An impatient voice answered. “Hello.”
“Hey, Skye.”
“Shelby? Hell, I didn’t recognize your number. Where are you, and why haven’t you called me?”
“Sorry. I’m in Nashville going through Gran’s stuff and fixing the house up. I called from the home phone cause cell reception out here is sketchy.” Gosh it was good to hear her voice. She poured herself some tea and settled into the kitchen chair.
“Still?” She laughed. “I bet Camellia and John are having a fit.”
“You might say that.”
“I know that tone. What’s wrong? What have they done now? Andrew isn’t there with you is he?” Skye didn’t even try to contain her disgust over his name.
“No, he’s not.” Shelby gave up trying to hold back her tears. “You were right. I don’t know why I convinced myself what he did was okay.”
“Maybe because your mother forced him down your throat and convinced you it was. So what did that SOB do now to make you see the truth?”
“Nothing, I’ve only heard from him twice since I’ve been here. You might say I’ve had a revelation.” She wiped at her face and took a sip of her drink.
“Good. I mean, not good that it happened, but…you know. Please tell me you ended that engagement?”
“Yeah, I did. Funny. I did before this happened. I mailed his ring back to him.”
“Hallelujah! Someone needs to nut-cut him. So how long will you be in Nashville?”
Shelby sat cross-legged in the chair and couldn’t help but think of all the times Ethan had protected her. How he’d unleashed on the guy in the bar. All of it only made what Andrew did more sickening. How had she been so blind?
“Shelby, you there?”
“Sorry. What did you ask?”
“So who is he?”
“What do you mean?”
Skye snorted, and Shelby could almost see her eye roll. “We’ve been friends too long. You’ve met someone.”
“I’ve made some friends. That’s all. Real ones. Like you. Except if Mom saw them she would flip. They make you look like an angel.”
Skye laughed. “That’s awesome. I’m really sorry about Gran, but this was exactly what you needed. Get some space and realize how controlling they were.”
“I hired a couple of guys to help out here, because the house is falling apart. They are fixing the roof tomorrow. I am working at a bar downtown. I didn’t even want to ask for money from my mom.” She paused, so hard to voice what she’d been thinking. “I…I may not go back.”
“Seriously? I would so give you a high five if I were there, girl. That’s it. I’m coming for a visit.”
Shelby grinned. “Yes, you should. You got your cousin’s books sorted yet?”
“No,” Skye muttered. “They are a fecking mess. I can’t seem to make heads or tails of them. I told him so, and all he did was shrug. I never even see him in the office. I dunno how he makes his money. I do know the excitement of Vegas has worn off. This place is full of sleezeballs. Speaking of, here comes one now. Gotta go. Love ya!”
“Bye.”
Shelby clicked the button and laid the phone on the table, leaned back, and took another drink of the chilled tea. Her focus went to straight to the island…again. Then to the stepladder.
New memories were being made in this house.
She moved to the front porch and sat in Gran’s rocker. The sun was setting, and the quiet solitude was only interrupted by the chirps of the crickets and the buzz of the insects. This felt more like home than Houston ever had. The hustle of that big Texas city was something she would never miss.
She didn’t want to leave this town or sell Gran’s house. Now all she had to do was tell her mom and John. A knot formed in her belly. Somehow, she would do it.
Shelby was up early the next morning despite all the tossing and turning she did. Ethan’s kisses came to life in her dreams and tormented her. Except this time they hadn’t stopped. She had no idea how she was going to look at him today without turning crimson.
Then there was a knock on her door. She peeked through the blinds, saw the guys, and straightened her spine. She could do this. She was an adult. She pulled the door open and pushed through the wooden screen one.
Just in time to see him strapping on a tool belt that hung low on his hips. After doing the buckle, he looked up and flashed that smile. The one that made those butterflies go nuts. He wore cargo shorts, work boots, a worn tee shirt, and his shades. Of course the sleeves were gone. She was beginning to think he didn’t own a shirt left intact.
She sucked in her bottom lip and blushed head to toe. She’d never been attracted to construction guys like most girls. Never saw the appeal.
Until now.
“Just wanted to let you know we were here,” Ethan said.
Zak wore something similar, and he tossed her a wave as he carried a ladder to the side of the house. She could categorize him as cute, but nothing. Not one flipping butterfly.
“Hi, Zak,” she said as he passed between Ethan and her.
How come only Ethan seemed to have that effect on her?
Ethan shoved up his shades and took one step—close enough she could tell he was assessing her.
“That’s a nice color on you.”
Confused, she looked down at her solid brown tank top. He chuckled, and she jerked her head up and then blushed even more. She touched her face.
He winked and flicked his shades back over his eyes.
“So funny, Ethan.” She put her hands on her hips and attempted a glare.
“Not working for you, Brown Eyes.” He laughed and followed Zak around the corner of the house.
She couldn’t stop her smile or the warm bubblies that tickled her belly.
A few hours later, she was, once again, knee deep in paperwork, but had finally made it to Gran’s room. The guys were still working, and she swore they were going to come through the roof any moment. The banging and noise from the air compressor was enough to make a person deaf. She rubbed her eyes, then put her glasses back on as she scanned document after document. The ‘keep’ pile was nothing more than a small stack of papers.
She’d gotten faster at it without the urge to read every receipt just to see what Gran had bought. And the tears didn’t come as often. She reached into the box and grabbed the last bit at the bottom, when she noticed a thick plastic envelope. A big rubber band held it tightly together. Her name was written in marker across the front.
She opened it and pulled out a couple of papers. The top one got her attention. It was a handwritten letter addressed to her in Gran’s familiar handwriting.
Shelby,
If you’re reading this, then I’m gone. Don’t cry for me. I’m happy, finally with my Calvin again. Don’t be too mad at your mom. She thought she was doing right by you by taking you to Houston. They could provide for you like I couldn’t. But even I could see they wouldn’t let you be you.
You darling girl. I knew you would go through all this mess. Camellia and John never would. This is for you and your eyes only.
Take these papers to the address at the bottom. Do whatever you want with it, the house and the land. I wanted you to have a choice. Whatever you want to be. You’re a smart girl. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different. Any decision you make, know I approve.
Taking care of you and watching you grow were some of the best memories of my life. You are a joy. And each time you called warmed my heart. Don’t be upset you couldn’t come see me like you wanted. It’s okay.
I love you sweet girl, Gran
Tears blurred her vision. She missed her. So much. Her warm hugs and welcoming smile…everything that made Gran the best in the world. She looked around and wiped at her face. All this mess had been done on purpose? To hide this?
She flicked through more papers, and her mouth fell open. Surely she was reading this wrong? Her heart quickened. She’d only just decided she was staying here and keeping the house, not knowing h
ow she would ever manage it. If what she read was correct, she didn’t have to worry anymore.
DirtSlap was playing at Booseys, and Shelby did her best to keep up with the crowd. Not an easy feat. The guys were quickly gaining popularity in Nashville. Lila and Cassie were working with her, but it amazed her how calm they were in the chaos. They laughed and flirted with the customers and easily evaded any grabby hands. She really needed to take lessons from them.
“I bet ya’ll know this one. If you do, let me hear ya,” Ethan said. The band fired up a David Allen Coe cover.
All bar activity stopped as the crowd sang every word. So loudly she could barely hear Ethan’s voice. She spotted Cassie standing on a chair, singing along—Cas’ signature move.
Ethan dominated the tiny stage. His size alone would do it, but she could tell he gained confidence with every performance. It showed when, as soon as the country classic was over, the beat sped up, and he screamed “Nightmare” into the mic.
It was another song she wasn’t familiar with, but it showcased their skill as musicians. Of course, most of the crowd wore stunned expressions and some even left. Honestly, she didn’t know what these people expected with a guy who looked like him.
Then that laugh.
Good Lord, it buzzed up her spine and left her reeling. He held her spellbound when he sang like that. It was like getting a glimpse inside him.
Their original songs mixed their country roots with a metal feel. She’d never heard anything like it, but they owned it. She’d overheard Cassie say that Thrand and Zak wrote those.
A girl snapped her fingers in front of her face, and Shelby jumped.
“I know he’s nice to look at, but I need a beer,” the customer snapped.
“Sorry. Got it.” She went back to work and did her best to keep to the task at hand.
A few hours later, the gig was over, and the crowd had thinned to nothing. They sat around a table, and Ryan was swinging a purple bra with his fingers.
“Is that the bra that was hanging off your guitar?” Cassie asked while she leaned against Thrand.
Chapter 9
“Yup. They tossed it at Ethan, and he hung it there,” Ryan answered, a smirk on his face.
Lila rolled her eyes. “You’re such a horndog.”
“Not my fault. I’m just enjoying the benefits of my profession and my irresistibleness.”
“More made up words?” Ethan took a drink of his beer. “And for the record, they tossed it at me. Not you. I was just helping you out.”
“It worked like a charm. Feel free to spread it around whenever you like, my friend.” Ryan sighed like a satisfied cat and leaned back in his chair.
Ryan had gone missing shortly after the show and now lipstick smeared his cheek.
“Here.” She handed him a napkin. “You got something on your face.”
He took it and swiped at it. “What do you know? Lipstick. Wonder where that came from?”
“Oh, I dunno. Maybe that chick you banged in the back alley?” Angel said as she walked by. “Did you at least get her name this time?”
Ryan grinned like a fiend then tried to concentrate. “Let’s see…Susan? Marsha? Or was it Martha?”
Shelby choked on her beer. “You have no idea, do you?”
Ryan shrugged. “None at all.”
Lila was right. He was a horndog.
“Zak, you want to grab a bite to eat?” Lila asked as she stood.
Per usual, Zak had a water bottle in his hand, and he shook his head. “Naw.”
Shelby could tell Lila was perplexed by the answer he gave with no explanation behind it. The girl played it off, though, and shoved back her red hair.
“Then I’m outta here. Got an early in the morning. Later guys.”
A chorus of byes followed her out the door.
“Guys, there was a producer here tonight,” Thrand said, his expression serious.
Ethan’s beer stopped halfway to his lips, and Ryan dropped all four legs of the chair on the floor and leaned forward. Even Zak seemed focused.
“I knew he was coming, but didn’t want to throw off our game by telling you.”
“Probably a good idea. So he say anything?” Ethan asked.
“He wants to meet.” Thrand rubbed the back of his neck with his tatted arm and frowned. “Not sure what to think. He said he liked our sound, but was confused by it. Said we needed to pick a genre and stick to it.”
Zak shoved at the hair that hung in his face. “He wants to fix us.”
Wasn’t often Zak said more than one word, but when he did, the guys listened.
“You’re probably right. But it doesn’t hurt to hear what he has to say,” Ryan offered.
“We could. But he had an issue with Ethan’s look.” Thrand met Ethan’s gaze.
“Shit.” Ryan shook his head.
“I’m out,” Zak said flatly without pause.
Shelby watched a muscle tick in Ethan’s jaw as he stared back at Thrand. She wasn’t sure, but she got a sense he was testing Thrand.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“I think your look and your voice make the band.” Thrand stretched an arm behind Cassie. “I’m all for listening to criticism, but telling us what we should sing and how we should look isn’t negotiable. I figured you guys would agree, so I told him to take a hike.”
Ethan nodded but didn’t respond.
“Did he not see how the crowd responded?” Cassie asked, fire in her green eyes.
“All he said was some people left.” Thrand tugged at her hair. “Don’t get all wound up, Buzz. He’s just one of many.”
“He’s a dumbass if you ask me,” Cassie spat.
“Are you guys looking to make it big?” Shelby didn’t know what their end goal was. She assumed the big time.
Ethan looked at her, and she flushed. It was impossible not to.
“Whatever happens—happens. As long as I’m having a good time.”
The rest of the band nodded in agreement.
*
Once again, Ethan’s high from the amazing gig was disintegrating. Of course the fucking producer didn’t like him. Who the hell really did? He looked at Shelby. She might. But she didn’t really know him.
He knew he liked the blush that hit her cheeks every time he looked at her. But she looked so fucking out of place. Sitting straight in her chair, her hands folded in her lap just so. Now and then she would push strands of her dark brown hair behind her ear and lick her lips. The rest of them slouched, cussed, and were overall just crude.
He narrowed his gaze past Shelby’s head, and the hairs on his neck stood on end. Mick walked towards him with another guy following. As they got closer, a tingle of recognition spread through Ethan. And not in a good way. He tensed, trying to place where he knew him. He blinked as flashes of the past sped by in rapid succession.
Ethan shoved his chair back so hard it toppled to the floor, and he shot to his feet. Blood pumped hotly as he glared. He was older, but he was certain. Spaz gave him that sleazy smile, and Ethan launched at him.
“You sorry assed mother fucker.” Ethan shoved him hard against the bar, doubled his fist, and slugged him in the face. Blood spurted from the guy’s lip.
Mick and Dooley pulled him off.
“What the hell are you doing?” Mick asked.
Spaz laughed. “You always were a feisty lil shit.”
Ethan jerked free and punched him in the gut, making the asswipe gasp for air. “Nothing little about me anymore. You’re gonna wish you’d never seen me.”
He was about to hit him again, when Mick stepped between them. “Back off! I thought you’d never met your dad?”
Ethan stilled. Bile threatened to choke him. “I don’t know what he told you, but that’s Spaz. The dealer that killed my mom—your sister.”
Shock registered on Mick’s face. He turned to the guy struggling to stand. “You told me your name was Danny.”
He spit, looked up, and stared at Etha
n. “It is.”
Cold dread filled his veins. “Mom said she had no clue who my dad was.”
“Is that why we share the same last name? Tackett.” Danny sat on a barstool and looked smug considering his lip was bloody, and he held his ribs like they hurt.
“Mom probably picked some random fucking name.” She had to. No way could this be his dad. “We don’t even look alike.”
Which was true. He looked more like Mick than Spaz. He refused to think of him in any other way.
Spaz reached up to his eye and pulled out a contact. One blue and one black eye stared back at him. That black eye was a mirror of his own. “When you do what I do, you need to hide your real identity. Need any more proof, you lil shit.”
Ethan stumbled back. His world tilted, and everything came rushing at him in a black angry mass. Spaz never acknowledged him when he was a kid and whenever he did, it was always ‘you lil shit’. Most of the time he was totally ignored. Those damn voices he tried to keep quiet screamed at him once more.
The tight knot in his gut exploded into fury.
“You killed her. You gave her the drugs that killed her.” Ethan rushed him and jerked him up. “I watched her die. I watched her choke on her own spit and vomit and fucking die.”
He shook him and gripped his throat and squeezed. Spaz clawed at his hands as he gasped for air. “I’m no one’s fucking lil shit.”
He enjoyed watching that black eye panic and go glassy. It gave him a thrill that startled him. It was like looking into his own from a distance.
Kill the demon within. The haunting voice from his past echoed in his ears.
Mick laid a hand on his arm. “Let me take are of this.”
Ethan swung his unfocused gaze to Mick but never released Spaz. “He killed her.”
Mick nodded, but anger simmered in his eyes. “Let me and Dooley take care of this. Trust me.”
Spaz’s struggles were becoming weaker as Ethan tried to fight his way through the rats-nest in his mind. He latched onto a stifled sob from behind him. He turned and saw Shelby, her hands covering her mouth, tears sliding down her face.
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