by Various
Here is where you may reach me if you wish.
I hope you reach out.
Sincerely,
Rodney
Avery blew out a sharp breath. She scanned that letter three times before setting it down. Her hand trembled. What blew her mind is that her mother knew. She knew! She insisted that it was from a birth parent. Even a mother’s intuition wasn’t that good ... was it?
What to do with this information? She’d always been curious. And here it was, right here in her hand, though she’d never pictured it would be this easy, to be handed to her directly. She thought that if she ever pursued it that she would take years of searching and hitting dead ends and even then coming up with nothing.
But her father - if this was actually true, and he turned out to be legit - was looking for her.
Avery fingered the edges of the letter, unable to tear her eyes away from it, her mind spinning. What would Mom and Dad say to this? She couldn’t hide her true feelings this time. She had a natural curiosity. It wasn’t like they’d hate her for wanting to know. They had always understood that. Avery didn’t want them to hurt, or feel left out, or anything!
It was so late now, she had no one she could call or text about this. Jameson might be awake right now, but if they were on the verge of breaking up, Avery highly doubted that Jameson would be willing to listen to her at this point.
She sighed. Well, it was just better to go to bed. The letter, the information, everything - would be waiting for her in the morning. She could figure out the best way to handle everything after at least eight hours of rest. The faster she could end this day dubbed as her birthday, the better off she would be.
Chapter Three
Famished, Lucas walked into the dining hall of the inn. When was the last time he’d eaten a decent meal? The mouthwatering, intoxicating scent of pancakes, biscuits, and fresh fruit made his stomach grumble and his mouth salivate. He nodded at an elderly woman as he reached for a plate.
“Morning sir. How are you?” she asked, a smile spreading across her aged face.
“After a nice long sleep, a fresh shower, and the smell of this wonderful food, I’m doing great,” Lucas said, returning her smile. Wow. Everyone had been so friendly so far here. Definitely wasn’t something Lucas was used to. Too bad the circumstances for coming here weren’t for better reasons. An image of the lead singer from the band last night flashed in his mind. He wondered if she was just as swift in bed as she was on stage. And, cut! Whoa there. Where had that thought come from? Again, that was his manhood talking. Though he wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay with her, that wasn’t why he came to this little Texas town.
Far from it.
From the corner of his eye, a flash of movement piqued his interest, and he turned his head. Holy hell, there she was, sans her Stetson. She wore her hair up in a ponytail, covered with a hairnet as she hauled a huge plate of food right over toward him. It took her a few moments to realize that Lucas was standing there, but when she did, he had to keep from laughing at the startled look on her face as she nearly dropped the plate she’d been carrying. Priceless!
“What are you doing here?” she demanded, getting her balance and easing the plate onto the buffet table, right next to the rolls and fruit.
“That’s no way to greet a guest, is it?” Lucas slid her a cocky grin, enjoying the way she was put on the spot. So he’d gotten to her last night, too. Good.
Remember why you’re here. Tell your libido to stuff it.
Ha. Yeah right. Some parts of his body had a mind of their own. Like they weren’t attached to the big brain that was supposed to control everything. He bit back a chuckle.
“A guest? You’re staying here?” Her eyebrow raised, her face twisted up in confusion. “I didn’t see your name on the guest list.”
Lucas shot her a grin. “Small world, right? When I checked in, I was warned about a feisty woman. Who would have thought that was you, when I ran into - well, when you bumped into me last night.” Her cheeks flushed, and Lucas couldn’t contain his laughter.
“Well, I-” She sputtered. She put her hands on her hips. Fury leaped into her darkened eyes. “You shouldn’t speak to your hostess that way,” she shot back.
Lucas shifted his feet. He didn’t know why he was having so much fun pushing her buttons, other than it got him all hot and bothered. “You’re the gasoline to my fire. I don’t know why we’re bantering like this, but maybe we could start over. Have breakfast with me?” He gestured to the plate of food which was now getting cold. Time for a truce.
Her green eyes softened, as did her face, and she almost smiled. She moved her hands from her hips and let them hang at her sides. “I would, but I’m working.” She hiked her thumb behind her. “Speaking of which, I really should get back there. Enjoy your stay here.” With that, she pivoted. Lucas watched her round ass shake as she went back to the kitchen.
What was with him and finding those hot buttons? It wasn’t his intention from the beginning, but something about this woman ... she seemed to have so much on her mind and needed to relax. Yet he went and helped shove that stick further up her ass than it already was.
Lucas grabbed a container of orange juice, a rolled napkin with utensils and found a place to sit, ready to dig into the food. Two tables away, a young couple sat huddled together, feeding each other bites of pancake on a fork. After every bite they would kiss, giggle, and start all over again. Newlyweds perhaps? They had that glow. Lucas had seen it many times. And then watched it fade. It had happened to his parents, before they wasted away in their own little world, forgetting about the son they had. Love wasn’t for him, that’s for sure. That’s probably why he’d gained the playboy nickname. He followed thoughts based on the rising of his cock, instead of his heart. He never wanted to be burned again. In his line of work, that’s all he ever saw.
Avery ambled out of the kitchen again, this time carrying a pitcher of orange juice. Lucas stabbed another bite of food and shoved it into his mouth. She walked with grace. She carried herself well, moving with confidence and ease. The only leak to what she really felt inside she held in her eyes ... like she was haunted by something. Another thing Lucas learned in his profession - how to read between the lines. It was a blessing and a curse. Maybe that’s why he knew when to stay, or when to run. He had to have that keen sense to do what he did, but so many times he wished he wasn’t so fucking good at it.
After putting the pitcher in a bucket of ice, Avery turned her head and met his gaze. Lucas smiled, but she didn’t return the gesture.
All he came here to do was keep an eye on things for awhile. Avery was a sweet distraction, with her deep green eyes and the way she lit up the stage. No matter how hard he tried, Lucas couldn’t forget last night. His reaction to her voice and everything she said. In some ways, Avery was just like him. The only difference was that Avery didn’t appear to carry the burden of her past on her shoulders, as Lucas did with his. As for himself, it could have been worse, but Lucas still couldn’t find that release switch.
Good thing he was sitting down, because he had a raging hard-on. What the hell? What was it about the woman that he wanted so badly? She seemed to bring out the agitated side in him, that one where he felt like he needed to push the big red hot button like he’d been doing. Maybe he wanted to get to her the way she was getting to him. Whatever the case was, the straining in his jeans didn’t ease up a bit. Son of a bitch. Maybe he needed to see what his chances were with her and get it over with. Once would be enough. He’d have to make sure of it. He didn’t need any sexual energy clouding his judgment. Oh wait ... too late for that.
Screwed! He was screwed.
Or, literally, he wasn’t, and that proved to be the problem.
He needed to change his ways.
But what Lucas knew he needed to do, and what Lucas did do were two very different things.
Right now, he wished he hadn’t come to Harmony’s Echo, Texas.
*****
&nb
sp; At eleven o’clock, Avery threw her hairnet and apron on the counter and sighed. Thankfully, her shift was over and she could get the hell out of here. Who would have thought Lucas would be a guest at her inn? The smoldering looks he’d kept sending her way only sent chills down her spine. She ended up dreading going back in the dining area, because every time, he’d be sitting there, eating, and watching her. With very intense ‘I want you’ eyes. Who was this man, and what was he doing in Harmony’s Echo, anyway? And what was his infatuation with her, and finding ways to drive her crazy? That’s exactly what he’d been doing, driving her mad.
With desire.
That wasn’t right. She didn’t have any reason to be thinking about sex, Lucas, or anything of that sort. She had a lot of her plate already. The letter from a man claiming to be her father, telling her parents, and not to mention letting Jameson down easily. She should have done that ages ago, instead of half heartedly trying to make things work when she knew they wouldn’t. It wasn’t fair to Jameson, and now she knew that. She’d avoided hurting him for so long that the damage would only be worse.
Soft spots were a bitch. She should just learn to have more of a backbone, tell it like it is, and be done with it. But she hadn’t done that yet.
“Taking off, angel?” Daddy asked, giving her a light kiss on the forehead. Avery smiled and nodded. “Well, you have a good day. Thanks for taking an extra shift today.”
“It’s my pleasure. I don’t mind.” Usually. Unless there were guests with broad shoulders, intense eyes that watched her every move, and lips that moved with such immense power. A man like Lucas had his share of secrets, she’d bet. And his share of women in his bed. Avery would not be another name he crossed off. No, no and no. Even if her body told her otherwise. Forget it.
“What’s on your agenda today?” her father asked, flipping through a binder, obviously looking for something.
“Right now, I’m meeting up with Jameson.”
“Oh? Well, have a good time,” he said distractedly.
She wouldn’t, but no need to get into details right now. Reaching for her purse, she hugged her dad. “See you later.” She just hoped she wouldn’t have anymore run-ins with Lucas at the moment. He already sent her into haywire, and she needed to think clearly when she met up with Jameson. Thankfully, as she backed out of her parking spot, there was no sign of Lucas. His car was probably sitting in this parking lot and she’d never know it, but at least there had been no sign of him in person. He rattled her, and intrigued her, as much as Avery didn’t want to admit it. Something about his mysterious manner only made her want to know more. He was probably a passing businessman and would be gone soon, so there really was no reason to continue thinking about him.
Jameson’s Toyota was already sitting in the parking lot at Roadrunner Cafe. Avery pulled the truck into a spot, killed the engine and hesitated. It was time, but the more she procrastinated, the worse she felt.
“Why can’t I say what I really feel? Why do I continue to hide this way?” she grunted, tapping her nail on the steering wheel. Did she have to put it in a song and sing it, for Pete’s sake? Right, because that wouldn’t scar Jameson for life. Singing a song that it was over. Sure. Way to lose a friend on top of a boyfriend. Avery sighed, leaned her head back, and then willed herself to get out of this vehicle right now and march into the diner.
How she managed, Avery didn’t know. But the next thing she knew, she walked into the diner, spotted Jameson at a table, and sat across from him. Nerves rattled, butterflies swimming in her stomach, it was time. Jameson looked up at her, a smile on his face, which quickly disappeared when he saw the look on her face.
Worry flashed in his eyes, across his face. “This isn’t going to be good, is it?” he asked softly, reaching for Avery’s hand.
A tear slid down her cheek. Avery shook her head. “No. I shouldn’t have kept quiet. But you know me ... I hate hurting people. Somehow, by staying silent, I only made it worse. I’m sorry, Jameson. I tried to keep a connection alive romantically. I don’t want to lose you as a friend or a band mate, but things aren’t the same.”
She’d said it. Finally. So why didn’t she feel any better? He was crushed.
He nodded, pulling his hand away and appeared to come up with the right words to say. “I guess I knew it too, but I wanted to have hope. I’m sorry too. I don’t want to lose our long time friendship, either.”
“So, where do we go from here?” Avery asked. Jameson didn’t appear to be mad. That, at least, was good. But the hollow look in his eyes didn’t make her feel any better.
“I guess try to go back to being friends. Will it be easy? No. But for you, I’ll do my best. I love you, Avery. I think I always have, and always will. I’m sorry things had to end this way.” Jameson fumbled in his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and handed Avery a $10 bill. “Here, why don’t you have something to eat? I think I need to go have some time alone for awhile. Somehow, I knew this was coming, and I still wasn’t prepared. I’m not mad at you, but I do need some time to sort this out.” Jameson shot to his feet as if someone had stabbed him with a sharp object. He darted out of the diner. Avery shifted, staring out the large window as Jameson quickly disappeared.
And just like that, everything changed. Going back to friends wouldn’t be easy. Hell, she didn’t even know if it were possible, and that left a large, aching hole in her heart. Would it have been better to keep silent? Probably not. That would have only torn a rift between them even further. Why did love, life in general have to get so damn complicated? That’s why life made for such a good country song, or two, or three.
In the midst of her thoughts, Avery didn’t notice her best friend Laura had slipped into the seat across from her. All of a sudden when Laura said something, Avery nearly jumped out of her seat. She looked up at Laura’s face. “When did you get here?”
“Just a few minutes ago. I saw you were sitting alone, totally spaced out. What’s going on?” Laura asked, pulling a chap stick from her purse and applying it to her lips. After she smacked them together, she tossed the tube back and gave her undivided attention back to Avery.
“Jameson and I. We’re over. Romantically. I finally admitted to him how I felt.” Avery sighed, slinking further down into the bench. She wished she could just be invisible for the rest of the day, or longer. Right now, she didn’t feel the best. “And, I got this letter.” Avery pulled out the carefully folded envelope and handed it to her friend. Laura’s eyes darted up at Avery and back to letter several times while reading it. Her mouth formed an O as she continued.
“Can I get you ladies something?” Anne Rosetta, a young waitress they’d seen around often, sauntered up to them and asked. She looked from Laura to Avery, most likely looking for gossip. Anne was one of those women that looked for a juicy story to tell, even if she only heard tidbits and got the whole idea all wrong as she spread the words around town like wildfire. The breakup with Jameson would be all over town anyway, but as for the letter, Avery wasn’t ready to share that with the world at all. Anne was eyeing that letter, making it all too obvious that she was trying to read what it said. Laura closed it up, looking at Anne pointedly.
“I’ll have the club sandwich and a water.” Avery didn’t even look at the menu. She’d frequented this diner so many times that she knew the menu by heart. She and Jameson always loved this place.
Wow. Now the regrets began to settle. Avery’s eyes watered. It was going to be a long haul to get to the place where the couple had once been before they fell in love. Now Avery understood why Jameson bolted. This shouldn’t have been the place that they ended things when there were so many good memories here. She was such an ass. Why hadn’t she taken those thoughts into consideration?
Laura ordered, and when Anne was safely out of earshot, she turned back to Avery. “Holy shit!” She tried not to shriek, and handed the letter back to her. “Avery, this is big. What are you going to do?”
Avery filled her in on her moth
er’s attitude last night when she’d handed her the letter. “She’s been so fearful, and I never noticed it this whole time. This was her worst fear. I’m curious, of course, but I don’t want to hurt Mom and Dad.” She stuck the letter safely back in her purse.
Avery caught Laura rolling her eyes. “I’m going to be frank with you honey, because you’re my best friend. I know you are grateful for everything they’ve done for you, and how much you love them, but you have a right to know. And I bet, despite their fear, that your parents would wholeheartedly support you if you chose to look further into this and get to know your biological father. Girl, in order to get further in life, you need to stop being so meek, and start speaking up. I love you, but that’s the honest truth.”
Avery’s mouth gaped open. Well, that was a shot and a half of the truth, and then some. That’s why she loved Laura so much. She had a way of helping to put things into perspective. Laura had a point. Or more. It wasn’t anything Avery didn’t already know, it was just things she didn’t want to admit out loud.
“And by that look of defeat, you know I’m right.” Laura grinned.
Anne came back, passing their drinks to them. “Anything else I can do for you?”
Nosy girl. She tried too hard.
“Nope. Just waiting on our meals now,” Laura said bluntly. Avery stifled a laugh.
“Hmph. Okay.” Anne stomped off.
“That girl needs to get a life and stop meddling in everyone else’s,” Laura muttered, darting a glance to Anne’s retreating back.
“I know,” Avery admitted.
“So, when do I get to hear that song for my wedding reception? I’m anxious!” Laura grinned, flashing her exquisite ring again. For the past few months, Laura couldn’t believe she was finally engaged, after so many heartaches. She’d asked Avery to sing at the wedding. Avery couldn’t wait. It was just a few months away.