by Carrie Elks
And then there was Logan. Cam’s twin brother. He’d lived in Boston for years, and though the two of them were always busy, they’d spent lots of time together. But he’d moved back home, too, and become a father to a gorgeous little boy. Cam missed him like crazy every day. Boston wasn’t the same without him.
“You want me to book you a flight? How long will you be gone?”
Cam met Brian’s concerned gaze. “I think I’ll drive. It’ll save me renting a car while I’m there.”
“You’re gonna drive? Won’t that take you forever?”
About ten hours, if he kept to the speed limit. Maybe more if he needed to stop. But the good thing about driving was he’d be alone with his thoughts. Nobody to ask him why he wasn’t playing football, no reminders of the life he could lose. Just him, some rock music, and the wide open road.
And the truth was, he needed his family. His real family, not the one he’d built here. Needed to remember who he was and who he used to be, before he was Cam Hartson, Star Safety.
If he was ever anybody else.
“You’re gonna retire, aren’t you?” Brian asked quietly. Cam glanced to the couple who’d been showing him interest. They were staring at the big screens hanging over the bar, squabbling over something and paying him no attention.
There was only one answer. It had been that way all along, he’d just been too damn stubborn to admit it. Keep playing and risk permanent injury that would change who he was, or leave the game he loved with his damn head intact.
But he still wasn’t ready to accept it.
Giving Brian a tight smile, he shrugged his shoulders. “I have no idea what I’m going to do next.”
Chapter Two
Mia Devlin pulled her car onto the driveway and blew out a mouthful of air. Craning her head over her shoulder, she painted a fake smile on her face. “We’re here,” she said to the two boys sitting in the backseat. Her eldest son, Michael, had his headphones on, and was resolutely staring out of the window at the cracked pavement, as though fascinated by the brilliant pink flowers growing through the gaps.
He’d been this way since they’d left their old home in Kansas City yesterday morning. She had no idea what he was listening to – if he was listening to anything at all – but she sure got the message.
He wasn’t happy about this move.
Her youngest, Josh, was asleep. At eight years old, this move to a new town was an adventure to him, like the stories he read in his bed late at night when she’d caught him under his duvet with a flashlight. For most of the journey, he’d had his face pressed against the window, his eyes wide as they traveled from built up metropolis to farm fields and small towns.
“Josh, honey,” she said, reaching through the gap in the seats to gently shake his shoulder. “We’re here.”
“Huh?” He shook his head and opened his eyes. “Where?”
“We made it to Uncle Sam’s house.”
Michael let out a snort but refused to look at either of them.
“This is Uncle Sam’s house?” Josh asked, his brows lifting. “Wow. There are a lot of trees here.”
Technically, he was Mia’s Great Uncle Sam. Her Grandma’s big brother. Which made him Josh and Michael’s Great, Great Uncle. But she wasn’t going to get into technicalities now.
“It’s a dump,” Michael muttered. “Look at the grass.”
“He’s old. He can’t keep the place up like he used to,” Mia said, her patience at a precipice. Any minute it was going to fall off. Yes, it must be dreadful to move states at the start of ninth grade, especially when you had your heart set on going to high school with all your friends. But it wasn’t a move she wanted either.
As the responsible adult, she had no choice.
Josh opened the door and jumped onto the concrete driveway. “Hey, Mom, there’s a swing in the tree.” He ran over to it, pushing the plank that was hanging on ropes from an old branch. “Mikey, we have our own playground. Come and look.”
Another grunt, but at least Michael opened the car door and stepped out. Mia followed suit, smiling at Josh as he sat on the swing. At least one of her children was happy. Which made her fifty percent happy, too.
“Come and push me, Mikey!” Josh shouted.
“You’re old enough to swing yourself,” Michael muttered, running his hand through his thick hair. “Where’s this uncle of ours?” he asked his mom. “Shouldn’t he be here to greet us?” He lowered his voice. “Or is he as happy to have us as I am to be here?”
Josh jumped off the swing and walked over to them, patting Michael on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry. We’re only here for a while. Then Dad’ll come back and everything will be back to normal.”
“Dad’s not coming back, you dimwit. He’s got a girlfriend. Took all the money from the business.” Michael’s nostrils flared. “Left us high and fucking dry.”
“Don’t swear.” Mia pressed her lips together. “And cool it. Josh is only trying to cheer you up.”
Michael squeezed his eyes shut. “Sorry, Josh.” When he opened them again, there was a flash of vulnerability shining back at her, reminding Mia of the little boy her eldest son once was. “This sucks, Mom,” he said, his voice low.
“I know.” She gave him a half smile. “But we have no choice.”
Not when their house in Kansas City was being foreclosed on, and the business Mia and her ex used to run had been stripped bare of assets. She’d tried to find a way to keep them in their home. God knew she had. But when it came down to it, staying with Sam was their only choice.
Her cousin, Joanna, had been the one who suggested it, after Sam admitted to her he couldn’t keep the house going like he used to. “He’s getting old and his bones are giving out,” she’d told Mia. “Thinks he’s still a teenager. He should have gotten married and had kids, that way we wouldn’t have to worry about him.”
Then she’d looked at Mia with a speculative gaze, and rubbed her chin with her thumb, the way she always did when she came up with an idea. “You know, he has a big house. And a bar to run. He could always do with the extra help.”
So here she was, standing in front of his old blue painted Victorian house with a wraparound porch and a cupola that made Mia think of gothic novels and hauntings. She’d never visited this house before, despite it being in her family for generations. When her grandmother had married and moved to Kansas City, that branch of the family had cut ties with Virginia, apart from letters and phone calls.
And now three of them were back.
Twisting her long blonde hair into a bun, Mia opened the trailer she’d rented for the week and pulled their overnight cases out. Sam had assured her there was plenty of space for all of their things, but they’d still left a lot behind.
Michael took two of the bags from her and carried them up the stoop. She flashed him a smile, and he nodded back.
He’d get used to being here. Kids were resilient, weren’t they? Even kids who were on the cusp of being men, and angry at the world.
She’d had her fair share of anger, too. In the months since Niall had left, she’d spent evenings pouring over her finances and job postings, trying not to let the boys hear her sobs as she realized there was no way to make things work.
But she’d left that all behind. This was a new place to live, a new start, and she was determined they’d find their happiness here. And if Niall ever remembered he had a family, she’d be civil to him for the boys’ sake. Because they needed a father. Even one like him.
“Nobody’s answering,” Josh said, after rapping with the black iron door knocker five times. “Do you think he’s dead?”
“No, I think he’s probably at work. He runs a bar in town. Why don’t we head over there and check out the town square? He said there’s a diner. I’ll buy you both a shake.”
“I’ll just put these bags back in the trailer,” Michael said with a sigh.
Her eyes softened, because he was a good kid when he wanted to be.
“Okay, then, let’s go.”
“Whoa, this place looks like it should be in a movie,” Josh said, as they walked from Sam’s house to the town square. All the buildings surrounding the lush green center were old, probably from the same era as Sam’s house. Mia looked around at the shop signs. Murphy’s Diner, Fairfax Realty, Laura’s Dress shop, and a bright pink sign advertising the I Can Make You Beautiful salon. Across the street was a church with a tall spire – The First Baptist Church where her grandmother had gotten married before moving to Kansas City. From the way the steps shone in the September sun, it was well attended and taken care of.
“It looks dead,” Michael said. “Where are all the cars?”
“It’s a small town. A lot of the residents around here can walk to the shops,” Mia told him. Then she pointed at a building in the corner. “Look, that must be Sam’s bar. Why don’t I head over there while you two grab a table in the diner? I’ll get the keys to the house and join you.”
“Sounds good.” Josh grinned. “I’m gonna have a chocolate shake. Do you think they have whipped cream here?”
“Of course they have whipped cream.” Michael ruffled his hair. “Come on, I’ll race you there.”
She watched as Josh took off first, closely persued by her eldest son, though she could tell by the way he was running that Michael was going to let his brother win. Josh reached the door and threw up his hands in victory, and Michael ruffled his hair again.
It was enough to make her heart melt. At least they had each other. That was one thing she’d always wanted growing up – a sibling. Joanna was the closest she’d had. And she’d been determined that Michael wouldn’t be an only child, even though Niall took some persuading. She’d been a college student when she’d gotten pregnant the first time. It hadn’t been planned at all. By the time they had Josh, six years later, their business was thriving and life was good.
And then it had ended with a divorce petition that was still going through the courts.
Pushing the thought out of her head, she walked over to the Moonlight Bar and opened the door, her fingers catching on the flier affixed to the black wood, advertising Karaoke Night every Tuesday.
Inside, the bar was half empty. A scattering of people were at tables, and two workmen were standing at the bar. Every single one of them turned around to look at Mia, who strode up to the counter and smiled at the grizzled man on the other side.
“What can I get you?” he asked, showing no sign of recognition.
Mia brushed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. “I’m looking for Sam Soper.”
One of the workmen whistled. “You got yourself a younger woman, Sam?”
“She’s too hot for him,” the other man said. “Can’t be older than twenty-five.”
“Maybe still waters run deep.”
“Shut up,” Sam told them, then turned back to Mia. “I’m Sam.”
She kept the smile fixed to her lips. “I’m Mia Devlin. Your niece. We’ve just arrived in town.”
He gave her a nod. “You’ll be wanting the keys then.”
“If that’s okay. We’ve got a lot to unload and want to do it before dark.”
“I thought you were bringing your kids.” Sam frowned.
“They’re in the diner.” She inclined her head at the door. “I didn’t think you’d want kids in here.”
He shrugged. “They’re family. That’s allowed.”
“What did you say your name was again, sweetheart,” the man closest to her asked.
“Leave her alone, Mack. She’s too pretty for you,” Sam snapped at him. Then he turned back to Mia and slid the keys over to her. “My bedroom’s on the first floor. Your rooms are on the second and third. We share the kitchen and living space, but I’ll avoid them first thing. I’m here most of the time anyway.”
She curled her fingers around the keys. “We’re very grateful that we can stay. And we’re here to help, not to annoy you. I’m happy to cook for you, and Michael’s fourteen and strong. He can do work around the house and in the yard.”
“You said you’re looking for a job?”
Mia nodded. “I’ve sent some resumes out.” Not that many people around here were recruiting for a marketing executive. But right now, she’d take anything.
“I can probably give you a few shifts here while you’re looking.” Sam shrugged. “If you want them.”
“That would be great.” Her smile was genuine this time. Any money was welcome right now. She’d already had to put the trailer, the gas for moving, and all the new things the boys needed for school on her one remaining credit card. She didn’t want to max it out.
“Okay, then. You get on back home and start your unloading. My evening workers arrive at six. I’ll be there after that.”
“Thank you, Uncle Sam.”
“Sam will do. The uncle makes me feel old.”
“You are old,” Mack said, shaking his head.
Mia bit down a laugh, and waved goodbye, heading back toward the door and out into the town square. Sam was gruff, but he was kind. She could tell that much from their encounter. She also had a feeling he wouldn’t put up with any messing around. Especially from teenagers who thought they knew better than everyone else.
She’d save that worry for another day. Because right now, the sun was shining, she and the boys had somewhere to live, and she was about to buy the biggest strawberry milkshake they had. With extra sprinkles.
If the last few months had taught her anything, it was to enjoy the small things. And that’s exactly what she intended to do.
Chapter Three
“I have an interview,” Mia called out, waving a white envelope at Michael and Josh who were sitting at the kitchen table, scooping cereal into their mouths. Sam wasn’t up yet. After a few days of living here, she still wasn’t sure if he always woke late, or if he was avoiding the morning craziness that her two boys brought with them.
“You do? Where?” Josh brightened up. “Is it in Kansas City?”
“No, dumbhead, it’s here.” Michael shook his head. “We’re not going back to our old house, remember?”
Mia shot Michael a look and he had the good grace to apologize. She knew he was anxious. Today was his first day at school. High school, to be more specific. And she knew there was only one thing worse than starting high school, and that was starting it late. When all the other students had already made friends and settled in.
“It’s at a whiskey distillery right out of town. There isn’t much information, but it’s a marketing job.” Social Media and Marketing, to be exact. “The interview’s on Friday.” It gave her a few days to get ready. She’d have to study the whiskey industry while the boys were at school. She placed the envelope on the mantelpiece over the old kitchen fireplace and checked her watch. “Right, we should go. You don’t want to be late for your first day.”
“Don’t we?” Michael asked.
“No, you don’t. And remember you have football tryouts later.”
“For the freshman team. I would have made junior varsity in Kansas City,” he grumbled.
“You might have. There was no guarantee. And not many freshmen make junior varsity,” Mia pointed out. Though she knew he probably would have. He was good. Had been since Niall first enrolled him in pee wee football. And she hated that this had been spoiled for him, too. “If you work hard, maybe they’ll move you up.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Michael picked up his bowl and walked over to the dishwasher, placing his dish inside. “I’ll see you later,” he said, kissing Mia on the cheek.
“Don’t you want a ride?” she asked him. “Your school’s close to Josh’s.”
“I’ll take the bus.” Michael shrugged. “I don’t want all the guys ogling you like they did when we enrolled. It’s embarrassing.”
“They didn’t ogle me,” Mia protested.
“Yeah, they did. One of them asked if you were our sister,” Josh said, grinning. “And one of the football players asked Michael for you
r number.”
Her face flushed. How embarrassing. She’d taken particular care to dress conservatively. Since Michael was born, she’d found it difficult for people to take her seriously as a young mom. She’d thought by now that would have gotten better.
But apparently not at Columbus High.
“Can you pick Josh up from after school club for me?” she asked him. “Sam’s asked me to work in the bar for him this afternoon.”
“Yeah, sure.” Michael grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
“Good luck. Not that you’ll need it.” She gave him a wave as he walked through the front door.
“Thanks.” He swallowed and she saw that flash of vulnerability again. She knew he’d try to hide it at school, but it was there.
“Love you,” she told him, her heart full and aching.
“Love you, too.” And with that, he was gone.
Cam pulled his car up outside the house and stared at it through the windshield. It had to be the right one. It looked exactly like the listing Brian had sent him, telling him he’d rented it for the next two months.
Thank god for his assistant. It was a shame Brian wouldn’t be staying with him in Hartson’s Creek, but there really wasn’t much for him to do here. Instead, he’d be working on a few things for Cam at his house in Boston, and he’d also be helping one of Cam’s teammates, whose own assistant had broken their wrist.
Climbing out of the car, Cam was pleasantly surprised by the warmth in the air. It was harvest time in Hartson’s Creek. As a kid, he’d loved the way the smell of corn wafted through the air. Loved going back to school and the football season starting. He’d forgotten that feeling, having had lived in the city for so long. Things like crops and farms and high school seemed like another life.
His brother’s life.
“Hey, you made it.” The smiling face of Cam’s brother, Tanner appeared at the front door. He walked down the steps and gave Cam’s car an admiring glance. “Damn, this is a beauty. Was your drive okay?”