by Leah Braemel
No response.
After chancing a glimpse at Ben’s reddening face, Paige stared at the floor, willing her mouth not to utter the “holy shit” clawing at her throat to get out.
Her fingers pressed to the base of her throat, Cissy whispered. “Please tell me it wasn’t with Logan.”
More stony silence.
“Lord have mercy, I know your grandfather thought I was too liberal while raising you but I’m of a mind to fetch me a broom, and have Jake call nine-one-one because by the time I’m done with you, young man, you’re going to need serious medical attention.”
“Everyone, please!” Paige held up her hands. “Can we focus on Jake’s contract?”
“You’re right.” Cissy’s lips firmed. “But you haven’t heard the last about this, Benjamin. And Jacob, you and I will have a talk about how it isn’t right to talk about your brother’s private business in order to take negative attention off yourself.” As composed and regal as a queen, Cissy faced Jake. “Now tell Ben about your band and the tour that you’re arranging.”
“Our agent’s setting us up as an opening act for Cherokee Creek which means we’re going to have to travel around the state most weekends. And in the new year, I’ll be away for months at a time so you’ll have to get someone else to sleep out in the fields with the cows.”
While she’d heard Ruben say that Jake would need to go on the road, hearing Jake’s announcement was the equivalent of being hit in the face with a two-by-four. She’d finally met someone, someone decent, who liked her, accepted her, and he was going to go out and see places she’d never been, leaving her stuck in Joshua Falls. Fuck it. Every time she met someone she cared for, someone she wanted to stay in her life, they left.
Stop it, Paige. Jake’s got a chance of a lifetime and all you’re thinking about is yourself? Stop being so pathetic. Besides, the conversation had her making mental notes of things to research. The whole industry fascinated her. Surely bands would need accountants who could tell if their agents or recording companies were ripping them off. If she could bring in new clients, Bill would have no objection to keeping her on at Kligman and Tuckett. And if he still didn’t want her, she could open up her own office. If it was a viable option. Which meant doing some research.
“You have an agent as well as a record deal?” Ben paced the room, swearing under his breath. “Just when were you going to tell me any of this.”
“I’m telling you now. I didn’t know if I was going to sign until my agent gave the contract the green light so I didn’t figure it was worth getting people worked up. For all I knew it was a crap contract. Besides,” Jake continued, “I figured if I mentioned it to you, you’d tell me not to sign it.”
Ben’s eyes widened. “Why the fuck would I say that? Do you know how many people would give their left nut for a shot at fame like that? And when the fuck did you get an agent?”
“Language, Benjamin,” Cissy chided.
“Sorry, Ma.” Ben rolled his shoulders, though he stalked around the room. “So did the agent get you a good deal? Make sure all your rights are protected? Because I’ve heard there are some real sharks out there.”
Jake stiffened again, so Paige leaped in. “Of course he did. He found a really good agent in Fort Worth who represents a lot of bands I recognize.” All mid-listers, not big names, but it had made her feel confident enough in his abilities.
“And you want to sign it? Go out on the road with a band?”
“Yeah.” Jake nodded slowly. “Yeah, I do. I mean, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But if you can’t spare me, I mean, I know we’re shorthanded and all.”
Oh Jake, no. As much as she wanted him to stay in her life, and knew he was trying to be responsible, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“You’d give up a music contract to stay here?”
“My responsibility is to Bull’s Hollow first, right?”
Interesting how he didn’t mention about how worried he was about screwing up Cam, Drew and Hunter’s chance at fame too. The same as he’d protected his mother when she’d burned his father’s will. What if he was going to sign because he thought it was the right thing for everyone else? Because he didn’t want to let anyone else down? “Good deal.” Ben slowly nodded his head. “Sounds like you did everything right. Everything I would have suggested.” Ben crossed the distance between them and held out his hand. “I am proud of you, bro.”
Paige cupped her hands over her mouth at the shocked expression on Jake’s face. Maybe now Jake would believe her, and stop driving himself so hard to try to measure up to standards she doubted Ben set.
“It means I won’t be around to help with a lot of the chores,” Jake said, his voice thick with emotion as he shook Ben’s hand.
“So we’ll deal with things as they happen.” He lowered his voice and glanced at his mother pointedly then glared at Jake. “As for the other matter, you ever mention another word about that to Ma or anyone else ever again, and I will tear you a new one, you hear?”
“Deal.” Jake slid a glance at his mother. “I didn’t mean for it to come out the way it did.”
“So what does having a record contract mean?” Cissy asked. “Will you have to move to Nashville?”
“No.” He laid out the itinerary as Ruben had mentioned it, carefully not looking at Ben. “I should be able to keep up with most of my chores for the next couple of weeks. I won’t know anything more until I meet him on Friday.”
“Well, let me know what you decide and if we’ll need to hire someone to cover for you.” He strode to the front door. “Oh, and Randy has the new agreement to bring Gabe in as part owner ready to sign. He’s bringing it out on Monday for us to sign, so make sure you’re available.”
Jake wandered to the screen door, watching as Ben drove away. “That’s a first. I figured he’d pitch a hissy fit.”
His mother glided beside him. “I told you your brother loves you and is proud of you, honey.”
“I guess. He’s got a funny way of showing it sometimes though.”
Cissy stroked his arm. “He doesn’t blame you for the last year—well, he doesn’t blame only you. He’s angry at me, and at himself too.”
When was the last time she’d been comforted like that by either of her parents, Paige wondered. Certainly not ever by Dan. She’d loved clambering into her mother’s lap on the good days, the days her mother wasn’t drugged out of her skull. She’d follow along with her finger as her mother read her stories, cuddle, laugh. Especially when her mother would act out the giants from Where the Wild Things Are. While Fran, her father’s second wife, had tried hard to step in as her mother, that marriage had ended far too quickly and she’d found herself alone again.
“Why’s he angry at himself?”
“For not seeing Tank and Bonnie for what they were. For not bugging you more to find out what was going on. Why you were withdrawing from everything.” Cissy patted his cheek. “He feels like he’s failed the ranch and us too.”
For all of Cissy’s failings, did Jake realize how lucky he was?
“As for your contract, I’ll support whatever decision you make. Just promise me you’ll follow your own dreams.” Cissy’s gaze slid to Paige. “Not someone else’s.”
Well, wasn’t that a gut shot? Like she had any power over Jake’s decisions.
Chapter Ten
Come on, Jake. Phone me. Text me. Let me know how things are going.
For what felt like the fiftieth time, Paige scanned the column listing the checks Bonnie had written. Instead of verifying each one against the list of legitimate businesses, she found herself checking her email, her phone for texts, and then Jake’s Facebook status. Repeatedly. Damn, the mouse’s battery was going to wear out in short order if she kept this up. What if her advice about the Dotson Agency was wrong
? What if Ruben Dotson turned out to be a snake in the grass? While she knew little about the music industry, she’d read about some agents grabbing musicians’ rights for themselves. She’d asked a few questions on one of her accounting forums, but there was so much to learn.
She also wondered when Jake was going to get his head out of his ass and talk to Gabe. Despite his brother’s repeated reminders that they needed to talk face-to-face, Jake had been avoiding Gabe. “Stubborn man,” she muttered.
“What’s Jake done now?” Cissy looked up from the pile of receipts Paige had handed her to confirm.
“Nothing. I just wish he’d phone and tell us how things were going.”
Cissy’s lips compressed in a smile. “I know. I keep checking my phone too.”
The front door opened and a man’s voice called for Cissy.
“That’s Randy. I wasn’t expecting him today.” Cissy popped up from her chair and checked her hair in the mirror. “Darn, my lipstick’s worn off. Paige, can you—”
A middle-aged man appeared in the doorway. Wearing an expensive-looking suit, and even more expensive cowboy boots that Paige wagered had never seen the inside of a barn, if they’d ever touched grass.
“I wasn’t expecting you out this way today.” Cissy hurried to him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Huh, so not a salesman either. Or at least one Cissy was happy to see.
“Oh, where are my manners.” Cissy jumped, then smoothed her hands down her thighs. “Paige Reynolds, this is Randy Freeman. Randy’s an old friend of our family—he was Eddie’s best friend.”
“I’m Bull’s Hollow’s lawyer too.” Randy shook Paige’s hand, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re the new accountant who’s here to fix up the Panola mess.”
“Yes, sir.”
Had Jake told him about her relationship to Double R Developers? And if he had, had the lawyer deliberately chosen a time when Jake wasn’t around to visit to sever the relationship between Bull’s Hollow and K&T? Or had Jake failed to warn her?
“I’m looking forward to reading your report when you’re done.” Randy nodded to Paige but his forehead stayed furrowed. “Cissy, we need to talk.” His gaze flickered to Paige and the furrow deepened. “In private. If you don’t mind, Ms. Reynolds. Nothing personal, you understand.”
“Of course not.” Paige eased out of her chair. “I’ll just go into the kitchen and get myself a coffee.”
“No,” Randy stopped her. “Why don’t you stay here. There’s no need for us to interrupt your work. Cissy and I can talk in the kitchen. Or the great room, maybe.”
Paige returned to the pile of receipts Cissy had approved, matching them up with the reports.
A half hour later Cissy returned, her eyes red and puffy, her nose red too.
“Cissy! What’s wrong?”
“Everything.” Her hands trembling, she clutched Paige’s arm. “Jake’s going to be destroyed. Absolutely destroyed.”
Paige’s stomach heaved. If she hadn’t already been sitting, she’d have fallen, her knees went so weak. “What’s the matter? Did something happen to Ben? Was there an accident?”
“No, it’s not Ben. He’s okay. It’s—”
“Maybe you should call it an early day, Ms. Reynolds,” Randy said from the doorway.
“No.” Cissy’s voice rose an octave, panic filling it. “Jake’s going to need her here.”
“This is a private matter, Ciss. A family matter, not for outsiders.”
“Paige isn’t an outsider. She’s Jake’s girlfriend. She stays.” Cissy clasped Paige’s hand, gripping it so hard Paige’s eyes watered. “Please. For Jake’s sake. He’s not going to talk to me after this.”
What the hell had happened that Jake wouldn’t talk to his mother? Oh shit, was Gabe suing them both after all?
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.” Cissy nodded. “He’s going to need someone with him he trusts.”
Randy turned a sharp-eyed gaze on Paige with no sign of tenderness, only cool assessment that had her bristling. “I expect you to keep anything you hear this afternoon to yourself, Miss Reynolds. You do not talk about what goes on here to your mother, your father, your aunt, your brothers and sisters. Hell, if you’re Catholic, you don’t even tell your priest.”
“Of course.” Did this really need to be said? “I signed a confidentiality agreement as part of my contract with K&T, and they signed one when your clients hired them. That binds me from speaking about anything I see or hear while I’m on Bull’s Hollow, or whatever I learn of your clients or your clients’ business.”
“Confidentiality agreements don’t stop people from talking when they shouldn’t.”
“It stops me, Mr. Freeman. Even if my name wasn’t on that agreement, I know how to keep my mouth shut. My reputation is too valuable for me to screw it up by talking out of turn.” Not that she’d say anything that would affect Jake or his family.
“If that’s true, you’re one in ten million, Ms. Reynolds.” He held his hand out to Cissy. “Come on, honey, let’s go out into the living room. Make ourselves comfortable until Jake arrives.”
Her stomach pitching, Paige trailed them. Dear God, what had happened?
* * *
Holy crap. The band had agreed to his suggestions on everything—signing Ruben as their agent, hiring the guy Ruben suggested as their tour manager. Best of all, Ruben had already started negotiations with Southern Gents, and felt positive they’d have a deal reached within the week. Once he parked beside Paige’s motorcycle, Jake hopped out of the truck and swore his feet still weren’t touching the ground.
The whole drive home from Carter Valley, Jake had been picturing himself up on stage at The Grand Ol’ Opry. Thousands of people listening to him sing. Imagining turning on the radio, hearing his song playing, maybe even the DJ saying it was on Billboard’s Top Ten.
The only downside of the day was the thought that being on the road might cause some friction with Paige. Traveling wouldn’t be an issue for Drew, who hadn’t ever had a steady girlfriend. Or even Hunter—well, boyfriend for Hunter if Jake’s suspicions were correct. But Ruben’s concerns about his relationship with Paige had acted like super-fast-acting fertilizer on the fear that had been niggling in the shadows. The sucker had grown roots and twined around his confidence. He liked Paige. Knew she liked him. They clicked. In a way he’d never before connected with anyone else.
Then there was the whole issue of being part owner of Bull’s Hollow. If the legacy was still intact, he would have considered the contract a godsend. But now he had responsibilities. Employees. Cattle. Bison. Horses.
Family.
He walked to the edge of the house and stared over the land. His land. Where he’d get married. They’d have kids—with Paige’s jet black hair and his waves. Okay, that came out of left field. God, he’d known her less than a month and he was already imagining not only getting hitched, but having kids?
He blew out a breath and rubbed the heel of his hand against his sternum.
Yet other images flashed through his imagination. Of him taking them camping down beside the lake, the way Pop had with him. He’d teach them to swim either right here in Lake Grady or down at The Hollow. Watch their eyes sparkle as they watched the sun’s rays catch the glass panes of the house in the evening. He’d set aside a hot dog from the night’s cookout, get up early and put a slice on a hook and then drop in the line. Teach them how to jig it just right to attract a hungry cat fish. Then when they got older, he’d teach them how to rope a calf. And the fastest way to muck out a stable. Shit, yeah, he was thinking plural rug rats. Where the hell was this coming from? However many he had, he’d make sure they’d love the land the way he always had.
Damn it, what was he doing thinking about going on the road? Giving up all this?
Was it too late to back out? He’d told the band—and their agent—he’d sign the contract once the deal had been struck. Was there a way he could have a singing career without being on the road 280 days of the year?
There had to be. In the meantime, Paige and his mother were probably inside, waiting impatiently. He was surprised they hadn’t been hitting him with text messages for the past hour.
A cold blast of air greeted him as he entered the double story entrance. Strange how Ben hated the place, thought it was one massive museum, yet it had always felt like home to Jake. Well, not when Gramps was in residence, but his grandmother had always made him feel welcome.
He kicked the dirt off his boots and called, “Hey, Paige? Momma?”
“They’re out here, Jake.” Randy rose from the sofa in the living room.
Huh, what was he doing all the way out here? Or was Ben right in his suspicions that Randy had a minor crush going on their mother? Which was...ewww.
“Hey, Randy, what are you doin’ here?”
All his protective instincts went apeshit when he noticed his mother’s puffy eyes and reddened nose. Holy crap, what had happened? He diverted to where Cissy sat stiffly beside Paige.
“Momma, what’s wrong?” He squatted in front of her and she grabbed his hand in a death grip. Her fingernails dug into his skin, but he dared not move. “Has something happened to Gram? Is Ben all right?”
Or had Gabe’s lawyer filed a lawsuit against Cissy for destroying his father’s holographic will? Or...oh fuck no. Had Momma hidden some money and Paige found it? No, then Paige and his mother wouldn’t be sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.
He sought out Paige who gave a tiny shake of her head. The slight lift of her shoulders and raised eyebrows a cue that whatever it was, she didn’t know either. Which meant it wasn’t to do with the books.
“I’m so sorry, Jake,” Cissy whispered. “Please forgive me.”
Shit. He cranked around to meet Randy’s gaze. “Let me guess. Gabe’s suing us?”