by Scott, Lisa
“Have fun with that.”
He sat up and raised an eyebrow. “Say, while I’m here, would you trim my hair?”
She bopped him with a pillow. “If you fix my leaky faucet.”
“I’ll redo your whole kitchen, my love.”
***
Tommy was dreading the discussions he needed to have when he got to Ellen’s. Jane was probably still hoping Tommy was going to be living there for good.
He walked through the front door and stood in the hall. His breath hitched for a moment. Soon he wouldn’t be seeing Jane every day. It was going to be hard on him, too.
He walked into the kitchen where Ellen was sliding a tray of lasagna into the oven. No doubt he’d miss her cooking.
“Hi, Daddy!” Jane called from the family room where she was playing one of her handheld video game systems. Lorraine sat next to her reading a magazine.
“Can we talk in private for a moment?” Tommy asked Ellen.
Ellen bit her lip. “Are you mad at me?”
“No.” He led her into the living room and sat on the couch, patting the spot next to him. “I want to thank you for telling Tonya the truth. We’re back together and I wanted you to hear it from me first. Or is it somehow already making the rounds?”
“Nope, haven’t heard that news yet.” Her smile seemed forced. “But I’m happy for you.”
“It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t stepped in. I really appreciate it.”
She set her hand on his knee. “We both deserve to be happy, Tommy. We wouldn’t have been happy together. We figured that out years ago. No need to make the same mistake again.”
“You’ll find someone, too, Ellen. You’re too good a woman not to have a wonderful guy in your life.”
She nodded. “Jane’s going to be upset. No matter what I tell her, she still thinks if she wishes hard enough we’ll get back together.”
“I know. I’d rather spend twenty-four hours locked in a room with your mother than see one second of sadness on that little girl’s face.”
Ellen patted his arm. “Life isn’t perfect, and things don’t always go the way we want. She needs to learn that. She was fine before you moved in, she’ll be fine when you leave.”
He nodded. “I’d like to see her more often. We could do family dinners together now and then, and the three of us could grab the occasional ice cream if that’s okay with you.”
“That’s a great idea,” Ellen said. “It’s good for her to see us getting along.”
He took a deep breath knowing what he had to do. “Think I can have a few moments alone with her?”
“I’ll take my mother to the grocery store and give her the update on you and Tonya. I can spare you that at least.”
“Thanks, Ellen. For everything. But especially for being such a fantastic mother to our girl.”
“And thanks for being such a great dad. Not everyone would move in with their ex and her mother to help their little girl.” She stood. “I’ll be back in an hour. Lasagna should be done by then.”
He nodded and sat there for a moment, trying to find the courage to break his daughter’s heart.
After Ellen and Lorraine left, he headed to the family room and sat next to Jane. “What are you playing?”
“This game where you raise ponies. You get to feed and take care of them. I have sixteen of them!”
He laughed. “Sounds like a dirty job.”
“They do poop a lot.”
“I bet.” Oh, how he was going to miss this kind of small talk every day. He clasped his hands together, summoning courage. “Listen, we need to talk. Your cast is coming off real soon, and I’ll be moving back to my place.”
She set down her game. “So, we’re not going to be a family together?”
“I’m still your dad, and Mom’s still your mother. And we’re going to do more things together, the three of us. But remember my friend Tonya?”
She stuck out her bottom lip. “You love her?”
“I do. And it’s not right for me to be with your mom again when I love someone else. Your mom needs to find someone special, too.”
Jane scrunched her eyebrows together. “But wait. I thought Tonya loved Josh. That’s what I saw on the show.”
“They were just friends. TV shows like that sometimes make things seem different from what they really are. And it’s possible they’re going to show me and Tonya together next week.”
“On TV? Wow!” Jane paused. “Are you going to marry her?”
“I hope so,” he answered quickly, surprising himself with his certainty.
“Does Mommy know?”
“She does. And she thinks it’s the right decision.”
She sat for a moment, then she shrugged. “Tonya would probably do my hair for free if she was my stepmom, wouldn’t she?”
He laughed. “I bet she would. And she thinks you’re a pretty neat kid. She’d be very excited to be your stepmother.”
Jane nodded, then sniffed. “I’m happy for you, Daddy, but I’m going to miss you so much.” She looked up at him with big eyes.
He kissed her head. “Seeing you every day these past few weeks have been some of the best ones of my life.”
“Almost makes me glad I broke my leg.” She grinned.
“Hopefully, it’s the first and last one you break.”
“Can I be in your wedding?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t have one without you.”
She leaned into him. “I love you, Daddy.”
He put his arm around her. “I love you, too. Now show me how to play this game.”
They played together until Lorraine and Ellen came back.
“Mommy, Daddy says I can be in his wedding!” Jane shouted.
Lorraine glared at him.
“Wedding?” Ellen asked.
“If and when the day comes,” he explained.
“And since Daddy has to move back home, Grandma, maybe you could stay here for good,” Jane suggested.
Ellen glared at her daughter.
“There are two bathrooms now,” Tommy offered, biting back a smile as Ellen turned to him red-faced.
“I’m certain Grandma wants to get back home, Jane,” Ellen said.
“I’m in no rush,” Lorraine said. “Wouldn’t want to miss seeing Jane as a beautiful flower girl.”
Chapter 16
Tommy joined Tonya in the park to watch the next episode of Small Town, Big Love. Most of the show was devoted to Tonya and Josh, and of course, ending with Tonya rushing to Tommy.
“It was a cubic zirconium,” she told Tommy. “We never really planned to get married. That scene where it looks like I’m crying? I’m laughing.”
Tommy wrapped his arm around her and kissed her. “I like the part when you say ‘Beep beep.’ I’m going to have to get this on DVD and watch that scene over and over.”
People crowded around them when the show ended. Many of the town folk exclaimed that it was about time they got back together.
“Does this mean you’ll be getting your early morning trims again?” Marge asked.
“He’ll be getting them whenever he wants,” Tonya said, to plenty of hoots and catcalls from the crowd.
The next day, media descended on Willowdale to talk to them about Josh’s revelation and there were plenty of reporters at her door wanting the scoop on her romance with Tommy.
After lunch, Vinny called Tonya and Josh for a meeting at his trailer.
“Do you think we’re in trouble?” she asked Josh as they rode over.
Josh looked worried. “I don’t know.”
They knocked on the trailer door, and Vinny let them in. He sat down on his couch and laced his fingers behind his head. “That went down differently than you described.”
“I’m sorry. It was a spur of the moment thing,” Josh explained.
“We hope you’re not mad,” Tonya added.
Vinny leaned forward spreading his hands wide. “Are you kidding me? Don’t worry. We
’re getting tons of press. We’ve already been renewed for another season, and I suggested a spin off show. How’d you like to host a dating show for the gay community?”
Josh popped up from his seat. “That would be incredible!”
“Excellent,” Vinny said. “And Tonya, am I correct in assuming you are no longer interested in pursuing a reality dating show career?”
She quickly shook her head no.
“Well, if you’re going to marry that cop, we could create a show featuring your wedding. We’d foot the bill for the whole thing.”
She couldn’t spit the words out fast enough. “No way. No how. No thanks.”
“So, that a no?” Vinny laughed.
“You heard it right. And you’re not talking me into it this time.”
“I’m happy for you, really. But I want to hear you admit it: the show helped you find love,” Vinny said.
Tonya gritted her teeth. “Fine. The show helped me find love in the end. But now that Josh and I aren’t together, what are we supposed to do for the final episode?” Tonya asked.
“You’re going to take your cop on a date,” Vinny said. “And Josh, you’re welcome to ask someone new out.”
Tonya and Josh left Vinny’s trailer and stood in the driveway of the O’Hara mansion. “Josh, it’s been fun,” Tonya said holding her arms open for a hug.
Josh wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “We need to keep in touch. I’ve really enjoyed these past few weeks together.”
“Maybe we can double date once you find that perfect guy,” Tonya said, stepping back.
“Sounds good. Now go get your perfect guy.”
Tonya went to her car and texted Tommy. “Can you come over?”
“I’m here waiting for you,” he texted back.
***
“I don’t know how you endured this for so long,” Tommy whispered to Tonya as the cameras taped them on their picnic date at Lookout Point.
She lay on a blanket, propped up on one arm. “Ah, you get used to them. Pass the chicken piccata.”
“Sorry, darling, finished it.” He licked his fingers.
“What? We’re going to have to work out some boundaries here,” she said, laughing.
He pulled her on top of him for a kiss, and they rolled over the empty food boxes.
Cameras followed Tonya and Tommy everywhere the next few days. Her shop was packed with people who wanted to talk to her about how romantic their reunion was.
She told them, “Like I always say about second chances—sometimes they work out.” And she quickly sent in an order to make that a new bumper sticker. It was about time she had one that mentioned second chances. “I’m giving second chances a second chance,” she said to herself, jotting down that idea, too.
The night of the final show, Tommy had the evening off from work, and he and Tonya walked around the park before the festivities began. They stopped in front of the willow trees. “The only one left is the one you and Josh planted,” he said. “So much for the legend of the curse.”
“If you’ll remember, you dug the hole and you told me how to plant it. I’d say our love has broken the curse,” Tonya said.
They stared at each other until Marge came up behind them. “Don’t fool yourselves. I’m friendly with a few guys on the crew and they tell me they’ve been poisoning all the trees except this one. The producers were pulling for Josh and Tonya to win.”
“Are you kidding me? That’s horrible!” Tonya said.
“Still don’t understand why the tree is alive, though. Willows never grow here,” Tommy said.
Marge shrugged. “Maybe the curse is real and you did break it. Who knows? Tonya, I’d like to formally propose that I be one of your bridesmaids. I’ll throw a hell of a bachelorette party.”
Tonya nearly choked at the thought of a party thrown by Marge. “We only just got back together, Marge. We haven’t talked about a wedding yet.”
“Shoot. Well, you keep me in mind when you do, because I just know you two will be getting hitched. We’re all making bets at the Jelly Jar as to when it’ll happen.” She sauntered off to join the crowd gathering for the show.
Tommy turned to Tonya, smiling. “We should shock them all and do it tonight.”
She laughed.
He turned serious. “We haven’t talked about it, but I’ve thought a lot about it. I do want to marry you, Tonya. I’m willing to wait as long as you need, but I just want you to know that’s where I’m at.”
Tonya couldn’t say anything for a few minutes. “I know that’s where I’m headed, too. I just want some time to enjoy being with you before making big plans. Vinny actually offered a reality show featuring our wedding if we’re interested.”
“Hell to the no,” Tommy said.
“That’s basically what I said. Actually, after all this attention from the show, I want something small. Maybe something secret.”
“Like eloping?”
“Think we could pull that off in a small town like this?” Tonya asked.
“I don’t know if they’d ever forgive us for keeping them out of our business.” Tommy took her by the hand. “Come on, for once I’m looking forward to seeing this darn show. I finally approve of your date.”
Tonya led him to the area where the contestants sat. They dropped down next to Josh, who was with his new date—his grandmother. Tonya leaned over and hugged her.
“I knew what you and Josh had wasn’t real,” his grandmother told her.
“You know your grandson well.”
“I’m glad I finally know him even better.” She patted Josh’s hand and he beamed.
Tonya’s mama approached with George. “Can we sit here?”
“Second chances,” Tommy whispered to Tonya. “Everyone deserves one.”
Tonya closed her eyes for a moment and sucked in a deep breath. “Sure.”
Her mama and George sat with them.
While George chatted with Tommy, Tonya asked her mama, “Are you leaving town after the show?”
Her mama shook her head. “No, George and I plan to stay here.”
“What?”
“He says he’s done with Hollywood. He just wants to stay here and start a life with me. Wants to see his family more often. And so do I. If you’ll let me.”
A little bit of the hardness in Tonya’s heart lifted. Her mama wasn’t off chasing Hollywood dreams or looking for money or a good time. She wanted time with Tonya. What more could she ask for from her? Second chances, second chances, Tonya chanted to herself. “I guess we could do that.”
“Good,” her mama said, sounding surprised.
The show started, and the final episode recapped who each contestant was dating, giving Tonya’s tale more time than most.
“My bet’s on Marisa and that cop winning it all. They’ve been together for a while now. I think it’s serious,” she whispered to Tommy as they watched.
“We’ll find out tonight, right?” Tommy asked.
“Yep, viewers vote at the end of the show,” she told him.
“I don’t understand why you and Josh let the cat out of the bag and gave up the possibility of winning all that cash,” Tommy said.
“I didn’t want to risk losing you. And I couldn’t stand spending another minute without you. The money doesn’t matter. I’ve made a nice little bundle selling my bumper stickers. ‘Honk if you want to hook up’ is sold out.”
“That reminds me, we need to scrape that off your car now.”
Laughing, she leaned into him, wondering what would have happened if she hadn’t done the show. Would she and Tommy have ended up together?
The final ten minutes of the episode were open for viewers to vote for the winning couple that found the “real thing.”
The crowd buzzed as Teague recapped the show’s highlights during the voting. People had their cell phones out and were casting their ballots. Tommy held Tonya’s hand. Thank God this show was ending. But she shouldn’t complain—she’d found lo
ve, her salon got a big boost, and her bumper sticker business was going bonkers.
The crowd hushed as the commercial ended and a camera broadcasted Teague live from the stage, where he was ready to announce the winner. “There’s been heartbreak and surprises galore the past few weeks, and we all have our favorites. Let’s find out if your favorite is the winner.”
He opened an envelope and smiled. “America, your first Small Town, Big Love winner is Tonya Garcia and Tommy Larsen who only recently got together!”
The crowd screamed with joy. Tonya threw her arms around Tommy, laughing and shrieking, tears springing from her eyes. “I figured people would hate me for dumping Josh. I can’t believe it!”
Tommy planted a firm kiss on her lips. “They know the real thing when they see it.”
Teague called them upfront, and they ran across the grass and up the steps to the stage. Tommy wrapped his arms around Tonya and dipped her into a dramatic kiss in front of the enthusiastic audience.
“What do you have to say?” Teague asked her.
Tonya’s mind spun, trying to think of one of her catchy sayings. But she said the only thing that came to mind. “I love this man, and I’m so lucky to have a second chance.”
“And a hundred thousand dollars to share,” Teague reminded her.
What was on that list of hers again? New shoes? A cruise? She looked at Teague. “We’re going to have one heck of a wedding.”
The crowd cheered and Tommy hugged her. “Like you said, folks in town would never forgive us,” she told him.
***
“You just don’t take no for an answer, do you?” Tonya asked Vinny during his fifteenth phone call of the week.
“Which is a good thing for you. I keep coming back with better offers. Here’s the latest. The production team will renovate the old movie theater on Main Street as the site of your wedding, and we’ll air a one-hour special featuring your wedding—all expenses paid.”
“And you’re hiring all local people for the catering, the flowers, everything, right?” she asked.
“Yep.”
“And I get to do my own hair and makeup.”
“It’s in the contract.”
“And we get that honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean.”
“First class all the way,” he assured her.