In the Eye of the Storm

by Jennifer Hayden

  He had half a mind to take off and head for New York. He knew he had the go ahead to shoot a couple of commercials. He could do them now, just as easily as he could do them after the holiday. And it would be a whole lot eare talking about just 5">sier not to be here to deal with his family. But he had missed them. It had been too long since he’d spent any real time with them. Dusty would probably disown him if he bailed before he got to meet Lucas.

  Sitting down on the front porch, he breathed in some cold air. Winter was coming, that was for sure. Even bundled in a heavy coat, the air was still crisp and cool and caused him to shiver.

  For some reason, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end again. He’d felt that way off and on all morning, though he wasn’t quite sure why. He’d even called Detective Mumford, worried that maybe something had happened to his house. All was quiet in Texas. Maybe that was what was bothering him. Usually when all was quiet in Texas, trouble was brewing somewhere else. It was possible his unknown tormentor was on the move again.

  Beau blew some warm breath into his cold hands. He knew it was unlikely that anyone could know he was here. He’d been careful about making himself seen anywhere in public. The only thing he’d been a little careless about was hanging out with Kate’s kids at the school. Even then, he hadn’t been there in an official capacity. Of course the principal had probably found out and so had every parent in the school most likely. Word could have gotten around.

  Hearing the front door open, he turned and saw his brother step out onto the porch.

  “It’s freezing out here. What are you doing?”

  “Just hanging out.”

  Trey zipped his police issued parka up and walked toward the steps. He was likely on his way to work. He paused and looked down at Beau curiously. “Something’s bothering you. Is it something I should be aware of?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Personal or stalker related? Nothing’s happened to your house again, has it?”

  Beau shook his head after a moment. “I just talked to Mumford. All’s quiet in Texas.”

  Trey was silent and Beau knew he was probably thinking the same thing Beau was.

  “No one knows I’m here.”

  “That you know of. We should keep our heads up, just in case.”

  “My head’s always up. Go to work. I’ll keep an eye on things here.”

  “What about Kate?”

  That he didn’t want to talk about. “What about her?”

  “Beau, I warned you about this. It took you what, ten seconds to piss her off so she won’t come around here anymore? Damn it, she’s Kylie’s friend.” Trey glared at him. “Why’d you have to nail her, of all people?”

  Beau glared back. “I didn’t plan it, Trey. Lay off.”

  “Well, what the hell happened that has her avoiding us like the plague? Did you two have a fight?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Then what?” Trey asked, clearly frustrated.

  “I just thought about what you said, I guess.” Beau shrugged. “I’m leaving soon. What’s the point of getting in over my head?”

  “You already slept with her, asshole.”

  Beau knew he deserved the insult. He didn. The minute onhe was’t have a comeback.

  “Shit, you irritate me. I don’t understand why you have to think with your dick all the time.”

  “Just go to work, will you?” The insults were already getting old. If anyone but Trey were tossing them at him, he probably would have punched them in the mouth by now—even though he knew he deserved them.

  “Look, Beau, Kylie’s real bummed that Kate’s not coming for Thanksgiving. I think we all know why she’s not coming—so fix this.”

  Fix this. Like it was that simple. Beau shook his head. “There’s nothing I can do. Besides, she’s probably got family she’s spending the holidays with. Just let it be.”

  “She doesn’t have family, asshat. Her dad took off when she was a kid and her mother is a druggie who lives in Fresno somewhere. She only comes around looking for money once in a while. Kate’s on her own. She has been since she was a teenager.”

  Beau winced. He hadn’t had a clue about her background. He guessed he’d never taken the time to ask. Come to think of it, he did remember them having a discussion about why she was such a ball buster, back when he’d first arrived at his brother’s house. Guilt set in again and he frowned. “So what do you want me to do?”

  “Quit being a dick. Just talk to her. Whatever you two argued about can’t be that bad. You’ve only spent one night together. How bad can it be?”

  Beau didn’t touch that one. “Never mind. I’ll see what I can do. She’s stubborn though. If she’s made up her mind I doubt I’ll be able to change it.”

  “Well try.” Trey headed for his truck and climbed inside. A moment later, he was gone.

  Beau sat on the steps a few minutes longer and then sighed in resignation. He supposed Trey was right; he needed to fix things with Kate. The idea of anyone spending a holiday alone made him feel bad. Especially when he was the cause of their loneliness.

  Kate climbed out of her SUV and frowned. Beau’s truck was parked in front of her house. He wasn’t in it. He was sitting on her front steps, eyeing her uneasily as she walked up the driveway. She hadn’t heard from him since the morning they’d argued. That had been several days ago. Of course, she hadn’t called him either.

  “Hey,” he said when she reached the steps.

  “Hey.” She stepped around him and unlocked her front door. It was freezing out and she wasn’t about to stand there and talk to him on the front porch while they both froze to death.

  “Are you going to bite me if I try to come inside?”

  She could hear the amusement in his voice, and her heart softened a little. “You wish. Don’t flatter yourself.”

  She heard him chuckle as he walked in the front door.

  “So how are you?” he asked, after an uncomfortable moment of silence.

  “I’m fine,” she told him, avoiding his gaze. She set her keys and purse down before removing her jacket. “I’ve been busy with school. Holiday and all.”

  “Yeah, that’s why I’m here. Well, one of the reasons anyway. Kylie’s a little upset that you aren’t coming for Thanksgiving.”, but didn’t comment.

  “I already told her, I have other plans,” Kate answered. He couldn’t possibly want her there either. Not with his whole family showing up.

  “What plans?” He folded his arms over his chest and watched her carefully.

  “Never mind what plans. I can’t make it.”

  “Because of me.” It wasn’t a question.

  “No. Because of your family.”

  He appeared to think that over. “But if you and I hadn’t slept together it would have been fine.”

  She didn’t deny it.

  “I told you sex would screw things up, Kate. You said it wouldn’t.”

  “So I was wrong,” she snapped.

  “I don’t want Kylie getting hurt because of me. Trey’s pretty pissed at me right now.”

  “You don’t owe me anything, Beau. It was just sex. I’m not worried about it.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. By the way, you can quit worrying about me being pregnant. I got my period.” She watched the look of relief cross his face and her anger almost boiled over. It was that easy for him. Now everything was okay in his world. He could leave and go back to being a baseball star and she could sit here alone and figure out her problems by herself.

  “Why didn’t you call me?”

  “Because you didn’t call me,” she snapped again. “Besides, it just happened this morning.”

  He was trying to read her and she nearly squirmed. Damn him. He made it hard for her to lie. All the same, she didn’t want him hovering over her for the next two weeks. Besides, she was pretty sure her period was on the way anyway. The telltale signs were all there.

  “Wh
y don’t I believe you?”

  She narrowed her eyes in surprise. “I don’t care what you believe. That’s not my problem.”

  “Damn it, Kate, don’t be such a bitch.” He glowered at her and for the first time she saw serious anger in his eyes. Not just irritation, real fury.

  “I’m not trying to be a bitch,” she said softly. “I’m telling you you’re off the hook. Aren’t you relieved?”

  He swore. “Not if it’s not true! Are you crazy or something?”

  “What makes you think it’s not true?”

  He stared at her for a long moment. “Because of the way you’re blinking and the fact that you won’t look me in the eye.”

  “I don’t need you here, Beau,” she said, resigned. “I’ve got a pretty good case of PMS so I don’t think you need to worry about the pregnancy thing anymore.” Backing up, she leaned against the couch.

  “You listen to me, Kate.” He stepped toward her again and she stiffened. He was even angrier now. His dark eyes were black and narrowed. She’d pushed him too far, she realized immediately. Somehow she’d figured he’d just accept that she wasn’t pregnant and go away. Apparently Beau Callahan had a little more moral value than that.

  di">“Are you listening to me?” he demanded, in a voice she hadn’t heard from him before.

  “I’m listening,” she replied uneasily.

  “Don’t ever lie to me about something as important as this. I’m not one of those men who think women have more choice in the matter of a child than men do. Do you get me? This is my problem and if it turns out you’re pregnant, it’s my kid too. I won’t be walking away from that and writing you a check. Do you get my drift?”

  The words were ugly and she almost flinched. She knew she deserved them though.

  “Do you?” he asked again, this time reaching forward and tipping her chin up so she met his gaze. “I’m not kidding here.”

  “I hear you,” she answered, emotionally drained. “I don’t think I’m pregnant anyway. I already told you that.”

  “Well, until you know for sure, don’t bullshit me. I mean it.”

  “I won’t bullshit you, Beau. Now will you just go? I have a headache.”

  He shook his head, surprising her. “I’m not going anywhere just yet. I’ve made a pretty big mess here and I’m going to clean it up now.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” She frowned at him, not sure she liked being called a big mess, even if she was one.

  “It’s supposed to mean that I’m sorry for acting like an ass. I don’t usually lose control with women ever. You’re the only one. I was mad at myself, not you.”

  “I’m mad at myself too. You’re right, this never should have gone this far.” She rubbed her face wearily. “I don’t want to hurt Kylie’s feelings but I can’t go over there tomorrow.”

  “Why not? I know for a fact that you don’t have plans. Trey told me about your family.”

  “He shouldn’t have done that.” She rarely talked about her parents. The idea that they had been discussed with Beau, behind her back, grated on her nerves.

  “Well he did,” Beau said, matter-of-factly. “Don’t get mad at him—or at Kylie. They’re the best friends you’ve got, Kate.”

  She knew that was true. Kylie and Trey had been more like family to everyone at th

  12

  Thanksgiving Day came quickly. Neither Kate nor Beau got much sleep the night before but they were up, showered and dressed by nine o’clock. They were right on time for the family meal. The minute they walked into the house, Kate was enveloped by a swarm of Callahans.

  There was Mamaw and Arshia—Beau’s grandmother and mother—who smiled and hugged her as though she was part of the family.

  Both women were very traditional in the ways of their people. They wore authentic Indian dresses with bright colors on them. Mamaw’s hair was gray and hung in a long braid down her back. Arshia’s was much the same way, but black.

  After that came Joey, Elle and Amy. Ever the flirt, Joey gave Kate a big hug, while Beau frowned at him from behind her.

  Dusty’s wife, Faye, was next to offer greetings, her cute as a button son in her arms. Beau was right, the little guy looked like his daddy. In fact, all of the Callahan men pretty much resembled each other. This family had won the lottery on looks, that was for sure.

  Richard and his friend hadn’t arrived yet. Kate learned that they had decided to spend Thanksgiving with Peter’s family for half the day. They would probably be stopping by later for dessert.

  After all the greetings were over, the family sat down around the living room in various spots and chatted or watched football. Everyone appeared to be in a good mood, though Kate assumed they all knew what was going on with Beau now. They had evidently decided to keep the day festive. She was glad. She and Beau had endured a rough night. It was nice to let go and relax for a while.

  Sitting down on the floor, Kate played with Amy. The little girl was beautiful like her mother, with big brown eyes and long, dark hair. Two pig tails were braided on either side of her head. When she smiled, it was like a light went on in the room.

  Kate helped her build her blocks up and then watched as she knocked them down and laughed. The process was repeated over and over again, until Lucas was set down on the floor and decided to crawl over and swat them down before Amy could do it herself. Amy didn’t like that. She glared at her little cousin, tears in her dark eyes.

  Before long, both children were ushered off for nap time and Kate found herself watching the rest of the family. Mamaw and Arshia were busily chatting on the couch with Kylie. Beau, Trey and Joey were watching a football game with Dusty. Kylie’s parents had arrived and were chatting away as well. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves.

  It was hard to imagine how things in her own family might have been this way. When her parents had been married, she’d been too young to remember. Then her father had walked out on them and her mother had become a bitter, somewhat abusive, substance abuser. They hadn’t even celebrated Thanksgiving, let alone had family around to take part.

  “You are good with children,” of Victoria’s Secret.’front OMamaw said, walking over and smiling down at Kate. “Kylie says you teach with her.”

  “I do.” Kate stood up and followed when Mamaw motioned her toward the kitchen.

  “It is quieter in here and we can talk,” Mamaw said, reaching for the coffee pot and pouring herself a cup. “Would you like some—or some tea?”

  Kate shook her head. “I’ve had my share of caffeine this morning. If I have any more I’ll get jumpy.”

  Mamaw just smiled and sat down at the breakfast bar. “I enjoy a good pot of herbal tea a day. It is healthy for you, especially if you use the right blend of herbs.”

  Kate wasn’t a big tea drinker. “I’m a coffee girl,” she said, sitting down too. She remembered Kylie telling her Mamaw was very wise and enjoyed the company of new people to talk with.

  “It is too bad that bad things happen on such a good day as Thanksgiving,” Mamaw said. “The boys told us about what has been going on with Beau. He hasn’t been around in a long time. We’ve all been worried about him.”

  Kate wasn’t sure how to respond to that. She didn’t know whether Mamaw thought she and Beau were merely friends, or whether she sensed something more.

  “You are good for him, I think. That one is a wanderer though. He tends to stay in one place a very short time.”

  So she did sense they were more than friends. Or maybe someone had told her. In any case, hearing about Beau’s un-rooted lifestyle wasn’t exactly what Kate wanted to think about at this point. On the other hand, it wasn’t like she wasn’t aware of it.

  “He will grow out of this. I know one day he will. My Jacob had a brother like this. He didn’t like to stay in one place too long.” Mamaw looked thoughtful. “He was not as successful as Beau. Beau loves to play his game of ball. And he’s good at it.” Her eyes shone with pride. “I miss him though. We
used to spend a lot of time together when he was young. Both he and Trey Mapiya. Mapiya means sky you know.”

  Kate knew this. Kylie had told her Trey’s grandmother always called him Trey Mapiya because his eyes were the color of the sky.

  “Trey and Beau have always been close—like twins almost.” Mamaw took another sip of coffee. “How about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “Nope. It’s just me.”

  “Ah, an only child. You were spoiled, yes?” Mamaw continued smiling.

  “Not so much. I’m not very close with either of my parents.”

  “That is too bad. You don’t see them?”

  “No, not really. I see my mother once in a while, but that’s it.”

  “Well, it is their loss. I can tell you have a lot to offer. You are a beautiful girl. They should be proud of you.”

  Fat chance of that, Kate thought to herself. She hadn’t seen her mother in a long time and she wanted to keep it that way.

  “Sometimes bitterness only hurts us more. Letting go of our hate makes us well again.”

  “I’m not bitter. I just choose not to speak to my mother unless I have to. She’s not a conscience.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Mamaw finished her coffee and set the mug on the counter. “Perhaps someday she will change.”

  Kate doubted that but she didn’t say so. Beau walked into the kitchen just then, an empty beer bottle in his hands. He slid it onto the counter and looked from Kate to Mamaw.

  “What secrets has she been telling you about me behind my back?”

  Kate grinned as Mamaw winked at her. “Only between us girls,” the old woman said and got up to go into the other room. When she was gone, Beau leaned back against the counter and eyed Kate, speculatively.

  “What was that about?”

  “Nothing. She loves you a lot.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, Mamaw’s a great lady. She’ll talk your ear off if you let her.”

  “She’s got a lot of wise things to say.”

  “Depends on whether she’s talking about me or not.”