Bahama Mama

by Tricia Leedom

  * * *

  Sue was seated at a table near the stage. When the song ended, she was the first to start clapping, but Anders and Obie joined in and Molly’s head came up to look for the source of the applause. He knew the moment she spotted him because her face turned as red as a pepper. She nudged the guy who’d joined Molly in the center of the stage. Presumably the lead singer, the chubby, middle-aged dude did a double take at Anders before lifting his white, Texas-sized cowboy hat in greeting.

  Anders projected his voice across the room. “Never heard a lady sing that song before.”

  She shot Tex a sideways smile before she leaned into the mic, “Who says that’s changed?”

  The drummer was quick with a rim shot. The ba dum tsh made Anders laugh out loud.

  Glancing at Obie, whose nose was still planted in the comic book he’d brought with him, Anders got up and joined Sue at her table. “You play that banjo like Earl Scruggs.”

  “He was my grandpa.”

  “Seriously?”

  She gave him a saucy grin and her eyes sparkled. “Nah, but my Uncle John was in a bluegrass band. He taught me to play when I was a kid.”

  “Music’s in your blood then.”

  “You could say that.”

  Sue said to Anders. “That song ‘Cheyenne’ was one of your first big hits, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah.”

  She turned a sly eye on Molly. “Is it just a coincidence or did you name your daughter after a song?”

  Anders chuckled. “I sure hope not. The song’s about a prostitute.”

  When the guys in the band chuckled, Molly flushed. “In my defense,” she said into the microphone so it amplified her voice through the whole room. “The album is titled Cheyenne as well. I named my daughter after the album, not the song.”

  The guys in the band chuckled harder.

  “What? If I’d waited a few more years to have Cheyenne, she might have been named Devil Woman, and that’s definitely not in the top 100 most popular baby names.”

  The band roared and Anders chuckled too. Devil Woman was the name of his fourth album. He’d written the title track about his soon-to-be ex-wife. Molly might have been embarrassed by the revelation that she’d named her kid after his album, but she took it all in stride and even poked fun at herself. Pretty, talented, and humble. He liked that about her.

  He was flattered too. He’d heard stories of fans tattooing his image on their bodies. He’d even heard of babies being named after him, but this was the first time he’d heard of anyone naming their child after one of his albums. It was a nice feeling, like she’d appreciated his work right from the beginning at a time when his record label’s marking department was banking on his looks and charm more than his talent. He’d let them because he was no fool and he worked out hard to look the way he did. He didn’t mind posing shirtless and giving smoldering looks into the camera when he sang. But in his soul, he wanted to be admired for his music more than his pretty face. Peer recognition had come later, and he’d won numerous awards since, but it was the general consensus among critics that his first album wasn’t his best despite the four number one hits that came off the record.

  Molly slid off the stool and handed the banjo to the grizzled old guitar player. “Thanks for letting me play. I wish I still had one of my own. I’m getting rusty.”

  “You couldn’t tell.” The old man grinned and gave her a slight bow as he took his instrument back.

  “He’s right,” Anders said as she stepped off the stage and came toward him. “You played that thing like you meant it.”

  “Maybe ’cause I did.”

  The flirty, dimpled smile she gave him made something in his chest flutter. Choosing to ignore the strange sensation, he leaned back in the wooden chair and crossed his arms. “You sitting in with the band tonight?”

  She rocked back on her boot heels. “That’s the plan. Only a couple songs though. I have maid of honor duties.” Waving to the band, she said, “See y’all tonight.”

  Sue jumped up from the table. “Look at me sitting here like I’ve got nothing better to do. You sounded lovely, Molly. I’ll see you later this afternoon.”

  “Do you need help with anything?”

  “I’ve got it under control. You go on and enjoy your day off.” Sue waved over her shoulder as she headed for the office.

  Anders observed Molly’s profile while she was turned away from him. She had a curvy compact body. Firm, small-but-full breasts, a trim waist, and a high round ass that was plump but not broad. A single wide rather than a double wide. She wasn’t fat by any means but compared to the actresses and models he was used to dating, she had some meat on her petite bones.

  When she turned back to face him, their gazes met. For a split-second, he saw a nervous shudder roll through her, but she banked it. She was still jumpy around him, but she was getting it under control. That made him feel better. He hated making people uncomfortable.

  Her eyes sparkled with mischief again. “If you’re lucky, maybe I’ll sing a duet with you tonight.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he watched her strut away from him, boot heels clicking on the concrete as she headed for the door. She stopped in front of Obie who was looking at her like she’d hung the moon. They exchanged words that Anders was too far away to hear before she caught his chin and bent to kiss him on the head. Then she continued toward the exit again, stopping for a second to wave at Obie before she disappeared through the glass door.

  Anders stared after her, half jealous of Obie’s obvious affection for the woman and half wishing Molly MacBain would fuss over him the way she fussed over his son.

  Chapter Twelve

  “You don't need to fuss over me,” Sophie said to Molly who was on her knees, her bridesmaid’s dress hiked up to her thighs. She was searching for the source of the stray thread dragging from the hem of Sophie’s gown, a gorgeous, white satin strapless number with a fitted bodice and a floor-length sheath skirt.

  “I just want your wedding day to be perfect.” Molly flipped another section of hem, still following the never-ending loose thread. “I wouldn’t expect this kind of poor craftsmanship from a designer label. Are you certain you didn’t step on the hem and tear it?”

  “I’m positive. Do you have scissors? Just nip it off.”

  Molly raised her head to scan the room for Sue. The former hairdresser turned bar manager was styling Lillian’s long silvery blonde hair into an elegant French twist. “Are there any scissors in the desk, Sue?”

  They were in Jimmy’s office, helping the bride and each other get dressed. In the next room, guests were already starting to arrive. They were gathering on the first floor of Dixie’s until Oscar, acting as the usher, could escort them upstairs to their seats.

  Sue snorted. “You’d be lucky to find a pencil with a point in that desk. Jimmy doesn’t keep up with his office supplies. There’s a pair of scissors behind the bar in the little cubby under the phone.”

  “I'll get them.” Molly climbed to her feet and tugged her skirt back down. She was wearing a coral-colored chiffon dress with a sweetheart neckline and a high-low skirt. Sue wore the same color, but her dress was floor length with cap sleeves and a scoop neckline. As far as bridesmaid’s dresses went, they were very flattering, but then, Molly expected nothing less from Sophie when it came to fashion.

  Molly was just closing the door behind her when Captain Tom walked into Dixie’s.

  Jimmy Panama yelled from the far end of the bar. “Captain Tom!”

  “Panama.” The old, crusty former fisherman hobbled toward the groom-to-be in a white button-down shirt and pair of avocado green trousers that were four decades outdated in style but still in like-new condition. “How come you’re at the bar and not getting ready for your wedding?”

  “Jitters,” he said with a slow grin that suggested he was anything but nervous. Jimmy was dressed for a casual Key West wedding in a loose white linen dress shirt, khaki pants, and
boat shoes.

  “How’s it going, Captain Tom?” Molly stopped to give him a quick peck on the cheek as she passed.

  “Sweet Molly McB. Are you singing tonight, sweetheart?” He watched her make her way around to the back of the bar.

  “A couple of songs. I wouldn’t miss singing at my best friend’s wedding.”

  “Aww, that’s good to hear.”

  “Heyyyy, Captain Tom!” Anders came out of the kitchen. “Long time no see. How you been?”

  At the sound of Anders’ voice, Molly’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up from the bin she was just starting to sort through.

  The captain scratched the top of his head. “I must’ve went too heavy on the hooch ’cause I’ll be damned, I’m seeing things.”

  “It ain’t the hooch this time.” Anders laughed as he gave the old man a hug.

  Anders was dressed like Jimmy in the same casual, loose-fitting clothes. It was so different from his usual style, but he looked sexier and more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. His damp hair was swept back off his face in loose waves. He was freshly shaven and so gorgeous he made her eyes hurt.

  “My God, ain’t you a sight for sore eyes.” The captain patted Anders’ shoulder and then pointed at Jimmy. “You were holding out on me. When the hell did you get into town, kid? You owe me twenty bucks and a new fishing pole. I haven't forgotten.”

  Anders chuckled. “I’ll square up with you. I promise.”

  Molly was so fascinated by the exchanged between Anders and the captain, she almost forgot what she was looking for in the bin. She shouldn't have been surprised that Anders knew Captain Tom. He was an old childhood friend of Jimmy’s, after all. It only made sense Anders would know him as well. The retired sea captain had taught Jimmy everything he knew about boats and had employed him as a deckhand on his shrimp boat when Jimmy was a teenager. He’d encouraged Jimmy to join the Navy to get away from his crummy home life.

  A thought suddenly occurred to her. She didn’t know much about Jimmy’s childhood, but she knew his father had been abusive, forcing Jimmy to leave home at seventeen to get away from the violence. Anders was just a year older. He’d gone to college on a football scholarship, gotten a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, and had his first hit record not long after graduation. His career as a country music superstar had exploded from there.

  Had Anders gone off to college leaving his younger brother home alone with that awful man? That would explain why Jimmy had sought a way out on his own. It would also explain why there was very little information available about Anders’ childhood. Molly only knew that he was born and raised in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and his momma died when he was twelve.

  “Molly?” Sue had opened the office door just wide enough to stick her head out. “Are you coming with those scissors?”

  “Huh? Yeah. Found them.” She grabbed the scissors and showed them to Sue.

  “Hurry up.”

  Molly started back around the bar, keeping her eyes down so not to draw attention to herself. The men were involved in an animated conversation and didn't appear to notice her as she slipped between them and headed back to the office. Even so, it was hard not to feel Anders’ presence when his charisma took up half the room. He couldn’t possibly be watching her, but she felt his eyes on her back with the weight and heat of a caress.

  Twenty minutes later, Molly was standing beside Anders in the stairway, waiting to walk down the aisle together to stand up for the bride and groom. Anders towered over Molly and crowded her in the confined space. His cologne drifted toward her and suddenly that was all she could smell. A crisp, spicy scent that brought to mind crushed leaves and wood smoke, apple cider, and the first signs of snow.

  “Nervous?”

  Molly’s head snapped up and she stared into his gorgeous blue eyes for a moment, unable to speak. How she was going to sing in front of him again, she didn’t know. “I need a drink.”

  A slow grin spread across his face. The cut below his right eye was just a white scar now. It made him look more ruggedly handsome than he already was. “Ditto. Weddings make me itchy.” He scratched a spot on his arm to demonstrate.

  A laugh escaped Molly’s parched throat.

  His smile widened as he laughed too.

  “Hush, you two.” Sue turned around and scolded them. “We're starting.”

  Molly nodded solemnly. She bit her bottom lip to keep herself from giggling when she looked at up at Anders and found him still smiling. She turned around to check on Sophie, who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs beside her father. “Are you ready? Do you want me to fluff your veil again?”

  “No, it’s perfect. And I’ve never been readier. As my fiancé would say, let’s rock and roll.”

  Jimmy Panama and Sophie Davies-Stone were married on the rooftop of Dixie’s in a gorgeous sunset ceremony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. They stood in front of a simple bamboo altar draped with ivory linens that stirred in the summer breezes coming off the water. A touch of bright, tropical blooms accented the elegant backdrop. A long, narrow ivory carpet created a center aisle between the guests who sat in a dozen white folding chairs angled toward the altar and the beautiful view.

  Holding the bride’s bouquet, Molly stole peeks at Anders while the non-denominational minister spoke of the meaning of marriage. Anders was watching the ceremony with avid interest, love, and pride clearly in his eyes, despite his joke about not liking weddings. Molly tried to focus on the bride and groom too, but the top and bottom buttons of Anders’ shirt were undone and the gentle breeze kept molding the linen fabric against his lean muscular torso. It was way too distracting.

  Jimmy turned to Anders and put his hand out for the rings. Anders shrugged in a gesture that said he didn’t have them. Molly’s heart dropped. She’d watched Jimmy give the rings to Anders in the stairwell when they were waiting for the ceremony to start.

  When Jimmy frowned, Anders grinned and pulled the rings out of his pants’ pocket.

  Relief and exasperation melted over Molly as Jimmy grabbed the rings and muttered “knucklehead,” before turning back around to face his bride.

  Taking her hands in his, he said, “Sophie, the moment I first saw you I thought to myself, now there’s a woman who’s so far out of my league she’s in another stratosphere. But even though it meant I might never be able to come back down to earth, I was tempted to put on a space suit just so I could walk the stars by your side. Then you left your world and came into mine and decided you weren't leaving. I thank God every day for your stubbornness, Duchess.” He paused when a few guests chuckled. “I vow to love you to the stars and beyond. To respect and cherish you and to always be faithful. This is my solemn vow.”

  Molly brushed a tear away as Jimmy slid the wedding band onto Sophie’s finger.

  The bride’s eyes were glistening with love as she placed Jimmy’s ring over the tip of his fourth finger and took a deep breath. “Jimmy, I believe with my whole heart I was destined to be yours. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you always with everything that I am. Wherever this new adventure takes us, I promise to be by your side, loving you for all the days of my life and beyond. This is my solemn vow.” A tear leaked from the corner of her eye and dripped onto their joined hands. Jimmy reached up to brush the wetness from her cheeks. Cupping her face, he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly.

  Molly’s chest tightened and her heart overflowed with emotion. If she hadn’t believed in soul mates before, and she wasn’t sure that she had, she believed in them now. Jimmy and Sophie were perfect for each other. It gave Molly hope that her own perfect someone was out there somewhere. Her gaze strayed to Anders, but he wasn’t looking back at her because this wasn’t a Hollywood movie after all. This was real life. The wedding guests broke out in applause as the minister pronounced the bride and groom husband and wife. Molly smiled through her tears and clapped so hard her hands stung.

  Oscar led the guests back down to the bar for the reception. The wed
ding party posed for photographs in front of the pretty sunset. After the bride and groom took several pictures by themselves, the rest of the party was invited in for group shots. Molly posed between Mitch and Sue while Anders stood on Jimmy’s side of the line-up. Then the photographer shot the parents of the bride with Sophie’s grandmother Agnes, but only managed to get one picture where the senior citizen wasn’t shooting daggers at her ex-daughter-in-law.

  “Best Man and Maid of Honor, you two stand in the center there by yourselves,” the photographer instructed while setting up his camera for the next shot. He worked fast because he was racing the setting sun. At the moment, the oranges and purples in the sky were spectacular behind the pretty altar, but it would be dark soon.

  Molly stepped into place, standing in front of the altar by herself.

  “Best Man, where you’d go?” The photographer looked up from his camera.

  Anders was talking to Mitch and didn’t realize he was being summoned.

  “Anders, hurry.” Sophie tugged his arm. “We’re losing light.”

  When he turned around and looked directly at Molly, her heart fluttered and she suddenly felt hot all over.

  He joined her at the altar resting his big hand possessively on her hip as he pulled her close. “Sorry, about that.” She barely registered the sexy half smile he gave her because she was too distracted by the searing heat of his palm cupping her hip like a football he was about to lob down the field.

  “Maid of Honor, relax,” the photographer said. “Smile. Best Man, whisper something shocking in her ear to loosen her up.”

  A sly smile spread across Anders’ lips as if he was intrigued by the challenge. Bending down, he put his mouth to her ear. His warm breath tickled the tender skin, sending a thrill spiraling through her body. “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber.”

  What? She looked up at him confused, unsure she’d heard correctly. He met her gaze with a devilish twinkle in his eye and they both laughed.