Stolen Moments (And Then Came Love Book 2) (15 page)

Trevor looked over at the other table. “Does Julian know?”

Petur chuckled. “Gods, no! it doesn’t come up in our lines of conversation.” He shook his head. “Bestefar is a private person ... as am I.”

“I am as well.”

“Your brother’s ebullience makes that almost a necessity, I think.” Petur nodded.

“For what it’s worth, Julian is surprisingly sentimental and is great at keeping things private, if they’re important.” Trevor shrugged.

Arianna leaned to the side and looked at Trevor. “Did you stand up for someone in your family?”

“Your family seems to truly care for one another. That is rare in my experience.” Petur nodded.

Trevor rolled his eyes. “Yeah – they care a lot about each other.”

“I sense you feel out of place with them?” Petur leaned forward again.

Arianna shook her head. “Don’t mind him, he’s blind to the fact they do care about him and would rather run away then face it.”

Trevor glared at her and scooted over closer to the wall.

“But, Arianna, that is something to mind much.” Petur leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Trevor. “Bestefar once told me family is the single most important thing in the world.”

Trevor drained his beer, motioned for Arianna to move, and stood. “I’m going home.”

Arianna shook her head. “Did you hear what he said?”

“Yeah.” Trevor returned to his seat. “And the most important part of my family is currently in the hospital.”

“Is he?” Petur looked back at the other table.

Petur turned back to Trevor, fixing his eyes upon him once more. “It looks to me like the important people in your life are all here. Brennan is here too. In every picture, every stick of furniture. And in the habits and characters he passed to his children ... blood and spirit.”

Trevor looked at Arianna and stood. “Can you let me out, please?”

“No.” Arianna gestured to the seat. “Sit down and listen to someone for once in your life.” Petur crossed his arms across his chest and glowered.

“Aren’t you a bit old to be running away from things you dislike Trevor Vitalli?” Trevor opened his mouth to defend himself but Petur cut him off. His tone turned cold and gained the hint of a German accent. “You claim to be Brennan’s family, no?”

“I think of Brennan as family.” Trevor nodded. Petur gave an abrupt nod.

“And you respect him? You trust his ability to judge a person’s character?”

“Yes.” Trevor nodded.

“And he considers these others,” Petur gestured to Trevor’s siblings and to the bar where Gramps was polishing glasses and whistling. “Brennan considers them family, no?”

“Yes, but that’s -” Petur held up a hand to silence him.

“Then, if they are his family and you are his family, they are your family. You can either accept that or you can continue to be selfish and asinine.” Petur’s expression was serene as Trevor sputtered in surprised indignation.

Arianna covered her mouth in a vain attempt to stifle her laugh.

Trevor glared at her. He looked at his hands as if inspecting the shreds of his dignity and then did the only thing he could think of to break the awkward silence. He changed the subject.

“You know Pops pretty well then?”

“Uncle Irish saved Bestefar from the gallows. As if that weren’t enough, he gave me many a golden afternoon as a boy at the river or in the woods.” Petur reminisced.

“Sounds like we have similar memories of Pops.” Regaining his composure, Trevor put his arm across the back of the bench behind Arianna.

“He took you into nature then? Taught you to appreciate its beauty?” Petur cocked his head.

Trevor nodded. “He’s the reason I’m a conservation officer.” He looked over at Julian. “And part of the reason Julian found a love for botany.”

“My father didn’t take my mother’s death well, he was absent for a while, and when he came back, Uncle Irish eased the way with some of those trips. I was an angry young teenager.”

Arianna rubbed Trevor’s leg. “Don’t you think Pops may have been doing something similar with you when the twins came back?”

“Came back?” Petur looked between Arianna and Trevor. “I know very little of your family history. I work with Liza and have met Julian a time or two, but this is my first exposure to your history.”

Trevor heaved a heavy sigh. “Were found would be more accurate. Julian and Drew were kidnapped as infants. They were brought back to the family at twelve years old.”

Petur took a sharp inward breath. “I imagine that transition was rough for all parties.”

Trevor shook his head. “My family is messed up. There’s ten of us. It’s a long complicated story.”

Petur scoffed. “My grandfather is an ex S.S. officer with an olive tree on the Avenue of the Righteous. I know about complicated.”

“What did you say your job was again?” Trevor quirked his eyebrow at him.

“I didn’t.” Petur folded his hands on the table. “You are a human being, Trevor. Not a convict. You need to let yourself out of this prison you built. Lest you wake up one morning and find yourself truly alone.” He raised his hand for another drink.

Trevor shrugged. “Other than Brennan I am alone.”

“Gee, thanks for that.” Arianna stood, grabbed her purse, and headed toward the other table.

“Ari,” Trevor called after her.

“You are stubborn and blind.” Petur shook his head.

Arianna leaned in to whisper something to Julian.

Julian nodded.

Arianna walked out of the pub.

Trevor shook his head.

Julian looked over at Trevor. “You’re a fool if you don’t go after her.”

“That head shake is avoidance behavior. Like most of the other tells you’ve displayed this evening.” Petur stood. “Julian is right.”

Trevor blew out a heavy breath. “For once I think he is.” He stood and hurried after Arianna, darting between customers, and waiters delivering food.

“Ari.” He caught up with her at the truck.

“Did you decide I mattered?”

“I’m sorry, I’m just really upset about Pops.” Trevor brushed her hair from her face. “I love you, Ari.”

Arianna took a step back. “Funny, because most of the time, it feels that way. Except when you crawl into your cave for another pity party.”

“Ari—”

She held her hands up. “I understand you’re upset, but there are people out there who care about you.”

“But—”

“But nothing. You run away. And I totally see how you can think your family doesn’t care, because rather than chasing after you and making sure they get through to you, they enable you. They let you run away, because you’ve fought them in the past.” She tapped her foot. “I swear your family is anti-conflict.”

“Do you even know my family? There’s always a conflict going on.”

“I mean serious conflict. Every one of you seems to have this avoidance mentality. Julian avoids anything serious by being funny. And you run away. I’m sure there’s more.” Arianna rubbed the back of her neck.

“I’m sorry, I said I was alone. I love you, I get lost inside myself at times.”

Arianna’s hands fell to her sides. “You’re doing it again. And I’m going to enable it, because I don’t want to argue. Let’s go back to my place.”

Trevor leaned forward to kiss her.

She turned her head and his lips met her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

She held her hand out for the keys. “You’re not driving.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Trevor handed her the keys, walked over to the driver side door, and opened it for her.

“We’re going to your parent’s house in the morning right?”

He closed the door and went around to the other side. “No, it’s dinner. My parents won’t be home until late tonight. They took Gram to Chicago to see a friend who was in the hospital.”

“Are we going to stay or do I need to get you drunk in order for you to deal with your family?”

“What?”

“Tonight was the first night I saw you interact with your family without running away. And you were four beers in before you even got to the point of talking to them. Do you have to be drunk to be around your family?” She folded her arms.

“No.” Trevor rubbed his temples.

“Forget it. You’re way too inebriated to have this conversation.”

“Ari.” Trevor looked over at her.

She put her hand up, shook her head, started the truck, and pulled out of the parking lot.

Chapter Fourteen

May 6th

Arianna sat on the couch reading a book.

Trevor put his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Still mad at me?”

“I was never mad at you.” She didn’t look up from the book. Mad wasn’t the word. Irritated, annoyed, hurt. She snapped the book closed.

“Not mad, then what?” He came around the couch and sat down next to her.

She picked a piece of lint off the gray microfiber couch. This thing picked up stains worse than any other couch she’d owned.

Trevor put his hand on her shoulder. “I can’t make this right if you don’t talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to make right.” She put her elbow on the arm of the couch and rested her chin on it.

Star jumped up on her lap and licked her cheek.

She giggled and petted the pup.

“If I jumped on your lap and let you pet my head would it make things better?”

Arianna laughed. “No.”

“Come on, talk to me, please?”

“I’m just trying to figure out a way for you and your family to get along.”

“I’ll get there, but it will take some time. Come on, I’ve been gone for a while. Do you think you’d jump back into a healthy good relationship with your father if you met him tomorrow?”

“Point taken.” Arianna let out a deep breath.

Trevor’s phone rang. He looked down at it and frowned. “Hello.

“What’s going on?”

He held a finger up. “I’ll head your way shortly.”

Arianna raised her eyebrow. Where was he going he couldn’t take her?

Trevor put his phone in his shirt pocket. “I have to meet my Aunt Laura and an attorney in about an hour. Something about Pops’ will.”

“But he’s still alive?”

Trevor nodded. “I guess there’s something he wants to give me.”

She dropped her gaze to her lap. Why did she feel upset about him going without her? It was a rather personal thing. They were in a relationship, weren’t they? She turned to face them. “Did they say you have to go by yourself?”

“No, but it’s boring lawyer stuff. Why would you want to go?”

She dropped her phone in her lap. “I thought you’d take me. I understand it’s a private thing, but we’ve grown rather close and you did tell me you loved me.”

Trevor took her hand. “I do love you, Arianna.”

She nodded. “I love you too.” She intertwined her fingers with his.

“I’m taking you to my parent’s house for the official introduction to the family, aren’t I?”

“So we’re official now? I can change my relationship status to ‘in a relationship’?”

“Yep, and you can tag me in it.” Trevor leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Let me do this solo and I promise I’ll make up for it later?”

“How do you plan to do that?” She folded her arms, but couldn’t keep the grin off her face.

“I’ll stay all the way through dinner with my family and we won’t be the first ones to leave.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “That long, huh?”

Trevor nodded. “That’s a commitment for me.”

“You’re a dork.”

“I know.” He stood and grabbed his keys off the table next to the door. “Later.” He winked as he walked out the door.

*****

Trevor sat in the lawyer’s office.

The door opened and Aunt Laura stepped out. “Thank you for coming, dear.” She was Pops’ daughter-in-law and the executor of his will.

He nodded and strode into the office.

The man stood. “Ryan Leonhardt.”

“Trevor Vitalli.”

Ryan motioned for Trevor to sit down as he took his own seat. “Brennan called me from the hospital yesterday to ask if we could sign a piece of property over to you.”

“Property? I thought the house was going to you?” He looked at his Aunt.

“That’s not the piece of property we’re discussing. Brennan owns a piece of property in Minnesota. A cabin of sorts. It’s the place he used to disappear too when he was younger. He planned to leave it to you in his will, but he wants you to have it now. I think it has something to do with the trip he has you planning.” Aunt Laura handed over a file.

Trevor scanned through it. Looking at the pictures of the cabin, the intricate wood working on both the inside and out. Riverfront property surrounded by a wooded area. “It’s beautiful.” He raised his head. “Aunt Laura if you want this property, I can’t refuse it to you.”

“No one is questioning your acquisition of this property. I am glad for you to have it. You and Brennan have a special relationship involving hiking and nature.” Aunt Laura patted his shoulder.

Trevor looked down at the file again. At least he knew where he could stay when he got there. He could make Arianna happy and take her to Minnesota. What if he surprised her with the trip? He smiled. “How long before I can use it?”

“You can stay there anytime you’d like. It will be a month or two before it’s officially in your name, but you’re free to use it.” Ryan picked up another document and handed it to Trevor. “I’ll need you to sign the paperwork.”

Trevor smiled, signed the paperwork, and handed it back to Ryan. “Thank you. Is that it?”

Ryan nodded. “If we need anything else, we’ll be in touch.”

Trevor shook Ryan’s hand and then turned to Aunt Laura. “This isn’t going to upset your kids and grandkids is it?”

She chuckled. “I don’t think any of my kids even know about the cabin. And it’s what’s Brennan wants – that’s all that matters.” She patted his cheek and gave him a hug. “You’re like another kid to him.”

“Thank you. I’m hoping he’s out of the hospital soon, so we can finish planning this trip.”

“The doctor said he’d be out by tomorrow, if all goes well.” Aunt Laura walked out of the building with him.

“Great. I’ll go see him in a couple days so we can make plans.”

“Good, he’ll love that.” Aunt Laura glanced at her watch. “Gotta go. Lunch with my daughter.”

“Have a great day.” Trevor nodded and headed to his truck. His phone chimed.

Arianna tagged him in a post on Facebook. Been spending a lot of time with a great guy.

Trevor accepted her relationship request from his notifications and replied. Love you, babe.

His phone rang. “Hey lady.”

“When you coming back?”

“Leaving now.” Trevor climbed in the truck and started it.

“Did you talk to your Aunt about the trip to Minnesota?”

“Briefly. Pops wants to go with us, so I have to wait until he gets out of the hospital.” Trevor smiled. What if he planned the trip without her knowledge? Petur could help him with that. He’d have to call Julian and get his number. This could be fun. Arianna wouldn’t expect it at all.

“Well, let me know when you want to go. I’m ready. I can’t wait to meet the Muller’s.”

“We’ll get there, I promise.” Trevor pulled out of the parking lot. “I’ll be there in a bit.”

“Later.”

He dialed Julian’s number.

“What did I do to warrant a call from you?” Julian answered.

Trevor rolled his eyes. “I need to get in touch with Petur.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s related to the people Pops wants me to see. Don’t be a dick. Just give me the number.” Trevor stopped at a stop sign.

“I was just asking. Now who’s being a dick?”

“Julian.” Trevor sighed.

“Lighten up, man. I’ll text you the number.”

“Thank you.”

“So glad you wanted to talk.”

“Why? Did you?” Trevor furrowed his brow as he drove. What the hell was Julian’s problem?

Julian paused. “Arianna’s got a kid, right?”

“Yeah.” Trevor pulled into Arianna’s driveway. “Why?”

“Just curious what it’s like to have a kid.”

“I’m sure it’s different dealing with a baby than it is being thrown in with a teenager.” Trevor chuckled. Was his brother really asking him for advice?

“I’m scared, Trevor. What if I’m not cut out to be a dad?”

Trevor leaned back in his seat. “There’s no way to change it now. I’d say just do the best you can. And if you need help, ask for it. It’s not like there’s not enough of us around to help you.”

“Even you?” Julian chuckled.

“Hell man, you’re my brother. I may not show it much, but I love you. I took you to the OB’s office, didn’t I? You should know I’m here if you need me.” Trevor smiled. For the first time since he’d been home, he felt like he was really part of the family. It was comforting. He pressed his lips together. Maybe this was what he needed. Someone to come to him to make him feel like they needed him too.

“I love you too, but don’t get all mushy on me.”

Trevor laughed. “You were the one who brought it up.”

“I know.” Julian paused. “You’ll be at dinner tonight, right?”

“Yep. Arianna’s making me stay for the whole thing and I told her we wouldn’t be the first to leave.”

“I’ll make sure I check out early then.” Julian chuckled. “I’ll see you later.”

“Later, man.”

Trevor smiled as he climbed out of the truck. Maybe his family wasn’t so bad after all.

*****

Arianna stopped the car in front of Trevor’s parent’s house.

Trevor stared at the door. “Sure we can’t go home?”

“I thought you were looking forward to it earlier.”

“I was and then I remembered how many people were going to be here.”

She looked around at all the other cars. “There are a lot of people.”

“There’s ten of us, the oldest of us have kids my age.” Trevor raked a hand through his hair. “We can leave and no one will be the wiser.”

“Not going to happen.” Arianna climbed out of the car, shadowed by Mina, and Candace.

She came over to the passenger’s side and opened the door for him. “Come on, they’re your family.”

“Are you sure?” Trevor sighed as he got out of the car. “Here goes nothing.”

Arianna trailed him toward the house.

The door opened before they even reached it.

Jackie stepped outside and smiled. “You made it!”

“I did.” Trevor kissed his mother on the cheek and then shoved his hands in his pocket. “You know, Arianna.”

“Dr. Halsey, how wonderful to see you.” Jackie grinned.

“Good to see you as well.” Arianna motioned to the two girls. “This is my daughter Mina and her friend Candace. We’ve sort of adopted Candace.”

“Well, if you ever need any help, you call me. I’ve dealt with my fair share of pregnancies in my day.” Jackie opened the door and motioned for the them to come inside. “Enter the madness that is my house on Sunday.”

Arianna laughed. She moved aside and Candace and Mina headed into the house. She took a deep breath. Would they get along with the other teenagers here?

Jackie rested her hand on Arianna’s back. “Don’t worry, dear, we’re a pretty accepting group of people.”

Arianna wrung her hands together. “What if they don’t get along with everyone?”

“The girls will be fine.” Jackie waved a hand. And not getting along with everyone is not a bad thing. There are people I don’t get along with.” Jackie smiled.

“Trevor said Mina feels left out sometimes. We’ve only been here for a month and a half.” Arianna glanced as they walked through the foyer and into the living area. A large steel gray sectional couch took up most of the room, with two recliners in front of it and a coffee table in the middle.

Liza, Terra, and Lindsay sat on the couch with a woman Arianna had never met before.

“There are enough cousins in this family that they’re bound to like someone.” Jackie chuckled.

Arianna reached over and grasped Trevor’s hand. “I have to say this is a much better meeting the family than the last time I met one of my boyfriend’s families.”

“Can’t be worse than when I met Jackie’s family.” Everett stepped over to them.

“Dad.” Trevor nodded.

“Trevor.” Everett smiled.

Gramps stepped into the room and motioned for him. “Trevor, I have some information for you.”

Arianna’s eyes widened and she whispered in his ear. “You’re going to leave us alone with everyone?”

Trevor kissed Arianna on the cheek. “The girls are already talking to people and you’ll be fine. I’ll be right back.” He turned around and headed off into the house.

“I swear Trevor disappears every time I come in the room.” Everett sighed.

“Ask me later, maybe I’ll tell you why,” Arianna said. “I want to hear about you and Jackie. Because my first meeting with my first boyfriend was right after we found out I was pregnant at fifteen.”

Everett laughed and motioned to the couch.

The walls were sage green and covered in family pictures. The home felt inviting. The hard wood floors were slightly scuffed. It was clean, but still felt homey. Nothing like her mother’s house. She shuddered at the thought. Her mother’s house had been kept so neat, she couldn’t touch anything. The Vitalli house was clean, but lived in.