said appearing at the doorway, followed by Mary and Elizabeth.
“My baby, my precious baby. I've missed you so much!” Mary said moving to pick Sophie up from Ennis’s lap.
Sophie was more than happy between her mothers. Elizabeth hugged Jack and then Ennis, while Mary shook hands with both of them. Sophie was more than happy, babbling «mama», every five seconds. Ennis noticed that they both had a nice tan and that Elizabeth sported a new hair cut. Mary looked just the same.
“Did Sophie behave?” Elizabeth asked caressing Sophie’s black hair.
“She made me an expert on changing diapers.” Ennis said happily.
“I changed a few of them too.” Jack added.
“So how was the honeymoon?” Ennis asked smiling, while Jack moved closer to him.
“Amazing, you kids need to go to Capri one of these days.” Elizabeth said happily. “By the way, I brought the lemonchello you wanted Jack.”
“Thanks, Beth.” Jack said with a smile.
“Honestly, I was convinced the island had beautiful beaches with sand, not rocks!” Mary explained to Jack.
“It’s an island in Italy, Mary. They’re famous for the hotels not for the beaches.” Jack said knowing.
“I have no idea what you’re guys are talking about.” Ennis said confused.
“Believe me Ennis. I was glad when I didn’t know.” Mary then explained to Ennis how the local beaches were and how she had managed to injured herself with the rocks.
“She even got sunburned.” Elizabeth said sadly.
“It’s better not to mention the pasta. Eliza was almost sick of eating so much and I was in heaven. I wanted lasagna and tiramisu for every meal.”
“I think I’ll never eat Italian again.” Elizabeth said disgusted.
“The best part was when we rent a yacht. The water is so blue, it’s inebriating.” Mary said to Jack and Ennis.
“It’s a sea plant that actually gives it that particularly color.” Elizabeth explained.
“Interesting.” Ennis said with a smile.
“But we’ll show you the pictures tomorrow. I even have some DVDs with a couple of videos.” Elizabeth said happily and Mary shook her head from behind her to Ennis and Jack.
“Unfortunately, we can't tomorrow. We’re leaving for Ennis’s ranch.” Jack explained to Elizabeth. “But we’ll be more than happy to see all of that after we return.”
Mary and Ennis shared desperate glances. They were destined to be working on the day and hour Jack and Elizabeth decide to watch the DVDs.
Author: I keep writing about Italy! I can’t resist… :P The next chapter is really sweet, at leas I think so! And everybody likes this little version of the ranch, hmm? Unfortunately -I have to wait for my beta to work on those chapters and she0s recovering at home and isn’t really able to do much work. Just don’t give up on this story, because I’m writing chapter 16 and there’s some rally cool thing ahead of us!
On the next chapter: Jack’s back at the Del Mar ranch, as Ennis’s business partner. Are they going to believe it? But our two lawyers know how to enjoy their free time, swimming naked on the river and making sweet love on the shore. Isn’t it cute:P
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