by Holly Jaymes
He took his smoothie and went to the corner, setting it on a table, but taking a moment to look at my paintings on the back wall before sitting down.
I served the family; Kyle a large coffee as they still had more driving to do to get back to Santa Monica, Sarah a salted caramel latte, and chocolate shakes for the kids. I hoped they’d sit and enjoy their treats so I wouldn’t be alone with Tucker, but they took their drinks and left after taking a selfie with Tucker.
“I have your change,” I said, holding out the thirty dollars.
“Keep it.”
The rational part of me said that if it were any other person giving me a thirty dollar tip, I’d be grateful. Unfortunately, where rational thinking was concerned, I didn’t seem to have it around him. I was insulted.
“I don’t need your money.”
He looked at me pursing his lips. “My money is as green as anyone else’s.”
I blew out a breath. The truth was, I was low on art supplies and this money would help. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I checked my watch, noting that Janell would be in soon. She would work the late afternoon shift with me, and then the evening until close with the owner.
“These yours?” Tucker asked nodding toward the paintings.
“Yes.” I tried to keep my tone light since he’d just given me a generous tip, but I was afraid it came out a bit clipped.
He cocked his head. “Are you still sore about my coming on to you?”
I shrugged. “Did you come on to me?”
He laughed, and I had to admit he was quite good natured. “Yeah, I did. Crashed and burned though.”
“Just as well. I don’t do lap dances.”
His smile faltered and I almost felt bad for making it lose its luster.
Before he could answer, the door opened and Janell walked in. “I hate April. You can’t ever figure out what to wear. One day it’s cold and the next it’s—Oh my God!”
Tucker stood and his smile was back on full wattage.
“Tucker!” Janell ran to him and leapt into his arms.
Immediately, I had the urge to call the police. Janell had only just turned eighteen. Surely there was a law that made it illegal for her and Tucker to be together.
“Hey, squirt.” He gave her a twirl and then set her down. “You working here?”
“Yep.”
“Shouldn’t you be done with school and married with kids or something?” he joked as he sat down in his chair.
She sat across from him. “Senior year in high school. In the fall, I’m off to college. Full ride.”
Tucker's eyes lit up. “No shit. Soccer or softball?”
“Soccer.”
He held up his hand and she high-fived it. I felt a bit like a third wheel. I’d settled into life in Eden Lake, but I wasn’t from here originally, like Tucker and Janell were.
He looked over at me, making me wonder if he knew I felt left out. “I used to babysit this squirt.”
I guess I should have felt bad for thinking the worst about him and his relationship with Janell.
“And when he was in college, he’d come home and work at the sports camps. I do some of the activities during the summer now. Are you doing that this year?” Janell asked.
Tucker seemed to think on it. “I’m here to train with Mason and I have my own camp in July, but if I have time in June, maybe I can stop in.”
Janell stood. “Be sure to come with my group. I always have the best group.” She nodded toward the counter. “I’ve got to get to work. I want to buy a car before I leave for college.”
“I’ll leave you to it.” He stood and pushed his chair under the table. “Great smoothie, Emma.”
“Thank you.” I hated how his friendliness was making me look bad. It couldn’t be good when I was chastising myself for rudeness.
He started toward the door. “Oh, and I want that picture.” He pointed to the starry night over the lake I’d just hung. “Makes me think of home and McLean’s Corner.”
“Okay.”
“Have you been there?” Tucker asked.
“I’ve been to the spot where I painted that. I don’t know McLean’s Corner.”
Behind me, Janell snickered.
Tucker gave me an affable smile. “Maybe I’ll take you there sometime.” He gave me a wave and walked out the door.
I watched him, trying to decide if I’d been wrong about him all this time, or if my douche radar was on the fritz.
“Are you gonna go with him?” Janell asked, with a coy smile.
“What is McLean’s Corner?” I asked.
“It’s like a lover’s lane. Rumor is that all McLean’s are conceived there. That’s just folklore but I wouldn’t doubt that many people in this town were conceived there.”
Nope, I thought as anger and annoyance grew. I wasn’t wrong about Tucker McLean at all. He was a big, dumb, sex-obsessed jock. I’d need to do better at not letting his charm sneak past my defenses. The only reason he had this time, I decided, was because I didn’t know he was back in town. Now that I knew he was here for the summer, I’d do my best to avoid him. Chances were he’d find someone else anyway. Eden Lake was filled with bathing beauties during the summer. He’d have his pick once the tourist season started in May.
I finished my shift and took down the painting to wrap for Tucker. I wasn’t so proud that I wouldn’t sell him the art. I got into my car and drove out to my little cottage on the lake.
The Pine Rest Cabins was the original resort area of Eden Lake, established in the early twentieth century. Now with all the other bigger resorts and condos, it was largely run down. A few of the cabins had been sold to year-round residents. Nana, my mother’s mother, had bought one not long after I went to college and moved out here to pursue her passion in art. She and I were kindred spirits in that respect. My mother, not so much. Although they’d both been single mothers, my mom had gone the practical route, getting a degree and working in corporate America. She’d wanted me to take her same path, and I made an attempt, but was miserable.
When Nana died, leaving me the cabin and a small nest egg, I chose the path my heart wanted to take and moved out here. With my home paid for, and having bought an older car outright, I didn’t need a lot to live. My job at Paradise Java paid for my art supplies and living expenses, such as utilities and gas. I was quite content and I hoped Nana was looking down on me happy with the choice I made to follow in her footsteps.
Chapter 3 On the Path to Nirvana
Tucker
Some things were automatic - like breathing, throwing a football, and appreciating a beautiful woman. I told myself I wasn’t breaking the no-woman rule by poking at Emma, because it was clear she wouldn’t give me the time of day. It was a damn shame because along with being beautiful - in an earthy natural way - and feisty, she clearly had talent. I always appreciated people who used their talents and followed their passions. If she had been interested in me, I’d be in trouble because I’d bring her to McLean’s Corner and show her the magic that could happen under the moon and stars at Eden Lake. I laughed at myself knowing she’d roll her eyes and think I was a sex-crazed jock for thinking that.
I spent the rest of that evening and next day settling into my condo, a home away from home. I thought about joking with Mason about having to de-Haynesville-ize it since the enemy family had stayed there last year. But now that Mason was married to a Haynesville, I’d have to be nicer. Or I’d just have to save my anti-Haynesville comments for when Willa wasn’t around.
Mason was back from his honeymoon the following day. I’d have thought he’d invite me to his home since it was the house we’d grown up in, even though he’d completely renovated it when he bought it. But he said Willa had a writing deadline and ordered him out of the house, so he told me to meet him in town.
“She says I’m distracting,” he said when I joked about him being henpecked. “She just can’t work with all this man around.”
>
I snorted. “You just don’t want me there because I’m more man than you.”
“Ah Tucker, you’re not enough man for my Willa.”
That was probably true. Willa was sweet and solid. The women I went for were usually shallow and looking for fun. Except Emma of course. She wasn’t sweet, but I expected she was solid and probably was looking for a man she could build a relationship and future with. That wasn’t me. My life was football with a side serving of women.
Since Willa was working, Mason suggested meeting at the Paradise Java, which of course, I agreed to. My reasoning was I could pay for and pick up my painting. Of course, it would give me a chance to poke at Emma a little more.
I saw Mason as I approached the front of the café. He looked fantastic. Happy. Fit. Rested. A tinge of envy hit me. Not that I begrudged him, but he definitely had something in his life that made him radiate with joy. I knew it was Willa.
“There you are, little brother.” He pulled me in for a bear hug.
“How was the honeymoon?”
His grin was wolfish. “All that you could hope for and more.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please. No details.” But I took a good look at him. “You look good, Mas. I’m happy for you and Willa.”
He had a perma-grin on his face. “I wish I’d done it sooner.”
I quirked a brow. “Had sex?”
He pursed his lips. “Told Willa I thought the world of her and made her mine.”
I laughed.
“You, little bro, look better than I thought you would considering the last photo I saw of you on TMZ.”
“A day and half of clean air,” I said.
He patted me on the back. “Let’s get something to drink and discuss how we’re going to make you the number one quarterback of all time.”
I opened the door and gestured for him to go in first. Eden Lake was our home town, but Mason lived here full time, making him a real local. He was well-loved and respected in town, which was obvious by the way the locals in the café all said hello as he strode in.
They did second-takes when they saw me and shouted hello.
“Mason, how was the honeymoon?” Emma asked as he approached the counter. She was all smiles until I stepped up beside him.
“Wonderful, Emma, thank you. You remember my brother, Tucker, don’t you?”
“Hmm,” she said by way of acknowledgement.
He turned to me. “Please don’t tell me you’ve already alienated the local establishments.”
I lifted my hands in surrender. “Hey. I came in for a smoothie and that’s it. Oh, I did buy a picture. At least I wanted to.”
“I have it for you in the back,” she said to me in monotone.
“What do I owe you?” I asked.
“One fifty.”
I gaped. “That’s it?”
She made a face. “One hundred and fifty dollars. Not a dollar fifty.”
I frowned and looked at Mason trying to decide if she really thought I was an idiot or this was a joke. He just shrugged.
I pulled out my wallet and handed her two, one-hundred-dollar bills.
“I don’t have change,” she said as I handed her the money.
“Keep it. I don’t take pennies anyway.”
“Tucker,” Mason’s stern voice, that sounded so much like my father’s, said.
I gave him a look. She could insult me but I couldn’t back? That didn’t seem fair. Then again, I wasn’t eight anymore. Maybe I needed to be grown up about it.
“Consider it an investment in your craft,” I amended.
“Thank you,” she said tightly. “Your usual, Mason?”
“Yes. What do you want, Tuck?”
“Chocolate banana smoothie. Whey protein. Extra ice.”
A few minutes later, Mason and I were at the back table.
“Before we get started, don’t think I’m going to let you get away with all your playboy ways here,” he said.
“Yes, Mom,” I quipped.
“Summer season starts soon and we both know women will be all over you.”
Except one, I thought, with a look at Emma
“Lauren got in touch with me.”
My gaze jerked back to him. “Jesus. You two are like old parents.”
“No booze. No women—”
“No bad press. I got it. And I’ve been here nearly two days without any of it.” I sipped my smoothie.
“Then what was that with Emma?”
I gaped. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but she loathes me.”
“I have a feeling that only makes you more interested in changing her mind.”
There was some truth to that, but I also was on a mission that my life depended on. I leaned forward. “I want to play ball, Mason. I’m going to do what I need to do to make that happen. I’m serious about this. Now, what do you have for me?”
Mason pulled a binder out of his bag. “I got info from your doctor and trainer. It looks like the arm is good, so we do everything to make you strong and fast. We’ll also add yoga.” He looked at me.
“What?”
“I’m waiting for you to make some comment about yoga being too froo-froo or something.”
“Nah. I mean, I can’t tie myself up in a pretzel, but I’ve met a few women who do yoga. They’re deceptively strong, as well as flexible.”
“Of course, you have.”
I shrugged. “I’m a single, rich, twenty-seven-year-old man, Mason.” What did he think? I lived like a monk? A man in his prime, with good looks and resources, didn’t waste it at home reading scripture.
He nodded. “From now until you leave for camp, you’re a single, rich, twenty-seven year old man in training. No booze, no women—”
“No bad press.”
Mason’s gaze was distracted by someone behind me. I turned to see a pretty brunette with a lithe body scanning the crowd. He waved, catching her eye. She nodded in return and headed toward us.
“Ah…that’s not Willa.”
He made a face. “No. She’s still off limits to you.”
I arched a brow. “She should be off limits to you too.”
He shook his head. “I’m not the one who’s trolling for the next good lay.”
“I know the rules, Mason. You don’t need to repeat them every two minutes,” I said, making a face back at him.
“That’s Josh’s wife.”
“Really?” I looked at the woman as she came closer. She definitely looked like someone the Josh Dalton I went to school with would go after, but I’d remembered him being like me - a commitment-phobe that enjoyed variety.
“Yes, so behave.”
“Hey, Mason,” she said as she reached us.
Mason stood and I did too because our mom taught us good manners. “This is my brother, Tucker. Tuck, this is Allie Dalton, Josh’s wife.”
I stuck out my hand. “Nice to meet you. Somehow I missed the gossip that Josh married.”
“I think you were in the middle of your recovery,” she said, taking the seat Mason offered.
“Allie owns the yoga studio. I’ve asked her to be a part of your training.”
“Sounds good. Where do I start?” I sat and picked up my smoothie, taking a sip.
She cocked her head. “You don’t have a problem with yoga?”
“No. Why would I? Many athletes do yoga.”
She sat back looking a bit relieved. “Some still think it’s too woo-woo or too easy.”
“Will I have to stand on my head?” I asked jokingly.
“No. Well, maybe.” She smiled and I could see what Josh saw in her. Still, my gaze drifted toward Emma who was taking an order at the counter.
“I’d like to do a one-on-one session first, just to get a sense of your current range of motion and flexibility. After that, I have a first responder class that you might be interested in.”
“I’m not a first responder.”
“No, but I think they’d enjoy having you there. And, it wouldn’t hur
t in helping me bring in more first responders,” she said.
“You’re not in the class?” I asked Mason. He had his own fitness empire but he was also a former SEAL and now a volunteer firefighter.
“I am.”
“He helped me draw in those that are currently there, but there are still a few that feel it’s a bit too girlie or something.”
I waved my hand. “They’re just afraid because they can’t touch their toes.”
She laughed. “Maybe.”
“Is Josh there? God, I can’t remember the last time I saw him.” He and I weren’t necessarily best friends in school, but we’d been friendly in school, mostly because we were both jocks.
“Yes. He comes to the class too.”
I nodded. “You give me the schedule and I’ll be wherever you need me to be.”
“Great,” she smiled. “How about the one-on-one tomorrow at eleven? That’s after my senior class and before my lunch-break class.”
“I’ll be there,” I said.
“Can we get you a tea or something?” Mason asked her.
“No, thank you.” She stood. “I’ve got to go meet Josh. We’re talking about buying a house and have a tour of one this afternoon.”
“Good luck with that,” Mason said, standing as she hooked her purse over her shoulder.
I stood too and extended my hand. “Good to meet you, Allie.”
“You too, Tucker.” She shook my hand and then exited.
I watched her go for a minute. Before I turned back, I caught Emma looking at me with disapproval. I arched a brow. She pursed her lips and turned back to work.
“She seems nice,” I said.
“She is. Smart too. She and I are planning a wellness retreat this summer. Maybe you can help us.”
“Sure. Whatever you need.” I sipped my drink. “I have to say, I’m a little surprised to hear Josh settled down. I always thought he was more like me.”