Lone Star Longing (Hearts of Broken Wheel, #1)

by Fredrick, MJ

  Someone was bound to spit in his food now.

  “Sorry. Just...we need something to drink, you know. A couple of waters at least.” He backed away, hands extended in front of himself, in apology.

  See? This was what happened to him when he spent too much time with his mother. He started turning into her.

  “YOU DID WHAT?” LACEY demanded of her father as he set the plate of rolls in front of her.

  “I’m sorry. I was excited. I couldn't help myself.”

  “Dad, telling Marianne Skyler is the same thing as putting a billboard up in the middle of town. The whole world is going to know by the time the sun sets.”

  He plucked a roll from the plate and began to butter it. “Why is that terrible? I don't understand?”

  She dropped into the chair across from him, too upset to even think about the food on the table. “Dad, I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid of how you’d react. Everyone in town is going to judge me for making this mistake.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it and I don't see it as a mistake, sweetheart. I see it as a blessing.” He set his knife across his plate and met her gaze.

  Because she didn't want to forgive him just yet, she picked up a roll herself, and tore it in half. “And every church lady in town is going to say I’m a sinner for having a baby before I’m married.”

  “Well, maybe you’ll get married.”

  Just the idea of marrying Jesse and having to answer to him for all time put a knot in her stomach. She didn't see that as an option, or even as a comforting thought.

  “I’m still processing this myself and now I have to deal with everyone’s questions and comments.”

  “They’re going to realize sooner or later that you’re pregnant,” he pointed out. “Not something you can hide for long.”

  She could have. She was accustomed to wearing scrubs, and they fit loosely. She had a plan. Now that was shot to hell because her father was excited.

  Which was a good thing, because she and her baby were going to need him on their side.

  “I’m sorry, Dad. I just wanted to keep this private a little longer while I figure things out.”

  “I shouldn’t have said anything without your permission,” he acknowledged. “But there isn’t any way to take it back, so we’re going to have to make a plan for how to deal with it.”

  “With it?” She put her hand on her stomach reflexively.

  Her dad shook his head. “I’m not talking about the baby. I’m talking about the situation. You’re not married, the baby’s father isn’t in town. You’re going to stay here at the house, right? I mean, until you and Jesse figure out what to do?”

  “I suppose that’s my only option.” She couldn't afford a place on her own, and she wasn't sure she could count on Jesse. She hadn’t heard from him since she told him she was pregnant. Just that pretty much told her everything she needed to know about his excitement about the baby.

  He would get leave this summer and come back to Broken Wheel. She’d just talk to him then.

  BECK GLANCED AT HIS phone when it buzzed on the table top. He winced when he saw Riley’s face and number on his screen.

  “Sorry, I have to take this,” he muttered to his mother and the woman whose name he couldn't remember, sliding the phone from the table and standing in the same movement.

  He stepped out onto the hot sidewalk as he pressed the button to answer. “Hey, Riley.”

  “Beck, when are you getting out here?” Riley demanded without preamble.

  “Sorry. I wanted to get out there before now, but my mom’s having some trouble with her house and I’m trying to find an exterminator and a plumber. I set her up in town at the motel right now, so I’ll get out there day after tomorrow, but as soon as the race is done, I need to come back.”

  “What the hell? You can’t do that. We’re going on to California and we can’t waste any time before that race.”

  “Riley, look, man, I’m sorry, but this can’t be helped. I’m doing everything I can do as fast as I can get it done, but the town doesn’t have a lot of resources, so I’m kind of scrambling.”

  “You make good money. Hire someone from out of town, and get to Las Vegas tomorrow. I need you here.”

  Riley disconnected before Beck could protest that even if he got someone from another town, he’d have to meet with them before he sent them out to his mother’s house. He wasn't going to abandon his mother to deal with that.

  If only one of his siblings could take over for a little bit, but there was just no easy way to get to Broken Wheel, so even that would take time.

  Maybe he’d ask Lacey, pay her some good money. She’d need it if she was expecting.

  He tucked the phone in his pocket and returned to the diner.

  BECK LOOKED UP AT THE tall man leaning on a cane who opened the door of the small Craftsman house.

  “Hi, Mr. Davila. I’m looking for Lacey. Does she still live here?”

  “Beck Conover?” Mr. Davila shifted his weight on the cane, like he wasn't really used to it. “What do you need with Lacey?”

  Beck looked past him into the house, hoping for sight of her. “She works for my mom and I need to ask her an enormous favor, but I’m willing to pay her well. I’m just kind of out of options right now.”

  The older man’s brow furrowed, but he opened the door wider in invitation and stepped back. “Lacey, Beck Conover is here to see you.”

  She appeared around the doorway, a dishtowel in both hands, still in her scrubs, her straight dark hair coming loose from her ponytail, her dark eyes shadowed with fatigue. Her brow matched her father’s.

  He shouldn’t have come. Of course she was tired. But he was out of options.

  “Hey, Lacey, I have got to get out of town, like tonight, to get to Las Vegas in time, but I won’t be able to meet the exterminator to let him into the house, and the same with the plumber. I know you have a schedule, but I will pay you an extra hundred dollars each trip if you’ll go out there and let the exterminator in, and then the plumber. The exterminator will be tomorrow, and it’ll only be one time, but the plumber won’t be there until the following day, and it might take more than one trip. I’ll pay you for each time you drive out there, until I can make it back to town, but I don't know when that will be.”

  Her frown deepened, and she angled her head. “Beck—”

  He plowed on before she could say no. “I know this is going to add another hour or so to your day, but I really don't know who else to ask, who can help me out. And if a hundred isn’t enough, I can double it. I’ll do what I can to get my sister or someone to come to town to take over for you, but she’s got kids, you know, and it’s hard for people to get out this way, just to open the door for an exterminator and a plumber.”

  “Who are they?” her father asked. “I don't want Lacey out there alone with people she doesn’t know.”

  Beck hadn’t thought of that, how vulnerable she’d be. He kept his gaze on her. “Xavier Mendez is the exterminator, you know him. The plumber is from Kimmel, and I can see where that would be a concern. I didn’t think about it.”

  “I can take care of myself,” she told her father. “I’m not worried about Xavier, and I can let him in. I’d want to meet the plumber first before we go out there. Maybe at the diner. Can you tell him that?”

  Beck nodded. “I’ll give you the number and you can set everything up yourself. I know, I’m sorry, I know you don't like to go out there.”

  “I’ll do it,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “I could use the money.”

  She didn't elaborate, and he didn't press. Instead, he reached inside his pocket and pulled out a roll of bills. He counted out five hundreds and placed them in her hand.

  “I’ll give you back what I don't earn,” she said as he scrawled numbers onto a scrap of paper.

  “No, keep it. If I need you longer, I’ll get it to you, next time I’m here, but I don't know when that will be.” He looked into her e
yes as he passed over the bills and the paper. “I’m really sorry to put something else on your plate, but you’re the only one I know that I can trust, and you already have a key to the house.”

  “I understand.”

  “Sorry, I just really can’t stay.”

  “I understand.”

  “Thanks for doing this.”

  “Thank you for...paying me.” She folded her fingers around the bills. “Be safe.”

  “Ah.” Her words took him by surprise. “Thank you. You too.”

  Relief washed over him as he walked away from the house back to his car. He was free, off the hook. He had a problem, he paid someone to take care of it for him, and now he was free.

  So why did he feel guilty?

  Chapter Seven

  “HE’S NOT GOING TO COME back,” Mrs. Conover said.

  Lacey jolted. She’d just been thinking of Jesse and kind of thinking the same thing, that he wasn't going to come back ,that she had scared him off by getting pregnant. And she was kind of thinking that if he was scared off by that, she was best done with him.

  But she wanted to know for sure.

  “What?” she asked, looking up from her bag.

  “Beck. He hadn’t been here in years and he won’t be back for years. He feels like his duty is done. He passed me off to someone he could pay to look out for me.”

  Lacey was surprised at how the words made her stomach sink. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

  “Of course it is. How long have you been checking in on me? How often do you see my children come to visit?”

  Lacey had never seen them visit. “Why do you suppose that is?” She hadn’t meant to say the words aloud, and she flinched when Mrs. Conover cut a sharp glance in her direction.

  “Because they are ungrateful children, and honestly, who wants to come and stay at the old house, or at this ugly motel.”

  “So why don't you go see them?”

  “They don't want me there, either.”

  “How many grandkids do you have? I mean, you don't get to see them very much, do you?”

  “I have four grandkids, and no. I don’t. They’re all busy and don't want an old lady disrupting their lives.”

  Maybe if she could relax and stop judging all the time, she could open herself up to being part of their lives. But Lacey wouldn't say so. God, she wanted to.

  “And your mother? How often do you see her?” Mrs. Conover asked.

  Ouch. Lacey hadn’t expected that question. “It’s been a while.”

  “And why is that? I know she left you but...”

  “She didn't leave me. She left my dad. I chose to stay behind with him.”

  “I remember that. It was a very brave thing for you to do.”

  Lacey was taken aback by the comment. “It didn't feel brave.”

  “Nonetheless. But you don't see her? Your siblings?”

  “Very rarely. About once a year. Usually Thanksgiving. Sometimes Christmas. Sometimes Mothers Day. Depends when everyone is available.”

  “But even your brothers and sister? You’re not close to them?”

  “We don't have much in common.”

  “Why not? You were a teenager when they left. You’d think you’d have some shared experiences at least.”

  “We have some. But my sister is married to a lawyer and they have a house and a lake house, and my brother Dalton is a mechanic and my other brother is married to a woman who doesn’t have much to do with any of the family, so we hardly ever see him. I’m just as happy to have me and my dad, you know?”

  “I think that is fine.”

  But Mrs. Conover didn't have anyone, because Lacey was afraid to admit she might be right about Beck. He wasn't coming back.

  “Do you want to come to dinner at our house today? Since you’re in town and it’s not such a long drive?”

  For just a moment, the older woman looked vulnerable, like she wanted to say yes, before her expression closed again.

  “Why would I want to do that, when I can get delivery to my door and watch whatever I want to on the television?”

  Lacey stopped herself from letting out a long sigh. She’d tried to do the right thing. She couldn't be responsible if Mrs. Conover didn't accept. She would rather not have the woman over judging her housekeeping and her cooking anyway.

  “All right, then, I’ll check on you in a couple of days, and pretty soon you should be able to get back out to your house.” Lacey packed her equipment away as she spoke.

  Mrs. Conover brightened at that. “How is it coming? Did you see it?”

  “No, I don't go inside, I just open the door and let them in, then head to my next job.” The temptation had been great to sneak a peek, but she’d resisted. “I didn't want to go inside while you’re not there, and I didn't think I should see it before you do.”

  “That’s good. That’s good. I didn't think about that, but that’s good.”

  “I’ll see you in a couple of days,” Lacey repeated, and opened the door to see Beck standing there, hand poised to knock. She took a step back, stopping herself from lifting her hand to her heart in shock.

  “Hey, Lacey. I thought that was your car.”

  “What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were going to California after Las Vegas?”

  “I decided I needed to take a leave of absence.”

  “But I thought this was the season, or whatever, for racing? That your driver needed you there? That it was impossible for you to take off?”

  He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “Well, it turns out I’m not as indispensable as I thought I was.”

  Lacey stared for a moment. “You were fired.”

  “It was a mutually-agreed-upon parting,” he said, edging past her into the room. “I needed not to be there any more.”

  “But the money.” She still had those hundreds tucked away in her purse. She had driven out to the house four times, but she didn't need to be paid a hundred dollars a time. “I have your cash...”

  He held up a hand and gave a chuckle. “I’ve got money put aside, don't worry about me. Not sure what I’ll do next, but I’m going to stick around a while. Work on the house. Get it where it needs to be. Then I’ll worry about the next step.” He turned to his mother. “Does that sound okay to you? Can I stay at the house with you while I get it in shape?”

  “I don't know,” Mrs. Conover said, her voice caustic though Lacey could see the emotion in her eyes. “You didn't want to share a motel room with me to save money. Will you be able to live in the same house?”

  “I think we’ll be able to do okay,” he said with a smile. “Once we get that bathroom in working order.”

  Lacey slipped out the door to give them privacy, her heart lifting. She would not read too much into that reaction. She was glad for Mrs. Conover’s sake, that was all. Not hers. Not hers at all.

  WHAT THE HELL WAS HE thinking? Beck should have given into his first temptation and burned the house down, started from scratch. The plumber from Kimmel had done a solid job replacing all the fixtures in the bathroom, though he hadn’t finished off the room. It still needed flooring and paint and new towel racks and a shower curtain rod and toilet paper holder. But Beck could handle that. The biggest challenges were the kitchen and the porch and the roof. He didn't mind hiring people, but he had to be more careful with his money than he’d been in the past, since he didn't know what he was going to do next.

  But he hadn’t been able to concentrate on his job, knowing his mother was living in such a bad situation. And yeah, he hadn’t exactly been loyal to Riley, who had had such faith in him when they were coming up together. But Riley could afford the best, and would have Beck replaced before the next race.

  Beck knew his mother’s living situation was all his fault. If he’d paid more attention to his mother over the years, the house wouldn't have gotten into such bad shape. His own fault. He’d just wanted out of town so bad, he hadn’t stopped to think about what she needed.

&
nbsp; So he would make up for it now and continue with his life once he could leave his mother without feeling guilty.

  Which was why he stood in the middle of the living room where he’d grown up and tried to figure out what he was going to tackle first.

  The bathroom, he figured. He’d finish it off, then hit the kitchen.

  Yeah. He’d do this. He wouldn't think about five-star hotels, and seeing the country, and meeting girls. He was going to put family first. Lacey did it, so he could, too. That was the kind of man he wanted to be, the kind of man he should have always been.

  STAYING IN HIS CHILDHOOD bedroom was weird as hell. Exhausted, he stretched out on the twin sized bed with the same bedspread he’d had growing up that smelled a little musty from disuse, and looked at the ceiling that had a crack from right over there in the corner. Had that always been there? He didn't remember.

  He did remember resenting his younger brother Conrad moving into his space, and staying there until he, too, fled this town for literal greener pastures. Conrad was a cop near Houston. But Marcus had been the oldest, so had his own room. Sara was the only girl. Beck and Conrad had to share.

  Beck had the window cracked because the next item on the agenda, moved way up really quickly, was a central air conditioning unit. His mom had window units in her room and the living room, but every other room in the house was just straight-up miserable so, yeah, she would argue, but he was insisting, since he was paying for it. They’d never had central air growing up, and he supposed he’d been used to it, then, but he wasn't any more and he didn't have to be, damn it.

  He rolled on his side toward the window, presenting the greatest surface area to the breeze that flowed through, and he heard the lonesome call of a coyote.