Always Be True Read online

  Yeah, they did. Jack was built like a tank. A fast-moving, no-holds-barred tank. One who was still talking. “On the other hand, you wouldn’t stand a chance against him. Do I need to remind you that he has about four inches in height and thirty pounds of pure muscle over you?”

  No, he didn’t need a reminder. If Mikhail was the baby, Tino was the runt, at least by their family’s standards. At a shade under six one and weighing in at a solid one ninety-five, he wasn’t exactly small. Even so, he’d be hard put to win a fight against either of his brothers. That didn’t mean he’d go down easy. They might end up victorious, but they’d be bruised and bleeding in the process.

  At least Jack dropped the discussion when they walked into the store. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t bring it all up again the first chance he got. It was obvious Tino needed to come up with some better answers if he wanted to have a little peace in his life. The trouble was he’d been asking himself the exact same questions since before he left the army behind. Whenever he tried to imagine what form his future should take, the picture refused to come into focus.

  Tino grabbed a cart and let Jack lead the way. As he followed in his brother’s footsteps, his mind wandered down the same old frustrating paths. Who would have thought at age twenty-eight he’d still be wondering what he wanted to be when he grew up?

  At this rate, in the not-too-distant future, he’d reach age twenty-nine and still be no closer to an answer. Yeah, he could take on a full-time role in the family business, but he couldn’t quite see himself swinging a hammer for the next forty years. Even if they built up the company enough to support Tino as well as Jack’s growing family, he didn’t enjoy working on his own like his brother did. With the types of jobs they took on, it would be unlikely that they’d ever need to run a crew of more than four or five employees.

  One of the things Tino missed most about life in the army was being part of a team that worked toward a common goal. He wanted that feeling back but had yet to find it in the civilian world.

  “Hey, watch it.”

  Tino had been so lost in thought that he didn’t see Jack stop and rammed him with the cart. “Next time you might want to signal.”

  Jack dropped several boxes of nails and screws into the cart and glared at Tino. “How about next time you keep your head out of your ass long enough to do what you’re supposed to? Damn it, Tino, that kind of inattention could get us both killed.”

  Tino winced. Guess he wasn’t the only one who had trouble remembering their lives were different now. “That’s not likely to happen here in the hardware aisle, Jack. You do know that neither of us is in the army anymore.”

  Jack closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. When he met Tino’s gaze again, his temper had faded as quickly as it had come. “You’re right. We’re not, and I do know that.”

  He glanced at their surroundings and then tapped his forehead with a finger. “Most days I know that in here, but damned if a few bad memories don’t still sneak up on me when I least expect it.”

  Tino sympathized, especially knowing the kind of missions Jack’s unit in the Special Forces had faced on a regular basis. The last one had ended Jack’s career when he shattered his knee on a night jump. “Yeah, well, I have a few of those moments myself. Last week, I almost swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a cardboard box sitting on the side of the road.”

  “Been there, done that.” Jack then took charge of the cart and marched down the aisle. “I want to pick up a new saw blade while we’re here.”

  Evidently the moment for sharing had passed, which came as a relief. Both brothers knew the transition back to civilian life took time and that hitting a few speed bumps along the way was to be expected. That didn’t mean Tino wanted to stand there and broadcast their problems in public. Or in private, for that matter. Neither of them was much for the touchy-feely stuff. It was enough to know that his brother knew and understood the burden of memories they both carried.

  As they walked along, he decided to throw Jack a few crumbs, something he could take back to their mother to show that he’d done his duty as the big brother. “I thought one of these days I might stop by the career center at one of the community colleges to see what kind of placement or aptitude testing they offer.”

  Jack stopped to study the array of saw blades. “Think any of the online classes you’ve already taken will transfer?”

  “I hope so, but I would guess it will depend on what program I’d be applying for. Regardless, I’ll probably start off with a few general education classes if I decide to enroll.”

  “Mom would be happy to see at least one of her sons go to college.” Jack took one of the blades off the rack and added it to the other items in the cart. “In fact, Caitlyn suggested I should see if they offer classes on running a small business. For sure I’ll need to upgrade the software we’re using when I get to the point where I need to hire some permanent help.”

  “So you’re planning on sticking with the business long term?”

  Because none of the three brothers had been particularly happy when they’d found out at the reading of Joe’s will that he’d left them equal shares in the family business. As the only one of them already out of the military, Jack had reluctantly moved back home to finish up the remaining jobs that their father had already started. Neither Tino nor Mikhail had thought he’d keep the business going beyond that, despite knowing it would’ve disappointed their mother. Of course, no one—least of all Jack—had expected him to take in a foster son and then fall in love with the tutor he’d hired to help the kid get caught up with his school subjects.

  In an incredibly short amount of time, Jack had formed a tight-knit family with Caitlyn and Ricky. They’d each been through some pretty tough times, but those experiences seemed to make them appreciate what they’d found together even more. Tino wouldn’t mind a little of that for himself.

  Which had him thinking about a certain petite blonde again. After his conversation with his mother, he’d been tempted to look up Natalie’s name online to see what he could learn about her and her background. So far, he’d resisted the urge; it felt like that would be cheating. Maybe she had assumed he would’ve recognized her name and her connection to the Cyrus Waines Foundation. However, from watching her in action Saturday, he suspected that Natalie preferred to downplay all of that and be treated as just one of the gang rather than as the person with the big checkbook.

  Jack nudged him with the front of the cart. “Earth to Tino, come in, please.”

  Damn, how long had he been lost in his own little world this time? “Sorry. Did you want something?”

  “Actually, I asked if there was anything you needed before we check out.” Jack gave him a considering look. “Now I’m wondering if your head’s in the game today enough for me to trust you to run power tools.”

  Tino wanted to tell him to fuck off, but he couldn’t blame Jack for being concerned. Running an electric saw was no time to be thinking about anything—or anyone—else other than the job at hand. “I’ll be fine.”

  Then he gave Jack a light tap on the arm. “But an extra shot of caffeine wouldn’t hurt, so what do you say to picking up a second round on the way?”

  Naturally, his brother returned the punch with just enough interest to sting. Not that Tino would give in to the urge to rub the spot. “Fine, but you’re buying.”

  No surprise there. “Of course. And because I’m feeling generous, I’ll throw in a couple of breakfast sandwiches.”

  “It’s a deal.” Jack pulled out his credit card and handed it to the clerk. “And about Mom. How about I tell her that you are making plans, but you’d rather not talk about them until you’ve got all the details figured out?”

  Not bad. That should reassure her long enough to buy him some breathing room. “Thanks. I owe you.”

  Jack grinned. “So, does that mean you’re also buying lunch today?”

  God, brothers were the biggest pains in the ass. His were, any
way. On the other hand, there was no one else he’d rather have at his back. After picking up their bags, he headed for the door. “I’ll buy, but I get to pick where we’re going.”

  Another one of those love-you-brother punches was Jack’s only response.

  —

  Tuesday was always Natalie’s favorite day of the week. She might officially be in charge of the foundation these days, but that didn’t mean the man it was named after and who funded its coffers was no longer involved. No matter how busy her schedule was, she always set aside one morning a week to spend with her favorite relative.

  As always, her grandfather’s housekeeper met Natalie in the foyer. “Good morning. How is the old grouch this morning? As charming as ever?”

  Esther’s laugh echoed off the marble walls and floor in the foyer. “I’m pretty sure they left the word ‘charming’ out of your grandfather’s dictionary. He certainly has no idea of what it means. To answer your question, though, he’s been a real bear to be around for the past few days.”

  Natalie grinned. “What set him off this time?”

  “What didn’t?” Esther held up her fingers and counted off the world’s most recent transgressions. “His team lost. The stock market took a serious dip. I was three minutes late with his coffee. Oh, yes, and that blasted dog has been sneaking under the fence again. This time it dug up one of the rosebushes. The gardener was able to salvage it, but it will need time to recover. I’m talking about the bush, by the way, not the dog.”

  That last event was probably the one that put her grandfather over the top. He and the neighbor’s beagle had been waging war for two years now. She would’ve worried more about the situation if Esther hadn’t let her in on a little secret a few months ago. Evidently Cyrus had her add salmon-jerky doggy treats to the shopping list on a regular basis. No wonder Digger kept sneaking over to visit if Cyrus was slipping him salmon when no one was looking.

  Even if her employer had been on a real tear, Esther didn’t seem to be too worried about it. Esther Carlin had been Cyrus’s housekeeper for nearly twenty-five years now, which made her practically family. Natalie had no idea how much money the woman made for taking care of this enormous house and putting up with an irascible old coot. Regardless of the amount, it wasn’t enough.

  “Well, I’d better go see what I can do to improve his mood.”

  Esther gave Natalie one of her warm hugs. “He’s waiting for you out on the patio. I’ll be right out with the tea and scones. He wanted Earl Grey this morning, but I can fix you something else if you’d rather.”

  “No, Earl Grey is fine.” Natalie headed for the patio. “Wish me luck. Sounds like I’ll need it.”

  She found her grandfather sitting with his wheelchair facing due east and soaking up the early-morning sun. His eyes were closed, but that didn’t fool her into believing he was asleep. Sure enough, as soon as she kissed him on the cheek, his eyes popped open. Over the years, they had faded to a shade lighter blue than her own, but age had done little to disguise the sharp intelligence behind them.

  “So, Granddaughter, what are you spending my money on now?” He turned his chair to face her a little more directly. “I trust you aren’t wasting it on any of those talentless artists your mother is so fond of these days.”

  Natalie waited to answer until she was settled into the chair on the other side of the glass-topped table. “Sorry, Grandpa, but I might be. Friday, we’re all going to the opening night at a gallery that’s displaying the work of her latest find. Mom specifically told me to bring the checkbook.”

  Cyrus pointed a knobby finger at her. “Don’t let her bully you into buying a damn thing unless you actually like the paintings.”

  They’d had similar conversations in the past. “I won’t, but we both know Mom does have a real eye for up-and-coming talent. She thinks I might like this person’s work for my own home. Who knows? I could end up spending my money instead of yours.”

  That didn’t make him much happier, but a lot of his grumpiness was for show. He might make a lot of noise when it came to his daughter’s interest in the arts, but he’d also spent a great deal of money over the years supporting her efforts.

  He frowned even more. “If you think the paintings are a good investment, you can buy me one, too. I’m sure I can find a spot on a wall in some dark corner to hang it.”

  She didn’t bother to hide her smile. “I will.”

  Esther arrived with the tea and scones. She set a cup and saucer beside each of them along with a small glass of water for Cyrus. “Here you go. And, Boss Man, I put your pills on your plate. Don’t forget to take them.”

  Cyrus gave his housekeeper a dark look. “Stop bossing me around. You might recall that I pay your salary.”

  Natalie laughed when Esther shot back, “And bossing you around is how I earn it. Holler if you need anything else.”

  After she disappeared back into the house, Cyrus shook his head. “Some days I don’t know why I put up with that woman. She always has to have the last word.”

  “You do it because she’s one of the few people in your life who doesn’t take any guff from you. If Esther were the type you could walk all over, you would’ve fired her years ago.”

  He didn’t bother to deny it. “While we’re on the subject, as trustee of my estate, you should know that I’ve provided for her. Stubborn woman refused the last raise I tried to give her. She told me to add whatever extra I was going to pay her to your budget at the foundation. How crazy is that?”

  His tone belied his words. After glancing over his shoulder to make sure Esther wasn’t anywhere within hearing, he gave Natalie a wicked grin. “I’ve been setting aside money in a special investment account where she’s the named beneficiary since the day I hired her. It has done quite well over the years.”

  No surprise there. Cyrus Waines had a real gift for making money. He’d come from nothing and was now one of the wealthiest men on the West Coast, which was saying something.

  “Yep, the day I die, Esther will become a multimillionaire. My only regret is that I won’t be around to see how much that will piss her off.” His smile faded a bit. “Natalie, I know her. She’ll want to give most of it away or something else equally foolish. You won’t be able to stop her completely, but keep an eye on her for me.”

  His blunt talk about dying always stabbed Natalie right in the heart, but he’d never been one to dance around the edges of tough subjects. “She’s family, Grandpa. I’ll make sure she’s taken care of.”

  “That’s my girl. Now, let’s have some of the tea before it gets cold.”

  For the next few minutes, the two of them soaked up some sun as they devoured the scones. They were delicious, but that came as no surprise. Baking was another of Esther’s many talents. When they’d finished off the last crumb, her grandfather poured them each some more tea. “So, young lady, how is the work coming along on the community center?”

  “It’s right on schedule. As long as the volunteers keep showing up regularly, we might even finish earlier than expected.”

  Cyrus looked pleased. “That’s good. It’s always hard to predict how things will go when you’re not paying people to do the work. Then there’s the problem of getting volunteers who know what they’re doing.”

  “That’s true.”

  She considered telling him about Tino but decided against it. She still didn’t know if he’d show up again. Maybe she’d ask him when she saw him on Thursday.

  “That smile on your face is kind of interesting. Makes me wonder what you’re thinking about or if I should even ask.”

  What the heck, why not share? “A new guy showed up to work on Saturday who definitely knew what he was doing. I’m hoping he’ll keep coming back.”

  There was no reason not to tell him the rest. “He showed me how to use one of those fancy reciprocating saws. I cut out some damaged drywall.”

  Her grandfather’s eyebrows shot up. “How did that go?”

  “Just fi
ne,” she said with no little pride. “Of course, all I had to do was follow the lines he’d drawn on the wall. Still, he said I did a good job.”

  “Did he now?” Cyrus sipped his tea. “Does this brave man have a name?”

  “He does.” Natalie hid a smile behind her teacup. When her grandfather glared at her for her non-answer, she added, “His name is Tino.”

  “Tino what?”

  She shook her finger at her grandfather. “Nope, I’m not going to tell you his full name. We both know you’ll either start digging into his background yourself or pay someone to do it like you do every time I start seeing someone new.”

  He’d done that with the men she’d dated in the past, and she hadn’t appreciated it one bit. He’d claimed it was to make sure they weren’t simply after her money, but it made her feel as if he didn’t trust her judgment. On the other hand, maybe he was right to do so. After all, he’d been the only member of the family who hadn’t approved of her engagement to Benton.

  “Well, that’s interesting.”

  What was? Then she realized Cyrus was looking at her as if she’d just tossed him a special treat, his smile more than a little wolfish. Before she figured out what it was, he said, “I just asked what his name was. You’re the one who brought up the subject of dating him.”

  She closed her eyes and sighed. Yep, she might as well have painted a target on herself—and maybe Tino, too. “Don’t tell Mom, but Tino and I are going out for dinner and a movie on Thursday evening.”

  “And you don’t want your mother to know because…?”

  “You know how she can be, Grandpa, especially if she doesn’t approve of my choice in men.”

  His eyes narrowed. “What makes you think she won’t approve of this fellow?”

  “Because he isn’t Benton.” Natalie let her disgust show. “She and Dad still think I’m making a mistake by not asking Benton to forgive me for breaking up with him. They think he’d be glad to take me back if I asked nicely enough. Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen.”