up the steps to his front door, placing the phone beneath his ear as he let himself in. “Yes, I was in an accident, Mom, and no, I’m not hurt,” he said in greeting.
“I know all that,” Jennifer answered. “I’m calling to inquire as to whether or not you’ve called to check on Quinn, and to know what type of flowers you had sent to her room.”
Ike actually pulled the phone away from his ear to see if the image had changed. Where was his mother and who was this stranger asking the ridiculous question? “You’re joking, right?”
“Why would I joke about performing a classy, kind act?”
“Obviously because you don’t know as much about the accident as you think you do.” Ike bypassed his living/ dining area and went into the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of water from the fridge then continued to his office. “The accident was totally Quinn’s fault, one that save for her negligence could have been avoided.”
“Be that as it may, you seem to be fine and she’s in the hospital, where she’ll be overnight for observation. So the gentlemanly thing to do is to send flowers and a card wishing her a speedy recovery.”
“All I plan on sending her is a repair bill, and that through my lawyer.”
Jennifer tsked. “Ike Anthony Drake, do not speak that way. It’s not how you were raised. I understand you being upset and can only imagine how bad you feel that your car was damaged. But it’s just a car, Ike, not a life. That neither of you were seriously injured is a blessing. Now, would you like for me to handle that for you, dear, or will you have your assistant send them in the morning first thing?”
Ike was dumbfounded into silence.
“Something grand and cheery, I’m thinking,” Jennifer continued in the silence. “Bird-of-paradise, red ginger and lilies—no blemishes, of course. And orchids, for their lovely scent. Purple would be nice. All accented with tall palm leaves and—”
“Mom. Excuse me for interrupting, but...I’ll take care of everything.”
And he would. That his idea of everything had not included a delivery of flowers to the woman who’d crashed into his Ferrari was something he saw no benefit in sharing.
“Sorry to prattle, darling. You know how much I love flowers. And so does your father. After almost four decades of marriage, he still brings them to me every week. Gets them from the florist shop in the town square.”
“He’s your husband. I’m the victim. So forgive me for not seeing a connection.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You’ve always been the serious son. At least until Julian was born. Among our children, you two are the most alike. Both of you can stand to lighten up a bit and not always take life so seriously. Except when it comes to your health. I understand you refused one at the scene, but have you seen a doctor?”
“Jeez, Mom, how do you get this information so quickly?”
“It’s a strategic process, darling, honed over time and not easily or readily explained. But very handy when one has six rambunctious sons.”
“Don’t leave the rambunctious sister out.”
“Unlike Teresa, the sensible sister, I admit London can sometimes be a bit unruly. But that comes from an inner excitement and zest for life.”
“No, it comes from being Daddy’s baby girl, led to believe that the sun revolves around her.”
“We may have been too lenient in those early years, that’s true. But your little sister has grown into an amazing woman. You know, the young lady in the accident, Quinn Taylor, reminds me somewhat of her.”
“Now that’s a connection easily recognized. Quinn’s a spoiled brat, too.”
“She’s also very beautiful and full of life. At the ball, I found her delightful.”
“I found her irritating, and my opinion of her has only plummeted from there.”
“Hmm, interesting.” She paused. “Well, dear, do see a doctor. Your father was in an accident once and refused medical treatment because he thought he was fine. It took five years for what was then a slight sprain to show up as pain in his lower back. Minor surgery was required to fix what could have been handled through a chiropractor if caught in time.”
“Definitely wouldn’t want that to happen. I’ll call him now. Bye, Mom.”
Ike left a message with his physician’s assistant and then called Niko. When he wasn’t in the mayor’s office, Ike tried his cell.
“What’s up, Ike?”
“A little situation I want to run past you. Tried your office phone. Where are you?”
“Temecula.”
“That’s right. I’d forgotten all about your getaway with Monique. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“No bother at all. In fact, your timing is perfect. Monique is at the spa, bonding with her cousin-in-law and sister-in-law.”
“Diamond and who else, Faye or Marissa?”
“Marissa.”
“Where’s Faye?”
“Working too hard, like most doctors.”
“It’s nice that your wife is spending quality time with that side of the family. How’s everybody else doing?”
Niko filled Ike in on the latest happenings with their Southern California cousins who owned and operated Drake Wines & Resort, an award-winning five-star resort in Southern California’s wine country.
“So we’re happy to let them have their pamper day,” Niko finished. “Because come tomorrow night it’s the husbands’ turn—me, Jackson, Donovan and floor seats at Staples.”
“Floor seats? Must have cost you a fortune.”
“Jackson has connections with a big-time sports agent, Michael Morgan. The tickets came from him.”
“Now that’s what I call a connection. Does he have an extra?”
“Afraid not.”
“Then thanks for letting me know about floor seats at a game I can’t attend.”
“You’re welcome.” The brothers laughed. “So why’d you call?”
“I was in an accident today and need some legal advice.”
“Are you okay?”
“Banged up, but I’ll live. The other driver was taken to the hospital for observation, but from the looks of everything she’ll be fine.”
“She?”
“Yes.”
