by Lelly Hughes
Is there a predetermined grace period that I have to wait before seeking out love? It’s not like I’m going to sign up for a dating app or start posting on social media that I’m an eager beaver looking for love. But I’m not going to hide either. If someone wants to take me on a date, I’m going to do it. And if I find someone I like, I’m going to ask him out. Van is doing it, so why can’t I?
Pulling my phone out, I take a picture of the scene across the pathway from me. The way the sun is beaming through the trees and hitting the flowery shrub that caught Levi’s attention earlier shows how beautiful life can be. With the image uploaded to my social media accounts with the caption of “Life is good,” I sit there and watch the comments roll in. Most of from fans telling me that they love me. Some call Van a jerk, which makes me laugh. They truly have no idea, but will soon. Others are negative, telling me that Van is the best man out there.
My reading is interrupted by a phone call. Levi’s name is in black and white, and lacking a picture, which I must remedy as soon as possible.
“Hello?”
“Hey Zara,” he says.
“Hi.” I interrupt him before he can say anything else. I’m smiling, and I don’t know why. Levi and I are complete opposites and would never work outside of a friendship, yet I’m excited that he’s called me even though I knew that he would.
Chapter 14
Levi
As soon as I walk into the house, I call out for my mama. When she doesn’t answer, I follow the sound of happiness into the backyard where I find Barbara, my mother, and daughters having a grand ole time in the swimming pool. I glance at my watch to verify the time, knowing full well that the girls should be in school, and yet they’re not.
“Daddy,” Willow says as soon as she spots me. I step out onto the patio as she climbs out of the pool. The wet hug is welcomed, despite my clothes getting damp. “What are y'all doing home?”
Home… I sigh. I am torn about putting down roots in Los Angeles when we have a perfectly great home in Nashville. That is where I live, but understand that the girls are established here, especially Stormy.
“My meetin’ wasn’t intendin’ to last all day. More importantly, why aren’t you both in school?” I cast a stern look over her shoulder at Stormy then to my mother. Barbara is happily sipping on some sort of drink and ignoring me.
“I wasn’t feeling well this morning is all,” Willow says. It’s only when she’s about to get into trouble, or she’s sad that her accent comes out. She has spent far too long out here and has all but lost a bit of charm in the way she speaks. Her voice dips down into that sweet child-like whine that was so effective when she was a toddler. Not so much now, except all I want to do is coddle her.
“But you’re feelin’ better to go swimmin’?” She looks at me sheepishly and shrugs. “And what about you, Stormy?”
“Menstrual cramps,” she yells loud enough for the neighbors to hear. “The water is helping ease them.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I suck in a deep breath of the California smog. This is stuff I never had to deal with because Iris managed everything. When we divorced, I was set to hire a nanny so that the girls had a woman around all the time to help. I may have to consider that now, although both girls are a bit too old for that.
My mother finally looks at me. The smug look on her face is enough to tell me that she made the decision and I have to live with it. She has to know that something like this won’t fly. I get that she’s here to help, but the girls need to attend school, or there’s no reason for us to be here.
“Go back and swim,” I tell Willow before asking my mama and Barbara to follow me into the house.
“I know what you’re goin’ to say, Levi,” my mama says in the most dramatic fashion possible.
“You do?”
“Of course I do. You’re goin’ to lecture me on keepin’ them girls home,” she says as she pours herself a glass of lemonade. She offers Barb a glass, but not me, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit left out. “But honestly, it was one day.”
“Willow already missed a week after Iris died, and the whole point in us stayin’ here is so they can finish out the school year,” I tell her.
“Son,” she says as she comes over to me. “It was one additional day. She’ll go tomorrow.”
“And Stormy too, right? Because again, we are here because of the school she attends. If she doesn’t want to go here, she can go back in Nashville,” I point out.
“I promise, no more hooky with Memaw.”
I go over and kiss her on her forehead. “Actually, the reason I asked you two in here is because something has come up and I need to head back to Nashville and want to know if you can stay with the girls.” I look directly at my mama, so she understands that I’m talking to her. If I’m in Nashville, it’s likely that Barb will follow me back, although I’d prefer for her to stay here to keep my mother company.
“What kind of business?” Barbara asks, knowing all too well that she knows everything there is to know about me.
“Um…” Instantly my hand pushes over the top of my hat as I try to come up with something good to tell them. I have never been much of a liar, and by the way, my mama and Barb are eyeing me they can tell something’s up.
“What’s her name?” mama asks.
“It’s not what you think,” I say defensively.
“You don’t want to know what I’m thinking,” Barbara adds while rolling her eyes at me. I have a feeling she’s going to be shocked when I tell her who I’m heading back home with. For as long as I can remember she’s been trying to get me to date anyone from our circle. Not that Zara and I are dating, but that’s how it’s going to look as soon as I drop the bomb.
I glance out the door to make sure the girls are not only okay but not within hearing range of what I’m about to say. All this while two of the most important women in my life stand side by side with their hands on their hips with a look that tells me that they’re onto me.
“I had coffee with Zara Phillips this mornin’.”
“And now you’re whiskin’ her off to Nashville?” my mother asks.
“She’s married, Levi,” Barbara adds.
I hold my hands up in a silent plea to let me finish. “She’s separated, and as I said, it’s not what you think. Her ex cheated on her, and he’s about to enter into rehab for sex addiction. She wants to disappear and this mornin’ while we were talkin’ about the ranch, she asked me to take her there.” Barbara looks very skeptical while my mother is smiling. Two very mixed responses.
“She has money to go anywhere in the world, why Nashville?” Barb asks.
I shrug, knowing that Zara can definitely go anywhere in the world, but I want to take her to my house. I want to show her around and let her get lost in the land. I want to take her horseback riding and sit across from her while we watch the wood burn in the bonfire.
“Because no one will know her there. Just like no one knows me here. She can hide out on the ranch in the peace and quiet, probably go into town and shop and no one will bother her.”
“She’ll stand out like a sore thumb with her wild hair,” Barbara says. I happen to agree with her, but it not like I can tell her to cut or dye her hair.
“This mornin’ she had a hat on, no one really paid attention.” That was until we left and the paparazzi hollered her name until we stepped into the park. I don’t know if they ever caught up with her since I had to leave her there. Thinking back I probably should’ve stayed with her until she reached her car.
“I don’t like it, Levi. Her troubles aren’t yours, and the last thing you need is to be in the middle of a divorce or have some gung-ho reporter tag you as the problem between Zara and her husband.”
Barbara’s right, but my mind is made up as long as my mama can stay with the girls. If not, I’ll take Zara to my ranch and come right back, even though I want to spend time at home where I’m comfortable. Plus this would be a good time for me to get the girls’ rooms ready for w
hen school is out, and we return for good.
“She’s a friend,” I tell Barb before turning my focus on my mother. “Can you stay with the girls? I won’t be gone long.”
“Of course I can,” she says. She comes over and gives me a hug. It’s long and much needed. When she pulls away, she goes back outside, leaving me with Barbara.
“Can you call and get a plane ready?”
Barb nods and pulls out her phone. She doesn’t say anything, and I find her silence a bit unnerving. I filter around the kitchen, waiting for any sign that we’re going to have an adult discussion.
“Pilot will be ready to fly at seven. That will give you time to have dinner with the girls,” she says without making eye contact.
“Okay, thank you.” I began to leave the kitchen, but turn back so I can talk to her. “I know you don’t approve--”
“It’s not that, Levi.”
“What is it then?”
Barbara walks over to me and brushes imaginary lint off my shoulders. “You come from different worlds and are a very unlikely pair.”
“We’re just friends, Barb.”
She shakes her head but smiles softly. “When people find it, it won’t matter what you say. They will spin this every which way possible. You need to tell Stormy and Willow what you’re doing so they don’t see you in the papers.”
As much as I don’t want to admit it, she’s right. It should be easy for me to tell Stormy that I’m helping out a friend, but I’m worried her reaction will be similar to Barbara’s. It seems like I’m in a no-win situation with these women of mine.
I kiss Barbara on her forehead and retire to my bedroom so I can pack. Since I’ve been here, Barb had most of my clothes shipped over because she couldn’t find a store that carried what I liked, at least not in some decent quantity.
I shut the door behind me and pull out my cell phone to call Zara. It would be easier to text, but I said I’d call, and I’m trying to keep my word, especially when it comes to her.
“Hello,” she says on the second ring, not that I was counting.
“Hey Zara, it’s Levi.”
“Hi, Levi,” she says my name softly, and I find myself grinning from it. I shake my head, clearing away the ridiculous thoughts.
“The plane will leave at seven. I’ll pick you up if that’s all right?”
“Yeah, that would be fine. I’ll be ready.”
I feel like I should say more like maybe tell her what to pack or tell her that she doesn’t have to worry, but my tongue feels rather thick. Besides, it’s not like she can’t buy things when we get there, like boots. She’ll need those.
“Okay. Can you text me your address?”
“Already did.”
“Okay. Bye.” I hang up and immediately curse myself for being so stupid on the phone. It isn’t like I’ve never spoken to a woman before, but there’s something about her that makes me feel eighteen again.
Instead of dwelling on the fact that I’m an idiot, I change quickly so I can join the girls in the pool. With my shorts on, I run through the house yelling, getting a dirty look from Barbara as I breeze by her.
The girls are frozen when I step out onto the patio; their eyes wide as I run toward them. “Cannonball!!!”
The muffled screams I hear are from Stormy, Willow, and my mama, making me wish I had videoed them getting soaked. Not that the girls should care since they were in the pool, to begin with. But seeing my mama get drenched would’ve been fun.
It takes me a few seconds to surface, but when I do, I’m met with three pairs of angry Austin women.
“What?” I say, shrugging my shoulders.
“Levi Austin, how dare you do this to me?” My mother looks like a drowned rat. Her usual perfectly styled hair is matted to her face, and her clothes are clinging to her body. “And to think I said I’d watch your children for you,” she huffs and turns back toward the house yelling something unintelligible.
“Where are you going? Why does Memaw need to watch us?” Willow asks as she swims toward me. She climbs on my back, much like she used to when she was little before she was comfortable in the water.
“I gotta head back home for a bit.”
“Why? What’s in Nashville that you can’t do here?” Stormy asks.
If I didn’t know any better, I would think I’m in the middle of an inquisition by the way she’s staring at me.
“First of all, it’s where we live, Stormy. Second, I have some business I need to take care of and third, I have a friend who needs some help.”
“What friend?” Willow asks. Her question is so innocent and yet causes so many ripples. I motion for the girls to follow me to the hot tub where we can at least sit, and the noise will keep our voices muffled. I don’t know much about the neighbors, but know that I’ll never trust them.
“You know Zara Phillips?”
“Oh God, Daddy! You didn’t!” Stormy throws her hands up in the air, confusing Willow and me.
“Didn’t what?”
“I don’t know, but you said her name, and I freaked out a bit,” she says awkwardly. Despite how mature she is on the outside, she’s’ still fairly young and gets rather excited at the littlest things.
“Right, anyway. She’s the friend who needs some help. She’s going through some stuff and needs to get away, so I’m taking her to the ranch for a little bit. Zara wants to learn to ride the horses and see why we love the ranch so much.”
“And she’s just a friend?” Stormy asks.
“I promise you; she’s only a friend. I’m going to get her settled then I’ll be back.”
“Can I go?” Willow asks.
I look at her confused. “I thought you wanted to stay here?”
Willow shakes her head. “Only if you’re here.”
How am I supposed to leave now? I pull her into my arms and Stormy follows suit. “You girls are the most important people in my life, along with Memaw and Aunt Barb. So I’ll tell ya what. I’m going to go tonight but will be back next week to bring you back to Nashville. Okay, Willow?”
She nods.
“And Stormy, let’s start interviewing dance teachers that are willing to move maybe your current teacher knows someone. I’m willing to let you travel, but I think it’s about time we move home.”
She nods too, but I have a feeling she’s going to hit me with some resistance soon. I know Stormy is going to be a hard sell, but it’s what’s best for our family.
Chapter 15
Zara
I have never heard so much quiet before until now. My life, up to this point, has been crazy, noisy and running so fast that I could barely keep up, and yet, the moment I walked onto Levi’s deck, the noise stopped, and the peaceful calm that he described to me took over.
Before I arrived, I can admit that I thought I was coming to some far off cabin without running water and electricity. Deep down, I knew better, but my mind still pictured a rustic way of living. To say I was shocked at Levi’s home would be an understatement.
The cathedral ceilings, along with the skylights let an obscene amount of natural light in, and when I walked into his home, the sun’s rays created a magnitude of colors and designs on his hardwood floors. For a moment I wanted to bask in the glow.
It didn’t take long once we arrived for Levi to go to work. After he had shown me to my room, he disappeared, leaving me to entertain myself. Not that I need him around, but a little conversation or tour would’ve been nice.
With the open concept of his home, a tour has been unnecessary. Everything is out in the open, a free for all for the eyes to take in. The biggest attraction is his wrap around deck, and that is where I find myself, staring at him now.
Even as my eyes droop from the lack of sleep, I can’t seem to tear myself away from watching him work. Hay bales are lifted effortlessly and set onto his bare shoulder as the muscles in his back strain from the weight. With each bend, his jeans tighten around his ass, making me wish I could take a closer look.
I never thought I’d find manual labor sexy, but it is.
“Excuse me?
I jump slightly at the sound of a voice behind me. I turn and find a young woman standing there with her hands folded in front of her. She’s dressed somewhat casually with her hair pulled up into a bun. If I had to guess I’d say she’s younger than I am and for whatever reason, that sets me off a bit. Levi didn’t mention that anyone else would be at the house while we were here. Truthfully, I’m not sure how I feel about sharing space with another woman.
“Can I help you?” I ask.
“Sorry to bother you, Ms. Phillips. Mr. Austin asked that I check on you while he’s working. Would you like something to eat? Coffee?”
She’s his maid? Is that the right word to use to describe her? Instantly I feel like an ass assuming that she’s more than an employee. As I look over her shoulder to try and mask my embarrassment, it dawns on me that his house is massive compared to mine, not to mention he has land to tend to. He likely has multiple people working for him at any given time.
“Um… coffee would be good. Maybe some toast?”
“Yes, ma’am.” She nods and disappears into the house through the side door. I find myself leaning toward that direction, but realize I'm being stupid. Why does it even matter that he has a maid?
Of course, my mind wanders to places it shouldn’t with Levi. Does his maid live here? Have they been intimate? All the while I’m mentally kicking my ass for even thinking these things when I shouldn’t be. I should be focused on healing, setting my mind free from the damage that Van has caused and finding myself again. I am here to learn how to be Zara without Van; how to survive in a world that worships the ground he walks on. My time away from Los Angeles is meant to be peaceful. Not a time filled with self-induced drama over whether my friend, a man I barely know, is boning his housekeeper.
By the time I’m done with my musings, she’s returned with a tray that she sets down on the small table between two Adirondack chairs, and also sets down a blanket. I’m chilled, but not cold as the sun is doing its job to try and warm everything up.