Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Sons

Stef ran her comb through her hair as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror and sighed. She couldn't believe that she was getting ready to head out to her new security job at the local junkyard. Of all the places in the world, working security for an agency that had a contract with the junkyard, was not one of the top places she would have ever seen herself working. But working this shift meant that she'd be home this evening with the family, and right now, that's all that mattered considering how Corey was on a downward slope.

As the doorbell rang, Stef heard Callie call out, "I got it!" before she heard Mike's deep voice ringing out not long after.

"How's my girl? Staying out of trouble?"

"Sure thing, Daddy. I'm actually getting ready to head over to work. I see Mama got a job at the security agency you work with? What's it called again?"

"Oh, yes. It's "Secured," and it's not a bad place. Kinda slow compared to New York City, but it pays pretty decent."

"Ha! What a creative name! Do you work in any malls or anything like that?"

"Depends on the shift, baby girl. But since I'm moving to midnights, sometimes, I'll be working for some celebrities' estates, walking their grounds or sitting at their gates."

"Fun!"

"Good morning, Mike," Stef walks out into the living room where Callie and her dad were having a conversation.

"Hey, Stef! Sorry they have you working the junkyard today. Harry usually works that, but he's on vacation. So, you know."

"Ahhh, it's okay. Gotta start somewhere, right?"

"Ya. I'm actually working at The Wharf tonight for my first midnight shift. I guess they've been having trouble with some kids trying to steal boats down there. Oughta be interesting, if you ask me."

"Hey, Mike! What's up?" Corey walks into the living room now as Callie says her goodbyes and leaves to walk to the bakery with Stefanie and Frankie. Lena had already gone for the day, having taken the super early morning shift to help with the donuts and cinnamon rolls. She had always loved working at two in the morning because it meant that she'd be off early.

"Not much, my friend. You ready to head on out?"

"Sure," Corey beams as he had been on restriction and felt as if he was going out of his mind.

"You mind Mike you understand me?" Stef says sternly as Corey nods.

"Yeah."

"It's not yeah it's yes."

"Yes ma'am." He says back as he heads out to the car and Stef rolls her eyes.

"I got him. But let me know how it goes." Mike walks towards the door.

"Sure. And thanks again, Mike."

"Not a problem. I'll take him for some burgers and to a game."

"I appreciate it." Stef smiles as she, too, follows Mike out the door.

"Anytime."

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LENA POV

"I'm so happy you're here, Tess," I smile as I place the tea pot on the stove to boil water for the two of us.

"Wait, before you start boiling that, I was wondering if you have some of your iced tea you used to make in the sun," Tess smiles as she pulls down two glasses.

"Oh, of course! Old habits, I guess," I laugh as I turn the stove off, and turn but she's already found the pitcher in the fridge.

"So, the train ride was rather nice. I actually stayed the night with Marty and Gary last night before heading this way." Tess pours us both a glass before we head on out to my back porch and sit on the swing.

"Oh really? How are they? Haven't really gotten to talk much to them since the wedding."

"They're doing well. Seems as if they have a lot to say about Phillip," Tess laughs softly as I turn to her.

"I wonder why Julius hasn't brought him around yet. You think he's embarrassed?"

"No! Nothing like that! He's just...well, he's Julius, and I think he's kinda afraid of not getting Stef's approval the most."

"Sounds like him," I laugh. "But you've met him?"

"Nope!"

"Huhhh," I sip my tea as I look out over the ocean which is a good quarter of a mile from where we're sitting but I can still hear the waves softly brushing against the shore, and I swear it's the best sound in the entire world.

"Don't worry too much, Len. He's head over heels it seems."

"I feel he talks more to you and Stef than to me these days," I make the observation as I feel her hand on mine.

"Lena, look at me, sweets."

"Mhmm?"

"He's struggling, if I'm honest. He knows how close you were to Ryan, and I think he feels kinda guilty that he's found someone new. He wants Stef's approval, and he's scared you'll be mad or something. I don't know. He still loves you, Lena. I promise you that."

I sigh as I take another sip, and we're silent for a bit. There's not day that goes by that I don't miss Ryan. It feels just like yesterday that he passed away, and afterwards, things happened so damn fast. Frankie devoured all of my time, then trying to find Julius took a close second. The next thing I knew, I had moved me and the kids to New York City, and not having to actually sit and face the fact that Ryan is gone has finally caught up to me, for Tess is right. I was very close to Ryan.

"Not to change the subject, but Corey has now lost his ever loving mind. I hate to say it, but I think our kids have some kind of conspiracy to take turns or something," I laugh softly as Tess looks at me concerned.

"Really? Like how?"

"Well, for starters, he's a smart ass. Meaning, he likes to sound like a comedian or 'politically correct,' then, he also loves to argue his point across. Like, this kid clearly has hit his head on a rock. He's sneaky, he lies like a rug, AND he just doesn't know when to shut up! Stef is going to murder him, I'm afraid," I vent as Tess takes it all in.

"Well, I'm glad you aren't going through this alone this time, Len."

"This is true. I just can't help but think of Will during times like this, you know? Would Corey be acting out were he here?"

"MM, I'd say he would. Just because Will isn't here, doesn't mean Corey or Frankie wouldn't have lost their minds," Tess laughs softly as they swing gently back and forth. "Look at Stefanie. She lost her ever loving mind under Jerry's watchful eye!"

"Ha! He watched her walk out of the house and bribed her, that's what," I laugh as Tess joins me.

"This is true. But you get what I mean? It doesn't matter if the kid's father is around or not. I think all teens lose their mind eventually at some point. Didn't you?"

I look over at her and shake my head. "No. Actually, I didn't. I don't remember giving my parents a hard time. I was pretty easy going, and I just liked to follow the rules."

"Well, you're the exception then, Lena. Don't stress too much, okay? Stef had a lot of brothers, and she's tough. She'll be the backbone you need to get your kid in order."

"I know." I nod my head grateful for all the support in my life during this time. Tess is right and as we continue our visit, I'm reminded once more what a great friend she really is.