by Marie Garner
She narrowed her eyes at Conner. “What did he say?”
“He was really mad …” Conner started off diplomatically, quickly trying to find something to say to stop that gleam he saw in her eyes—the one that said his next words would determine whether she was going to kill his brother. And she would kill him if she found out Aaron was being an asshole about it.
He shifted his weight, shoving his hands in his pants. “So he may have said some unpleasant comments about you being a brat and only wanting your mom’s money. But my mom set him straight real quick.” He rushed on after seeing her eyes darken as he talked about his brother. He clearly didn’t want to deal with any confrontation so he tried to quickly change the subject.
“My brother was mad, but you must have known that because you just got through arguing. My mother set him straight, you set him straight, and now everything is great.” She didn’t look convinced, but Conner figured if she had a problem with Aaron he could fight his own battles. “I am going to go get started if that’s ok with you.” He was obviously looking for an escape, and as much as she wanted to mess with him, she had stuff to do.
“That’s fine.”
“Good. I do want to warn you, it may be a little noisy but we will try to stay out of your hair.”
“Ok, thanks.”
Eva actually had a pretty good morning working off her earlier irritation about Aaron telling his family about her by doing everything but what she was actually supposed to do. She couldn’t control her mother, and didn’t really want to dwell on her, so her morning activities did not include going through Elizabeth’s stuff. She called Gwen again, leaving a second voicemail telling Gwen to call her ASAP. Her worry was made worse by the fact that when she listened to Gwen’s voicemail she could hear the tears in her voice as she told Eva to call her back.
Realizing there was nothing she could do for Gwen, she worked out, started to read the book she had brought with her, and tried to ignore the fact that men traipsed in and out of the house ruining her quiet sanctuary. Thankfully it was only for a couple of weeks, she thought when she heard another suspicious bang and a curse from the upstairs bathroom.
She went in the kitchen, her goal to make lunch for herself and Conner, a peace offering from her earlier irritation at his brother. After creating a sandwich she hoped he would like, she went upstairs to call him down while subtly viewing the progress. Damn, that place was a mess. Half the fixtures had already been taken out, and there was enough dust and dirt to give her slight heart palpitations just thinking about having to clean the mess. This is my life, she thought warily, surveying the mess around her and the cutie bending to pick up some tile.
And it wasn’t just the mess of the bathroom; all the dust and dirt was representative of everything she was going through and she had to blink back tears. Conner turned around with the tile, noticing she was there for the first time.
“What’s up?”
“Hey, I made a couple of sandwiches for lunch. I didn’t know what you were having, but I thought I would offer you some lunch,” she began, irritated with herself because she sounded weak and nervous. Why, she didn’t know, other than the fact that she felt a bit awkward because she had laid into his ass for something his brother had done.
“Sure.” He smiled, brown eyes lit with appreciation. “I would love to as soon as I put this in the truck and get washed up.”
“Great,” she said. He was so affable it was hard not to like him. Not to mention the fact that the shit in the bathroom would eventually be clean and she would have a brand spanking new bathroom. She knew she shouldn’t get too excited about it though because she still had plans to sell the house, but Eva had a hard time thinking of that when she thought about all the new things happening around her.
“Thanks for my sandwich,” he said, walking back in to kitchen before washing his hands and sitting down at the table on an exhale of breath.
“The bathroom looks good,” she started diplomatically, taken aback when he started laughing.
“You don’t have to lie on my account. It looks like shit, but it won’t after a while. Just wait until I am done. It’ll look great.”
“Well thanks for the start of something great. What made you decide to do construction?”
“My dad mostly,” he said, and she could see the admiration in his eyes when he spoke of him. “He does rehabs too, and I have been working with him since college, but I really started taking over the past year or so since he’s getting close to retiring.”
“So he’s retired?”
He chuckled, thinking of his father. “Retirement is relative. He had cut back, but I don’t think the old man will ever completely be hands-off the business. He works just long enough to get on my nerves, if you know what I mean.”
“I do. My parents are the same way. They try not to hover, but they aren’t always successful. I love them but sometimes it drives me crazy.”
“Family, can’t live with ’em,” he started.
“Can’t live without them,” she finished with a smile. “I like you.”
He returned the gesture. “Good, I like you too. And I have a feeling I am going to be seeing you a lot more since you and my brother are doing whatever you are.”
“What does that mean?” She asked, narrowing her eyes.
“You know what I mean,” he said, looking at her like she was stupid, “Don’t play dumb.”
She put her hands on her hips, rethinking her earlier assessment of him. “Well aren’t you blunt?”
“Why pussyfoot around the issue?”
“Clearly,” she muttered, not sure if she was annoyed. “Did Aaron say something?”
“No.” He shook his head and smiled as though the thought was foreign. “With all that Ranger Rick attitude is a heart of gold, so he would never betray you like that. It was the way that you lit up when I mentioned his name earlier, like you wanted to ask more about him but didn’t know how without giving yourself away.”
“Well without saying too much, we are going to dinner tonight.”
“Good,” he said, smiling again. She waited for him to elaborate and give any thoughts about the situation, but the asshole just sat there and continued to grin. He knew what she was waiting for and refused to give it to her. Never known for her patience, she finally gave in and asked, “Is that all?”
“For now,” he said cryptically, gathering up his trash. “Thanks for the sandwich.” He smiled as he threw it in the trash lifting his drink as he walked out the kitchen.
Although Eva had a rough afternoon, she couldn’t quite bring herself to cancel the date. After lunch with Conner, she had spent the rest of the afternoon going through the rest of letters that she had found in her mother’s bedroom. The letters were unexpected, but it did make her feel loved to know that her mother seemed to enjoy seeing her grow up, even from a distance. Eva didn’t know what to do about her father, but she figured that was a conversation she would have to deal with later.
She smoothed down the blue sundress she put on after going through the letters and checked her appearance one more time in the bedroom mirror. A blue sundress, big silver hoops, and a long silver chain necklace lay strategically between her breasts. Her hair was brushed and glossy while her makeup consisted of smoky eyes and a subtle red tint lip gloss to complete the sexy outfit. Looking good, she thought as she turned from side to side to see the full effect. And just in time, when Aaron rang the doorbell.
Used to seeing Aaron in business suits, she was pleasantly surprised to see him in dark colored jeans and light blue button down. He had clearly taken time to style his hair differently, something that pleased her, and if the look of appreciation in his eyes was any indication, then he liked the fact that she took extra time to make sure she looked good.
“You look great, babe,” he said, kissing her lightly on the lips. She smiled her thanks, ridiculously pleased by the endearment. She tried not to think about it too much, especially given the fact that she
was leaving, but she could see herself with this man. He appeared to be a good guy, although a bit annoying with his insistence to help her, was sexy as hell, and had a loving relationship with his family.
“Well you don’t look so bad yourself. I am so used to seeing you dressed for work. The jeans look nice.”
“I will have to keep that in mind. Should we go?” He gestured toward the door, waiting as she locked up and left the porch light on before helping her into the car. “I hope you don’t mind, but where we are going tonight is probably not the fanciest place you have ever been, but it has amazing food.”
“I don’t worry about what a place looks likes, but I have to warn you, I am a bit of a foodie. So if you say it’s good, then it better be really good.”
“Don’t worry. The ambiance is one of a kind, but the food is to die for.”
They rode in comfortable silence, content with their own thoughts, until they pulled into the parking lot of one of the ugliest buildings Eva had ever seen. She could only gape in horror at the burnt orange building that stood before her. It was set back from one of the main strips with a huge sign that said “Redneck Rendezvous.” Eva turned back to him and stared, hoping that this was not the place he was kidding about.
“I told you that it was one of a kind.”
“I see,” she said as she turned back to the building. “That color makes me want to puke.”
He laughed, turning off the engine as he faced her. “Well, it’s a good thing it is not the same color on the inside. But I should warn you that there are animal heads.”
“And why wouldn’t there be?” she muttered sarcastically, nose turned up and lips pursed when she stared at the building again. “I mean, nothing says southern like the latest hunt on the wall. Let’s go. You promised me amazing food. And I am warning you now, if I have to look at ugly animal heads it better be slap your mama good.”
He grabbed her hand as they walked inside, and she couldn’t help feeling like they were acting like a normal couple, even if she was leaving soon. She did a double take when inside, because he wasn’t kidding when he said there were animal heads. They were everywhere; she counted at least fifteen before she just gave up. There were also little southern pieces of knickknacks that seemed to fit the whole theme.
“What the hell is all this shit?” she whispered.
“Patience,” he soothed before turning to the hostess and held up two fingers for the number of people in their party. He led her to the table with a green gingham table cloth that reminded her of a 1950s neighborhood picnic.
“How ya’ll?” the waitress asked as she placed plates in front of Eva and Aaron. Eva couldn’t help but notice that they were mismatched, and she seriously began to rethink her earlier opinion about him being an intelligent person. The waitress looked just like one would think at a place called the Redneck Rendezvous with frizzy red hair sticking up in all direction. The dress code was clearly casual, the uniform consisting of a plaid shirt, jeans, and white tennis shoes. Eva looked at him, hoping to display her displeasure, but didn’t think she got her point across if his laugh disguised as a cough was any indication.
“We’re great, how are you?”
“Same old. How are your folks?” Of course he knew the waitress—one of those crazy things about living in a small town that she didn’t understand.
“Mom and Dad are good, thanks for asking. I’ll tell them you asked.”
“You be sure to do that. And who is this?” she said, openly staring at Eva in curiosity.
“This is Eva, she’s …”
“Ms. Lizzie’s daughter. Sorry to hear about her passing. She was a really great woman.”
“Thank you,” Eva replied naturally, resisting the urge to squirm in displeasure. Would she ever get away from hearing accolades of the woman that abandoned her? It made her want to pull out her hair.
“Are ya’ll kids hungry? What can I get you to drink?” And just like that, the conversation about her mother was over. She was glad because she didn’t want to talk about her mother; she just wanted to eat.
“I would like a Pepsi,” Aaron said.
“And get me a Diet Dr. Pepper,” Eva said.
“Well, I’ll be right back with your drinks and your food will be here shortly.” She walked off, and Eva looked at Aaron and puzzlement.
“Did she say she would bring the food? I didn’t order!” she whispered, not to be overheard and appear rude.
“Did I mention they just bring food to the table?”
She just stared at him, certain she was going to kill him, and sure one of the rednecks in the damn place had a gun.
Aaron figured the proper response was not to laugh, especially given the way that her face crinkled clouded and she looked like she wanted to do him bodily harm, but he couldn’t help himself. He probably should have warned her about the Redneck Rendezvous with more stuffed animals than a taxidermy office kept on hand.
“Maybe I should have explained.”
“You think,” she seethed before abruptly stopping whatever argument she was going to give and visibly composed herself. It was an amazing sight, but before he could question her, he saw that Ellen had returned with their drinks. Well, well, well, he thought, Little Miss Manners didn’t want to seem rude in front of what she thought was the help. He filed that away, never knowing when he would need that bit of information again, but checked it off as another point in her favor.
“Thanks, Ellen.” He took both drinks, handing Eva’s hers.
“You’re welcome, sweetie. Give me about five minutes for the food; we are just waiting on the biscuits.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded at her, manners ingrained from an early age.
“Thank you.” Eva smiled politely, taking a sip of her diet Dr. Pepper, waiting for Ellen to go toward the kitchen before turning to him for an explanation. She gestured with her hand to continue. “You were saying?”
He sipped his drink. “I have a feeling I should have told you about this before I brought you …”
She bit her lip, nodding in agreement like she was talking to an idiot. “You think?”
He laughed, ignoring the note of sarcasm. “Yep, definitely should have explained. Here’s the deal. Ellen, that nice but very southern waitress, is actually the owner of this place.”
She glanced over to where Ellen was cackling like a loon with a family that sat across from them before turning back to Aaron. “You mean …”
He saw he got her attention. “Yep.”
Eva looked back at Ellen, who lightly slapped the arm of an elderly man who tapped her ass when she walked by. “She fits.”
He laughed and nodded. “She would love that. So as I was saying, she owns the place, and it’s family style dining. It really is the best place in town, despite the way it looks.”
About that time, Ellen returned wheeling the cart laden with food. Eva watched in awe as plates of fried chicken, country ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, spiced apples, and biscuits as big as her palm were placed on the table.
“Oh my goodness,” came out involuntarily, not knowing how they were even going to begin to put a dent in that food.
“Glad you approve. Let me know if ya’ll need anything else.”
Eva didn’t know where to begin, so she just stared. Aaron didn’t share the same issue, as he heaped food greedily onto his plate.
“Help yourself. Everything’s great,” he said then closed his eyes in sheer pleasure as he ate a hunk of biscuit.
Ellen had outdone herself as always. He opened his eyes to see that she had placed food on her plate, taking tentative bites of the fried chicken. She looked up with wide eyes, nodded her head approvingly, and went back to the chicken.
“Told you.”
She stared at him, not amused with his joke as he grinned back. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you that it’s not nice to brag?”
“I think I missed that lesson.” He smirked, enjoying the company and the food. She was a
spunky little thing and he found himself loving it.
“Whatever,” she muttered before going back to her food. He looked at her—this beautiful woman who happened to land in this place through a series of unbelievable events—and couldn’t help but be amazed by her. Now if only he could make her his …
“What are you staring at?” she asked, finally noticing his scrutiny.
“Nothing. I like that you eat.” He couldn’t tell her that she was one of the most beautiful girls he had seen in a while, so he fell back into the fact that she clearly seemed to be enjoying her food.
“Of course I eat. Why wouldn’t I eat?” She seemed confused by the question, and he figured he should clarify.
He shrugged a shoulder. “Most girls don’t.”
“What does that mean?” she asked as she wiped her fingers, having finished eating her chicken before she moved on to her mashed potatoes.
“Well most of the girls I’ve gone out with …”
She held up her hand, swallowing her mashed potatoes before speaking, “Stop right there. It is not smart to mention the other girls you’ve gone out with, especially when you are trying to get in my pants.” Well damn, way to be smooth, Casanova. He didn’t know what he was thinking; he just started talking.
“Let’s be honest, you aren’t most girls.”
This wasn’t anything new, so she didn’t bother denying his statement. “True.”
He felt like he always had to redirect the conversation to the topic at hand with her. She was like that dog in the movie Up that was distracted by squirrels. “So back to what I was saying. Most girls try to eat very little on dates, and I have always wondered why. I mean, I know you girls eat, so why not do it when I am around?”
She rolled her eyes. Why was he talking about her weight in the middle of her eating with gusto? “Because girls are always trying to impress the guy and no one is impressed by a fatty.”
“But that’s the thing. No guy is going to think you are a fatty, especially since we know what you look like going into the situation. And who cares if you eat or not?”