Not Happily Married in Hollywood: Not in Hollywood Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

experience that I was not
used to. The table was completely silent during the meal, barely interrupted by
mumbled requests for the salt. Eyre family meals had a habit of descending into
the raucous and at times inappropriate conversation. My parents were strict
believers in the fact that the meal was the only time most of the family came
together. It was also the only time they had a captive audience in their
children. Most of my life lessons throughout childhood had been discussed at
the dinner table. I eyed the two of them carefully. Not being distracted by
discussion the two men seemed intent on completing their meal as quietly and
efficiently as possible. Determined not to be left behind I tackled my own,
quite large, plate. The bowl of pasta was simple but delicious. My only issue
was it was huge. Unfortunately I had been brought up by my parents to always
finish what was on the plate when someone else had cooked for me. I know,
really bad advice when it comes to weight control, but my parents were
sticklers for being polite when in someone else’s home.
    Just as dinner was finishing Griffin’s cell started ringing.
    “Excuse me” he said as he left the room, leaving his father
and me to uncomfortably eye each other over the table.
    “Delicious meal,” I ventured.
    He stopped and looked at me shrewdly. I could see he was
about to say something but Griffin came back into the room.
    “I’m sorry but I have to go. Something has come up on a case
I’m working and I have to follow it up now.”
    “Eric?” I asked curiously.
    “No, another case” Griffin said abruptly. “Dad, can you take
Trudie home for me?”
    “Sure son” Lee said.
    Griffin looked at me as if undecided about what to do next.
    “I’ll see you later” he said, turned around and walked out
of the house, leaving me with a man that I didn’t know. I looked at Lee.
    “Want a beer?” he asked getting up to the refrigerator,
grabbing one and opening it in one fluid move.
    “No thank you” I said. “Look, I’ll just grab a taxi and head
home, don’t worry about a ride.”
    “No, no, I’ll just finish the beer and then I’ll drive you
home.”
    “I’m sorry but I don’t want to get into a car with you if
you’ve had a beer” I said cringing with embarrassment.
    Lee stopped drinking and looked at me dumbfounded.
    I rushed on feeling like an idiot. “I’m not telling you what
to do. I got hit by a drunk driver a couple of years ago and since then I have
a problem with cars and I have an even bigger problem with alcohol and cars.”
    “I’ve only just started it.”
    “It doesn’t matter, this is my issue we’re talking about. Even
a sip freaks me out. I know it’s not rational and I’m sorry if you’re offended
but I think me getting a taxi is a better idea.”
    Lee went to turn up the bottle and pour it down the sink.
    “No don’t do that, I’m not trying to tell you what to do.
I’m just a little nutty when it comes to this issue.”
    I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I was usually so
good at hiding my problems.
    “Honey, just sit down” Lee said. “I’m going to pour out the
rest of the beer. We are going to sit down and get to know each other, until
you feel comfortable again, and then I will take you home.”
    “You don’t have to” I protested.
    “Geez woman you’re stubborn, just sit down for goodness
sake.”
    I sat. “My mom calls it being strong willed” I said quietly.
    “I’m sure she makes your dad’s life interesting” Lee
replied.
    “He doesn’t complain” I smiled, “but then my dad is a very
smart man.”
    “So” said Lee as he settled himself into a well-worn chair.
“My boy brings home a woman to meet his father. What I want to know is what are
you doing with my son?”
    “Just to clarify” I said. “You are starting this
conversation by asking me what my intentions are towards your son, your fully
grown police officer son.”
    Lee barked out a laugh and I could see the