“What’s with Kylie’s hair?” Bridgett snuck another look over her shoulder, hoping it would lighten the mood. “It’s so big and glittery.”
“One of the girls was practicing her wedding updos today and Kylie was the guinea pig.”
“What’s the theme of the wedding?” Bridgett asked. “Attack of the killer beehive?”
“I told her it was too much.” Ruby laughed. “But it’s her area of expertise. If the clients are okay with it, I am, too.”
Bridgett sat in the chair across from her mother. Neither one of them spoke.
“Well, Mom?” Bridgett leaned forward. “I’m here. What did you want to talk about?”
Ruby tilted her head to one side. “You seem different.”
Bridgett sighed. Here we go with the Ruby theatrics. “Mom, I’m exactly the same as I was last week, and the week before that. My hair hasn’t changed, my clothes haven’t changed, nothing has changed.”
“You’re glowing,” Ruby said, turning her head slightly, studying Bridgett further.
“It’s called grease.” Bridgett stood and grabbed a tissue off her mother’s desk, wiping at her face. “I worked in the kitchen most of the morning.”
“Are you pregnant?” Ruby asked as if it was the most normal question to ask her daughter in the middle of the afternoon.
Bridgett closed her eyes and tried to formulate a non-sarcastic answer. “No, I’m not. Why am I here?”
“Are you sure?” Ruby reached for her daughter. “If you’re not practicing safe sex, you know the risk you’re taking.”
Oh, that did it. “You would know, because having an affair with a married man and getting pregnant makes you an expert.”
Ruby’s head jerked sideways as if Bridgett had physically slapped her across the face.
“That was harsh.”
“I’m sorry. Yes, it was. This is why I avoided the situation.” Bridgett walked to the office door. “Mom, just for the record I don’t blame you for getting pregnant with Darren’s baby, excuse me, babies. I blame Darren. He was a much older married man who knew better. I’m not even sure if it’s fair of me to blame you for separating Abby and me at birth. The jury’s still out on that one. But until I can figure it out, these conversations are not healthy for either one of us because we end up hurting each other. I don’t want that.”
Ruby stood, wringing her perfectly manicured hands. “How do we work through it then?”
“Let it come naturally.” The pain in her mother’s eyes gripped Bridgett’s heart like a vise. “You’ve done remarkably well at giving me my space these past few weeks and I thank you. I’m still hurt and angry, but not as much as when this first happened. Maybe I’ll see it your way one day. Can you accept that and promise not to force it? We need to take it day by day.”
“I don’t like it, but yes, I can.” Ruby dropped her arms to her sides and shifted away from the door. “I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
Bridgett stepped into the hallway, spun around and gave her mother a hug. “I love you, Mom. That hasn’t changed.”
“I love you, too, honey.” Tears ran down Ruby’s face, taking her mascara and eyeliner with it.
Bridgett swiped at her mother’s tears with her thumb. “I have to go. I have a cooking lesson with Mazie before my date with Adam tonight.”
Ruby dabbed at her makeup. “I’m sorry I couldn’t afford to send you to Le Cordon Bleu with Mazie.”
“It wasn’t what I wanted anyway.” Bridgett grabbed a tissue for herself. “You did the best you could, struggling to provide for me and growing this business. I have a lot of respect for you. But how you did it alone is beyond me. And that’s why I’m furious with Darren. You shouldn’t have had to do it alone. You were entitled to child support. I don’t understand why you let him get away with it.”
“Do you realize how embarrassing it would’ve been?” Ruby asked.
“Embarrassing for who? You? I’d think it would’ve been more embarrassing for the married man who cheated on his wife and kids.”
“He wants to see you.” Ruby shuffled her feet.
“Maybe I’ll want to see him, too, but not now.”
“Abby on the—”
Bridgett held up her hands. “We’re talking about me, not Abby. I have to focus on myself. I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t even know if I’m going to stay in Ramblewood.”
“You’re thinking of leaving?” Her mother’s complexion paled. “With Adam?”
Bridgett shook her head. “In theory it sounds wonderful, but he’s a ranch hand, mom. I can’t ask him to spend all his money on an apartment with me. Room and board is part of his pay, take it away and I have no idea how much of a paycheck he’s really left with at the end of the week. I might as well tell you...I’ve been contemplating leaving Ramblewood since the night you told me the truth. I want a fresh start where no one has heard of me. It might be a little difficult with Darren’s media coverage, but I’m willing to try.”
Bridgett had expected her mother to ask her to stay. Instead, she remained silent. Her shoulders slumped forward with resignation, the fight completely gone. She’d seen her mother through rough times in the past, but she hadn’t looked this physically dejected before. It frightened Bridgett.
“Are you still seeing the owner of the movie theatre?” Her mother had sworn there was nothing going on, but Bridgett knew better.
“I haven’t been to the movies in a few weeks.” Her mother turned quickly, facing her desk and grabbing another tissue. “I’ve been spending time with Darren lately.” The words were barely audible.
Bridgett’s knees buckled, and she steadied herself against the filing cabinet. “Mom, no. He’s still married.”
“We’re not having sex.” Ruby faced her daughter.
Bridgett squeezed her eyes tightly. “Please stop. Too much information, Mom. I—I really need to go.” Bridgett gave Ruby one final hug and dashed out the salon’s rear exit to avoid the salon patrons’ watchful gazes. Her mother and Darren? Correction. Her mother and her father were seeing each other. The thought left an acrid taste in her mouth.
Running across the street, Bridgett pushed open the iron gate leading to the Bed & Biscuit walkway. Realizing it hadn’t made its usual heavy clank behind her, she stopped at the base of the porch stairs and spun around.
“Adam!” Bridgett jumped into his arms. “You have no idea how much I needed to see you.”
“Didn’t you hear me calling you from across the street?” Adam gave her a quick kiss and stepped back, looking at her carefully. “It was all I could do to keep up with you. I saw you run out of the salon. What’s wrong?”
“Mom wanted to talk, which went better than I had anticipated. She agreed to continue to give me space and then she told me she’s seeing Darren.”
Bridgett wondered if she’d looked as stunned as Adam when she’d heard the news. He snapped his mouth shut, closed the distance between them and gathered her into his arms. His mouth claimed hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Pulling back slightly, he ran his hands up and down her arms. “I’m sorry.”
Bridgett shook her head in dismay. “Let’s not talk about it right now. What are you doing here so early?”
“Shane sent me to pick up an order from the Feed & Grain. And I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to kiss you.”
“I can’t wait till tonight, and please tell me you don’t have to work too late tomorrow. It’s Halloween, and Lawson’s Farm puts on an incredible show. I really want to go with you.”
“Need me to protect you in the haunted maze?” Adam’s fingers drifted over her collar bone. “Afraid a vampire bat will bite you.”
Bridgett shivered against his touch. “Stop that. You’re giving me goose bumps.” She giggled. “You’re never too old for a Lawson H
alloween haunting.”
“I think I can swing protecting my girl from ghosts and ghouls.” Bridgett swatted his hands away. “I need to get back to the ranch, though. See you later?”
“Are you sure you have time for me tonight?” Bridgett fingered the buttons on his shirt.
“I’ll make time.” Adam’s expression stilled, becoming more serious. “There’s no place I’d rather be than with you.”
Chapter Eight
The following night Adam wasn’t sure if he should be frightened or horrified by the hayride they’d just left. He was still trying to figure out how they’d pulled off the headless horseman. He thought the horse was Shane’s, but the rider had been far too short. The worst part had been its eerie resemblance to one of his shows. An “Alice Cooper meets Lizzie Borden” vibe. Although having just been chased with a chainsaw in the middle of the night left little to be desired. Whether it was real or not, it sent his pulse soaring.
Adam’s phone rang. Roman. He’d given his new number out to only three people from his old life. Lizzy, Phil and Roman.
“Happy Halloween,” Adam answered, distancing himself from Bridgett and the Lawsons so they wouldn’t overhear his conversation.
“I hope you’re enjoying yourself in Texas because it’s hitting the fan here.”
Adam felt as if his heart had stopped beating. “What do you mean? And how did you know I was in Texas?”
“Phil told me. And have you checked out TMZ lately?” Roman’s irritation bit through the phone. “During a radio interview this afternoon, JP announced the band had broken up, and according to reputable sources—brace yourself—you’re in rehab for every addiction the tabloids have ever claimed.”
“I’m in what?” Adam shouted, attracting Bridgett’s attention from across the field. He waved and lowered his voice. “What the hell is my family going to think? They might actually believe it this time.”
Not that this was any different from ninety percent of the stories the so-called media tossed his way.
“It gets better.” Roman cleared his throat. “They say you’re in rehab in Texas.”
“What the hell? Who goes to rehab in Texas?” Adam felt his shirt begin to cling to his body. “Where in Texas?”
“San Antonio.”
Adam exhaled loudly. “It’s not exactly the next town over, but it’s close enough. When they don’t find me, the paparazzi will hit the neighboring towns. Can’t you release a statement for me? Divert them far away from here. Confirm the band breaking up part, but deny rehab. Tell them I am off hiking somewhere in Ecuador or...I don’t care where. Better yet, have one of the body doubles we used in Japan to divert the fan-mobs photographed in the Australian outback. Sell it to the media. No paparazzo will trek through that terrain to find me.”
“Then how am I going to explain the supposed photograph of you?”
“What, I have to do your job for you?” Adam’s hand trembled. “Say a tourist took it. Don’t make it too perfect. Put my publicist on it.” Bridgett caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. “I have to go. Text me when you have something. I can’t talk when I’m at the bunkhouse. Too many people around.”
“Why are you living in a bunkhouse anyway? You can afford to buy any house in the world.”
Adam took a deep breath in an attempt to steady his nerves. “It’s not about the money, it’s about rebuilding my life. You wouldn’t understand. I have to go.”
Adam hung up the phone before Roman had a chance to answer him. He had faith his manager would handle it. But he’d wished his team had been more proactive instead of reactive. Of course, that was his own fault. If he’d issued a press release as soon as their tour ended, none of this would have happened. Instead he had decided to wait for the right time and now his lies had begun to snowball. He needed a better grip on the situation. He also needed to stay away from the center of Ramblewood. On Bridle Dance he was safe from the prying eyes. He’d promised to take Bridgett to the Halloween party at Slater’s Mill tonight, but he should probably stay home and lie low. Would wearing a mask fool the paparazzi?
“What’s wrong?” Bridgett asked. The worry etched into her brow was visible in the moon’s glow. “You seemed upset on the phone.”
Adam had repeatedly told himself he wasn’t lying to Bridgett. He had just purposely left out a portion of the truth. But that didn’t make him any more honest, and the longer this ruse continued, the deeper he dug his own grave. “It was just news I didn’t want to hear. It will work out in the end.”
“You’re not leaving, are you?” Bridgett tilted her head, studying him. “You don’t look good.”
“I’m not leaving.” Adam entwined his fingers with Bridgett’s. “I have an idea. Instead of going to the Halloween party tonight, why don’t we pack a midnight picnic and take a drive.” Maybe if he had her alone, the truth would come easier.
“I’d love to, but I have to be at the luncheonette by three in the morning to prepare for catering the police chief’s retirement party tomorrow. I would have had to cut tonight short anyway.”
“When were you planning on telling me?”
Bridgett fiddled with the frayed waistband on her denim jacket. “It’s been a few days since we spent time together, and I hoped I’d have the energy to stay out. But I’m wiped. Between the Halloween orders and the retirement party, Maggie and I have spent the past few days decorating a thousand cupcakes, twenty sheet cakes, and we still have to prepare a full dinner and dessert menu for the chief. It’s extra money, though, and I’m grateful for it. It will help me afford an apartment and a new car. Well, a new used car.”
“An apartment?” Adam hadn’t thought of Bridgett moving out of the Bed & Biscuit. “Where are you moving to?”
“I’m not sure yet. But a restaurant in San Antonio asked me to come in for an interview. If they hire me, I’d be managing a place similar to The Magpie, only with more employees. My interview’s Tuesday afternoon.”
“You’re really going through with this?” Adam turned, storming to his truck. He’d asked her to stay the other day and she had totally disregarded it.
Bridgett scrambled to keep up with him. “Why are you so surprised? I told you from the beginning I planned on leaving town. No one here is hiring for the position or salary I’m looking for. I’ll need to make a lot more money to buy my own restaurant.”
Adam opened the truck door and then slammed it shut. “I figured since you and I had something going on, you’d reconsider. Especially when I told how much I’d hate to see us end before we began.”
“I don’t want that, either.” Bridgett reached for him, but he shrugged out of her grasp. “But I can’t put my life on hold forever. I’d already applied for this job before you came to town and I at least have to see whether it’s something I want.” She looked up at him, her eyes begging him to understand.
“You’re not even sure how long you’ll stay in Ramblewood,” she continued. “Maybe you could move to San Antonio—it’s not that far. Plus, you’re missing the giant if factor. A lot has to fall into place before it happens. I have to get myself there first. My car certainly won’t make it and I can’t ask Mazie to borrow hers without raising suspicion.”
“She knows.” Adam dug his boot into the ground. “She told me the day of your birthday. You forgot to clear your browser history and I forget to tell you.”
Bridgett pulled her jacket tighter across her chest. “What she must think of me.”
“She thinks what you’re doing is admirable.” Adam met her eyes, hoping she could see how much he wanted her to stay. “But she’d rather you did it in Ramblewood.”
“Defeats the purpose of a fresh start, doesn’t it?” Bridgett paced the length of the truck. “I can’t do it, Adam. I need to get out of here.”
Adam’s heart tore in half. Bridg
ett worked multiple jobs, only one of which she was paid for, and couldn’t afford a decent car or an apartment. He busted his ass for a job he didn’t need. He could afford to make their lives much more enjoyable if he’d tell her who he was.
“Why don’t we move in together?” Adam asked. Bridgett didn’t need to know how much he brought home. She wouldn’t have to use any of her own money toward the rent, enabling her to buy a car and still save for her restaurant. What the hell am I thinking? He couldn’t consciously live with Bridgett and continue to hide the truth from her. It was hard enough now, but sleeping with her...creating a home together? No. The whole truth needed to come out and then she could decide if getting a place together was still an option...or if she still wanted anything to do with him. He took a deep breath. “Bridgett, we need to talk.”
“Adam, we’ve only known each other for a week and half.” Her laughter had a sharp edge to it. “I may be untraditional in many ways, but I still believe in getting married before moving in with a guy. I’m in no way pressuring you to propose to me. I am enjoying us, and that doesn’t have to change if I move away. We’re both working crazy schedules anyway, so then why does it matter if I’m here or an hour and a half from here? I need to do this for myself. I need a fresh start.”
The reality of what she’d said hit Adam square in the jaw. He’d already admitted to himself that he kept the truth from her because he selfishly wanted a fresh start of his own. He understood her drive to make a new life for herself. He wouldn’t stand in her way.
“You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”
Bridgett nodded. “I told Maggie last week and my mom the other day. Why does it have to affect us?”
Adam jammed his hands in his pockets. His pulse slowed as if it tried to beat through molasses. “I won’t ask you to change your mind. You deserve to put yourself first. But leave me out of the equation. It complicates things.
“Are you breaking up with me?” Bridgett’s voice shook.
“I just think maybe we should take a break until you figure this out. If you really want a new life, own it. Once you’re grounded wherever you go, then we can see where we stand.”
Back to Texas Page 12