Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Aha! Good. There was one. She reached for the small card, eager to know. Her name was scrawled in messy writing over the top of the card. Avery opened it and read.

  I’m sorry. I know I’m driving you crazy.

  Lucas

  With a sigh, Avery placed the card back by the vase.

  There you go again, Lucas. Just when I’m ready to shut you out of my mind, you go and do something sweet.

  She inhaled, taking in the sweet smell of the roses.

  Lucas was bad news. The best thing she could do for herself was to stop thinking about him all together. With his wishy washy attitude, she just didn’t need it. Besides, what did she know about the man anyway?

  Sure, he’d opened up last night, though it wasn’t much.

  Lucas had been utterly torn by something. He’d been all over the place with what he wanted. So whatever. As much as Avery couldn’t deny a strong attraction, she didn’t need his drama.

  She had enough of her own to deal with.

  Speaking of which, Avery needed to hurry, grab her mother’s prescription so that she could meet up with Rodney. Today, she’d be taking the next step to finding out if he was her biological father or not. Avery grabbed an apple from the wicker basket on the table and bit into it, searching for her purse. There it was, on the end table, where she’d tossed it hastily last night after bolting from Lucas’s room. Mom and Dad had been asleep when she came back, and now she’d missed them this morning. It seemed like they worked harder and harder at the inn all the time, and especially when they were short staffed. It wasn’t right. Even though she didn’t particularly want the inn, it sucked that they weren’t enjoying retirement or something.

  For the most part, her parents enjoyed the inn. Even in a small town, with a place by the highway, travelers passing through stopped over a lot. Avery found it fascinating and interesting to learn about the different visitors, and what they did in life. Harmony’s Echo was just a pass through town. Not many ever stayed long. Strangers in and out, that’s all Avery had ever known.

  Now, two mysterious strangers wound up here, found a place in her life and she didn’t know what to do with them. Well, Lucas, what did he really do to have a place in her life? Nothing, other than drive her nuts, that is. Lucas was a man of many secrets. Why? What reasoning did he have to be so reclusive? Not that it was any of her business, but the way he pushed her buttons ... Argh!

  There she went again, allowing that man to slip into her thoughts again.

  “Get out of my head, Lucas, and stay out,” Avery muttered, staring hard at the roses.

  It was a thoughtful gesture.

  Forgetting about Lucas? It wasn’t going to be so easy.

  Ten minutes and many jumbled thoughts later, Avery stood in the line to pay for her mom’s prescriptions. The line moved forward quickly.

  Now, to drop them off at the house, stop by the inn and say hi to Mom and Dad, then to find Rodney.

  On the way back, Avery thought about filling her parents in right then and there about what was going on. She wasn’t lying to then, but she wasn’t doing any better by avoiding the conversations. She’d never, ever been one to not talk to them, so why the hell would she start now? Those were bad habits, and Avery already had enough of those. Didn’t everyone? She didn’t want to add secrecy to the list.

  Secrets. There she was judging Lucas for having them.

  She had no room to talk. No room to judge.

  Avery couldn’t even strike up the nerve to pursue her dreams. She couldn’t tell her mom and dad how even though they gave her love, a place to belong, that part of her still didn’t feel like she belonged. Just a small part, but it was enough to make her feel guilty for feeling it.

  By the time she’d put the bag on the table and headed to the inn, Avery still hadn’t come up with a decision.

  Mom stood behind the desk writing in a book. She looked up when the bell rang, signaling Avery’s entrance and her face broke out in a smile. She waved. “Hey! Good morning honey.”

  Avery planted a kiss on her mother’s temple. “Morning, Mom. I’m sorry I forgot your meds yesterday.”

  “Oh, it’s fine. Your father is just worrying over nothing. I told him not to call you and bother you last night. I had a feeling you hadn’t heard me anyway, and I never did get a chance to confirm if you had or hadn’t heard me. I love the man dearly, but he’s such a worry wart.”

  Avery smiled. “Well, I worry, too. I took your pills home. They’re sitting on the table next to the roses.”

  Her mom’s eyes lit up. “What a beautiful surprise they were this morning! When I saw they were for you, I could hardly contain my excitement. Who were they from? Jameson?”

  Avery shook her head. “No, Mom. Not from Jameson, though we did talk the other day to clear the air. I think we’ll be okay.”

  Mom’s eyebrows raised. “Well then, who are they from?”

  “Lucas,” Avery whispered, looking around to make sure he wasn’t anywhere in sight.

  “The guest that’s staying here? Your dad mentioned something about being seen with him. He’s good looking, honey, but what’s going on with the two of you?”

  “We’re ... connecting. He’s nice to talk to.” When he actually talked, instead of kissing her senseless then running off. That didn’t matter any longer. Avery would put a stop to that. No more kisses from Lucas. No more of it at all.

  “Well, a man doesn’t send you flowers for no reason,” Avery’s mother prompted.

  That was true.

  “Okay, it was an apology over a disagreement. Nothing major. I enjoy talking to him, but I know he’s a guest. There’s nothing to fret over,” Avery promised, hoping like hell she sounded sure of herself, because she didn’t feel it.

  “I know you’re a grown woman and all. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  Avery giggled. “See? You can’t blame Daddy and I for worrying about you when you worry just as much. It’s part of loving, isn’t it? Just like you always say.”

  “I always knew when you got older, my words would come back to haunt me,” her mother said with a smile. “Hey, we need to make some time for dinner soon, the three of us. It’s been far too long. What do you say? Tomorrow night?”

  “I’d love that. I was just thinking the same thing.”

  “Good. Then it’s settled. Are you working today?”

  “I’m going to come back in a few hours, then we’ve got a show tonight.”

  “When are you going to pursue that dream of yours? A voice like yours shouldn’t be hidden in a small town.”

  Avery gaped at her mother. That was the first time she’d ever said anything like that. While her parents loved Avery’s singing, and she knew they supported her, it still managed to catch her off guard. She shrugged. “I don’t know, Mom. I love being here with you and Daddy.”

  “I know you do, but honey, don’t think I don’t see the way you light up when you’re on stage. Some people want a family and love, which I hope for you, but Avery, you’re thirty two years old. Isn’t it time you follow your heart’s desires? I love you and love seeing you every day, even if it’s only for a little while, but you’ve got a talent like I haven’t seen in years. I really think you need to go after it. Don’t feel like you have to stay here because of us.”

  “I-” How ironic. Wasn’t it just a few nights ago that she and Lucas had a conversation about this?

  “We’ll talk later about it. But I’m serious, sweetheart. I’d love to know what you want for yourself. Don’t sell yourself short just to spend time around us.” The firm but loving look on her mother’s face brought a tear to Avery’s eye. She quickly wiped it away.

  “Thanks, Mom.” Avery hugged her. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too. Now, go on and have a good day. I’ll see you later.”

  Avery walked away, glancing back once more. Mom busied herself with computer work. At least she wasn’t upset about the medicine mishap yesterday. Good. But wha
t made Dad go almost off the deep end last night? He’d been so angry. That bothered her. Well, she’d just have to find him later and talk to him. She also had to clear the air about why she’d been spending time with a few of the guests. Damn Alice and her prying eyes. She loved to make trouble.

  When she reached the third floor, Avery hoped not to run into Lucas. She wasn’t ready to face him right now. She just needed to stay away and focus on other things.

  “Morning!” Rodney opened the door after the first knock. “I’m glad you made it.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” Avery asked.

  Rodney shrugged. “I guess I’m a bit nervous. I let doubts get the better of me.”

  “I can understand that.” Avery nodded. “Do you want to take separate cars or just one? I assume you’ve made the arrangements?”

  Rodney pulled a slightly crumpled piece of notebook paper from his jeans pocket and waved it at her. “All here. We can take one car. Yours if you feel like driving.”

  “Okay. Well, I suppose we’d better get on with it.”

  And get away from here so that a specific person I don’t want to think about doesn’t step out of his room.

  “If you want to grab lunch afterwards, it’ll be my treat.” Rodney fell into step beside her.

  “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to!”

  *****

  Lucas woke to voices outside his door, or somewhere in the vicinity. Taking a late morning nap had been a stupid idea, something he never did except for when he nursed a hangover. Even with the medium amount of alcohol he’d consumed last night, he’d made an ass out of himself. He had never been one to hold his liquor very well. It was all for the best anyway, as he never wanted to fall down the path that his parents did. One slip up like this, and feeling the aftermath would set up the perfect reminder for Lucas to not touch the shit at all.

  Duly noted, body. Duly noted.

  What time was it, anyway?

  Lucas blinked, waited for his vision to clear and reached for his cell phone charging on the nightstand beside him. Just a little before eleven. Damn it, the day was half wasted already.

  His phone went off in a familiar ring tone. He groaned again. He could ignore it, but ... nah. Might as well face the music now. Lucas answered. “You always find the worst times to call,” he snapped.

  “Good morning to you too. Get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”

  “A little bit. What do you want now? I don’t have time to idle chit chat.”

  “I’m hurt, Lucas. After all I’ve done for you, and yet you treat me with such disdain?”

  Lucas’s nostrils flared. “All you’ve done for me? I’m like a puppet on your string! I want out. I want to be free.”

  Maybe have a chance at a real life.

  A sigh. “Haven’t I been good to you?”

  Was that almost genuine hurt he heard? Yeah right. Good acting.

  “By keeping me out of the system and jail? Sure. But then the last few years has been job after job of cleaning up after you. Protecting your image. When does it stop? Why does it seem you can’t keep out of trouble, and you don’t want the world to know it, so here comes old reliable Lucas to keep things at bay. I don’t like it. I never did.”

  “You don’t understand, Luke. And I can’t explain it yet. I just have this feeling ... Please, trust me on this? Stay around a little longer. There’s things I haven’t told you. This time, it’s not just for me. I need to know she’s safe.”

  There really was a first time for everything.

  “Safe? What do you mean?”

  “Lucas ... I’m trying here.”

  “I’m supposed to believe that?” Lucas rested his head back on the pillow. The fan blades over the bed whirled round and round. His head pounded. He needed to eat.

  “Believe what you want, Lucas.”

  “Fine. I’m going to go now, if you don’t mind. Enjoy your day.” He hung up the phone and dropped it beside him.

  A normal life sounded better and better. What would it be like to stay in one place? Hold down an honest job, one that didn’t leave him feeling like shit at the end of the day?

  Lucas couldn’t decide whether coming to Harmony’s Echo and meeting Avery was good for him or not. Her different opinion on life, the way she handled things made him want to become better. Less bitter. Would he ever deserve to have a woman like Avery in his corner? Maybe not, but it was worth trying for.

  Why can’t I get you out of my mind, Avery Callimer?

  Why do I want you there so much?

  Chapter Ten

  “I can’t believe how soon the results will come back! I thought they took a lot longer.” Avery cradled the phone between her shoulder and ear and stood before her closet. Picking an outfit for the concert always took forever. Avery emptied out half her closet sometimes. Why did she have to be so picky? Tonight, a new face would be in the crowd.

  Going on stage never made her nervous anymore. Tonight, with Rodney’s promise to be front and center, she had the jitters.

  “Well, with the right connections, you can get them faster. Obviously, he has them. Which is good, so there’s no time to wait and you guys will know sooner. When are you going to tell your parents?”

  Ahh Laura, the voice of reasoning, which Avery desperately needed. She hated that things were spiraling out of control like this.

  “Once we know,” Avery answered. “There’s no sense if he’s not, you know?”

  “Maybe. But you’ve never held back like this with them. Why now?”

  Avery sighed, turned away from the closet and flopped on her bed. “I’m not sure. I know I’m not handling any of this well. I don’t know what to do.”

  “Just be honest. Always.” Laura’s tone was gentle.

  Thank goodness for best friends. Avery smiled.

  “Thanks, Laura. Hey, I’d better go. I need to get ready for the show. You coming tonight?”

  “I’ll be there. Front row and ready to party. See you later, okay?”

  “Thanks. Can’t wait.” Avery hung up with her friend and returned to figuring out her stage presence outfit for the night.

  When Rodney had told her he used to hang around rock stars and other people in the music industry, Avery felt the pressure.

  “No need to be!” he’d said with a smile.

  Forty five minutes later, Avery stood with the band, preparing for their set. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Even Jameson smiled and acted giddy with everyone else. The band was rearing to go.

  “Pump it up!” someone yelled from outside.

  Avery laughed. “Sounds like we have a wild crowd tonight.”

  “Well, what else is there to do in the middle of the week here in Harmony’s Echo? Baby Stetson is it!” Jameson said with a huge grin. His eyes met hers, and the look they exchanged told Avery things would be all right. Music was so important to them. Thank goodness a broken relationship wouldn’t ruin their love for performing.

  “Thank you,” she mouthed to him. He nodded, then looked away, putting his focus into his guitar.

  The manager of the bar stuck his head through the door. “Hey guys, you’re on in five. Ready?”

  Everyone scrambled to the stage, where everything had been set up earlier. They all knew their places. The set had been decided. Avery raced up to a microphone energized, more than ready to put on a show.

  “All riiiiiiight. Who in this crowd is ready for our favorite band?”

  The crowd erupted in cheers. Avery couldn’t make out faces with the bright lights shining on them.

  “I can’t heeeear you! I said, who is ready for BABY STETSON?”

  The crowd grew louder, yelling, whistling, stomping feet.

  Avery loved this!

  She loved being able to entertain.

  “All right. Well, here they are! Ladies and gentlemen, here comes Baby Stetson!”

  As the cheers started again, the drums began, pounding out perfect rhythm. To her right, Jameson started
his guitar riff. Avery swayed to the beat, holding the mic in hand, poised to sing.

  “It is great to be back! Are you ready for a good time tonight?” Avery pumped her fist in the air, revving up the crowd. “Because I know I am!”

  Avery launched into the song, flying across the stage engaging the crowd into the upbeat song.

  Every time she performed up on stage, the world and it’s problems disappeared. This is what comfort felt like. Not many would think so, but for Avery, it was perfect. The way the crowd reacted, the feel of pouring her heart and soul out in a song that others can relate to...

  Bliss. This had to be the best natural high ever.

  *****

  I just need to know she’s safe.

  Safe from what?

  As hard as he tried, Lucas couldn’t concentrate. Avery stood up on stage, so beautiful as she became a different person with her band. She had a phenomenal stage presence, and a hell of a voice to go with it. If she ever chose to have children, they would be blessed because Avery had this soothing way about her. Lucas pictured her holding a baby in her arms, smiling down at the tiny infant, singing in her gentle way.

  Whoa. Where did that come from?

  He shook his head, sipping from his plastic cup. He chose wisely tonight for a drink. No way would he catch himself drinking alcohol again around Avery, not after that last fiasco. He wasn’t even sure if he’d talk to her tonight. She hadn’t responded to the flowers. She hadn’t responded at all.

  Not that he blamed her at all, but he hated things hanging like this.

  What the hell got into him when it came to that woman, anyway?

  “Didn’t think I’d see you here tonight!” a voice yelled in his ear. Lucas turned to see Rodney. He held back a groan. “She’s amazing. Wow!” He pointed to Avery.

  Lucas merely nodded. And then some.

  So different from-

  No. Don’t do that. Then you might slip up. Keep your distance.

  “I have a big surprise for Avery!” Rodney smiled, a knowing grin.