Already Gone

by Kristen Proby

  “Mind your own damn business.”

  Tucker’s reply is instant.

  Looks like you’re having enough fun without me. I’d just cramp your style.

  I frown. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

  You’d never cramp my style.

  “Relationships are impossible for people like us,” Chase says, shaking his head.

  “Stop reading over my shoulder.”

  We’ll talk when you get home.

  “You told him you were coming with me, right?”

  My lips part, and I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so. I told him about the premiere, but that’s it.”

  “There’s your problem. Your boy is mad.” Chase takes a drink of his soda and turns toward the movie screen when the lights dim.

  “He is not.”

  What’s there to be mad about? I’m only doing my job. Smiling for the camera with Chase is no different than Tucker pulling Maryanne Thompson’s cat out of that tree.

  I put the phone in my clutch, determined to enjoy the movie. I’m reading more into it than is really there. You can’t tell what someone’s tone is from a text anyway.

  But why do I get the feeling that I’m in trouble?

  I didn’t sleep last night. Which isn’t good because I got on an early flight this morning from L.A. to Charleston, and then I had to drive down to New Hope.

  It’s mid-afternoon, and I’m just pulling into Dad’s driveway, but I called Aunt Clarice ahead of time to give her the heads-up that I needed to have a conversation with Tucker before I came home.

  She didn’t even hesitate before she told me to take care of my business and come over when I’m ready.

  Aunt Clarice always was my favorite.

  I leave my bags in the car and hurry to Tucker’s front door, hitting the doorbell extra hard as if that might make it ring louder inside.

  “Scarlett!” Chloe exclaims as she opens the screen door and launches herself into my arms. “You were gone forever. But you were so pretty in your dress.”

  “Thank you.” I kiss her head as she leads me into the house and come to a stop when I see Tucker standing in the living room, his hands in his pockets, and no smile on his face.

  “Hey, Chloe, why don’t you go to your room while I talk with Scarlett?” Tucker says.

  “I want to hear all about the movie—” she begins, but when she sees her father’s face, his gaze which hasn’t left my face, her shoulders slump, and she trudges up the stairs to her bedroom. Neither Tucker nor I say anything until we hear her door close.

  “Hi,” I begin.

  “Hello.”

  This is not good. There’s no hug. No kiss. No, “I missed you so much, don’t ever leave again.”

  Nada.

  “So, I get the feeling that you’re pissed, and I’m probably dumped here, but I’ll be damned if I can figure out why.”

  I cock a hip to the side and cross my arms over my chest. I’ll be damned if I let him see me crumble. I’ll cry later, when I’m alone.

  “Chase Walker.”

  I tilt my head to the side. “My date?”

  His eyes narrow.

  “What about him?”

  “Did you fuck him?”

  “Did I—?” I shake my head, laugh humorlessly, and turn away from Tucker, heading to the front door. “You know what, Tuck? Go fuck yourself.”

  I make it onto the porch and to the top of the stairs when Tucker’s hand wraps around my upper arm, and he spins me around to look at him.

  “Scarlett—”

  “No.” My voice is even and low because we’re outside, and at least a dozen ears can most likely hear us. “You don’t ever have the right to speak to me like that. You’re the one I’m currently fucking, as you so eloquently put it. But that’s over, too.”

  “Listen to me, damn it.”

  I stop on the steps and shake my head, pissed as all get out that tears are threatening.

  “I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you.”

  “Well, it seems you do because I was minding my own business, missing the hell out of you, when my daughter alerted me to the fact that you were wrapped around that son of a bitch like white on rice.”

  I spin, my mouth gaping. “She did not say that.”

  “No, she didn’t have to. I saw it.”

  I march past him back into the house where no one can hear us, relieved when I hear my own music blaring from upstairs in Chloe’s room.

  Once Tucker shuts the door, I round on him.

  “So, you think that because I had a date to a function that was scheduled six months ago, I must be sleeping with said date?”

  “Scar—”

  “No, I want to make sure I understand what the hell is running through your pea-brained head, Tucker Andrews.”

  “I didn’t like seeing you sidled up to the guy, okay? His arm was wrapped around you, his hand planted on your ass. You were as cozy as could be.”

  “His hand was on my hip, thank you very much, and we have to be cozy because that’s what’s expected, damn it. Chase has been my friend for years. He’s just my friend. And we sang the damn song together, so we went to the premiere together.”

  “You failed to mention that when you told me you were leaving town.”

  “Would you like me to copy you in on my schedule?” I plant my hands on my hips. “Am I supposed to get permission every time I have to be somewhere with a man?”

  “Cut me a break here, Scar,” he says with a sigh and drags his hand down his face. “I’m not used to the celebrity lifestyle you live. I’m just a small-town cop.”

  “You’re not just anything.”

  “And I’ve fallen in love with a woman who’s larger than life. When I looked at that television screen and saw you standing there with him, I almost lost my shit. I never lose my shit, Scarlett. I didn’t like it.”

  “You…you, what?”

  “I didn’t like it.”

  “Before that.”

  He frowns as if he doesn’t know what I mean, but then his face clears, and he licks his lips. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

  “I think so.”

  He worries his lower lip between his teeth as he watches me from across the room.

  “I felt like a damn fool.”

  “No.” I shake my head slowly. “You’re no fool, and I didn’t say anything about Chase because I honestly didn’t think anything of it. He was my date. Is my friend. But you’re my lover, Tucker. You’re the one I think about and miss when you’re not around. You’re the one I can’t keep my hands off of.”

  I walk toward him, relieved when his hands come around my waist, and he pulls me close, staring down into my face.

  “Now, what did you say?”

  “I love you so much I ache with it,” he whispers as if each word is painful to admit. “And I’m afraid you’ll destroy me before all is said and done.”

  I launch myself up, confident that he’ll catch me as I wrap myself around him and seal my lips to his, kissing him with everything I’ve got. When I pull back, I’m breathing hard, and I frame his handsome face in my hands and smile down at him.

  “I love you, too, Tucker. And if anyone winds up with a broken heart, it’ll be me. I hated that you wouldn’t answer your phone last night.”

  “I’m an ass.”

  “Yeah, you are. No silent treatment, you hear me? Ever. Yell at me, whatever you have to do, but you must talk to me. Because there will be times that I can’t be here, and you better answer your goddamn phone.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he says, the muscles in his jaw clenching. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry, too.”

  “But next time, give me a heads-up. At least let me know which asshole will have his hands all over you.”

  I grin. “Deal. But for the record, no one will have their hands all over me.”

  “What now?”

  “Well, your daughter is upstairs, and I have to go take over for Aunt
Clarice, so we can’t get naked and have make-up sex.”

  “Rain check?” His lips twitch into a grin.

  “Bet your sexy ass.”

  15

  ~ Tucker ~

  “Stay together,” I tell Chloe and her friend Jenny as they disappear into the crowd. Springfest is New Hope’s annual music and art festival and always brings a ton of visitors.

  People from all over mill about, laughing and dancing. Artists paint giant chalk murals on the roads, and various bands are scattered about, playing anything from country to jazz to rock.

  For the first time in I don’t know how long, I’m off work and looking forward to enjoying the festival with my two girls and Rick.

  “I’m not sure they heard you.”

  I smile down at Scarlett and take her hand in mine. “You think?”

  Scarlett chuckles and slows our pace so her dad can keep up. When she reaches for his elbow, he scoffs and swats her hand away.

  “Stop fussing over me, I’m fine.”

  “Grandpa! Aunt Scarlett!”

  We all turn at the sound of Lucy’s and Declan’s voices. They’re running toward us at warp speed with Lexi and Jason not too far behind. Lucy launches herself into Scarlett’s arms and goes on and on about some new game she downloaded onto her iPad.

  Jason reaches out a hand for me to shake. “How’s it going, Tucker?”

  “Not too bad,” I reply. “Yourself?”

  “Well, I’m here and not at the hospital, so that’s always a plus.” We both laugh, and he turns a kind eye to Scarlett. “Hey, Scar. It’s good to see you.”

  She untangles from her niece and pulls Jason in for a hug. “It’s good to see you, too.”

  “Daddy, where is your walker?” Lexi chides, wrapping an arm around Rick’s back as though she can actually keep him from falling.

  “Don’t need it.”

  Lexi’s eyes widen. She looks from Rick to Scarlett. “What’s he talking about?”

  “The physical therapist says he’s doing great, healing much faster than they anticipated. He’s been moving around without his walker or cane for four days now.”

  “And no one thought to tell me?”

  “Pull the stick out of your butt,” Rick says, causing Declan and Lucy to snicker. “Can’t you just be happy for me?”

  Lexi’s face softens. “Of course, I’m happy for you, but you’re still my daddy, and I worry about you.”

  “How about you worry about getting me a lemon shake-up and a funnel cake?”

  “Yeah!” Declan shouts, jumping into the air.

  Scarlett laughs and ruffles Declan’s hair. “Come on. Lemon shake-ups and funnel cakes for everyone. My treat.”

  “We’ll get some tables,” Lexi says, veering her family to the left while Scarlett and I go in search of the snacks.

  “Hey, lovebirds.” Scooter sidles up on the opposite side of Scarlett and puts an arm around her shoulders.

  “Get your hands off my girl.”

  “What girl? This girl?” He looks at Scarlett and feigns shock. “Is she your girl? I didn’t know, because no one tells me anything.”

  Scarlett loves the banter and the attention. “Hey, Scooter?” she says.

  “Yes, darlin’.”

  “I’m Tucker’s girl.”

  Damn, that sounds good.

  “’Bout damn time.” Scooter drops a kiss to her head and squeezes my shoulder. “Stop by the beer tent later, and we’ll celebrate.”

  “Not tonight. I’ve got Chloe.”

  “And I’ve got dad,” Scarlett adds.

  Scooter stops in his tracks and blinks at us. “Is this how it’s going to be from now on? What are you two, seventy?”

  I shrug. “Sorry.”

  It’s a halfhearted apology, mostly because I’m not sorry. There’s really nothing I love more than being here with Scarlett and our families, enjoying the time together.

  “Whatever.” Scooter waves us off, walking backward through the crowd. “Just come into the bar sometime and have dinner. I miss your ugly mug.”

  “Will do.”

  We wave goodbye to Scooter and turn toward the food cart, only to be stopped by a little girl clutching a pad of paper in her hand and wearing a giant smile.

  “Can I have your autograph?” The little girl thrusts the paper toward Scarlett, only to be pulled away by her mother.

  “Ari, what did I tell you? You can’t just go up and ask Miss Scarlett for her autograph. She’s here spending time with her family. It’s rude.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” Scarlett takes the notepad and pen from the little girl.

  “Are you sure?” the woman says, looking apologetic.

  “Absolutely.” Scarlett squats down in front of the little girl. “What’s your name?”

  “Arianna. My friends call me Ari. I’m a big, big fan of yours. I really wanna go to one of your concerts, but Mom says they’re all too far away. Maybe someday if you have a concert here, she’ll take me.”

  Scarlett’s head snaps up. She looks at the girl with a furrowed brow. “I will mention it to my manager. I promise that my next tour will include somewhere close by, and if you write down your address for me, I’ll send you three tickets.”

  “Really?” Ari’s eyes light up. “That’s so awesome. Thank you so much.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” the mom says, shaking her head when her daughter squeals in delight.

  “I want to.” Scarlett signs the top sheet of paper on the pad and hands it back to the little girl, who scribbles her address on another page. She tears it off and gives it to Scarlett.

  “I don’t need three tickets. I only need two. One for me, and one for my mom.”

  “I thought maybe you’d want to bring a friend,” Scarlett suggests.

  Once again, the girl screams, and I have to take a small step back before she blows my eardrums. Scarlett is completely unaffected. I guess she’s gotten used to this over the years. She’ll probably be deaf before we’re fifty. I picture us in rocking chairs on the front porch forty years from now, and me having to scream to get her to hear me. I smile at the thought.

  “Thank you so much.” Ari bounces on her toes as though she’s about to shoot off like a rocket. “Can I hug you?”

  Scarlett answers the girl by wrapping her in a tight hug. When she lets go, Ari smiles, gives us one last wave, and walks away with her mother.

  We’re stopped once more on our way to the food vendor, by a group of girls begging for a selfie. Scarlett takes it all in stride, talking to the girls and smiling for the camera. She even signs a couple of shirts and records a short video for one of the girls’ friends who is in the hospital recovering from surgery.

  “Have fun!” Scarlett waves goodbye to the girls and tucks herself back under my arm.

  “You’re good with your fans,” I tell her.

  “They’re good to me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be doing what I love.”

  “I disagree. You’re famous because you have an amazing voice. You’re damn good at what you do.”

  “I appreciate the compliment, but it’s more than that. I’ve met several people along the way who have voices better than mine, but they didn’t make it anywhere. I got lucky. Right place, right time, loyal fans.”

  “Do you ever get tired of it?” I ask.

  Scarlett and I haven’t talked much about her career since she returned home, but it’s a huge part of her life, which means I want to know more about it.

  “Being famous?”

  “All of it. Touring, performing night after night, award shows, premieres, interviews, fans. It has to get exhausting.”

  “It does, but when I start to get overwhelmed, I remind myself that this is all fleeting. One of these days, it’ll slow way down or come to an end, and all I’ll have left are the memories.”

  “And what happens when it comes to an end? What then?” I ask, stepping in at the end of the food cart line.

  “I
don’t know. I haven’t thought that far.”

  “Come on, surely you picture something. Marriage? Kids? A big house with a white picket fence and a golden retriever?”

  “I honestly haven’t thought about it. I’ve always just lived day to day.” Scarlett props her chin on my chest and gazes up at me. “This is a pretty deep conversation for a music festival.”

  Okay, maybe I shot too far, too fast with the marriage and kids thing, but I’m genuinely curious as to where she sees herself. I was also a little hopeful that she’d say that wherever she is and whatever she’s doing, she pictures Chloe and me right there with her.

  “What about you?” she asks. “Where do you see yourself?”

  With you. Maybe another kid—or two. But I can’t tell her that. I can’t put my dreams and my heart on the line when I don’t know where she stands.

  “Probably in prison for killing Chloe’s first boyfriend.”

  Scarlett tips her head back and laughs as we move to the counter. All conversation about the future is set aside when the worker asks for our order.

  “Can I go home with Jenny? Please, please, please.” Chloe lays it on thick, hugging me and blinking up at me with those big eyes of hers.

  “Let her go,” Rick says from his spot across the table. “She’s only young once.”

  “You heard the man. Go,” I concede, earning a wet kiss to the cheek from my daughter. “Wait, what about clothes and a toothbrush.”

  “She can wear some of my clothes, Mr. Andrews,” Jenny says. “And we have an extra toothbrush she can use.”

  “Sounds like you girls have thought of everything.” I look at Jenny’s mom, who is standing behind the girls. “Are you sure you don’t mind her going home with you?”

  “Positive. I can drop her off in the morning on my way to work.”

  “I work tomorrow. I’ll have to call Grandma and see if—”

  “She can come hang with me,” Scarlett says.

  “Really?” Chloe throws her arms around Scarlett. “Thank you, Scarlett. I’d love to spend the day with you and Rick.”

  Scarlett pats Chloe’s arm. “We have to get the okay from your dad first.”