When the Stars Fall (The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series Book 2)

by Willis, Becki

  “I don’t know, but I can’t afford to lose a thing!”

  “You won’t, I promise.”

  “Well…”

  “We’ll start with the fence.”

  Madison finally relented. She really knew nothing about building a fence. At least this would save her the expense of one of those ‘how-to for dummies’ books. “We’ll start with the fence,” she agreed.

  “Oh, goody!” Derron clapped his hands and clicked his feet together, looking more like her teenage daughter than her new employee. However, he made her laugh, and she needed all the laughter she could get these days. “Wanna celebrate by going for lunch? My treat.”

  “I’ll have to take a rain-check. I’m expecting company.”

  “Another time then. Beside, I’ll have to go shopping. I don’t have a thing to wear for my new job!”

  She bit her tongue before she mentioned frilly overalls.

  Derron paused, a rare moment of uncertainty crossing his face. “I want to apologize to you for all my mother put you through.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “Yes, I do. I feel like you and I are friends. In a strange way, I understand how she killed Caress. My mother was a troubled soul. She suffered from bi-polar issues, probably because she felt forced to live a double life. She tried to be a wife, she tried to be a mother, but it just wasn’t in her. She was never really happy, not until she met Caress. Caress changed her, made her a better person. I think my mother couldn’t bear the thought of going back to her old, miserable self. Without Caress, she was just a mean, bitter woman with a horrible temper. She loved Caress so completely, she could not bear the thought of losing her. She was out of her mind with jealousy and anger. But when she went after you… she knew exactly what she was doing. I can’t forgive the Dragon Lady for trying to kill you.”

  “It’s over now, Derron. Let’s just put it all behind us.”

  After a comforting hug, she walked Derron to the door and bid him goodbye.

  “You’re not two-timing me with another carpenter, are you?” Derron asked, pretending to scowl as he watched a vehicle pull into the drive.

  “What?”

  “Looks like your company has arrived, dollface. And as much as I’d love to hang around and get a glimpse of that sexy Nick Vilardi up close and personal, duty calls.” He put a dramatic hand to his forehead. “I’m off to buy a nice chambray to go under my Carhartt overalls. Blue and tan look good together, don’t you think?” He blew a kiss her way and wiggled his fingers in parting. “Tootles.”

  Madison was still laughing at his antics when Nick Vilardi and Amanda Hooper got out of the Home Again van.

  “Granny, they’re here!” she called for her grandmother over her shoulder. Then she turned back and greeted their guests with a nervous smile.

  It did not escape her attention that Nick Vilardi was as handsome as ever, and smelled as sexy as he looked. He had on a button-down white shirt, rolled up at the wrists to reveal strong, muscular arms. The contrast of color made his dark skin and blue eyes all the more vivid.

  Once the formalities were out of the way and Granny Bert had served kale and watermelon shakes all around, the television duo got down to business.

  “Mrs. Cessna,” Nick began, “the last time we were here, you told me to go back to the city and find a way to make this remodel happen. You told me to get the numbers down and we could talk business. Well, I’m back. And I’m pleased to say that I’ve held up my end of the bargain.” His eyes glowed with a sense of accomplishment.

  “Good, good,” Granny Bert beamed. “But don’t be telling me. Madison is now the rightful owner of the house. All your dealings will be with her now.”

  “Excellent.” Turning his blue gaze upon Madison, he drew out the word. His fully delighted smile should have made her nervous. It definitely got her heart to pumping.

  Amanda Hooper leaned forward and spoke. “Madison, I want you to know everyone at the network is very excited about this project.”

  “Good.” Madison was truly pleased, but she felt compelled to make things clear, right from the start. “And I hope that excitement translates into funding, because-”

  “We know.” Nick broke in before she could get the words out. “You don’t have any money.”

  Hearing the slight sting in his voice, she could only shrug. “Sad, but oh so true.”

  “I think we’ve found a solution to your pesky money problems.”

  “I wish!” she muttered under her breath, but she only smiled and waited for him to continue.

  Amanda did the honors. “When we were here before, your friend Genesis came up with a brilliant idea. She suggested we dedicate an entire season to remodeling your house. It’s a concept embraced by several other shows out there, but one we have never tried before, primarily because we had never found the right house. It has to be just the right one, a home we are passionate about, one spectacular enough to use as our centerpiece for an entire season.” She flashed a smile before continuing. “I am pleased to announce that I think we have finally found the perfect house for the perfect season. Ladies, I think your house is The One.” Her voice softened with reverence—or perhaps merely with good salesmanship—as she smiled and announced semi-dramatically, “With your permission, we would be honored to feature the Big House as our very first theme home for the upcoming season.”

  While Granny oohed and aahed over the prospect, sounding appropriately shocked they would come through on the project, Nick stepped right in. “Madison, do you have any specific visions for the house?”

  “Honestly? There has been so much happening around here, I haven’t had time to give it much thought.”

  Nick looked slightly wounded by her admission. He tried not to take it personally; just because he was already obsessed with the house did not mean everyone was. He could think of nothing else these past weeks. Well, maybe a few other things, he admitted to himself, sneaking a peek at the long legs beside him encased in denim. Still, if the house were his, his mind would be filled with possibilities. It already was, in fact.

  “That might be a good thing,” he said. “What I mean is, I have found several sponsors who are willing to fund our project, if we will work exclusively with their products. It would limit you to selection within their lines, but I think you’ll be impressed with the major brands that have come forward. For instance, Valco has offered to furnish your appliances.”

  “I really liked my refrigerator in Dallas,” she murmured, naming the brand. “I was hoping to get another one like it.” Although where she would get the money for it, she had no idea.

  “Did I mention Valco is furnishing all appliances, free of charge?”

  Without missing a beat, Madison changed her tune. “As I said, I’m sure I’ll love my new Valco refrigerator. I hear it’s a wonderful brand.”

  Nick grinned in response. “Actually, it is. I can’t imagine not finding the perfect refrigerator from within their line. And they want to supply everything, from your microwave and dishwasher to your on-demand water heater to your washer and dryer.”

  He took her overwhelmed expression as encouragement to continue.

  “Wood Warehouse is furnishing all the wood flooring. I’m still waiting on word from Old Italy about donating the tile and granite, but if they don’t come through, I think I can swing a deal with Murray. How do you feel about carpet in the bedrooms?”

  “Carpet is good.”

  “Personally, I prefer wood, but Murray is willing to install new carpet in almost the entire second floor.”

  “I-I thought you weren’t proposing remodeling the second floor, just adding bathrooms.” Her mind was swirling with the magnitude of all he said. While she tried to grasp everything at once, the word ‘free’ kept flashing in her mind like a neon sign.

  Nick Vilardi offered a charming smile and a nonchalant shrug. “Hey, if they’re willing to donate…”

  Madison touched her forehead to anchor the thoughts churnin
g inside. “Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s amazing—incredible, really—that so many suppliers are willing to participate. Truly, I do. But… why are these huge name brands so eager to help restore the Big House?” A thought occurred to her. “Wait a minute. I don’t have to agree to turn the house into a museum or open a Bed and Breakfast or something like that, do I?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Then what’s the catch?” In her experience, anything that seemed too good to be true usually was. “As wonderful and generous as all this sounds, I just can’t imagine all these big companies willing to donate thousands of dollars of merchandise and equipment and goods for just little ole’ me and my kids. So tell me, what’s the catch? I know there has to be one.”

  Her unease grew when she saw the look that passed between Nick and Amanda. By silent accord, the blond producer was the one to answer.

  “We were fascinated by the history of the house. Of the entire town, really, and its sister community.”

  “That’s The Sisters, all right. Fascinating,” Madison muttered.

  “And we understand there are quite a few well-known residents. The late Caress Ellingsworth and her longtime boyfriend, John-Paul Noble. Not to mention former Heisman trophy winner Tug Montgomery, the former Las Vegas dancer known as Glitter, the lead singer for Cowboy Candyband, and world-famous artist Jean Applegate. And of course we can’t forget your very own Chief of Police, a renowned professional football player and coach to some of the state’s premier universities. That’s actually quite an impressive cast of characters for such a tiny rural community. No offense,” she was quick to add.

  “None taken,” Madison assured her with an amused smile.

  “We were also very impressed with your children the last time we visited. Such well-behaved teenagers, and both so bright and cheerful and good-looking. They obviously take after their mother. And grandmother, of course.” Amanda flashed a bright smile at Granny Bert.

  “Great grandmother, but who’s counting,” the old woman beamed.

  “Your entire family is very photogenic, Madison.”

  Something in her flowery words rang a bell of caution. “Thank you. I think.” Madison looked at Nick, staring him straight in the eyes. “All the flattery is nice, but what isn’t she saying? What’s going on, Nick? What’s the catch?”

  Nick met her gaze without flinching. He appreciated her direct approach. In fact, he appreciated most everything about Madison Reynolds, but there would be time for that later. Still, he let his eyes briefly roam over her, caressing her with the warmth of his eyes.

  “The truth is, Madison, we’ve come up with a brilliant way to make this re-model happen, without costing you a single dime.”

  She sucked in her breath. She was stunned but intrigued. “I’m-I’m listening.”

  “It’s true; we do find you, your family, and your house very intriguing. Our sponsors agree. Enough to fund the entire project, start to finish. Again, with no cost to you.” He flashed his tantalizing smile, as if his words were not dazzling enough.

  “There’s always a cost,” she said softly. “What’s this one?”

  “We think your life here in The Sisters would make an excellent reality television show.”

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  Note from the Author

  Thank you for taking the time to read When the Stars Fall. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author's best friend and much appreciated. Thank you, Becki.

  Please feel free to contact me. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

  E-Mail: beckiwillis.ccp@gmail.com

  Webpage: www.beckiwillis.com

  More Books by Becki

  He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not

  The Forgotten Box, coming Fall 2015

  Mirrors Don’t Lie Series

  Book 1- The Girl from Her Mirror

  Book 2- Mirror, Mirror on Her Wall

  Book 3- Light from Her Mirror

  The Sisters, Texas Mystery Series

  Book 1- Chicken Scratch

  Book 3- coming late 2015