Page 23 of Changing Lanes

“You’re amazing, you’ll be fine.” I place my hand on his chest, and he grasps my fingers within his.

“Let’s not fool ourselves, you’re the amazing part of this duo.” He grins as I smile reassuringly, and so many words are exchanged with our eyes—support, understanding, faith and love. I’ve seen it a few times in his eyes but passed it off as adoration. I return the same tenderness.

Our moment is interrupted by a deep, ‘ahem’. My spine stiffens, and I turn to find my father watching us. Winston Harrington stands tall, dressed in his suit and tie, his now gray hair slicked back all over his head. His blue eyes appraising Brannon, sizing him up. I really don’t want to know his thoughts. But the look on his face tells me I’ll be hearing it. Damn it. How could I let him catch such a personal moment?

Weakness. My father looks for it in every endeavor. He hunts down your weakest point and eats you whole. Crushing you with your most fragile possession, the thing that means the most to you. He will break the very essence of your being just to remind you where you can be found on the food chain.

“Father. It’s good to see you. How have you been?” Greeting him with a handshake, I wait for his response.

Scowling across the room at Brannon, he challenges, “Your friend? It’s a man.”

“Yes, he’s a man. I told you and mother I was bringing a male friend home for a few days.” Stepping away from him, I feel a warmth beside me suddenly. My eyes dart to where Brannon now stands.

“Mr. Harrington, it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Brannon holds his hand out, though my father never acknowledges it.

Father continues to stare at Brannon, who refuses to look anywhere else. “I’m sure. Torrence, how long will our guest be staying?”

“Thursday evening. We’re traveling to visit his mother for the remainder of the holiday.” Neither men look away or at me, scrutinizing each other.

“Torrie, it’s so good to have you home, darling.” My mother breezes in with her easy way and bright smile. Her blonde hair is piled high on her head, making her petite body look a tad bit taller than her five-feet-four-inch height. She hugs me tightly before moving to Brannon. “Brannon, I’m pleased to meet you.” She holds his hand a little longer than what’s appropriate. Her silent encouragement.

“Mrs. Harrington. I’ve heard so much about you, it’s a pleasure.” Brannon caresses my mother’s hand, flashing her his drop dead smile with his southern country drawl. I think she swoons.

“I must say, I don’t think Torrie’s description did you justice.” She pats his hand.

“Most men can’t compare,” I add before shooting him an approving glance. My mother is smitten with him, I understand the appeal. Brannon’s all swagger but not boastful, he’s a perfect blend of cocky and sweet.

My father interrupts, “We shall see. Let’s freshen up for dinner.”

I show Brannon upstairs to our separate rooms. My father pulled me to the side as Brannon grabbed our bags to inform me, I was not to sleep with that boy under his roof. Adding before he left, I should grateful he didn’t throw him out. Daddy dearest at his best.

Brannon is such a great man, he acts as if there’s not a problem in the world. He smiles sweetly and continues to do as I ask, no matter what it is. After hanging my clothes, I decide to wear my father’s favorite color, blue. A dress my mother bought me to celebrate his birthday last year. I made sure Brannon had a matching tie.

I shoot him a quick message to let him know that I’ll be ready in twenty minutes and to wear the blue tie. He sends me thumbs up and a winking emoji in return. He’s nervous as hell, but it’s so adorable. I pile my hair up, leaving a few pieces hanging loose. Sliding into my silver heels, I walk out my door.

Brannon stands across the hall, leaning against the wall. His hands are laced in front of him, his legs crossed. Whatever he’s thinking evaporates when he raises his head at the sound of my door closing. His face radiates, and his smile is so wide.

“What?” I ask shyly, appraising my dress as I spin from side to side.

“You’re beautiful.” He pushes away from the wall, kissing me on the cheek before placing his hand on the small of my back. “I’m thankful for you, Torrence. Know that,” he whispers in my ear before we descend the stairs.

“Thank you.” I squeeze his hand before we separate.

We’re met at the bottom by our butler who then escorts us to the dining room. Never have I been met by Wayne, even during parties. My father is trying to intimidate Brannon. I’ll be damned if he does. I decided on Monday to tell my mother about Brannon and what he’s becoming to me. I guess it’s time I tell my father.

“Torrie, I adore the blue on you, sweetheart, good choice. Brannon, nice touch on the matching neck tie.” Mother gives Brannon a boost of confidence.

“Thank you. Torrie suggested it.” Brannon straightens it before pulling my chair out.

“I’m sure she did. Did she also purchase it?” my father hurls at him. He’s doing his damnedest to make Brannon angry. Brannon doesn’t bite.

Snapping at the rude remark, I retort, “No, I did not. It’s his neck tie, Father.”

Brannon leans in to get a better look at my dad. “It’s the tie I wore to my dad’s services. I thought it would be suitable for our first meeting.”

“Maybe thinking isn’t your best attribute.” Jerking my head around to my father, I glare at him, but Brannon handles it well.

“Maybe so, sir. But I made the trip anyway. The necktie is important to me, so is this trip.” Brannon stares my father down, and chills run up my arm at the sudden tension swirling the air. I’ve never seen anything like it. Someone standing up to my father.