The Change: Better Part 22

He said his name is Ryan McReynolds, and Forde, honey, he looks just like you. The words tumbled out of my mouth.

He started to move to the door, all man of action.

I grabbed his arm as he pa.s.sed me, stopping him. Hang on a sec. Dont go out there all pumped up. Youll terrify him. Take a breath, and then go meet your son. I let go of him and started to follow. I didnt want to miss this scene.

He made it to the doorway out of his office and whipped around. My son? His voice was rough.

Do the math, and when you see him, youll know. I was clenching my hands into fists so tightly my nails were making marks in my palms.

Forde didnt jog to the door leading to reception, but he moved swiftly. I was right behind him as he walked into the area.

I knew the moment Forde saw Ryans face. His entire body jerked, but he recovered quickly and held out his hand to the teen. Im Lucas Forde.

Ryan shot to his feet and moved to Forde. He shook his hand and exhaled. Wow.

Fordes face broke into a warm smile. Yeah, wow.

I dont know who moved first, but father and son hugged one another.

I felt the tears in my eyes. G.o.d, I loved my man. He didnt throw out a bunch of questions, he just pulled the boy in.

Suddenly, there was banging on the exterior door. A womans voice shouted. Let me in. Let me in before I call the police.

I moved to my desk to look at the monitor. What in the world?

Thats my mom, Ryan said as he pulled away from Forde.

Forde moved to the door and opened it.

The woman stormed into the room and got right in the boys face. Ryan, I told you to wait for me. She flashed a very unhappy look at her son.

Tessa, Forde said as he closed the door.

The pet.i.te blonde turned in a complete circle, taking in the room before she faced Forde. Luke.

Everybody in the room stared at the woman.

I think we should go into my office. It looks like we have a lot to discuss. Forde nodded at the door.

I moved to unlock it, and then I held it open.

Show them the way, Lay, Forde said, his tone even, but his eyes were flashing with anger.

After Id settled mother and son in the chairs in front of Fordes desk, I asked if anyone wanted something to drink. When they said no, I turned to go.

Stay, Forde ordered as he took his seat behind his desk.

Luke, I hardly think your secretary needs to hear this, Tessa muttered.

Tessa, this is my woman, Layla Shepherd.

A little shocked by Fordes introduction, I nodded h.e.l.lo as Tessa looked me up and down. I could tell she wasnt impressed by the small sniff she gave.

Forde leaned onto his forearms as I leaned my hip against the credenza on the wall to the side of our visitors. So, what the f.u.c.k, Tessa?

Theres no reason to use that kind of language, Luke, she said, sounding outraged.

Forde just raised an eyebrow.

I studied his ex-wife with interest. She was tiny, maybe five one, and she filled out her expensive clothes nicely. This was a woman who spent money on her looks. Her hair was a golden blonde and styled so that it looked like all that she had to do was run her fingers through the waves. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s were a bit too big for her pet.i.te size so I guessed that they were fake, because at her age, well, even the best bra couldnt do that much heavy lifting. She had tiny feet in sky-high boots. She didnt wear a wedding ring, but there were plenty of diamonds on the bracelets on her wrists.

Ryan spoke first. I wanted to meet you. When I found out, I started doing research online, looking for you. When I found you, I told my mom I was going to use the money from my birthday to fly up here. Ryan gripped the arms of the chair tightly. I could see the muscles in his forearms clearly.

Forde turned his attention to the teen, giving him a smile filled with affection. Im glad you did.

Grandpa said you didnt know anything about me. That you, you know, had a son. Ryans leg was bouncing.

I didnt. Fordes hungry gaze was taking in every inch of Ryans face.

This isnt how I wanted you to find out, Tessa blurted.

Forde gave her a cold stare. After all this time, I would guess that you never wanted me or others to find out.

Before this got ugly, I moved away from my spot. While you share the story, Tessa, why dont I give Ryan a tour of the office? I gave Forde a meaningful look. His son didnt need to hear this part.

The look he returned was filled with grat.i.tude and affection. Thanks.

Come on, Ryan, let me show you how the bada.s.ses do it. I moved to the door.

Ill see you later? Ryan asked Forde tentatively.

Forde flashed a grin. Absolutely.

I gave Ryan the tour and got him a c.o.ke. Luckily, Osi and Rick werent expected in until much later, and Jenn had her door closed, so I didnt need to introduce her. We were back in reception. I was making small talk. The kid was jumpy, and I was babbling.

He gave me a glance and blushed. So were your parents big Clapton fans?

No. My real name is Marlena, but when your dad met me, he said it was a s.h.i.t name, so he started calling me Layla. I shrugged and gave a goofy grin at the memory.

Hes right. That is a s.h.i.tty name.

My heart skipped a beat, because Ryan gave me a grin that was identical to his dads. So, besides learning how to be charming, what else do you study in school?

Im a senior, he said with pride.

Id guess that youre good with computers, and that you like to read.

He sat back a little in the chair. I want to study accounting. Grandpa says I should know about business so that I can run the ranch.

What do you raise on your ranch? I asked.

Oh, I dont live there anymore. Now mom and I live in a condo in Dallas. Mom says she gets bored with the cows and horses.

Ive never seen a ranch or a cowboy for that matter.

Im kind of a cowboy, he said, sitting up a little taller in the chair. I mean, I can ride, and I help with round ups.

Cool, so I can mark that off my list. I know a cowboy. Do you have a hat and boots? And what are those things you wear over your jeans? I tried to remember anything I could about the subject.

Chaps. I keep all of that stuff at my grandpas.

I heard voices as the interior door opened. Tessa came through first, her gaze searching for Ryan.

Forde followed and gave me a tight smile. After Tessa dropped gracefully into the chair next to Ryan and gave him a hug, Forde asked. So Ryan are you hungry? I thought we could grab some lunch.

Yeah, Im starving, Ryan rubbed his stomach.

I swear hes always hungry, Tessa added with a small frown.

Layla send out a text to everybody. Tell them that the office is closing early, Forde told me.

I pulled open the drawer and grabbed my phone. I think were clear this afternoon.

When Id finished, he took my hand and pulled me to my feet. Shall we?

I tried to read his emotions. He seemed jovial, but I knew by the tightness around his eyes that he was upset.

We walked two blocks to a local brew pub that served great salads and sandwiches. Forde held my hand as we walked, and I noted that Tessa gave our joined hands a hard look.

We took our time over lunch. Ryan asked Forde questions. Nothing too intrusive, but I had to admit that I, too, learned things about the man.

Forde sat on the outside of me in the booth with a clear view of the door and the room. He had his arm draped around my shoulders, and he was watching Ryan demolish a piece of apple pie with two scoops of ice cream.

What are your plans for tomorrow? Forde directed the question to Ryan.

I dont have any. He stopped shoveling in the food. My coach says that Im supposed to swim, but if I dont, its no big deal.

So you like to swim. Are you on a team? I loved learning about the teen.

Yeah, I do the backstroke. He smiled at me, and then went back to eating.

I turned my head and did some silent communication with Forde. One side of his mouth lifted.

Forde might be able to get you some time in the pool where the U.S. Team does their Olympic Trials. I mean, if that might interest you?

Ryans eyes got big, You could do that? That would be so cool. He tried to cover his mouth full of food as he spoke.

Ill make a call to see what the schedule is like for tomorrow. Fordes phone was sitting by his left hand, and he started texting.

Do you have to work tomorrow, Layla? Ryan asked.

Yup, my boss is a real bear. I giggled. But maybe, if you want, I could take my lunch hour while you get some pool time.

That would be awesome, he smiled.

I could take some pictures and video, if you want, I said.

I can do that for my son. Tessas tone was snippy.

I apologize. I gave her my full attention, I was offering so that you could watch without any responsibility. I was only trying to help.

Ryan glanced up from his plate. But, Mom, you dont like to go near the pool. You say it makes your hair frizz.

I smothered a smile. Ryans honesty wasnt helping his mom.

Ryan, Tessa said, her voice rising in warning.

Lay and I will try to set something up. Forde then turned his focus onto Tessa. And you can come or not, he said in an ice cold tone.

So, Layla, how long have you known Luke? Tessa gave me a sweet smile.

I read the smile as saying, f.u.c.k you, but I answered because Ryan looked interested. Not too long.

So youre the receptionist. Is that how you met? Hooked up with the boss? She looked down her nose in a superior way.

Forde answered for me. She was a client when I first met her. I liked what I saw, so she became more. Shes working for me because I needed the help. His delivery was to the point, and his tone was biting as he stared down his ex.

How interesting. I didnt think that it was in a gym or out on a run. She looked at her manicure.

Fordes hand covered my shoulder joint and gave it a squeeze. He knew Tessa was being a b.i.t.c.h. History has taught me to get to know a woman before I let her into my life. Lay was fully investigated, and Id read the complete file before I kissed her the first time.

Cool, Ryan concluded.

n.o.body touched that.

Tonight, I have to do some work so I cant invite you to dinner, but maybe tomorrow night we could go out. Forde pointed at his son, leaving Tessa out.

Yeah, I can do that, Ryan told Forde not even bothering to ask his mom.

What kind of food do you like? Forde asked.

Steak and I can eat a lot of it. Ryan smiled proudly.

I know just the place, Forde answered with an easy smile.

Ryan turned his eager glance toward me. Layla, are going to come too?

Well, uh, I thought it was a man-only party, I tried to excuse myself gracefully.