by Lexi Blake
“Sure thing. Let’s take a look.” He walked back, talking to Dillon and thanking him for all the help.
“Thanks for being kind to Tate about his picture.” She was going to look on the bright side. Tate had been on the fence about the picture and now he felt good about it. She was going to hang on to that.
Dakota shrugged. “He does look good. I try to never lie about stuff like that.”
“How did the interview go?”
“Okay, I guess. I don’t know. Women don’t tend to like me. I think it’s because they’re jealous. But I answered all her questions and stuff.”
Women didn’t like Dakota because they could tell how difficult she would be, but Joanne wasn’t about to start a war. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.”
There was a long pause and Joanne went back to straightening out her desk.
“Do you think they’ll ever forgive me, Mama?”
She glanced up and Dakota looked more vulnerable than Joanne could remember in years. She moved to Dakota, reaching out to her. “Oh, baby, they’ll forget. I promise you. This is going to blow over.”
For the first time in forever, Dakota leaned on her. “I hate having to beg. I just wish things were like they were before. I never thought I would say that. I thought I hated that job, but I hate this more.”
“You need to give it time and you need to show a little humility.”
Dakota groaned. “I hate that word. I don’t even really know what it means.”
That was so apparent. “It just means be nicer to the people around you. Maybe you think about finding the things you like about people and complimenting them on that instead of pointing out their flaws. I know you think you’re helping them, but it hurts people’s feelings.”
“I’m just being honest.” The words were sullen, but Dakota laid her head on Joanne’s shoulder.
“Try to be a little less honest about how fat you think people are.” It felt good to stroke her daughter’s hair. It reminded her that once Dakota had been a little girl who smiled and tried to please the people around her.
Then Hector had ruined her. He’d allowed Dakota to do whatever she liked without any repercussions. She’d always known the world would catch up to her baby girl, but just not how jarring the crash would be.
“I guess I could be a little nicer. I tried to be nice to Courtney Kline. I didn’t mention that the jeans she was wearing were mom jeans and they didn’t flatter her figure.”
“What’s wrong with mom jeans?”
Dakota brought her head back up and a little smile lit her face. “No one should wear them. They’re for the elderly.”
Joanne frowned. “I wear mom jeans.”
“See, I told you for the elderly.” But there was a smile on Dakota’s face, a genuine one.
“I am not elderly.” Not at all. She would admit that sometimes she felt old, but lately she was finding her youth again. “Maybe I should get new jeans. What do they call them? Skinny jeans?”
Dakota laughed. “Absolutely. We should get you some skinny jeans with bling on the butt.”
She had to draw the line somewhere. “I am not putting diamonds on my derriere.”
“What?” Marcus walked into the room, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. Mallory strode in beside him, carrying her backpack. “Why is Mom putting jewelry on her backside? And what is that thing on your face, Dakota?”
Mallory stared at her sister. “Yeah, it’s weird. And a little scary.”
Dakota rolled her eyes. “It’s called a smile, dummy, and Mom is joining the modern fashion age. She’s going to throw out all her dowdy skirts and dress like a pop star. Sure it’s jeggings at first, but then it’s all corsets and leather pants.”
Marcus laughed. “The day I see Mom in leather pants, I’ll leave Texas forever.”
“If we’re doing a makeover for Mom, I’m in.” Mallory set her backpack down and joined Dakota. “I think she needs the full Gaga.”
“I was thinking more Katy Perry, with blue hair and confetti coming out of her bra,” Dakota chimed in.
It was so good to see her kids smiling and laughing and happy.
Marcus put an arm around her. “I caught up with Mallory as she was heading to the library. I thought maybe since we’re all together we could plan to go to lunch in a bit. Maybe invite along Ian.”
“And me.” Dillon strode back out. “I do not skip meals. Makes me hangry. Arrests go up and then everyone’s cranky.”
“I’m in.” Tate patted his midsection. “I skipped breakfast. What do you say we hit the Bluebonnet and make me look like a man of the people. Which I am. I actually don’t get that phrase.”
“I don’t either,” Dakota said with a shake of her head. “What are you supposed to be, a man of the goats or something? Not that I haven’t met a few of those. Starting with…”
“Dakota,” Joanne interrupted as quickly as she could. “This would be a good place to practice that humility we talked about.”
“Fine.” Dakota groaned. “I’ll go and eat at the Bluebonnet. I’m used to mostly ordering food there and sending it back because I don’t eat. I might actually try something this time. If I’m going to work at a store that sells plus-sized clothes along with real actual clothes, who cares what size I am?”
Yes, she would have to work with Dakota on the humility thing.
“Awesome.” Mallory leaned against Joanne. “That’s double fries for me. No matter what she says, she’s not really eating carbs. Can I maybe invite Luis?”
Her family just kept growing. “Of course. I better call and make sure they’re ready for a party of our size.”
Her party. Her family.
She turned to go and call the cafe when the door opened again.
“Hello, Joanne.”
She felt the blood drain from her face. Hector was here. He was standing right there in the doorway of her office.
She stared at him and knew nothing would be the same again.
* * * *
Marcus felt every muscle in his body go tight as he turned and faced the man he had nightmares about.
Hector Alvarez strode in like he owned the place, like he wasn’t the very last person any of them wanted to see.
“Daddy!” Dakota squealed and jumped off the desk, rushing to greet their father with a massive hug.
Maybe not everyone was unhappy to see him, but the man turned Marcus’s stomach.
He felt his fist clench at his sides.
“Don’t,” his mother whispered. “Please don’t do anything.”
“Give me one reason.”
“Because Tate is here and my job is on the line,” she whispered. “Because I don’t know what Hector will do if you start a fight. Please, Marcus. Please let me handle this.”
This was why he’d left. This utter feeling of helplessness. Even now that he was a grown man with the physical strength to match that bully who’d fathered him, his mother wouldn’t allow it. He had to sit by and watch as his mother went through hell. He couldn’t do it.
Mallory slipped behind him.
At least one of the Alvarez females had some sense.
“It’s going to be okay, Mal.” He wasn’t about to let that bastard hurt his sister. And if Hector made any move on his mother, he wouldn’t let her pleas hold him back either.
He was well aware that they weren’t alone. The three staffers his mom had hired came in from the back room, obviously unaware of the tense situation going on because they were chatting and laughing.
The three women looked up and suddenly they were talking behind their hands.
His mother was right about one thing. Whatever happened next would be gossiped about for weeks.
“Hector, I’m surprised to see you.” Dillon had his hands on his hips, his fingers close to the gun at his belt.
“I bet you are,” his father practically snarled.
“I’m so happy to see you, Daddy.” Dakota beamed up at her father.
&nb
sp; “I’m happy to see you, too, princess. You look good.” Hector turned slightly, sending his gaze Mallory’s way. “So do you, Mallory. You don’t have a hug for your father?”
Mallory stiffened and then stepped away. “I’m due at the library. I’ll see you later, Mom.”
She practically ran out of the building.
That was one woman he didn’t have to worry about.
As Mallory rushed out, Ian strode in. His eyes found Marcus, concern plain there. “Marcus, I found out…never mind. I take it this is your father.”
“Yes, I am Marcus’s father.” Hector stared at Ian in a way that made Marcus think he was going to get violent at any moment. “This is my family. Who the hell are you?”
Ian bristled, stepping close to Marcus. “I’m the man who gave your son shelter when he ran away from home. Now I wonder why he would do that? Since his mother is such a nice lady, I have to think it wasn’t her.”
Tate was all smiles as he stepped in. “Now, this probably isn’t the place for a family reunion. Hector, nice to see you. Welcome to my campaign office.”
Hector reached out and shook the man’s hand. “I heard you were running for mayor. I was surprised to hear my wife was your secretary.”
Tate frowned. “She’s not my secretary. She’s running my campaign.”
Hector laughed, a full-throated sound with just a hint of evil. “You have to be kidding me.”
“She’s running the campaign and she’s doing an excellent job,” Dillon said. The sheriff seemed to have grown an inch since Hector showed up. His tone had an arctic chill to it.
“I’m sure she is,” Hector replied, “But I’m a little surprised she’s not at home watching after her family. We have two girls who still need her and a son who’s lost his way.”
Oh, he could show Hector which way he’d found. “I think everything’s been fine. You’re the one who left without a word. Not that it hasn’t been a pleasure…”
His mother held out a hand, reminding him they weren’t alone. “I think we should probably put off lunch. Hector and I need to speak privately.”
Hector winked the sheriff’s way. “We definitely need to speak privately. It’s been a long time since I saw my wife…privately. I need a little time with her.”
“Sheriff, I would like to thank you for helping with moving the furniture around.” His mother’s voice had gone low, losing the new confidence and replaced with the soft tone he recognized from his childhood. She would use that tone of voice even while his vicious father beat the shit out of her. “But I need to handle some family business right now.”
“Joanne,” Dillon began.
“That’s Mrs. Alvarez to you,” Hector shot back. “Or have we lost all politeness in this town?”
“Of course not.” Tate put a hand on the sheriff’s shoulder. “Let’s go get some lunch and leave the Alvarez clan to themselves. They need some time alone. Hector’s been gone for a while. I’m sure he wants some family time.”
Hector held his hand out to Joanne. “Damn straight I do. Joanne, your husband’s been gone. Don’t you think you should properly greet me?”
He watched his mother blanch, her body turning in on itself. Her shoulders hunched and she seemed to shrink before his eyes. But she didn’t hesitate. She took Hector’s hand and allowed him to drag her close. She tilted her head up and let him slam his mouth down on hers in a nasty version of a hello kiss.
Dillon cursed and slammed out of the building.
Marcus wasn’t sure what was happening but the world started to take a red tone to it.
“Don’t.” Ian put a hand on his arm. “We’ve got eyes on us. Let your mother lead.”
That was the trouble. His mother never led when it came to his father. She simply allowed herself to be his punching bag. He wasn’t sure he could watch that again and do nothing. He could feel the bile rising. His father was back and he was useless again because no one would let him do what needed to be done—put that bastard in the ground where he belonged.
Hector came up for air and Marcus didn’t miss the way his mother tried to move away from him. Hector caught her hand, holding it tight. “I think you’ll understand why my wife needs the afternoon off, Tate. We need to…reconnect.”
Tate averted his eyes. “Of course. Joanne, are you all right?”
She nodded. A smile that nowhere reached her eyes fluttered across her face. “Of course.”
“She’s just overwhelmed.” Hector hauled her close. “Like I said, we’ve been separated for a while.”
“He’s been away.” Dakota stepped in, putting a hand on Hector’s shoulder. “But he’s back now and everything is back to the way it should be.”
His sister looked at their father like he was a conquering hero and not the abusive bastard he was, but then Hector had been careful around Dakota. Dakota was his favorite. She had never felt the hard edge of his hand.
I’ll teach you how to be a man, boy. Even if it kills you. No son of mine is going to be a wussy.
“Thank you for the afternoon off,” his mother was saying. She looked at Tate but her eyes seemed vacant. “I’ll contact you later and let you know what’s happening.”
Tate stared for a moment but seemed to come to a decision. “You do that, Joanne. Call me if you need me. Hector, welcome home. I hope you know what an amazing woman you have there.”
“I intend to let her know just what I think of her,” Hector said, his lips turned up in a cruel approximation of a smile. “It’s been a long time since I let my wife know that.”
He was going to kill Hector. He was going to walk over and start in with his fists and he wouldn’t let up until his father could no longer walk the earth.
Ian moved in front of him, placing his body between Marcus and Hector’s. His voice was just a whisper but Marcus couldn’t help but hear. “Stand down, son. You can’t do a thing here but embarrass your mother more than she has been. I’ve been where you are and I understand. Go and cool off and then we’ll talk.”
One more person telling him what he couldn’t do.
His mother was standing with that bastard like he had the right to claim her. Who the hell was he to argue?
“I’ve got things to do.” All his plans, everything he’d worked for seemed like it had been a fool’s errand. Why the hell had he left Montana at all?
His mother didn’t even look at him.
Marcus walked out the door. It had all been for nothing and he’d been a fool to think things could ever change. Not here in Storm.
Chapter Four
Mallory forced herself to walk. She wanted to run. As fast and as far as she could. She wanted to run and never come back.
He was home. Her father was home.
She couldn’t breathe. What was she going to do? Over the months he’d been gone she’d gotten used to a home where she felt safe, where she didn’t have to hide or cover her ears, where she was able to be herself and it was okay.
Mallory looked to one side. Cuppa Joe’s was to her left and she saw a couple of women staring at her. They shook their heads and the sympathy in their eyes made her want to throw up.
She marched on. Everyone knew and no one did a thing about it. That was the cruelest part of all. The people in the town would shake their heads but no one was going to save her mother.
“Hey,” a familiar voice shouted.
Mallory turned and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Luis. He stood on the sidewalk looking like strength and comfort and safety all wrapped up in one beautiful boy. She couldn’t help it. She knew she should get herself under control, but she ran to him.
Though his eyes showed confusion, he opened his arms, then wrapped them around her.
“What’s going on?” He hugged her tight. “Mallory, what happened?”
She held on tight, not caring who was watching them. “My father…”
Luis gasped. “Oh, no. Did they find him? Is he gone?”
“Worse.”
He sighed. “Then he’s back. I’m so sorry. Is your mom all right?”
She sniffled and forced herself to pull away. She wasn’t going to lose it right here in the middle of the town square. She looked up to see Marylee Rush staring at her, shaking her head like she was doing something wrong. Mallory ignored her. Marylee Rush thought everyone was trash. “My mom just accepted him. She didn’t fight him or anything. I don’t understand. I don’t get it. Why won’t she fight?”
Luis smoothed back her hair. “I don’t know, but I’m sure it has something to do with you. I think your mother believes if she takes what your father has to give that he won’t hurt you.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want him back in my life.”
“I know.” Luis looked to his left and his body stiffened.
She followed the line of his sight and her stomach turned once again. Her mother was walking out with her dad. He had a hand on her arm, practically dragging her behind him. Her mother just let herself get hauled along. At one point she stumbled and hit the ground. She could see the way her father forced her back up, the scowl on his face.
“Such a shame. That should not be displayed to the public. Family matters should be kept private.” Marylee shook her head and that was when Mallory realized Brittany was with her grandmother.
“Hey, Mallory.” The beautiful blonde stepped up, sympathy in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
She might never be okay again, but Mallory was well aware that she had eyes on her and Brittany was so important to her brother. She sucked it up and smiled. “I’m fine. My father is back. I think he and my mom have some things to talk about. That’s all. You know how it is when a family member comes back after a long time.”
She hoped Brittany didn’t notice the fact that she was shaking. Shaking. She couldn’t stop it.
Suddenly there was a warm, strong hand in hers. Luis was there, squeezing her fingers and making her realize she wasn’t alone. He was here with her.
She took a deep breath and vowed to get through the next few moments.
“No, she doesn’t because Brittany’s family doesn’t up and leave her for months at a time and then make a big scene when they come home,” Marylee huffed.