Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

“They’re already living in the same house,” Derek said. “I’m not sure we’re ever going to see much more than that. I think we should be grateful Uncle Edward’s made such big strides in such a short time and not mess with his head.”

Jason shot his cousin a grateful glance. “I agree.”

“Nonsense,” Hank said, running a hand through his wiry, unkempt hair. “Tell ’em your plan. I bet they’ll change their minds.”

“I doubt it,” Jason muttered.

“Don’t be such a naysayer, son. I’m going to remind my brother what it’s like to feel jealous by showing an interest in Clara. He’ll be so determined not to let me near his woman, he’ll naturally step up and admit his feelings.” Thomas spoke with pride in his voice. “Clara will surely say she never had any interest in me and then I will gallantly step aside, leaving Edward and Clara to live happily ever after.”

“Assuming the curse doesn’t bite ’em in the ass,” Hank said. “But you two seem to be doing all right.” He gestured toward Derek and Gabrielle. “And Amber and Mike seem to be holding their own, so I think it’s worth a shot for my brother, too.” He nodded, then picked up his knife and fork and dug into his food, as if the matter were settled.

Far from it, Jason thought, but before he could say so, he realized Lauren had stiffened at the mention of the curse.

Jason placed a reassuring hand on her thigh beneath the table. Stupid move, he realized, when her body heat shot directly into his palm and through him, settling like a heavy missile in his lap.

He ignored the physical reaction, concentrating instead on his father, uncle and their harebrained scheme. “Has it dawned on either of you that Edward may not be able to handle that kind of pushing?”

“I was going to call it meddling,” Derek muttered.

“Of course he can handle it, that’s what his medication’s for,” Hank said, waving his fork as he spoke.

Jason wasn’t ready to touch his food. Not until they’d settled this discussion. “I take it no one’s told either of you what happened at Lauren’s house a few days ago?”

Thomas and Hank looked at each other, clearly confused.

Lauren glanced at her plate, steeling herself. She knew Jason’s explanation would only lead to another awkward discussion of the curse and she gripped her napkin in her lap, waiting for this conversation to end.

“Uncle Edward found out I was working for Lauren, fixing up the old Perkins mansion, and he flipped out.” As Jason spoke, he reached out once more. This time he grasped Lauren’s hand, obviously realizing how uncomfortable she was.

She appreciated the gesture, but it didn’t change the fact that she was an intruder here and this discussion only served to remind her of that fact.

“I’m not surprised your choice of jobs is a shock for him.” Thomas looked at Lauren. “My brother doesn’t deal well with the curse,” he explained, suddenly focused on her.

Lauren raised an eyebrow, surprised

. “Do you?” she asked Jason’s father, curious as to how the rest of the family felt.

He straightened his tie. “I’ve accepted the curse and its repercussions. I don’t let it rule my life, nor do I worry about it much.” He let his gaze slide from hers.

Liar, she thought, though she felt no anger at Jason’s father. She’d always known about the wedge between the two families. As a teenager, she’d been content to push boundaries and disobey family rules and expectations. As an adult, she saw clearly how other people could be affected by her actions. Corwins and Perkinses were not meant to be together. Another reason to keep her emotions in check with Jason this time around.

“My take is a little different,” Gabrielle chimed in. “I think anyone born in the twentieth century has to realize that free choice plays a role in everyone’s lives.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke. “There’s no doubt this family’s had its share of tragedy, but much of it can be traced to poor judgment and the expectation of problems.”

Hank let out a groan. “My daughter-in-law likes to think there’s no such thing as a curse, just like your grandma used to think the town of Perkins could be ruled by it.” He pointed to Lauren with his fork, then continued to eat.

He seemed to be the only one with an appetite. At his words, Lauren lost hers completely.

“Uncle Hank!”

“Dad!”

Jason and Derek yelled at the older man at the same time.

“Relax!” Hank continued to wield his fork as a tool for discussion. “I just want to know what the young lady thinks, that’s all.” Once again he ran a hand through his already messy hair.

“It’s rude,” Jason said, his hand squeezing tighter around Lauren’s.

Hank frowned. “She asked what we thought. I’m just returning the favor. And considering she’s a Perkins, I think it’s a legitimate question.” He eased back in his seat, annoyed at being reprimanded.