by Scott, Lisa
“I remember carrying you home from the hospital when you were a baby right into this very house,” he told her.
Jane’s bottom lip stuck out. “I wish I could remember that. I don’t remember you living here at all.”
Tommy frowned. “You were very little. I’m not surprised.”
“I’m glad you’re going to be here with me now,” she said, nestling her head against his shoulder.
“Me, too.”
They spent the day watching movies and playing board games. Tommy got a pizza for dinner, and it turned out to be a great day, considering it had started with a mad drive to the hospital.
When it was time for bed, Tommy carried her upstairs to her room. In the moonlight streaming through the window, he noticed that the baby farm animals that had once decorated her room had been replaced with unicorns. Normally, he just picked up Jane at the door of her mother’s house. He rarely went in. It made him sad that the lambs and chicks had disappeared without him knowing it. He tried not to think about the thousands of moments he’d missed over the years.
Ellen and Tommy stood in front of Jane’s bed watching her. “I can’t believe how big she’s gotten,” he said.
“Time goes by fast, doesn’t it?” Ellen asked.
Rubbing his chin, he shook his head. “So fast it feels like someone’s played a trick on me.”
Jane sat up. “Daddy, can you stay? Can you sleep in my room? You could sleep right on the floor next to me. You can use my sleeping bag.”
“Jane…” he said, not sure what to say.
She clenched her hands together. “Please? What if I need your help?”
Tommy flashed Ellen a look and she shrugged. “It’s okay with me,” she said.
Jane clapped. “So will you?”
“I will. Then I can help you get ready tomorrow for school,” he said, mussing her hair.
Jane crossed her arms with a huff. “Aww, I have to go to school?”
“You do,” Ellen said. “You’ve got crutches, you better get used to using them.”
While Jane pouted, Ellen left the room to get bedding for him.
He sat cross-legged on the floor, picking up one of Jane’s stuffed animals. How much had their divorce affected her? Would she have been a different child if he’d stayed? So many questions that would never be answered.
Ellen handed him a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillows.
“Thanks, and I’ll call some contractors tomorrow and get some quotes on that bathroom.”
“That’ll be wonderful. I’ll be up at six. Do you want me to wake you at a certain time?” Ellen asked.
“Don’t worry, I wake with the sun.”
“Still?”
“Yeah.” He laughed. After kissing Jane goodnight, he kicked off his shoes and climbed into the sleeping bag. “Sweet dreams, kiddo.”
Jane yawned. “You, too, Daddy.”
He stared at the ceiling. His life was not what he thought it would be at age thirty-four. He’d always thought he’d be married with a big family. He never imagined he’d be alone. He considered visiting Tonya the next morning, but that wouldn’t work. He needed to help Jane get on the bus before his shift started.
But he had to talk to Tonya soon. He knew now what he wanted. He wanted more than the occasional hookup with her. He wanted a relationship. Someone to come home to. Hell, maybe even to have another kid and do things right this time. He wanted her. Question was, did she feel the same way?
Chapter 3
Around seven a.m., Chewie was pacing, waiting for a walk and some food. Tonya felt a twinge of disappointment that Tommy hadn’t shown up early again. She smiled, rubbing the dog’s ears and remembering when Tommy had gotten her the pooch as a present when they first started dating. He’d been a wonderful boyfriend.
Until he’d called out ‘Kate’ while in bed with her. Not exactly something a girl can overlook, especially when ‘Kate’ is your best friend. She pulled on a sweatshirt and took the dog out, then returned to find six cancelled appointments—each client was headed for the dating show auditions. She sighed. Might as well check out the madness first hand, she thought. That way she could keep up with the chatter that was bound to dominate the salon the next few weeks. Like it or not, she couldn’t just ignore this show.
After taking a quick shower, she texted Tommy. ‘Hope Jane’s okay. Call me when you can.’ She knew how much that man adored his daughter. He was probably a wreck.
Tonya drove to the school and took a seat in the front row of the auditorium where auditions were being held. There were plenty of seats to choose from, since most people in town were lined up in the hall waiting for their turn. Several cameras were set up on stage, and a few people in suits with clipboards and laptops sat at a table in front. Vinny stood behind one of the camera. He looked over at Tonya and gave her a wink. She rolled her eyes. They called the first contestant.
Marge came out wearing her new wig—a shoulder length redheaded bob. Quite a change from the short, pale blond curls she’d had at the salon the day before. Though all those curls had likely burnt right off thanks to those perm rods staying in too long. She’d never brought them back. “Hi there. I’m Marge Harper. I’ve survived two husbands, breast cancer, and several hurricanes. Now I’m living large. You need me on your show if you want sweet and spicy rolled into one squeezable full-figured gal.”
Vinny smiled. “Tempting package, Marge. Tell me, what’s your ideal date?”
One side of her mouth curled up. “Hot food with a hot guy followed by hot you know what.”
The crowd whistled, but Marge didn’t even blush, God bless her.
Vinny laughed. “Doesn’t sound like you’d have any trouble expressing yourself in front of the cameras.”
“No, sir, why one time one of my suitors had a camera and we—”
Vinny held up a hand, cutting her off. “Any secret crushes in town?”
“Does a possum make good stew?”
Vinny blinked at her. “I didn’t know possums could cook.”
Marge chuckled, shaking a finger at him. “Oh, you devil. I like you. I hope you’re up for grabs on the show.”
“Completely off-grabs, I’m sad to say. But, I’m guessing you do have a secret crush?” Vinny asked.
Marge planted a hand on her hip. “Now if I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret, would it?” She winked. “But yes, there are a few.”
“Thank you Miss Harper. Now if you’d step backstage, there’s a photographer waiting to take your picture. We’ll be announcing the contestants at the end of the week.”
If they don’t pick Marge, these folks should be fired, Tonya thought.
Roy was up next and seemed to think juggling bowling pins would be a good way to win a spot on the show. He was followed by a long line of ladies from the Residential Center. Edna and Dot were offering themselves as a team, but then Edna slapped Dot when she called her hippy, and they had to be escorted off stage.
Rita’s daughters from the diner each made an appearance. Marisa with her long curly red hair and flirty laugh seemed to captivate the judges. Her sister, Lori, walked off in the middle of her interview, declaring the whole thing stupid.
Then a tall, silver-haired man stepped onto the stage. “I’m George Riley and as Willowdale’s next up and coming movie star, you want me on your show.” Kate’s stepfather! He grinned and his teeth actually sparkled.
“You’re Teague Reynold’s father-in-law,” Vinny said.
He nodded. “Proud to say that I am.”
“You had a bit part in Desert Rumble, didn’t you?” Vinny asked.
“I did. But my heart belongs here in Willowdale. I might be making some good career moves in Hollywood, but I haven’t had any luck with the ladies.” George raised his eyebrows and shrugged.
Tonya frowned. She remembered Kate complaining about her stepfather. “A manure salesman—that’s his real calling,” Kate had said.
The judges spent a while talking to George, a
nd then they called on the next would-be contestant. Tonya lost count of how many people took to the stage, desperate for their chance at fame and fortune. Seemed like everyone in Willowdale, save a handful of folks, had shown up for a shot.
At one o’clock, the judges announced an hour lunch break. Tonya decided it was time to scoot back to the salon and try to reach Tommy again, but Vinny cut her off on her way out. “Join me for lunch?”
“I need to get back to the shop. I’ve got clients coming in this afternoon, soon as this nonsense wraps up.”
“We can eat there.”
Tonya frowned and Vinny squeezed her arm. “You’ve got to be hungry and I’d love your opinion on some of our favorites,” he said. “Your friends Brad and Jeanne catered our lunch today. I can grab a few things and bring it to your place. I saw a pecan pie back there.” He raised an eyebrow.
Tonya sucked in a breath. “Pie. You don’t play fair.”
“Wouldn’t be where I am if I did.” He checked his watch. “I’ll meet you in ten minutes.”
“Fine, but no pie, no admission.”
“Now who’s not playing fair?” Vinny smiled at her.
Tonya scooted back to her shop, texted Kate the bad news about her stepfather showing up, and typed out a message for Tommy, then deleted it. She’d already left a message wondering about Jane. She wasn’t going to keep pestering him.
She plopped in a chair and looked out the window at gaggles of people walking by, talking and laughing. Sleepy Willowdale was brimming with excitement. This dang show was already having an effect on the town.
Vinny and his big smile bustled through the door with several plastic bags.
Tonya took the pie from him and set out the forks and plates on the coffee table in front of the couch. Pie for lunch—that’s what this reality nonsense called for. “I don’t know why you need my opinion. Don’t you have teams of people making these decisions?”
“I do. And they want you. I want you on the show.” He crossed his arms and widened his stance.
“Ah, so you’re not looking for my opinion after all,” Tonya said, slicing herself a bigger piece of pie than she’d planned. “I know how to read people well, and you’d be dynamite on the show.”
“Well, too bad I didn’t audition.” She shrugged, and took a big bite of the heaven sitting on her plate.
“They saw your picture. I told them about you. They’ll give you a spot if you want it.” His grin reminded her of one of the big cats she’d seen at the zoo.
She let out a long, loud sigh. “I’m no good at dating. I’ve got a string of exes who can tell you that.”
Vinny softened his voice. “Then it sounds like you need our show. Kind of like a social service.”
She wanted to say that she didn’t need help in the dating department, but that was an argument she wouldn’t win. She was a dating disaster.
He walked over to the rack of bumper stickers. “These are all your creations?”
“I come up with ideas and make bumper stickers. I’ve sold a few around town. I always chuckle when I see someone drive by with one.” It was her dream to see her sayings take off into a legitimate business some day. But she didn’t know of too many bumper sticker billionaires. So, it was just a silly little hobby.
He smirked. “You know, millions of people will be watching this show.” He spun the rack. The metal creaked as it turned.
Tonya gulped. “Millions? For real?”
He nodded. “You could make a bundle selling these. If you were a contestant.”
“How could viewers buy my bumper stickers?” Her heart was tap dancing in her chest just thinking of it. Could this man read her mind? How’d he know this was the one way to get her on board? She narrowed her eyes at him. Say hot pink highlights if you can hear me, she thought. Hot pink highlights.
But he must have been right about knowing how to read people, because he said no such thing. Instead, he leaned in towards her and said, “I’ve got people who can set you up online real easy. But I’d have to slip a clause into your contract that would permit you to keep the rights to your work—and your shop. Tonya’s Curl E. Q. I can see the tshirts already. Without that language, the network could try to claim it. I’m going to tell them it was your idea. They wouldn’t be too happy knowing I’d suggested it.” He turned to look at her. “I’ve got a contract drawn up and waiting for you to sign it. I’ll text legal to make sure they rework your contract concerning your rights.”
Tonya held up a hand. “Why are you being so helpful? While you’re a very handsome man, that’s not gonna happen, if you know what I mean.”
He laughed. “Isn’t that refreshing? I’ve had women offer to sleep with me for a chance to be on my shows—women in this very town to be exact—and here you think I want to get you on the show to sleep with you.” He laughed again. “So funny.”
Her smile fell.
“Sorry, that came across the wrong way. I would totally sleep with you. You sure you don’t want to?”
She shook her head. Another fling was the last thing she needed. “Okay, then. But please consider being on our show. It could be a great opportunity for you. Who knows where it could lead? Maybe even out of Willowdale. You’re a big city girl. You’ve had your fun here, but I get the sense you might want more than this.” He raised an eyebrow and stared at her.
Just how much was he reading into her? She sighed. “You’ve delivered a good sales job here, Vinny. But when something seems too good to be true, it is. I should turn that into a bumper sticker.”
“And the viewers would buy it.” He looked down and took a big breath. “All right, I’ll level with you. There’s another reason I really want you on the show.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Between you and me, the head of the production company is trying to push me out. That’s why they gave me this last minute gig. There’s a good chance it’ll flop, giving them an excuse to fire me. I’m trying to do everything I can to make this a hit. And I know you can help me do that. You’ve got the looks, the attitude, the bumper stickers.” He grinned.
Tonya blew out a long breath. “No pressure, just save my job, ma’am.”
“You wanted the truth.”
Tonya looked around her shop. It would be incredible if her bumper stickers took off. Plenty of people had made fun of her dreams, and this was a chance to prove them wrong. Plus, selling her work might give her the money to make much needed upgrades in her salon—maybe even enough to outright buy the place. And it’s not like she’d really find love on a TV show. It could be fun, something to tell her grandkids about some day. And maybe it would lead to something big. “I need some time to think about it.” And she needed to talk to Tommy. If he asked her not to do it, she wouldn’t.
***
After dinner, Tommy helped Jane make her way to the ice cream stand. If only a double-scoop could take away her pain. “Get whatever looks good, kiddo. Triple scoop if you want.”
“What about quadruple?” Jane asked.
“Darlin’, go for it,” he said. The sweet smell of waffle cones baking set off a yearning inside him for something he couldn’t place.
Giggling, Jane ordered a cone with four scoops of cotton candy ice cream with gummy worms and rainbow sprinkles.
“Will she be able to eat that?” he whispered to Ellen as they waited for Jane’s order.
Ellen shook her head. “But she’ll have fun trying. Thanks for coming out with us. This is going to be a hard few weeks for her. You’re a nice distraction. She doesn’t see enough of you.”
Tommy hung his head. What would be worse—for someone to call him a bad father or a bad cop? Either accusation would cut his heart in two. But being a father truly was his most important job. He wouldn’t be a cop for the rest of his life, but he would always be a father; and he had to be a better one. “Whatever she wants, I’ll do it, Ellen.”
“Don’t let her hear that. She’ll hold you to it.”
“Too bad, I already heard him,” J
ane said, grinning. “Can we come for ice cream every night?”
“Yes, we can,” Tommy said with a smile. “You just let me know what she needs, Ellen. I’ve got two contractors coming tomorrow to give me quotes on that bathroom.”
Ellen set her hand on Tommy’s arm. “Thank you.”
“Daddy, help!” Jane stood by the counter with her tower of ice cream, trying to figure out how to eat it and maneuver her crutches.
Tommy rushed over and took the cone from her. “Let’s find a bench and you can sit down and eat.”
Ellen gathered the crutches from Jane and helped her onto the bench.
“How long do I have to keep this cast on?” Jane asked.
“About two months.” Ellen smoothed Jane’s hair off her cheek.
Tommy squatted down holding the cone. Dribbles of the cold cream streamed down his hand. “That’s going to go by so fast.”
Tears pooled in her eyes as she took the cone. “It’s so hard to get around. And people at school will laugh at me. What a dummy, falling down the stairs.”
Tommy stood and crossed his arms. “Anyone laughs, you give me their name. I’ll arrest them.”
That got a smile out of her. “You can’t arrest people for laughing.”
He used his best gruff voice. “I’ll make it a new law—no laughing at people with broken bones.”
“You’d do that for me?”
He tousled her hair. “I’d do anything for you.”
Concentrating on her ice cream, she took a few licks. “Can you stay at Mom’s house again tonight? It made me feel so much better knowing you were there.”
Tommy looked at Ellen. She lifted a shoulder and said, “Sure. That’s fine.”
He squeezed Jane’s cheek. “Then I’ll be there tonight.”
She smiled. Something caught his attention across the street. Something indeed—a head of long, dark, curls coming out of the Jelly Jar. He could spot Tonya a mile away. He wanted to run to her, or wave at least. He waited to catch her eye, but she hugged Kate and walked down the sidewalk toward her beauty shop.
It was perfect timing. He could dash inside real quick, kiss her for a minute or two, and tell her how much he missed her. Tell her he wanted more. But he couldn’t leave Ellen and Jane alone on the sidewalk while he tried to rekindle an old flame. He needed to devote all his attention to his daughter right now. He turned back to Jane so that he wouldn’t be tortured by the swing of Tonya’s hips as she made her way down the street.