Page 65 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
But longing wasn’t enough, not without his willingness to act. “Don’t worry,” Sloane said with a flippant shake of her head. “I can handle my life. I appreciate all your family has done for me so far, but you have more important concerns now.”
Gathering her reserve strength, she walked away as if the man in the room meant nothing to her. She had no choice but to accept that unless he came to terms with his conflict, she was on her own. A place she’d been for a while now. But it was a place that was so much more lonely now that she’d known Chase.
Chapter Thirteen
Sloane was feeling brave until the moment she pulled up to her mother’s old house. As she stepped out of the car, her knees went weak and she began to tremble. She’d have given anything to have Chase by her side, but he was needed elsewhere and she didn’t begrudge him time with his family. Wasn’t she here to learn more about hers? Though what she thought she’d find, she wasn’t certain.
A cold fall breeze circulated in the air, keeping her blood pumping and her adrenaline flowing. She pulled her denim jacket close around her and focused on the house as she approached. The old Colonial looked well maintained. With the kids playing out back and the American flag hanging on the porch, Sloane figured the house was also well loved.
Not wanting to scare the kids by showing up in the backyard, she knocked on the door, intending to ask permission.
A woman opened the door. “Can I help you?” She wiped her hands on her jeans and leaned against the door frame.
Faced with the owner, a woman with bobbed hair, manicured nails, and a friendly smile, Sloane wasn’t sure where to begin. “This may sound silly, but my mother grew up here and … Well, I was wondering if I could look around?”
The woman smiled. “I don’t see why not.” She opened the door wider. “Come on in.” Stepping back, she let Sloane inside. “I’m Grace McKeever.”
“Sloane Carlisle,” she said, opting for honesty. She looked around at the floral wallpaper and dark wood floors and furniture. She had a hunch the house had been redecorated recently and had changed much since her mother resided there. “How long have you lived here?” she asked the woman.
“About eight years. From what I understand, this house has changed hands many times.” She gestured around the large entryway and toward the circular staircase in front of them. “I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but feel free to wander.”
Small-town hospitality, Sloane thought, warmth filling her. But she shook her head. “Thanks anyway.” Sloane wouldn’t know which room belonged to her mother. “I really just want to see the tree house out back. I’d love to see that, if you don’t mind.”
Grace laughed and tucked her hair behind one ear. “Of course not. My kids spend a lot of time there. Come, I’ll show you.” She led Sloane through the house, to the kitchen, and out a sliding-glass door leading to a patio area in the back.
The yard spread expansively before her and she could imagine her mother playing as a child. Or maybe not, considering the repressed upbringing and strict rules employed by her grandfather. But there was no denying the fact that there were two teenage girls now—giggling, laughing, and probably talking about boys.
Just as Jacqueline and Raina had discussed the man Jacqueline loved. The man named Samson. Her father.
“Girls, it’s time for Hannah to go home,” Grace called.
“Can’t I stay, Grace, please? I’ll call Kendall and she’ll say it’s okay. She can’t cook for beans anyway and I’d much rather eat here.” A pretty blond-haired girl with a face full of makeup came skidding to a halt.
From the names tossed around in conversation, Sloane knew she was seeing Kendall’s sister, Hannah. Her nonstop motion reminded Sloane of her twin sisters’ actions and she held back a laugh.
An equally pretty brunette came up by Hannah’s side. “Come on, Mom. There’s enough food for one more.”
Grace raised an eyebrow. “And you know this because …? You helped cook?” she asked sarcastically.
“Because you always make a lot, and besides, Hannah doesn’t eat much, do you, Hannah?”
“Nope. Honest.” Kendall’s sister held one hand in the air.
“It just so happens we’re meeting your father at Norman’s for dinner and Hannah’s welcome to join us. Kendall can pick you up from there or I can drop you off on the way home. Just call and make sure it’s okay with her.”
“Cool, Mom, thanks!”
“Thanks, Grace.”
The girls took off before Sloane could introduce herself.
“Sorry. I wish I could say they’re usually better mannered, but they’re teenagers and completely self-absorbed.” A blush on her cheeks, Grace let out a self-conscious laugh.
“Not a problem. I have twin sisters so I really do understand.”
