Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 6

I was just about to start answering Victoria's question, before I was interrupted by Ava. I couldn't imagine what she was about to say. She knew that Victoria was waiting for me to answer her question for a reason.

Ava got everyone's attention coughing loudly. "Victoria, Kendall's momma passed away a few years ago. I'm sure it is still painful for her to talk about. So let's save that conversation for another day, shall we?"

I mouthed, "Thank you." As I looked at Ava appreciatively.

She smiled and responded your welcome with her eyes.

Victoria weakly apologized. "I'm sorry Kendall, I wasn't aware your momma died. You poor thing." She spoke insincerely. What more could I expect from her?

Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont chimed in adding their condolences, as Victoria apologized. Mrs. Beaumont did so out of her friendship with Ava.

I whispered to Andrea. "Did you tell Mrs. Carrington about my family and where I grew up?" I was trying to figure out what Ava knew.

Her face became red, as she admitted to telling Mrs. Carrington that my momma had died. She felt it best to mention that in case the Carringtons had asked about my family. Those are subjects inevitably discussed when getting to know someone. She wanted my first visit with the Carringtons to be comfortable and to go smoothly.

I had not even told Greyson about my background. The subject about our families, or childhoods had never come up. We were just getting to know each other. I had only gone out to dinner with him one time. Our dinner flew by so quickly, I figured I'd save that conversation for another day.

Yet, even now he didn't look upset with me. He had only tenderness in his amazing grey eyes. And something else that still perplexed me, as he looked at me from across the table.

I knew I was growing fond of his momma. But the thoughtful way she protected me from Victoria, cemented some special feeling. She was like a momma bear protecting her cub.

Ava is a shrewd no nonsense woman, with beauty, intelligence, blue eyes, and hair that is starting to turn gray. She has a nice figure and is every bit the southern belle. Colton gets his eyes from her, but I see a lot of her in Greyson too.

Ava turned her attention to Greyson. "Why don't you give Kendall that tour of the estate that she was promised. I would like some girl time, with her when you're done."

Greyson got up right away and pulled out my chair. We began touring this huge estate. I knew Victoria was not pleased that she did not win this round. For some reason I sensed she had it in for me. Could it have something to do with, Greyson? I somehow get the feeling it does. . . .

He grabbed my shoulders, turning me around. "What would you like to see first?" I had to recover from being spun around, staring front and center into his gorgeous face.

I put my hand under my chin like I was thinking. "You are the tour guide, so lead the way. I want to apologize for not telling you anything about my family. I wasn't trying to hide that my momma had passed away. It's been five years, but it feels like five days ago. It's not something you use as an introduction to meeting someone."

"You don't have to apologize. I want you to tell me whatever you feel comfortable sharing about your family, or where you grew up when you are ready. I value our friendship and I will get to know more about you, as we spend more time together." He spoke very simply and he meant it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of the Carrington Ranch. He gets a gold star for being such a good tour guide. He even took me into parts of the house, that were normally not for guests. I really felt special. I saw the mischievous, little boy side of him. He showed and told me about things that he and his brother, Colton, did while growing up. He was in his element at Carrington Ranch.

Now, I was going to spend some private time with Ava. She asked me to meet her back at the bedroom where I stayed the night. The bed was already made and the room was as good as new. It was ready for another guest.

She and I each sat in a wing back chair in front of that massive window. Just as I suspected, it gave an amazing view of the ranch. She had some sweet tea and snacks sent up to us for our little visit.

I am fond of this woman. . . .

Ava started our conversation with, "I really wanted you to know Kendall, how much we all enjoyed your visit. You are welcome here anytime. I was sad when Andrea told me that your momma passed away five years ago. I know that I can't replace your momma, but you can always count on me darlin, if ever you need me."

I was stunned and at a loss for words. I guess Ava doesn't beat around the bush. This woman just met me yesterday, and has treated me with tenderness from the moment that I met her.

Me, someone who didn't grow up wealthy. Momma and Daddy separated when I was six years old. He left my momma a run down house, piles of debt, and no income. She had to work two jobs for us to survive.

I basically lived at Andrea's house. She had a very doting momma and daddy, that would look out for me while Momma worked. Andrea would give me her hand me downs. My momma couldn't afford a lot of extras besides paying the mortgage, so we would have a home. She bought food, and paid the utility bills. There wasn't money for luxuries. But I always knew that my momma loved me more than anything.

I finally managed to speak. "Ava, I appreciate your kindness and hospitality more than I could ever express. I miss my momma so much. Your offer to be there if I need you is heartwarming. I feel honored to know, that you think so highly of me after just meeting me yesterday."

"I could tell there was something special about you Kendall, the moment that I met you. . . . I'm usually a very good judge of character. The fact that you are friends with Grey, wins my admiration. He never lets himself get close to any woman besides his momma." She had to chuckle to herself.

She continued. "I've been worried for a long time, that his heart was hardened to marriage. He experienced a deep hurt a few years ago. He says, he is a self proclaimed eternal bachelor. That's nonsense! I'm his momma and I know him better than anyone. That's the hurt he experienced talking. . . . I want to see him find a woman who can handle his heart, with care and I think you are that woman, Kendall."

Well, talk about getting straight to the point. I had to recover from Ava's words and think of how to answer her.

I calmly spoke. "I'm not sure if your son feels like you do. He has made it clear that he and I are just friends. I know he enjoys my company, but I don't think it goes beyond that."

"Do you have feelings for my son?" Ava, threw me off guard with her blunt question.

"I don't know how to answer your question?" I commented, without really answering her.  Because, I'm not sure what it is that I'm truly feeling.

I really don't know if I can risk my heart again. I don't know if Greyson has feelings for me beyond friendship. I know I feel something that I can't yet define every time I see him, or I'm near him. I can't tell Ava or anyone that. . . .

Instead I smiled and said, "He is a very good friend, that I'm happy to have in my life."

Ava shrewdly answered, "Well then, there is hope for the two of you and we'll leave it at that. Let's go join the rest of the family outside. Oh, and Kendall?"

"Yes, Ava?" I quickly responded.

"Let's leave this conversation between you and me." Then she winked and left the room.

I am so fond of that woman and happy to be out of the hot seat. I survived my private time with Ava. She is a force to be reckoned with, but I enjoyed our girl talk.

I stared out the window and I found myself longing for the love Andrea has found with Colton. For the first time I pondered what it would be like to be a Carrington. What is happening to me? I could never admit that out loud.

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