He grinned slightly. “Have you quit taking risks, Esme?”
She snorted. “That’ll be the day.” She climbed up on the rock and scraped her feet around hoping to dislodge any unseen residents. He followed her up, and when she looked back, he had his cell phone out.
“These,” he said, handing it to her.
She glanced at the photos. The video of her impromptu dance made her smile. “I’m not apologizing for these,” she told him. “I had a blast.”
“So I saw.”
“We’re going to be married for a few weeks, Rafael. You’ve made that clear. You’re not going to control my life. You hired me. You haven’t bought me.”
“Are my mom and dad going to buy we’re happily married if you spend your nights dancing with drunks?”
“They weren’t that drunk, and it was one dance. I didn’t spend the night there.”
“No, I know.” He moved on to another picture. “You spent half the night with Doug Harper slobbering over you.”
“Two things. I don’t like your tone of voice, and how the hell did I know someone named Bounty Collins was Doug Harper?”
“Everyone in Truth knows. He changed his name legally right before Cody died.”
“I was not in Truth. I did not know.” She started to add that Marie had conveniently not mentioned that to her, but stopped herself. This was between the two of them. Marie must have thought she would know.
“So, did you go to the Silver Dollar just to see him?” he asked.
She walked to the edge of the rock and stared out into the tree-covered distance. “Yes. But I didn’t know who he was.”
He rubbed his face. He looked tired and she wondered if he’d stayed up all night raging over the photos.
“Can we sit?” she asked. “Before I see something scary and don’t want to?”
He nodded and came over to join her, sliding down and resting his feet on the smaller rock below and reaching his hand to her. She took it and let him steady her as she, too, eased down to the hard surface.
“I didn’t know you wore boots,” she observed. “Nice.”
He ignored that, and pocketed the cell phone. “Can we make this work, Esmeralda?”
She thought about that. After her aunt’s new attack, which didn’t even seem driven by alcohol, just viciousness, she didn’t know that there was any reason to. Except that she wanted it to work.
The realization struck her hard. She wanted to marry Rafael Benton. She scooted away a few inches, unable to think logically with most of his body in contact with hers.
“Do you still think you should?”
“Now more than ever. And there’s not a lot of time.” He half-turned, and a lizard they hadn’t seen skittered off the lower rock.
“I hope nothing else does that.” Esme leaned over to look again. “I don’t mind lizards. They’re okay. But snakes … ” She reluctantly turned to listen to Rafael. “Why is time running out?”
“Nana Ellen’s old.” He circled a hand in the air. “I mean, of course she is, and my parents are, but I never think about their age. Sometimes it seems that our lives together just started. I lost a lot of years. To have Ellen tell me she was retiring at the end of the summer and then find out my parents had hired two nannies to help watch Justin came as a shock.”
“I can see how it would. But I still don’t know—”
“My mom’s scared that a court wouldn’t want to leave Justin with them if he won’t be watched by family members.”
“But you’re plenty young enough. And responsible. How can they think …”
“They’ve known me in all my worst moments, maybe. You haven’t. Yet.”
“Yet?” When he didn’t answer, she sighed. “I know it can’t be easy to talk about her, but Cody and my aunt have a history. You and she do. And I’m on the outside. How can you expect me to know anybody, do anything, when you keep everything hidden away?”
“What is there to tell you that I haven’t? I was assigned to protect her. I didn’t. She died.”
“Why do you blame Bounty Collins if your sister was a grown woman and chose the destruction she did?”
“After I introduced Harper to Cody, she wanted to spend all her time with him. At first, it looked like a relationship that might work in spite of the fact that she was already becoming well-known and he was just starting out.
“He went on the road as her assistant, someone who could sit in with the band in a pinch—and Cody liked him, so I stepped aside and pretended they were just friends. But Cody’s life started to fall apart. Drinking, dating one loser after another, canceling performances …”
“Having Justin?” Esme put in.
“Yes,” Rafael agreed. “Except that Justin was a blessing, not a curse like all the rest. Cody loved him so much. At first, he was enough to help her hang on. My parents were upset that Cody refused to tell who fathered Justin. She insisted she didn’t know. They kept telling Cody and me that Justin was why marriage mattered—for him, and for all the Justins of the world. I don’t think an hour went by that my parents wouldn’t bring up that ‘m’ word. Cody got ballistic about the situation, and Harper got scared. Kept saying that he was leaving, and none of us tried to stop him.”
Unbidden and unwelcome, Toby’s memory needled her. He’d gotten scared, too, scared of making her life miserable with her parents and brother constantly attacking him. He’d left, and she’d tried to keep him from joining the Army for her sake.
“Then Harper signed over at the Silver Dollar and became a permanent fixture there,” Rafael continued. “When Cody was between road trips or appearances, she’d wind up over there too, just to be close to Harper. Your aunt was furious. She kept telling Cody that she’d betrayed her by hanging out with the competition. We never could figure out why Tía thought Cody owed her. The only tie between them was that Cody happened to stop in Truth on her first tour, and enjoyed singing karaoke and visiting the club.
“To appease your aunt, Cody started insisting that Harper be allowed to sing at Tía’s, too, and have access to the club when and if he wanted.”
“I wonder how Cody got into my aunt’s good graces so easily.” Esmeralda shifted on the hard rock, wishing she had somewhere softer to sit.
“I don’t know, but after Harper showed up, so did the drugs. Cody might have dabbled before, but with Harper around she just plain went over the edge. Before she died, we’d put a restraining order on Harper. We were keeping him away from her, and she seemed to be doing really well. My parents had been awarded custody of Justin, but Cody wanted to win him back. We were all praying that she would.” His boot heel began tapping the rock with frustration. “We thought Harper had left town. I was keeping Cody busy at Witches Haven, listening to songs, planning a new tour, riding every day. Marc called and asked me to fly up to Houston for a day. There didn’t seem any harm in it.”
He fell silent for a long time. Birds squabbling in the trees around them and a single engine plane flying over them took the place of conversation. “I was in Houston and Marie called, saying that your aunt had stopped by and Cody left the house with her, even though she wasn’t supposed to. Marc and I got Dad’s pilot to fly us to Truth. We were there within two hours and just minutes too late. According to investigators, Doug Hooper, your aunt, and Cody were all upstairs when Cody overdosed. She was alive when I got here, but barely.”
“Rafael, nothing you’ve told me sounds like any of it was your fault. None of it.”
“Maybe.” He pushed himself up, rubbing his butt and then holding out a hand. “Can’t take it any longer.”
She caught it and pulled herself up, but she didn’t let go of his hand. “Your parents must have been devastated. They’d had so much trouble having her.”
“Yeah. Things were …” He eased his hands out of hers and turned away. She suspected he was fighting back tears.
“My mother took it harder than any of us. She had to be hospitalized for a couple of days. The first
time she saw me after it happened, she asked why I hadn’t been there. She said she wouldn’t be surprised if subconsciously I hadn’t envied Cody because she was their real daughter.”
“What?” Outrage burned through her. These were the parents he wanted to please? She would have gone on, but he faced her again and reached out to cup her face in his hands.
“Ssssh. Don’t. She didn’t mean it, Esmeralda. It’s like a wound between us that doesn’t heal, because it hurts so much. She can’t forgive herself for saying it, and I can’t help thinking I could have done more to save my sister.” His voice was ragged.
“But to say something like that—”
“It’s all right. Really. But your aunt and Doug—Esmeralda, I’d never ask you to leave your family. Your aunt is what she is, and I don’t like her, but I can’t tell you to stay away from her. But I have to ask—tell you—that I can’t handle seeing you with Harper. Under any circumstances.”
“Look, Rafa, I didn’t know who he was. I thought he was a creep when I met him, and I won’t see him again.”
“That easy?” Rafael teased, and she nodded.
“Just that easy,” she agreed. “I can’t stand the man. Lucky you.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“I’m running away from home.” She stood on tiptoes, placed her hands on his shoulders, and brushed his lips with hers, then danced quickly away as he reached for her. “Need a roommate?”
Chapter Seventeen
Esmeralda packed the last of her toiletries into their case and picked it up, looking around the room carefully. She didn’t think she’d forgotten anything. Sadness weighed on her as she turned off the switch and carried the bag downstairs. She’d really wanted a better outcome with Tina, but she’d reacted with her usual decisiveness, leaving no wiggle room. Tina was in her bedroom, pretending not to know anything. When Esmeralda first started carrying her things out, Tina had wheedled and begged, but Esme didn’t change her mind about leaving.
She tried to soften her departure, pointing out that she would have left after the wedding anyway. She took some of the blame, claiming that she could be proud and stubborn, “just like you, Tía.”
Andy came in, friendlier than he had been during her whole brief stay. “So sorry to lose you,” he told her, relieving her of the small case. “But you’ll be so comfortable at the devil’s place—and you’re marrying him anyway.”
Esme ignored him, but paused as Angel came down the stairs, her face weary and worried. “I’ll miss you. Will I see you around?” Angel asked.
“Of course. I don’t know if I’ll be welcome in Tía’s, but you’ll know where to find me.” She hugged Angel. “Thanks for sticking with Tía. I don’t know if she realizes how alone she is without you.” She kissed Angel on the cheek. “Take care.”
Angel left, picking her purse up on the way, en route, undoubtedly, to stir up menudo for the early crowd at Tía’s.
Esmeralda looked around a final time, letting the pain register. She’d walked out the door to escape her mother and father. Now, she’d do the same, closing off the very different relationship she’d hoped for with her aunt. She’d never had trouble sharing a few hours or nights with a man. But she’d never stayed, except with Toby, and she’d been a stupid, starry-eyed teenager then. Toby had wanted her up until he stepped on the bus to leave Texas. Family? They’d never made her feel loved enough to stay.
“So you’re really going?” Tina asked, pausing in the hall between the kitchen door and the living area. “Hard to believe you came here begging to stay and now you’re gone without a second thought.”
Calm. Stay calm. “Tía, I’m sorry I imposed on you. I hope someday you’ll understand how much I wanted to know you.”
“But not love me? No matter. You’ve got your little gold box, Esmeralda. I hope you enjoy your payday. Others would.”
Esme walked over to her aunt, and this time the alcohol on her breath and clinging around her like cheap perfume was overwhelming. “Tina, you need help. Won’t you see someone?”
“I don’t need help, I need money. Do you think I drink because I have to? I just want out. Out of this bottomless well that leaves me penniless because no one’s got money anymore. I won’t need alcohol a minute after I pay off the loan I took out from … the loan I took out.”
“I accepted this position as Rafael’s wife largely because I thought I might be able to help you. The money is still yours.”
“And why would you do that?” Tía asked, her voice slurred.
Esme shrugged. “Because I don’t sell myself, Tía. I bought my own wedding dress. I’ll take as little as I can until the charade is over, and then you’ll have your money. And I’ll have my freedom.”
“Freedom for what? To show your money-maker all over Truth, Texas?” Tía’s voice was acid. “You oughta take Rafael Benton for every penny you can. You think he cares about you, even as an employee? Hah! He let his own sister die of heartbreak because he wouldn’t let her marry Doug. How sick is that, a brother being put at his sister’s door to keep her lover away because he wasn’t good enough? Sound familiar, sobrina?”
“Goodbye, Tina.”
“Go! Go ahead and run to that arrogant bastard. But ask him—no, ask Marie, so you’ll get an honest answer—ask her if they cut a check for me. A ten-thousand-dollar check in my name, because I did what he couldn’t do. I got him the perfect little summer playmate!”
Esme stared at her aunt in shock, then wheeled and raced out of the kitchen. Outside the heat and the shame slammed her, and she stopped and retched until her legs shook. She took Cattle Guard Road for the last time, stopping indecisively at the highway. She could turn left and head into Truth. She could turn right and go to Witches Haven, where Rafael was waiting for her. She could turn right and drive on, beyond Witches Haven to the interstate and not stop until she hit Rose Creek. She turned right and headed home.
• • •
Esmeralda turned in front of the mirror and looked at the too thin woman modeling a dress that looked pretty and meant nothing. Empty. Like a model at a photo shoot, she’d taken a job. She’d do it to the best of her ability.
Tears stung her eyes and she blotted them with a lace handkerchief—the something borrowed and blue, Lillie Mae explained in a scribbled note she sent upstairs along with the handkerchief.
She walked over and glanced out the window. So many people were scattered around, ruining the landscaping. Her mother and father were center front, conversing with the justice of the peace who’d driven out to administer the vows. Her eyes narrowed. She didn’t see Beto anywhere. God help him if he ruined the wedding.
She flinched at the thought that the wedding could be ruined. How did you ruin a summer job? If anyone could, though, it would be the Salinas family. Her parents and brother had been in the house since Wednesday, interfering, sponging, taking advantage of every moment of hospitality and luxury they could. She’d stayed away from them, mostly, not even feeling guilty as Connie and Rafael tried to please them. Watching Rafael reassured her that at least he had his anger issues under control. If he could stand Beto, then she was perfectly safe.
A knock on the door startled her. She opened it and Marc stepped into the room, smiling. “You look amazing!” Then he turned his head a little, studying her from different angles, and frowned. “Although I bet that dress didn’t fit so loosely when you bought it. How long ago?”
“A week.”
“Ha! I knew it. You’ve lost weight since I met you in Cotulla. My guess is you’re a little worried about this job. But I’m convinced you can help Rafael. He’s been so different since Cody died. He blames himself for letting his parents down, and he actually thinks he can make them feel better like this.” Marc caught one of her hands and gave it a comforting squeeze. “You know, Rafa’s staying here in Truth. He’s decided he’s ready to quit globetrotting.”
“I’ve heard that.”
Marc smiled gently. “You stood t
his town on its ear from what I’ve heard. Knocking a town on its ass and showing it you’re not afraid is a good way to go in.”
“I can see why Nana Ellen calls you ‘los cuates.’ You behave like twins. Marc, if I asked you something, would you be honest?”
“If it’s not about me, sure.”
“What kind of woman do you think I am—really? I’m marrying a man for money. For maybe two months.”
“No.” He shook his head slowly. “You’re taking a temporary job to bring happiness to two people Rafa and I both love. You’re making Rafael forget some of his pain over Cody by making it easier for him to try to win custody of a kid he loves. Why would anyone look down on that, Esme?” He glanced at his watch. “Almost time, my cold-footed bride.” He made it to the door, then added, “You know what I’d do if I were you, though? I mean, if the temporary part bothers you?”
“Stand him up at the altar?” Esme asked hopefully and he laughed.
“Nope, just turn it into a permanent position. You know it’s yours if you want it.” He closed the door between them, and she could hear him whistling all the way down the stairs.
• • •
Rafael reluctantly handed Justin back to Nana Ellen when she came again to reclaim the toddler, pointing out that the wedding ceremony was minutes away. He wished he’d stayed on the back porch a few more minutes, watching his nephew play with Chief and Luc. The two dogs were banished to the screened area until the wedding guests left, and Justin was enamored. They kept turning mournful eyes on him as Justin hugged them and chattered at them, but clearly they didn’t know what to make of the baby.
Rafael glanced at his watch and wondered if Esmeralda was up there, worrying too much. She’d moved in a week ago, and though he had insisted she take his bedroom, so that she could get comfortable there, he’d barely seen her. The couch in his study hid a pullout bed, but on most nights, he’d simply crashed on the sofa itself.
The spacious upstairs would have held a small army, and he and Esme had their own space—until guests arrived. On Wednesday, Esmeralda’s parents and brother came in, claiming they wanted to help with preparations. They made themselves completely at home, taking over two of the bedrooms and expecting to be waited on, fed, and entertained constantly. He steered clear of Beto when he could, and noticed that Esme rarely spoke to any of them, a situation that worried him.
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