Dreams (Part One) (Dreams #1)(23)
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz

“That’s not true. You’re not that old,“ Brandon said with awkward gallantry. “You hear about those famous movie stars putting off having babies for years.“

Diana grinned. “Thanks. Unfortunately, I’m not a famous movie star.“

Brandon turned brick red. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…“

“Forget it. I know what you meant, and it’s very kind of you. Another beer?“

“No thanks.“ He paused. “Getting married wasn’t the only thing Dad and I argued about last night.“

“Oh?“

“I asked him about my grandmother. She lives here in Fulbrook Corners.“

“Yes, I know. I saw her briefly in the post office the other day.“

Brandon’s head snapped up, his eyes alive with deep interest. “You did? You know her?“

Diana hesitated, beginning to realize she might have said too much. “No, not really. She was just, uh, pointed out to me.“

“It’s weird to have a grandmother you’ve never even met,“ Brandon said slowly. “I don’t remember Aunt Jesse too well. She came to see us a couple of times when I was a kid. But then she died. All my life it’s mostly just been me and Dad. Do you think my grandmother really hates me?“

“Is that what your father said?“ Diana asked carefully.

“He said she doesn’t want anything to do with me or him. She blames him for what happened to my mother.“

Brandon stared at Diana with an intensity that reminded her of his father. When he reached forty, she reflected, this young man was going to be every bit as formidable as Colby Savagar.

“And you want to meet her? Is that it, Brandon?“ Diana asked quietly.

He fiddled with the beer can. “I’d like to get a look at her. Find out what she’s like. I guess I’m curious, that’s all.“

“I can understand that. Why not tell your father just that?“

“I tried last night. He was already mad because of Robyn. When I brought up the subject of my grandmother, he really went through the roof. Said he wasn’t going to let the old bitch get near me.“

Diana groaned. “Your father can be extremely opinionated.“

Brandon’s mouth curved wryly. “Yeah, I’ve told him that on several occasions. Once he makes up his mind, getting him to change it is like trying to move a mountain.“

“I know what you mean.“ Diana thought of the intent way Colby had been pursuing her for the past few weeks. He had been unswerving. And she had eventually succumbed to the inevitable.

“I’m just curious. What’s wrong with that?“

“Nothing. I’m sure your father thinks he’s protecting you from what might be an unpleasant scene, that’s all.“

“I can handle it. He’s taught me to handle things like unpleasant scenes. Heck, he even signed us both up for karate lessons when I was a kid. We practice together a lot. He ought to know I can handle meeting my grandmother.“

“Maybe he’s right about Margaret Fulbrook not wanting to meet you. I hate to point that out, Brandon, but it’s something to consider. The woman is old and apparently very bitter. She might not be rational about the whole thing.“

Remembering Margaret Fulbrook’s reaction to Colby in the post office, Diana was fairly certain the woman wasn’t entirely rational about her son-in-law and grandson.

The growl of a Jeep engine cut off whatever Brandon might have said in reply. Specter surged to his feet with an answering growl.

“Must be your father,“ Diana said, half-amused. “Specter makes that particular noise only when Colby’s in the vicinity.“

“Damn.“ Brandon got hastily to his feet. “Excuse me – but I was hoping Dad wouldn’t find out I’d been here. You won’t tell him what I asked you to do, will you? He’ll be furious if he thinks I dragged you into this and he’s mad enough already.“

Diana saw the anxious look in Brandon’s eyes and took pity on him. “Don’t worry,“ she assured him as she listened to Colby take the front steps two at a time, “I’ll consider our conversation confidential.“

“Thanks.“ Brandon looked enormously relieved. “Geez, your dog really doesn’t like Dad at all, does he? Look at him.“

Specter was bounding forward, toenails scrabbling on the wooden floor as he rounded the corner at a dead run and headed for the hall. He reached the front door just as it opened.

“Damned dog.“ Colby’s irritation carried into the kitchen. “When in hell are you going to learn that I’ve got as much right to be here as you do? Out of my way, you mangy mutt. Diana.“

“In here, Colby.“

She looked up with a smile as he strode into the kitchen, ignoring Specter who was making menacing sounds at his heels. Colby’s eyes went instantly to hers, but then he caught sight of his son.

“What the devil are you doing here, Brandon?“

“He just came by to say hello,“ Diana said easily. “That’s enough, Specter. You’ve made your point. Take it easy, boy. Go lie down. I can handle this.“

Specter uttered one last final woof of disapproval before flopping down under the kitchen table. From his self-appointed den he kept a wary eye on Colby.

“One of these days that dog and I are going to have it out. Where’s Robyn?“ Colby opened the refrigerator with easy familiarity and helped himself to the iced tea.

“She’s back at the house reading one of your books. She really loves your stuff, Dad.“ Brandon’s voice was almost painfully eager.

Colby grunted and leaned back against the sink, his eyes on Diana. “Where did you go this afternoon?“

She flashed him a look of surprise. “How did you know I’d gone anywhere?“

“The hood of your car is warm. Engine’s still hot.“ He tossed back the iced tea.

“Well, aren’t you observant,“ Diana murmured. “Maybe you should be writing crime fiction instead of horror. As a matter of fact, I drove out to Chained Lady Falls.“

“What for?“

She lifted one shoulder. “I don’t know. I just wanted to get out for a while, and that seemed like an interesting place to drive to.“

“Is that the falls you can see in the distance when you’re driving into town?“ Brandon asked.

Colby nodded. “You and Robyn can fix your own dinner tonight. Or go into town and eat at one of the cafes. Diana and I are going to be busy.“