Storms Over Texas

by Tessa Gray

  “Get moving, Rachel. The room’s not going to paint itself.”

  She laughed, aware Gramps had used this phrase a million times. It was hard not to think about him. More than ever she was determined to get this business up and running. She owed Grandpa Donohue a great deal, and she intended to pay him back by succeeding. She was laser-focused on that goal.

  Remaining here in Alpine had been the right thing to do. Even though she’d been too busy to see much of Kelsey or Meredith during the past few weeks, just knowing they were here lifted her spirits. Taking one last look at the place, she sighed and grabbed the paint sample.

  She headed to the hardware store, praying they had the exact shade of gray that matched the other walls. In the event they didn’t and she’d need to settle for a shade that was lighter or darker, it probably wouldn’t be noticeable to her customers, but being wired the way she was, she’d notice it every time she walked into the café.

  ~ ~ ~

  Jake had just purchased a packet of screws and a flashlight and was leaving the hardware store when Rachel burst in, nearly plowing into him.

  “Whoa, lady. You’re in a hurry.” He tipped his cowboy hat and watched a deep shade of crimson sweep across her face.

  “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry. I’m trying to get the shop ready for the grand opening, and I ran out of paint.”

  He studied Rachel thoroughly. Considering the fact she’d spent countless hours working to get her café ready, she looked amazing. At least, from his perspective she did. Her ebony hair shone under the store’s fluorescent lighting, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  Clearing his throat, he spoke. “So I hear the café is coming along nicely.”

  “Yes, it is. That’s why I’m here: to get another gallon of paint. I ran out after two walls. Guess I’m not very good at estimating how much paint it takes to cover a room.”

  “Aww. You’ll get the hang of it. Do you need help painting?”

  “That’s so generous of you to offer, Jake, but I’m sure you’re far too busy at the bar to be helping me paint.”

  As she strode up to the counter with her sample color, he watched her. The male clerk began chatting it up with her, and it was obvious the guy was flirting. Of course, that was none of his business. Rachel wasn’t his girl any more. And she was probably still dating Kendall Jennings.

  He stuck around until the paint was mixed. “Let me carry that paint for you. And whether you like it or not, I insist on helping you paint. I’m crutch-free, and I have to tell you, it feels mighty good.”

  “That’s wonderful, Jake, but really, you don’t have to do this.”

  Ignoring her protests, he continued talking. “I probably haven’t told you this, but I’m selling off part of the bar, so I won’t be sole owner anymore. I’ll tell you all about it on the way to your café.”

  She scrunched up her face, and he almost regretted telling her. He hoped the fact that he was struggling in his business didn’t deter her from trying to achieve her dream of creating her own business.

  “Are you sure you want to help me? There are probably a host of things that would be more appealing than painting walls.”

  He grabbed the paint and headed out the door. As she scrambled to keep up with him, he replied. “With two of us, we can knock off the job in no time. You can pay me back with beer.”

  “I guess you’re right. It should go pretty quickly with two of us doing the job. Thanks, Jake. I appreciate this.”

  They headed to Last Dance Cafe, and he was glad he’d run into her—literally. It was time they cleared the air.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rachel watched as Jake rolled the paint across the ceiling, his body moving in rhythm to the music they were listening to. His tee shirt rode up when he stretched, and as his jeans slid down his hips, she exhaled, frustrated she was still attracted to him.

  As she sat on the floor, painting the trim along the baseboards, she hummed the tune that was playing on the radio.

  When Jake spoke, she looked up at him. “Did you know that the boys will be coming to live with me just before Christmas? The new place should be ready by late November. The kids are really pumped up about getting their own rooms.” He stopped painting and turned around, as though waiting to see what her reaction would be.

  Springing to her feet, she walked over to the pizza container. Looking up at him, she spoke. “Would you like the last two slices? I’m stuffed.”

  He glanced down at her and rolled his eyes. “Wow, you’ve eaten two whole pieces. That would fill anyone up.”

  Lowering himself from the ladder, he slowly made his way down. Instinctively, she placed an arm on his back, guiding him to the floor. “I suspect Kathryn is pretty excited about moving into your new house.”

  He cocked his head, as though confused. “Why would Kathryn move into the house?”

  “Well, she is the caregiver for the boys.”

  “That’s true, but I’ll be raising them on my own.”

  “Are the two of you not getting married?”

  “Seriously? You think we’re getting married?” He laughed aloud, that deep, hearty laugh that she missed.

  Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he pulled out his cell phone. “Here’s Kathryn’s picture. She’s a seventy-four-year-old grandmother that will be moving to Florida to be with her daughter.”

  “Oh, I-I just assumed . . .“

  He laughed again. “All this time you thought Kathryn and I were dating?”

  She felt herself flush, humiliated that he was laughing at her. Eager to defend herself, she glared at him. “I-I’m not the only one who thought that you and Kathryn were a couple. So you can poke fun of me all you want, but obviously, I’m not the only person you misled.”

  He gazed at her, before bowing his head. “Well, to be honest, I thought it was easier just to let people think whatever they wanted. I try to keep my private life just that. Private.”

  Still reeling from how embarrassed she was, she tried to think of the reason Jake had misled everyone. And then it dawned on her. He was putting her off, pretending there was someone else, probably hoping to keep her at bay. He was stalling until a woman he could trust with his feelings came into the picture.

  Jake was releasing her, absolving her from guilt over his accident. That was a good thing. But the notion that he’d pretended to be in a relationship just to keep her at a safe distance stung.

  Chapter 18

  On October 20th, Jake stood outside the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rachel’s new café. She’d done an amazing job renovating Last Dance Café.

  The place had a fresh, crisp look about it and would undoubtedly draw in customers. She’d installed WI-FI so that college students would use it for a hangout.

  He was impressed by all the prep work she’d done, spending the last week sitting outside the café, handing out samples of the food she’d be serving. Several customers had offered to pay her for the food, and although she probably needed the extra money, she refused to take it, but instead, suggested they take several business cards to share with their friends. The woman definitely had a knack for attracting customers. And to top it off, she’d designed a website that was incredible.

  When he glanced over at Rachel, she made eye contact with him and smiled. Her meema stood beside her, her gray hair pulled back in a bun, the wire-rimmed glass she wore nearly falling off her nose. The elderly woman wore a floral, rose-colored dress, the type you often see older women wearing. Meema Donohue fit his description of what a grandmother should look like to a tee. Rachel and her meema appeared deeply engrossed in a conversation, their heads nearly touching.

  When Tim Donohue looked over at him, Jake dipped his head, unsure of what to say to a man he’d always been uncomfortable around.

  Just bef
ore they cut the yellow ribbon in front of the café, Rachel stepped forward and began speaking as the small crowd looked on.

  As a soft breeze caused the ribbon to ripple, Jake strained to hear what she was saying.

  “Three-and-a-half years ago, I attended the Cowboy Poetry Gathering here in Alpine. Little did I dream this charming town with its wonderful citizens would someday become the place I call home. At first, I doubted I could make the transition from a big city to a small town. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Thanks to all of you who’ve supported me along the way and lifted me up when I’ve fallen.” She paused briefly and looked directly at Jake. “You know who you are and will always hold a special place in my heart.”

  When she paused, choking back tears, her father stepped in.

  “Well, guess we’d better get the ribbon cut so we can all go inside and uncork that champagne.” Tim handed the scissors to Rachel, but she quickly turned them over to her grandmother.

  Meema cut the ribbon, and everyone cheered.

  As the crowd poured inside the café, Nathan uncorked several bottles of champagne and Kelsey filled the glasses and set them on trays.

  When the guests held up their glasses, Rachel spoke again, her voice still thick with emotion. “Here’s to many years of success to Last Dance Café—dedicated to the memory of my Grandpa Donohue and his lovely bride who stands beside me, my Meema Donohue. This is exactly why I choses this date, October 20th, my Meema’s birthday, to have the grand opening.”

  After everyone burst into thunderous applause, Tim made his way over to where Jake stood.

  It was difficult to come up with something to say to Rachel’s dad, but Jake gave it his best shot. “I’m glad Rachel’s meema was able to make the trip. I know it meant the world to her to have her here. Your mother seems like a sweet lady. I can see why Rachel is so devoted to her.”

  Tim smiled and nodded. His blue eyes twinkled, and Jake suspected that talking about Meema pleased him.

  As the guests began sipping the champagne, Tim touched Jake’s arm. “Why don’t you introduce yourself to Meema. She’ll probably be full of advice. Some advice she gave me when I first met Barbara and complained endlessly about how much we argued was that ‘You can’t help who you love.’ I suspect there’s a great deal of truth to that. But then, you and my daughter have already figured that out, haven’t you?”

  After he said it, the two shook hands. The remark stunned Jake. According to Rachel, her dad wasn’t one to apologize. This was probably as close to an apology as he’d ever get.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rachel wiped imaginary lint from the new granite countertop and studied the sea of well-wishers. All the people she loved were here.

  She watched Jake walk across the room, grateful he appeared to be comfortable now with the slight limp—the aftermath of the motorcycle accident.

  Extending a hand, he spoke. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Jake Crenshaw. You must be Meema. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.” He shook her hand gingerly, as though not wanting to hurt her.

  “You’re my granddaughter’s boyfriend, aren’t you?”

  Rachel grimaced at the remark. Meema had known for months that they were no longer a couple.

  When she and Jake locked gazes, Rachel felt herself flush. “No, Meema, we’re just very good friends.”

  “Yes, yes, that’s true, Meema. We’re just good friends.” Jake grabbed several champagne glasses. “Care for another drink, Meema? May I call you that?”

  “Yes, on both counts. My granddaughter tells me you like Aggie jokes.”

  Jake smirked at the remark and winked at Rachel. “I’m flattered your granddaughter shared that with you.”

  After he made the remark, Rachel’s grandmother shrugged and changed the subject. “What do you think of the Last Dance Café, Jake?”

  Staring over at the white Priscilla curtains, he gave it a once-over. Gazing intently at Rachel, he answered Meema’s question. “I think Rachel definitely has an eye when it comes to decorating. Everything in this place fits in with her personality. It gives the place character.”

  “That’s very kind of you to say, Jake. Thank you.” After Rachel made the comment, she studied Jake thoroughly. The tan he sported brought out the gray in his hair. She was looking at a man who was aging well. In her opinion, he’d never looked better.

  Adam strode across the room and grabbed Jake’s arm. “Hey, we’d better get a move on if we’re going to take the boys to the batting cages. That’s all Travis has talked about for the past two days.”

  “Holy cow. Look at the time.” Jake stared at his cell phone and quickly began preparing to leave. “Rachel, congratulations on your new café. Meema, it was absolutely wonderful meeting you. You’re every bit as beautiful as Rachel told me you were. And I promise that the next time you visit, I’ll have some Aggie jokes lined up for you.”

  As the two men left, Rachel continued watching them, pleased that Jake had finally met her grandmother.

  Meema flopped down on a chair, and fanned herself. “Land sakes alive, girl. When are you going to tell that guy you’re bat shit crazy about him?”

  Her grandmother’s salty language stunned her, and it took a second to respond. “Like Jake said, we’re friends.”

  “The two of you stared at each other like two lovesick teenagers.”

  Ignoring her grandmother’s comment, she considered all that Jake had going for him now. He was moving into a beautiful new home, he was doing extraordinarily well in school, and he was fostering two boys he cared deeply about. The last thing he needed was to be saddled with a woman who’d switched careers midstream and would probably end up in debt. Better he find someone with less baggage.

  ~ ~ ~

  Early the next morning Jake woke up in a foul mood. After they’d returned from the batting cages, Caden and Parker had argued endlessly about Halloween costumes. The ones Jake suggested they order from the Internet appeared substandard to these kids.

  The bickering was endless, and he wished he’d never agreed to take them for the entire weekend. If they gave him this much grief over a stupid Halloween costume, no telling what they’d be arguing about down the road. He just might be in over his head.

  Furious that the boys couldn’t seem to agree on anything, he’d sent them to the family room with a bowl of cereal and turned on a movie. Yes, he was letting them watch a movie at nine in the morning instead of practicing ball.

  He thought back to all the time he’d spent at the Wainwrights when he was a kid. They’d done their fair share of arguing, but when you’re a child, it doesn’t bother you as much as when you’re the grownup in the room. Which maybe, quite possibly, he wasn’t. He seemed to get drawn into their arguments, which was a bad thing. Initially he thought he’d be a great role model for these boys, but he was beginning to have serious doubts.

  Unsure of where to go from here, he decided to give Rachel a call. She’d mentioned that her family would be leaving at the crack of dawn, so she’d be up. Maybe he could pick her brain for ideas on how to deal with the boys.

  He dialed her number and she picked up immediately. “Hey, Jake.”

  “Hey yourself. Listen, the boys are driving me crazy with this Halloween business. Any chance we could all stop by for a visit? I need another grownup on my side so we can set them straight.”

  “Ah, the old ‘grownups are always right’ technique. You’re already learning that ‘there’s safety in numbers.’”

  Chuckling at the remark, he realized that with her expertise regarding kids, she’d probably prove to be a real asset.

  “Well, come to think of it, I could sure use some support.”

  “Come on over. I’d love the company. I always feel a bit lonely when my family heads back to Dallas. I’ll put on some
hot chocolate. The boys should love that.”

  “Okay, then. We’ll see you in a bit.”

  He hung up the phone and walked into the room where the boys were. “C’mon, guys. We’re going over to Rachel’s new café. She’s making us hot chocolate.”

  Parker’s eyes lit up, and he started jumping up and down. The kid had more energy than a kennel of puppies. But Caden stood silently, his fists knotted together, as though something was bothering him.

  “I don’t want to go. I’ll stay here.”

  As Jake watched the boy stand there, his shoulders hunched, it occurred to him taking in the boys was far more complicated than he’d anticipated. Had Kathryn purposely downplayed how troubled Caden was, or did the boy resent him for trying to give him a new home?

  ~ ~ ~

  The instant Jake walked into the café,’ Rachel could tell things were off-kilter. Parker barreled inside and stood in the middle of the café, twirling about. Caden didn’t appear to share his brother’s enthusiasm and stood stiffly, crossing his arms, as though intent on letting her know this was not his idea.

  All things considered, the boys looked well. Their hair was slicked back and their faces looked freshly scrubbed. Both wore blue jeans and different colored plaid shirts.

  Setting the cups of hot chocolate on the countertop, she ignored Caden’s sullen mood. She’d get to the bottom of things eventually. “So, guys, here’s your cocoa. There’s whipped cream, too. Add however much you like.”

  Both boys parked themselves at the counter and began squirting whipped cream on their hot chocolate.

  As she glanced at Jake, he smiled. “Thanks, Rachel. You’re a life saver.”

  “I’ll get our hot chocolates ready. I’m putting something special in mine. Would you let yours spiked, as well?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  A smile tugged across Jake’s face, and he winked at her. For a fleeting moment, she wanted to reach for his hand, to tell him that he was the best thing that ever happened to these boys, to reassure him he was doing the right thing by agreeing to raise them. But she resisted.