Everything she’d suffered from in the past came to the surface. River’s innocent face flashed before her. Her fight or flight instincts were on high alert. When he took a step toward her, she reached behind her, sweeping her fingers over the top of the stove, searching for anything she could use to protect herself. She finally came upon the skillet she’d used to make River grilled cheese for dinner. Gripping the handle tightly, she brought it up and hit him across the head. He wobbled and fell back a step, staring at her as if he couldn’t comprehend what she’d just done. Seconds turned into minutes, into what seemed like hours, until he finally fell to his knees, his stomach shaking, and then forward onto his face.
The skillet dropped from her shaking fingers.
Holding her breath, tears welled in her eyes. What had she done? Did she kill him?
Trembling, she stepped over his body, giving him a nudge with her toes. Blood dripped from the cut on the bottom of her foot, mixing with the crimson on his temple. He was motionless, but was he breathing? Another spot of blood trickled down his face, looking stark against his now pale skin. She wasn’t sure how she managed the next action, but she forced her body to bend beside him and skim her fingers along his sweaty neck to check for a pulse.
He was alive, and he wouldn’t be out for long.
CHAPTER 1
“ORDER’S UP! WHO’S the lucky one who’s getting the triple brownie sundae?”
Alaska smiled as River eagerly raised his hand. His eyes lit up and he rolled his tongue along his bottom lip as he anticipated the first bite. For his age, he was mature and bright, always pretending to be older than he was, so when she caught glimpses of “the kid” in him, joy filled her. Since she dragged him out of bed three nights ago and whisked him to the car to drive away in the middle of the night, he hadn’t asked why he had to leave his toys behind. Eventually, she’d describe it as an adventure, and he’d accepted the explanation.
“Here you are.” The waitress placed the sundae glass in front of River, who wasted no time in scooping up a glob of sprinkles, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, shoving it into his mouth. “And you must have the coffee. I brought fresh cream. Sugar is in the holder there. I’m Stella, by the way. I own this place. You just get to Tarnation?”
A lie settled on her tongue, but she decided she had nothing to hide. For once in her life, she wanted to be herself and allow River to be a kid. “I’m Alaska and this is my son, River. We just arrived and decided after a long trip we deserved to be rewarded. Ice cream for breakfast for him and caffeine for me.” Every time they moved, they celebrated in the same way.
“I’m glad you stopped in. There’s nothing that ice cream and coffee can’t fix.” The attractive woman winked, sending her gold hoop earrings bobbing. “If you need anything more, just give me a holler.”
“Yes, I guess there is something. Could you help me?” Alaska dug into her purse for the envelope, unfolded it, and smoothed out the wrinkles. “I’m supposed to meet a Mr. Robins. Would you happen to know if his office is open this early? He’s located on Church Street.” Without a phone or GPS, Alaska had relied on the old-fashioned map, and directions from Mr. Robins, to get her to the small town snuggled between fields and pastures. They’d been driving for days, staying in cheap hotels and living off the money she’d saved from not paying rent. She’d reread the letter from Mr. Robins over and over and prayed that his offer for a “new life” wasn’t a scam. After briefly speaking to him on the phone, he seemed legit, but she couldn’t trust anyone—she could never trust anyone again. River dropped a dollop of ice cream on his chin and was using the back of his hand as a makeshift napkin. “Here, Son.” She handed him a wet nap from the plastic container in her purse and he swiped it across his face then went back to happily enjoying his sundae. Her heart swelled. He was a kid being a kid.
“Roe’s office is just a stone’s skip away from here,” Stella said in a soft, Texas twang. Alaska had noticed that around the border of Oklahoma, accents started getting thicker. She guessed her Chicago-born-and-raised cadence didn’t go unnoticed either. “Once you leave here, you’ll make a left and then a right onto Church Street. He has a huge sign out front. You can’t miss it. Don’t be in any hurry though. Roe is always running a few minutes behind.”
“I’ll go ahead and pay, if that’s okay.” Reaching in, she took out her change purse, snapped it open and dismally peered in. She had five dollars left to her name. She’d spent nearly every dime on the trip here which included buying a couple loaves of bread, a jar of peanut butter and jelly to eat on the way. Yesterday they’d scraped the bottom of the PB and used the heels of the bread for one last sandwich, which she’d given to River. She’d made a promise to him that the second they arrived at their destination she’d get him his traditional ice cream. Not once had he complained on the long trip, not even when he had to remain in the seat belt the entire time. Alaska refused to fall back on any promises she made to him. After all, his father had owned the corner lot on making commitments he didn’t intend to keep.
“Didn’t I tell you? The first check is always on the house,” Stella said breezily.
Alaska swallowed the lump forming in her throat. Although they were low on money, like broke-low, she couldn’t take a handout from anyone. She’d learned long ago that free only meant pay triple later. The last thing she needed, or wanted, was to owe anyone anything her first day in Tarnation. “Thank you, but I can pay—”
The bell above the door dinged and Stella said to the couple, “I’ll be right with you, folks. You go on and seat yourselves.” She then turned her attention back to Alaska, not even an itty-bitty slip of her smile. “I tell you what. How about a fair trade? We’re looking to revamp our kid meals. Kids these days aren’t into smiley fries and pizza. They want steak and fresh salmon. Imagine that.” She shrugged. “So, I could use a volunteer to sample some of the new recipes we’ll be serving. After all, they must be kid-tested and kid-approved to be served here. It should only take fifteen minutes while I have the cook prepare some options. That is if River wouldn’t mind.”
“Can I, Mom? Can I? I love salmon.” River’s excitement couldn’t be contained. He was all over the red vinyl booth. This was a reminder that this was what she wanted for him—to branch out and enjoy his childhood. She knew she had no choice but to agree.
“Sure.”
“Come on, River. I’ll have you sit at the counter. Can I get you anything else, Alaska? We have the best pie this side of Texas. It’s never too early for a slice.”
“No, thanks.” She smiled. Once Stella and River walked away, Alaska automatically reached for the clear bag of medicine. Inhaler. Steroid. Expectorant for River. She looked at her own medicine bottle and sighed. Five steroid pills were left. Because she wasn’t sure when she could get more she’d only taken a couple over the last few days, relying on salt tabs. Uncapping the container, she shook one of the pills into her palm but instead of taking it she dropped it back into the bottle. It was best she saved them.
Reaching for the saltshaker she poured a small amount into her coffee which would help keep her blood pressure stable. Thankfully, all of River’s meds were filled and would last a few more weeks. She made sure before they left Chicago that she wouldn’t get caught in an emergency. There’d been enough times when he’d had an asthma attack and she had to call 9-1-1. Every time they went anywhere, she had to familiarize herself with the location of the local hospital, how much time it would take for a first responder to arrive to the house, and the delays in traffic patterns.
Looking out the window, she watched a pretty brunette sweep the sidewalk in front of her store. She flushed as she waved at someone and Alaska moved her gaze down the sidewalk to a couple of cowboys. They both greeted the shop owner with dips of their hats then they crossed the street. Both were tall, broad shouldered and dressed in similar western shirts and nice-fitting jeans. Their white Stetsons were pulled low on their foreheads and their chiseled jaws were covered i
n a dusting of dark whiskers. They looked enough alike that she guessed they were brothers. They laughed about something as they strolled toward the diner and opened the glass door, greeting Stella with a deep, husky “Good morning”.
Alaska sipped her coffee, watching the men, incapable of not staring. She’d never seen Texan cowboys before.
The tallest one dragged off his hat and held it against his chest as he led the way toward a booth at the back of the restaurant. When he turned to hook the Stetson close by his gaze traveled the short distance to Alaska and he gave her a nod in greeting. She quickly turned away, pretending she didn’t see him.
Although her attention was on the window and the scenery outside, she could hear the cowboys discussing ranch life. Apparently, they were breeding a horse worth a million. Alaska sunk deeper into her seat. She couldn’t imagine a horse costing that much.
Doing her best to keep her gaze off them, she didn’t do a very good job. They seemed to silently demand attention. Her friend Rebecca, in Chicago, warned her about the cowboys in this part of the country. What had she said…? Oh… “What you need, Alaska, is one of those cowboys who knows how to treat a woman, in bed and out’.” Alaska’s cheeks warmed and she shifted in the cracked vinyl that sounded loud to her own ears. Mr. Cutie-pie looked over at her. This time, she didn’t pretend as if he wasn’t there, but instead gave him a civil smile and finished her coffee.
There were times she would be curious about dating again, but then she’d instantly remember she didn’t need a man. She was a mother, and that was enough. Yet, that didn’t change the fact that she could appreciate a good-looking man, especially one with sharp cheekbones, a carved jawline, and a thick mass of dark hair threaded with silver that made her wonder if it was as soft as it looked. He had plush lips and a nice smile. His olive skin made his cornflower blue eyes stand out.
One eyebrow quirked as he caught her gaze, blue orbs that matched the intensity of a full moon. It took her a good second before she realized she and the stranger were staring and she dragged her attention to her empty cup, but not before a telltale sensation in the pit of her stomach warned her that maybe Rebecca had been right. The men in Texas were a whole different breed of cowboy. She’d called them, “bold and beautiful’.”
None of that mattered. She didn’t come to Tarnation to sample a Texan with bright blue eyes and large hands. She came to start a new life, hopefully. To find out what Mr. Robins needed to share with her.
Reaching in and taking out the envelope, she pulled the letter from inside and read the words…
“Once you reach Tarnation, I will explain Mr. Colt’s offer in detail. I look forward to seeing you.”
Alaska had worked at a cancer clinic as a nurse’s aide and Buzz Colt was a patient there while he received medical care. At first, he’d been bitter and hard to deal with. He complained about everything, and one morning, over a bowl of oatmeal, Alaska had enough and told him so. He’d seemed shocked at first that she had stood up to him, but then he’d burst into laughter. From that point on, they’d become friends—at least as close to a friendship two people could have in a medical facility. They’d spent hours talking, she felt like she’d gotten to know him some, but that didn’t explain why she was asked to come to Texas. This was all a risk, but what choice did she have? The letter had come at a point when she’d wanted a sign of where she needed to go in life.
Mr. Robins had promised a trip to Tarnation would be worthwhile, and she hoped maybe this could be home.
River was sitting at the counter on a swivel stool, his feet dangling as he bit into something that he must have liked because he smiled. Her heart panged and she felt sick. He deserved a place to call home.
Sometimes this all became too heavy. All the responsibility that came with raising a child alone, all the worry of what could happen to him now and into the future. What had she been thinking by dragging him to a strange state? A strange town? What if nothing worked out? They had no money and she had no prospects for a job. She could have stayed in Chicago. And what? Been on her back for the likes of slime ball John—or the next John that came along? What role model would she be for River?
Sucking back tears, she checked her watch and sighed. Sliding out of the booth, she dragged her purse strap over her shoulder and stepped up to the counter. “That looks delicious.”
He had a mouth full of salmon and gave her a thumbs up.
Stella laughed. “Looks like the fish, turkey sliders, and mac and cheese bites will be added to the menu. Thank you, River. I couldn’t have done it without you.” They bumped fists.
Alaska liked the instant friendship between the two. Back in Chicago, Alaska had been too afraid to let River out of her sight long enough to make friends, even adult friends. The only one she had was Rebecca. “Are you ready?”
“Do we have to go?” he whined.
“Yes, we must.”
“I made you something for the road.” Stella handed her a take-out cup and a small bag.
“I-I can’t take this—”
“It’s not a kidney. It’s a coffee and a croissant. And it’s just my way of making sure you two become regular customers around here. Once you take a bite of that flaky goodness you’ll keep coming back. If you have a chance, stop over at the Bluebonnet Bakery right up the street. Tell my niece, Abriella Craig, that I sent you. She makes the best pies and confections you’ll ever sink your teeth into.”
Although she already decided she liked the friendly, forty-something woman who had a sincere smile, Alaska wasn’t one to trust so easily. But she didn’t want to argue or deny the woman’s gift of coffee and croissant, not with her son watching. He didn’t need to adopt her worries and demons. So she said, “Thank you” and they left the diner, stepping out into the fabulous morning sunshine and fresh air. It felt glorious, and in the beautiful morning light, Alaska felt a sense of hope. It was a miracle that life could be bleak and yet she could find a spark of gratitude in being here.
They passed the large window of the diner and her gaze naturally found the cowboy sitting in the booth. He held a cup to his mouth and she almost choked on her tongue when he brought his chin toward her, nailing her with those amazing eyes—eyes that seemed to make her heart stammer and her inner thighs tremble. Feelings she hadn’t felt in too many years to count.
There was also something about him that felt oddly familiar.
But it wasn’t possible. She’d never met him.
Lord, what had come over her? She’d done an astounding job of ignoring every man’s come-on and cheesy pickup line for years back home, but less than an hour in Tarnation and her tongue was hitting the sidewalk over a cowboy with beautiful eyes and too-big-of-a-smile.
Taking River’s hand, she hurried him along in the direction of the beat-up Honda that had more rust than metal, but she couldn’t complain. Sally, as she referred to the car, had got them to Texas safe and sound. She started the engine and it backfired, causing a young girl standing on the sidewalk to scream and several people to step out of the nearby shops to look for what sounded like gunfire. Alaska cringed in embarrassment and hoped she didn’t get cited for disturbing the peace. She’d heard how particular country towns were about their peace and quiet being violated. Unfortunately, she’d have to add car service to her growing list. Poor Sally had served a great life, and Alaska had a feeling her funeral was in the near future.
She started to shift the gear into drive when a knock came on the window. Her stomach turned as she spotted the uniformed officer standing on the other side. Rolling the window down, she asked, “Is there a problem, sir?” She already calculated the mental list. Back light out. Missing muffler. Stinky exhaust and about a dozen other things only a mechanic could find.
“Good morning, ma’am.” He took off his dark sunglasses and hooked them into his front pocket. “I’m Sheriff Bash. I just noticed your tag.”
Oh shit! Did I forget to buy the registration sticker? She did…maybe. Maybe not. Openi
ng her mouth, she started to fling any excuse. “I can ex—”
“You’re from Chicago? I have family that live there.”
“Family? In Chicago?” Her voice squeaked. So he didn’t want to arrest her? “We just arrived an hour ago. My son, River, and I.”
“Hello there, young man.” The sheriff offered River a nice smile. “You two staying in Tarnation long?” He pushed his white hat further up on his forehead.
“We’re not sure exactly. We have a meeting with Mr. Robins. I’m afraid we’re running late.”
He nodded, adjusting his sunglasses back onto his nose. “Don’t worry, ma’am. Around these parts we’re not stickler about the time. It flows just like the creek.”
“That’s what I’ve heard.”
“I didn’t catch your name.”
“Alaska Kellington.”
“Well, you have a good day, Ms. Kellington. If you need anything while you’re in town you just give me a call.” With a tip of his chin he left the driver’s side and Alaska went on her way following the route Stella had given her to Mr. Robin’s office.
Stopping at the first red light she caught the interest in her son’s expression as he stared out at a group of boys and girls playing basketball in the park. “That was very nice of her, huh? Stella giving us a croissant.”
“She was nice. I like her.” His gaze didn’t waver from the fun scene outside.
Reaching for the croissant, she tore it in two and handed him half. “Here you go. I can’t eat it all.”
Taking his share, he bit into it and swiped the back of his hand across his mouth. The light turned green and River continued to watch the kids, craning his neck until he had to turn in the seat. He plopped back against the worn cushion and ate the last bit of croissant.
Alaska surveyed the shop fronts, charming brick buildings with quaint decorations of potted plants with ivy spilling out, freshly painted benches that welcomed people to sit, and rustic signs announcing fresh coffee and shabby chic woman’s clothing. Folks waved in greeting and she waved back, not something she was used to, but she didn’t mind.
Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3) Page 2