by Ciara Knight
The streetlight cut on between them, so he sidestepped into the nearby doorway of the closed art store.
Bradley moved in closer.
Stella pressed her back against the wall. “You’ll wire me the money in the morning, right?”
Knox saw red. He stepped out into the light and got ready to charge if the man didn’t move. “Get your hands off her. Just because you’re a big-time producer doesn’t mean you have the right to make advances toward every woman you meet. She’s an employee, not your plaything.” He fisted his hands. “She can’t be bought like a prostitute.”
Stella shoved past Bradley and marched to Knox. “How dare you! I’m not a prostitute. I can’t believe you.”
Knox realized what he’d said and how it sounded. “I didn’t mean that. I just meant that you don’t have to make this guy happy to get what you want. You’re too good for that kind of game.”
“May I remind you that your show also rests in my hands? And I’m not sure I want to work with a man who treats a lady like that.” Bradley placed a hand on Stella’s shoulder, as if to claim her as his. “You should apologize to the lady for calling her a prostitute.”
“I didn’t call her that. I only meant…” Knox shook his head. “Why did you have her cornered?”
Stella went nose-to-chin with Knox. “Not that I owe you an explanation, but I didn’t eat all day and I drank champagne earlier with the girls, so when we came outside I was dizzy and had to lean on the wall for a moment.” She whirled around, flipping hair into Knox’s eyes.
She offered her hand to Bradley, as if confirming a business transaction. “Thank you for your time.”
Bradley caught her elbow. “I’ll take you home.”
“No need. The fresh air will do me good. Besides, I need to stop by Carissa’s. I don’t know how long I’ll be. For now, since I don’t have a vested interest in the show any longer, I’m going to leave you two television gurus to discuss the future of streaming shows. Good night.” Stella nodded to Bradley, looked at Knox with a snarl, and hotfooted it away.
Knox went after her, but Bradley shot his arm out in front of him. “I think it’d be best if you gave her some space. It’s up to her at this moment if your show is going to continue. You have a few days to make this right with Stella, or I’m pulling the plug for now and we’ll reevaluate next season.”
“That’s your decision to make.” Knox pushed back his shoulders. “You don’t know the backstory on what just happened, and I respect Stella too much to share, but what I saw was a man who appeared to be cornering a woman, and I did what I thought was right.”
“Fight. Fight,” Davey shouted from the diner doorway. “Knock-Out Knox defending Stella’s honor.”
Knox stepped back before he provided the entertainment to all of Sugar Maple, knowing fighting Bradley was the last thing that would win Stella over. “Sorry to disappoint there, Davey. We’re just having a conversation. You best get back inside before you catch cold in this damp air.”
“You knock him out, and we’ll tar and southernize him,” Davey yelled.
Knox chuckled at the idea. Was that what it would take to prove himself to Stella? God, he hoped not. “Stand down.”
Bradley’s expression softened. “Listen, I get it. You like Stella, and you were looking out for her. But I need to give you a piece of advice. That woman doesn’t need protection. She needs someone who believes in her and will stand by her side. If you care for her the way you appear to and she is worth the risk of your show and heart, lose the attitude and tell her how you feel.”
Knox didn’t respond to Bradley, but his words did register. And the scary realization was that yes, she was worth it. But could he do what it took to get her to trust him? Could he tell her the one thing he’d never said aloud, not even to himself?
Twenty-One
“Jake. Don’t you cower from me. No need. I’ve got your money for rent and then some.”
Stella stomped up the front steps. A red cardinal hanging on the birdfeeder at the edge of the porch took off. Spring brought new life and new hope into the world.
A click of the lock sounded, and the door creaked open only far enough for her to see Jake’s brown eyes and red patch of hair sprouting at the front like a bad hair plug. “Give it to me, then.” A pasty white hand shot out from the door with fingers outstretched and palm up, waiting.
“I don’t have it yet, but it’s supposed to be in my bank this morning. I’ve landed a major car restoration project.”
The door creaked open enough to reveal dark circles under his eyes and sunken-in cheeks. She’d always thought he ducked inside to hide from her because she scared him, but in that moment she saw more than just fear. “Dude, come out here in the sun. Why are you always inside?”
The door opened a little farther. “No need. I’ve got everything I need here.”
Stella edged closer, but it sent Jake back a few steps. “I’m headed over to Maple Grounds. You want to walk with me? Looks like you could use some fresh air and sunshine.”
The door slammed shut. “No, just bring the money today.”
Stella heard his retreating steps. How had she never noticed Jake’s suffering? Because she’d been so caught up in her own. She left, but the image of him followed her up the street and into the town square. Jake had lost his mother a year ago. Had he been locked inside that house all that time? Was he depressed like Stella had been after her abuelo died?
“Good morning. How are things going for the show?” Ms. Horton put her arm around Stella and walked by her side, despite the fact that she already held a coffee in her hand.
“Don’t know about the show.” Stella looked at her feet, shame filling her. She should’ve agreed to do the show. Why couldn’t she just do it for the town and forget her own selfish needs?
“Really? I’ve been doing some digging into Knox, and he’s not such a bad guy. Did you know he donates ten percent of his income to the Oscar Mike foundation for wounded veterans?”
“Knox does that? The same Knox who cares only about himself and what he can get out of everyone around him?”
Stella’s words weren’t lost on herself. Had she treated Jake the way Knox treated everyone else? “Hey, what’s Jake’s deal?”
“Jake Shoemaker?”
“Yeah.”
Ms. Horton sighed. “I’m afraid he’s been struggling for a while now. He suffers from a condition called agoraphobia.”
Stella put her arm out to stop Ms. Horton from stepping into the street as a rogue car barreled through town. “Watch it!” she shouted at the stupid outsider threatening her town. “But he used to go outside all the time. I remember him playing his guitar at the town fair a few years ago. He was good.”
“Yes, but his mother was around then to help him overcome his challenges. She would monitor his antidepressant and make sure he attended therapy. I’m afraid that no one can get him out of the house now that his mother has passed.”
They stepped up to the front walk of Maple Grounds. “That’s awful. What can I do?”
Ms. Horton blinked at her and tilted her head.
“What?” Stella asked, knowing that look of confusion.
“Nothing.”
“Are you saying I don’t care about anyone but myself?” Stella didn’t want to hear the answer but knew she needed to face it all at the same time.
“No, dear. It’s just that I’m surprised you didn’t knock down his door and drag him out.”
Stella shrugged. “I can pull him out, but he’d only run back inside.”
“True. I guess the only way we can support him is to try to let him know we all care about him without overwhelming him. I’ve tried, but I think he sees his mother every time I go to his door.”
“Kindness, huh?” Stella eyed the coffee shop. “Okay, I’ll try.” She paused before opening the door to the café. “Um, what if the show doesn’t work out?”
“I heard about the incident outside the diner last nigh
t.” Ms. Horton’s lips pursed into a thin line of disapproval. “You know the elders were there, so the entire town knows.”
“Yep. I saw them.” Stella sighed. “I tried, I really did. Listen, I didn’t even slug Knox when he showed up, ordering me around.”
“Knox?” Ms. Horton rubbed her arm as if to calm the brewing storm that raged inside Stella. “From what I heard, I think for once you should’ve slugged him.”
Stella stepped from Ms. Horton, feeling guilty for not trying harder to make the show with Knox work. She had to make a decision, but for now, she could concentrate on working on the Porsche 916 as soon as the money cleared her bank. She slid her phone from her pocket and checked. Nope. No money yet.
She couldn’t buy any parts until the money came through, so she went to the register and snapped her fingers to get Mary-Beth’s attention from the other side of the counter. “I need two drinks. My usual and another one, but I don’t know what to order.”
“I know the perfect drink for Knox.”
“It’s not for Knox.” What was people’s obsession about Knox all about? “I need one for Jake Shoemaker.”
Mary-Beth’s jaw dropped as fast as the pen from her hand hit the floor. “I’m not going to be a part of you drawing Jake out so you can intimidate him over your rent.”
Stella studied the oil under her fingernails. “I deserve that I guess. That’s your one comment, though. I’m not going to do that. I want to take it to him in hopes it might cheer him up. He doesn’t look so good.”
“Oh no. I haven’t seen him in months. I know the perfect drink.” Mary-Beth set to working her barista magic.
Stella dared another look at her bank app. Still only twenty-two dollars left in her checking account. How could she have been so naïve? She’d chased off Knox, who promised a long road to increase her business, so she could take the quick cut-through instead.
There was nothing she could do right now. Considering Jake’s state, she couldn’t ask for an extension on rent. Instead, she could focus on helping him instead of bullying him. She’d cleared her entire day to work on the 916, but that obviously wasn’t going to happen, so she texted Felicia.
Could you bring some inexpensive plants to Jake Shoemaker’s house? His mother’s flowerbed looks terrible, and he isn’t doing so well.
The espresso machine squealed, letting Stella know it wouldn’t be long now.
Have the perfect plants. I’ll load them in the truck and meet you at Jake’s place.
Jackie sauntered into the café for her morning cup. “Hello, ladies. I hear congratulations are in order. Stella has two men fighting over her.” She hiked her handbag up her arm and looked down her nose at Stella. “Although, I can’t imagine why.”
Stella was tired. Tired of fighting. Tired of being angry. Tired of being alone. Instead of tossing back an insult, she straightened to her full height, even if it was several inches shorter than Jackie in her six-inch heels. “I call a Fabulous Five Intervention.”
Mary-Beth and Jackie both gasped.
“You’ve never called a Fabulous Five Intervention. What’s wrong?” Mary-Beth fidgeted with her five gold bracelets clanking against the counter. How that woman worked with so much jewelry, Stella could never understand. “Nothing with me. I can’t call a Fabulous Five Intervention on myself. That’s against the rules.”
“I didn’t know that you ever listened to the rules.” Jackie’s tone unnervingly softened. “Who are you calling it for, then?”
“For Jake.”
“Pasty Jake?” Jackie’s eyebrows knitted together.
“Jake Shoemaker. He’s one of our own from Sugar Maple, and we don’t turn our back on anyone. Well, not anymore.”
“This is some sort of trick. I’m not falling for it.” Jackie set her bag on the counter and placed her hands on her hips.
“It’s not. I saw him this morning, and he’s in bad shape. I feel responsible, and I want to help him. I don’t know how yet, but Felicia is bringing plants and meeting me at his house in a bit. Mary-Beth made him some coffee. I’m not sure what else we can do.”
“Does this meet the requirements for an intervention?” Mary-Beth asked. “What’s the critical need?”
“He’s depressed and mentally unwell. Not to mention he appears to be deteriorating physically.”
“That’s solid,” Jackie said with a steady nod.
Mary-Beth patted her hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll help.”
Jackie shrugged. “I don’t have a choice. You called it, and it fits the guidelines.”
Stella took in a deep breath of cinnamon and espresso–scented air. “Now what?”
“What do you mean?” Mary-Beth asked.
Stella shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do next. I’ve never called one of these before.”
For a second, Stella thought she saw a glimmer of happiness from Jackie, as if Stella calling this meant something to her. “I’ll head over to the bakery and talk to Carissa about supplying some goodies for him. Then I’ll meet with the town elders.” She clicked away without even ordering her coffee. Maybe Jackie really did want to make amends so they could return to being a friend-family again.
“What can I do?” Mary-Beth asked.
Stella snagged the two cups waiting for her on the counter. “If Knox comes in here, make him the most perfect cup of coffee.”
“Really?” Mary-Beth narrowed her eyes.
“Yeah, and then spit in it.” Stella stomped away.
“That’s the Stella we know and love. Don’t take any prisoners, girl!”
Twenty-Two
Sugar Maple roared to life as if spring sprouted the town’s activity. Felicia drove by in her old truck full of plants with a sideways wave.
Knox stood at the corner next to Maple Grounds, watching the people head up the hill toward Stella’s side of town. Intrigue nipped at him.
Despite the fact he’d already enjoyed his morning coffee, he headed inside to purchase a cup along with some information. “Hi, Mary-Beth. How’s it going?”
“Good, I’m glad you’re here.” Mary-Beth rounded the counter holding a drink carrier with five drinks. “Could you drop this at Jake’s place? I have one for Stella,too, even though she just took some with her. I figured she could use an extra today. I’d go, but I still have a few customers. Let Stella know that I’ll close up shop for lunch and be there to help.”
“Help with what?” Knox caught a whiff of almond and knew that had to be for Drew.
“The town is helping shake Jake Shoemaker out of his grief and step outside to enjoy some fresh air.”
“I don’t follow.” Knox took the tray of coffee and rested it on the counter. “It looks like there’s something major going on up the hill. Everything okay at Stella’s place?”
“Yep, she’s good. It’s a Fabulous Five Intervention called by Stella herself.”
He knew this had to be big news, the way Mary-Beth twirled her bracelets around her wrist and stood on her toes. The girl was animated when excited.
“I see you’re not following.” She wiggled her wrist so that the bracelets went higher on her arm and then put her hand up with five fingers splayed apart. “When a Fabulous Five Intervention is called, the town listens. It’s been over a decade since one has been ordered, and Stella’s never called one. Ever.”
His stomach twisted with concern. “Is she okay?”
“What?” She waved her hands in front of her face. “Yes. She didn’t call it for herself. That isn’t allowed. She’d never do that. Not our Stella. Heck, she’d never ask for help even if she was drowning in the lake with a fifty-pound weight attached to her ankle.”
“That’s accurate. Then who did she call it for?”
“I told you. To bring Jake out of his house. He lost his mother, and his agoraphobia is worse. The town wants to help him.”
“The entire town cares about one person who doesn’t want to leave his house? Is he sick?”
�
��In a way. I guess inside he is, with the loss of his mama and all.”
Knox scratched his head. “There are a ton of people. Looks like almost the entire town headed that way.”
“Yep. So you better get moving. I heard Drew didn’t have time for coffee this morning because of some big order Carissa had to fill. We’re gonna have to call in some help if they ever hope to have some time together outside of that bakery.”
She grabbed a towel and shooed him away. Well, at least he’d have an excuse to talk to Stella again. Not that he’d confess his darkest secrets in front of the entire town, but maybe he’d earn some brownie points for bringing coffee.
He set off up the hill, finding himself smiling back at strangers-turned-acquaintances over the past month or so he’d been staying in Sugar Maple. The innkeeper hobbled up the hill ahead, the corner store owner, along with the receptionist to the mayor, and Maple Table’s owner turned left down a side street before they reached Stella’s garage. He figured this had to be the way, so he followed along with the crowd.
Only a few hundred feet down the road, he spotted Felicia’s nursery truck, with Drew standing a few feet away, waving at him.
Knox zigzagged through the people.
“You brought coffee?” Drew grabbed the cup closest to him, setting the carrier off-center, but Knox managed to keep the remaining four upright. Drew took a sip and then handed it to Carissa, who brushed off her work overalls and took it from him.
“Thanks for joining us. We hope to be done in the next few hours with everyone chipping in to help.”
“Why’s Stella doing this?” Knox asked.
Carissa lowered the cup from her lips and smiled. “I think she felt bad. With her owing him so much money to keep her grandfather’s garage, I think she might have been less than friendly attempting to persuade him into giving her more time to pay the rent. When she found out what Jake was going through, I think she wanted to make it up to him.”