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More than anything he wanted to avoid having the family's team of lawyers and Marty Phillips involved in this. There was no denying that Marty Phillips knew what he was doing. Jake didn't like him, especially not after the way he'd treated Callie the year before. And while the lawyers that worked for Sherbrooke Enterprises were some of the best around, he had full confidence in his own hand-picked lawyer.
“No. Don't get them involved. I will take care of this problem.”
When his father didn't immediately respond, Jake assumed he was preparing his counter argument. Not that it would do any good. He'd already made up his mind and nothing his father said would change it.
“Are you positive? They'll be able to get things to happen quicker.” Warren leaned back in his chair.
“I've got this one, Dad.” Jake said in tone that let his father and brother know he was done discussing the situation.
“Callie told me you brought a date,” Dylan said changing the topic of their conversation. “You must have just met her. Last time we talked you planned on flying solo.”
Jake didn't miss the curiosity in his half-brother's voice or the raised eyebrow his father threw in his direction. He could imagine the questions floating around in his father's head. Though Dylan knew he wasn't the player the media made him out to be, his father didn't.
“Met her in North Salem. Her family runs the bed and breakfast where I've been staying.”
“What do you know about her?” his father asked, reaching for his coffee.
It was a valid question especially considering the current situation with his ex, but it still irked him. Who he spent his time with was no one's business but his.
“She's a Navy doctor stationed in Virginia. And I should save her from Callie before she bores her to death with wedding details.” Jake came to his feet and started to walk toward the door, pleased that he could use this opportunity to get away from the grilling and back to Charlie. “I'll see you both at the rehearsal dinner,” he called over his shoulder before heading off in search of Charlie and his sister.
***
The view from the guest bedroom reminded her of something out of a movie. Actually everything in Cliff House looked as if it belonged either on some classic movie set or in a museum. Antique furniture filled the rooms. Priceless paintings hung in gilded frames on the walls and marble fireplaces were located in each room.
Although she'd grown up in New England and had visited Newport a few times, she'd never toured any of the mansions that lined Bellevue Avenue. Before today she'd only seen pictures of these American castles and none had really prepared her for
being inside one of these magnificent homes built by the ultra wealthy of the 19th century as summer cottages.
“If I had a view like this, I'd never leave,” Charlie said. She, Callie and Callie's best friend Lauren sat on the balcony off Charlie's room drinking freshly brewed iced tea. As Jake had predicted she really liked his half-sister. She was friendly and down to earth. Charlie suspected that might be partially because she hadn't grown up in the world of the super rich.
Callie nodded, a smile spread across her heart-shaped face. “I agree. I have trouble leaving every time I come.”
“I think the only reason she does leave is because Mrs. Sherbrooke doesn't allow her and Dylan to share a bedroom when she's around,” Lauren said refilling her glass.
“Seriously?”
Callie nodded. “Elizabeth doesn't like Dylan and me to share a room when she's here. She's a little old-fashioned sometimes. That's why you have your own room this weekend. But don't worry Jake's just down the hall.”
Trying not to be obvious, Charlie glanced at her watch. More than an hour had passed since Jake left her to meet with his father, and although she was comfortable in Callie's company she wondered what kept him.
“They'll probably be done soon.” Callie picked up her glass of iced tea. “Dylan and Warren both know you're here.”
No sooner did Callie speak the words than Jake walked in. Charlie could tell something was bothering him the second she saw him. The easy-going smile that usually graced his face was gone and had been replaced with a somber look. Whatever his father wanted to see him about had obviously upset him.
“Not sure I like the looks of this. What stories have you been telling her about me Callie?” Jake walked over and dropped into the cushioned chair next to hers.
Though he tried to keep his voice light and carefree it sounded strained to her, and she couldn't help but try to cheer him up with a little teasing. “Who said we're talking about you. I know you find it hard to believe, but you're not the only man in the world. Callie was telling me about a friend she has coming to the wedding and she thinks he's perfect for me. She's going to introduce us so we can dance.” Though her teasing statement lacked much originality she hoped it would at least elicit a laugh from him. Instead it seemed to have the opposite effect as a stormy look of anger passed over his face.
“Don't think so Doc. I've already filled up your dance card for tomorrow.”
She wanted to come back with a sassy reply, but she didn't have one. A blank slate now occupied her mind. She wasn't used to men being possessive of her actions. With anyone else, she knew she would resent it. For some reason though, Charlie didn't find the comment offensive coming from him. He's just playing around too. And you did open yourself up for it.
In the end though it didn't matter that she didn't have a smart come back because Callie changed the topic of the conversation to Jake's work in North Salem. While she could have added to the discussion, Charlie remained silent, only speaking when Jake or Callie directed a question her way. By doing so she got an up close and personal look at Jake with his family. Something she guessed few people got.
“Before I forget, the Marshalls are coming,” Callie said after Jake finished answering her question about recovery efforts.
Charlie assumed this was somehow significant because the second the words left Callie's mouth Jake groaned.
