“Noah Carmichael.”
“Noah, Bash.”
I sit straight up in my chair. “Have you found her?”
“Sorta.”
“Sorta? What the hell does that mean?”
“Her rental car was due back today, so I’ve sat here watching for her. I’m sending a picture for you to verify it’s her.”
My phone pings when it comes through, and I put Bash on speaker while pull up the picture. It shows a man holding the door for a woman, for Tamryn. “Yes, that’s her, but who’s the man?”
“I don’t know. He pulled in behind her. I’m going to follow them back to wherever they’re going. I’ll call you later when I know where we are.”
“Thank you.” I disconnect the call, pack my briefcase, and walk out of the office. “I’m working from home, Carol.” I stroll past her with a purposeful stride. I won’t do anyone any good at the office today.
Two hours later my phone rings. “Bash, tell me where I’m going.”
“Dude, she’s in some dinky town where there are maybe two traffic lights. It’s the polar opposite of Atlanta. You better wear jeans, T-shirts, cowboy boots and hat, and drive a monster truck if you want to fit in.”
“Do you know the name of the town?”
“Saluda.”
I’ll be damned. I haven’t thought of Saluda in years, and that’s the last place I thought would come out of Bash’s mouth. He may as well have punched me in the gut because I’m having a hard time catching my breath.“Are you still there?” Bash asks.
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“Do you know this place?”
“Yeah, I know it. I met her at a rodeo there sixteen years ago. I’ll make arrangements and get a flight out in the morning. Keep an eye on her, okay? I’ll let you know what time I’m leaving.”
“Want me to pick you up at the airport?”
“No, I’ll have a truck delivered.”
“How?”
“Never mind, Bash. Just keep an eye on her.”
“Talk to you tomorrow.”
I knew since my sophomore year in high school that I wanted to be an attorney. I just didn’t know what kind. When I approached my father, I was told I’d have to pay for law school myself, so I started riding the local rodeo circuit. My parents drove me until I could drive himself. At fourteen, I roped calves, rode the tamer broncos, and younger bulls.
The night I met Tamryn was special. I’d just finished my roping run and was on the back side of the ring watching Toby. I looked across the ring toward the bleachers and there was the most beautiful face I’d ever seen. Somehow our eyes locked, and she called to me like a siren. I made it through my next two events and, if I were being honest with myself then and now, I was trying to show off for her. She was my good luck charm.
I smile at the thought.
I was announced as the rodeo winner for my age group. As per tradition, each winner got to pick who they wanted to share the first dance with. I walked straight up to her and her friends. She elbowed the girl next to her as if I was coming for the other girl, but with my heart pounding, I held out my hand in front of her and asked for the dance. Her face turned a pretty shade of pink as she took my hand. She was even more gorgeous up close. We danced several times that night and talked for hours
We’ve been together from that day on. Just seeing her in my mind’s eye causes me to thicken in my jeans. I thought she was beautiful then, but she’s only gotten more so with age.
I step into the shower before the water heats to let the cool water run over me. I can see Tamryn’s face, how she’s changed from the fourteen-year-old girl to the beautiful woman she’s become. With each change of her face, I grow harder. I wrap my hand around the base of his cock and stroke. My Tamryn. My stroke becomes more fevered when I quit imagining her face but think about our honeymoon night. No one can love her the way I do. I’m going to win her back if it’s the last thing I do.
After slipping on some lounging pants, I pack my bag, tossing in my faded Levi’s and a couple different shirts. Standing in the back of our closet, I pull out my cowboy boots. These days I only wear them on guys’ night, but like an old pair of gloves, they mold to my feet. Next, I go to the closet in the spare room where I pull down my grey-white Stetson. I smile remembering the day I purchased it because it was my first splurge when I landed my first job. But if Tamryn’s in Saluda that’s not the hat she wants to see, so I put it back and pick up the one beside it. My old black felt hat with the garnet band she bought me when I was accepted into the University of South Carolina. My fingers slide along the band as a smile creeps across my face. I shake my head and chuckle. She wants her cowboy back. Leave it to Tamryn to nudge me…with spurs.
I bring the hat and place it beside my boots. There’s a pair of earrings she’d never part with having told me they’re her prized possession. Going back into our closet, I open the safe that’s made into the back wall. I move all the jewelry I retrieved from the pawn shop yesterday until I can find the little brown cardboard box with gold writing in the back corner. I pull out the box and find the gold medallion earrings that can’t be bigger than a dime, but I’d given them to her our first Christmas together. She fussed about me spending so much because I needed to save my prize money for law school, but then she squeezed my neck. These mean more to me than anything. I can still see the tears in her eyes as I lay the box with my wallet so I won’t forget it.
Luckily, I find a last-minute flight, one-way to Columbia that has a seat available in first class, leaving early afternoon. My last task is to get a truck, so I press the speed dial button for my dad.
“Hey, Noah.”
“Hi, Dad. How are you?”
“I’m good. Heading in from the barn. How are you?”
I clear my throat. “Not too good, Dad.”
“What’s goin’ on?”
“Tamryn left me. She’s in Saluda, so I’m flying in tomorrow. I need a truck.”
“What the hell, son?”
“Dad, I screwed up. I put my career in front of her and justified it by believing I’m just providing for her in the way she deserves.”
“I see. Is she still traveling all over the world?”
“She was, but she came home last week and said she wants to be home for a while.”
“Sounds like there’s blame to go around, son.”
“Dad, I’m not blaming her for this. I left her alone every night since she’s been home. I think it was just the last straw.”
“I love Tamryn, don’t get me wrong.” My father pauses and takes a breath. “But, it takes two to make a marriage work and two to let it fall apart.”
I massage my forehead with my fingers and thumb. “I know, Dad, but this one is on me, okay? I gave her reasons to think I’d been unfaithful. They were unintentional, but they were still there. I’ve got to make this right. If she can’t forgive me, then well…yeah, I don’t want to think about it.” I pause and take an exasperated breath. “Can you get a truck to the airport?”
“Yeah, Son. I’ll meet you there. By the way, I’m thinking about retiring at the end of the year. I may need those lawyer skills you’ve got.” My dad chuckles. “Do you think you could draw up a contract for me?”
Shit, this is the last thing I need today. “Sure, Dad. Can it wait until I get through this shitstorm?”
“Absolutely. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I disconnect the call and start working on my plan. I don’t go into any contract negation without a plan, and I’m sure as hell not going into the fight of my life without one either.
13
Tamryn
Colt and I arrive back in Saluda at two-thirty. He drops me at Mrs. Hopkins’ to pick up the Jeep Cherokee with just enough time to make my meeting with Mr. Lee at three. Looking at my watch, I realize there’s not enough time to talk with Becky. I pull into the parking lot of an old house that’s been converted to a business with a small sign out front that reads E.T. Lee, Attorney
at Law. For the first time since I’ve been here, my hands shake and my stomach feels as though I’m about to retch whatever is in it as I stare at the door.
Was I imagining his actions? Is my daddy right that I’m acting like a toddler? In my heart of hearts, do I really believe Noah would cheat? All the evidence points that way. My mother’s warning runs through my head: Don’t be an ostrich with your head stuck in the sand.
I walk into the small office and let the receptionist know I’ve arrived for my appointment then take a seat. I turn to pick up a magazine and come face to face with myself on the front cover of the magazine I’d bought almost a week ago. I roll my eyes. Is this a sign that I’m doing the right thing or a taunt of how silly I’m acting? I decide it’s the former and not the latter, so I sit back in my seat not looking at anything.
“Mrs. Carmichael, Mr. Lee is ready for you now,” the receptionist says. A big smile stretches the young girl’s face.
Shit, she knows who I am. I return a small smile of my own.
“Mrs. Carmichael.” Mr. Lee stands and stretches out his hand.
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Mr. Lee,” I say as I take his hand.
“Have a seat and tell me why you think you need my services.”
“My husband is cheating, so I think it’s time to end our marriage.”
Mr. Lee makes notes on his legal pad. “Do you have evidence of his infidelity?”
I tick off each offense touching each finger and thumb, then look at him as if the offenses seal my case. “I think that’s evidence enough to file for divorce on the grounds of adultery.”
Mr. Lee clears his throat. “I see. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably come to the same conclusion; however, in a court of law we’ll need more than that.”
“Like what?”
“He admits to having or has had an affair, or a woman or man comes forward and says they’ve had an affair with your husband, or pictures of him in a compromising position would help. Do you have anything other than what you’ve told me?”
“No, sir.”
“We can still end the marriage, Mrs. Carmichael, if you want. Just not on adultery. Irreconcilable differences, maybe?”
“What does that mean? That we just couldn’t get along?”
“Basically, it’s a no-fault divorce and both sides agree to dissolve the marriage.” He shrugs. “In South Carolina, it requires a year separation where neither person is involved with a third party. Half-way through the separation, the state will require you and Mr. Carmichael to go through mediation to see if you’ve had a change of heart and will try counseling. If so, then the divorce is put on hold until such a time to give the marriage a chance. If not, then the divorce proceedings continue with a division of assets, etcetera.”
My mouth gapes open. “Another year?”
“A year separation, Mrs. Carmichael. You would continue to live your life as you see fit, but you couldn’t be involved with anyone.” Mr. Lee levels me with his stare. “You do understand what I mean, don’t you?”
“You mean sexually,” I say as I stand from the conference table. As I pace, I think back on the events of last week. I don’t have any evidence except in the bar. I turn back toward Mr. Lee. “I saw him with his arm around a woman in a bar, and hers were around him.”
“Were they alone? Was it intimate?”
I shake my head. “If this is the only way, then let’s proceed with irreconcilable differences. But, I want him served first thing in the morning.”
“Mrs. Carmichael, I don’t know if that’s possible. Having a rush put on this will be expensive.”
“I don’t care. Please, Mr. Lee, I need this to happen tomorrow.”
“Which state did you get married in?”
“Here, South Carolina.”
“We’ll draw up a standard divorce decree with assets to be named at a later date. I’ll have someone take it to the county courthouse this afternoon and have a process server attempt delivery first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lee. How much do I owe you?”
“We’ll start with a retainer of twenty-five hundred dollars that I’ll bill against and go from there. If he doesn’t contest it, it’ll be quiet. We’ll put in for him to give you two thousand dollars a month for living expenses.”
“Thank you. Do I give you the money or your receptionist?”
“Please give it to her.”
I give the young girl the money and walk to my car.
It’s barely after five when I walk into the Crossroads Bar and Grill. I go to my favorite table, and Dale walks over. “Girl, are you okay?”
I shrug. “Is Becky here yet?”
“Sure, Tammy. I’ll get her.”
Dale disappears, and I bury my face in my hands and cry. I know today isn’t a day to be around people, but there isn’t any liquor at the house. A gentle hand touches my shoulder. “Girl, what’s going on?”
I raise my eyes to my friend. “I filed for divorce today.”
“You did what? Tammy, why?”
“Stuff that’s been building for a long time.”
“What do you want? Bourbon, vodka, or tequila?”
“Tequila. I’ve never had it before.”
Becky walks off, and I can see her and Dale whispering. She pours two shots of liquid from a bottle that I assume is tequila before she walks back to the table. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really. I just never in a million years thought we’d be over, but I guess all good things come to an end, right?”
“Not all good things, Tammy. How long have y’all been together?”
“Together sixteen years but married five. We dated through high school, college and his law school, then got married.”
“Honey, are you sure? I mean, that’s a long time to be together. I’m sure whatever it was, it’s just a misunderstanding.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Listen, I’ve got to go check on some other people. I’ll be back. Don’t drink those too fast, okay?”
“Sure.” I turn up the first shot glass. I’m looking at my wedding rings when a deep voice surprises me.
“Tammy, what ya doing? Dale said you’re in a bad way today. What happened after I dropped you off?”
I slip my rings off and push them in my jeans pocket. “I filed for divorce.” I hold the second shot glass and tilt it toward Colt before slamming it down.
“Whoa, Tammy. I don’t think that’s the best idea. Have you had anything to eat because you didn’t eat lunch.”
“Nope.”
“Okay, I’m getting you something.”
“Just get me two more of these.”
14
Colt
Watching Tamryn Carmichael slam tequila shots is like watching Queen Elizabeth dance on a bar. They just don’t go together. She still doesn’t know that I know who she is. She came here to live out a dream, and I’m not ready to let her know she’s fulfilling mine.
I met her thirteen years ago, but obviously she doesn’t remember even though I’ll never forget it. I’m a few years older than Tamryn, and I won the rodeo the two previous years before Noah came along and took the title from me. I’m not bitter about losing the title because I would have traded all my ribbons for Tamryn Fields, now Carmichael. Maybe this time I’ll get the prize I’ve wanted for thirteen fucking years.
I walk up to the table and find Tamryn with her head resting on her arms. “Tammy, I know you don’t eat many carbs, but eat this sweet potato for me, okay? Then we’ll go dance.”
She sits up and stares at me as if I’ve grown horns. “Maybe I don’t want to eat or dance.” She lays her forehead back on her arms.
I pull out a chair. “Fine, we don’t have to dance, but if you don’t eat, I’ll feed you myself, Tamryn.”
Her head jerks up. “What did you call me?”
I cup the side of her face. “That’s right, I’ve known who you were from the m
oment I laid eyes on you last Friday. You don’t have to hide with me. It’s okay.”
“Colt, you can’t tell anyone who I am. I don’t want the paparazzi finding me.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you.” She lays her hand on mine. “As much as I think you could be good for me, we can only be friends.”
“Okay, friend, I really enjoyed our time together today.”
She smiles. “I did too.”
“Really? Are you just saying that?”
She takes a gulp of the next shot then shakes her head as the effects of the alcohol start to hit her, and her words begin to slur. “I wouldn’t do that.” She points at me. “You gave me the courage to do what I did today.”
My eyes widen. “How did I do that?”
“Because you showed me that what I want in my heart doesn’t have to just be in my past, but can be in my future, too.”
“I don’t understand.”
Tamryn sighs. “My husband—well, ex-husband in a year, was a cowboy. I loved how he always made me feel. I was important to him, you know? His something special, but now I’m not. Not anymore.” She shakes her head again for emphasis. “But you, you treat me like he once did. Maybe one day…” Her words trail off as her eyes close.
My heart speeds up. I hope tomorrow she’ll remember saying these words because I’m more than happy to take her husband’s place. I’ll put her on a pedestal and never take her off. If only I could be that lucky. I swallow hard. “Tammy, you hardly know me, but I met you the last time Noah won the rodeo. He won my age class. I was the one who handed him the trophy. I thought you were pretty then, but you’re gorgeous now.”
Her eyes are glassy, and her speech is slurred. “Thank you, Colt.”
“I’ll be right back. Stay here.” Since the DJ hasn’t finished setting up, I walk over to the juke box and play a song that I hope she’ll remember in the morning. On my way back to her, I snag a glass of water from the bar and sit back in my seat as I hand her the water. “Drink this.”
Crossroads of the Heart Page 7