Feels Like Home

by Kelly Elliott

  She laughed. “Bristol, you grew up in this town. You have a ton of friends still here. Invite a few of them.”

  I blew out a breath. “Right, right. My mind is a little foggy right now.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  I was not the type of woman who broke down and cried. Okay, I was when the time called for it. Hallmark movies, sad commercials. The ending of Pride & Prejudice. The fact that I was on the verge of bawling again didn’t make me feel so great. Clearly, I’d have to add Anson to my list of triggers.

  “I read all the dedications.”

  “To?”

  I rolled my eyes. “The ones on Anson’s albums.”

  “Ohh,” she said as recognition hit her.

  “Have you read them, Mama?”

  I wasn’t sure why, but I held my breath as I waited for her answer.

  “No, Sweetheart. I never have. Your father and I refused to buy the albums to show our support. But we did buy the songs on Apple Music. I know he hurt you, but…”

  With a smile, I sank back down onto the sofa. “No, I’m glad y’all did. I know Drake did as well, and he swears when he sees Anson he’s going to hit him.”

  She chuckled.

  “What made you read them?”

  “He asked me if I had.”

  “I see.”

  I sighed. “Mama, I’ve been such a fool. He wrote me these beautiful songs and dedicated all of his albums to me. But a part of me struggles with how he just left me behind. He didn’t think twice about leaving.”

  “He might ask you why you didn’t go to Nashville.”

  My head dropped back onto the sofa, and I stared up at my ceiling.

  “I don’t know what to do. One minute I want to throw my arms around him, and the next I want to…I want to…”

  “Punch him?”

  “Yes. And kick him. Slap him. Pull his hair.”

  “That never changes, Sweetheart. I want to do all that to your father on a weekly basis.”

  I chuckled then felt my chest tighten with an overwhelming sadness. “I miss him, Mama, but I don’t know if things could ever be the same for us. I don’t know how it would work. But my heart, God, it felt like it was physically aching when I saw him earlier.”

  “Oh, Sweetheart. All you can do is leave it up to fate.”

  “Fate,” I whispered softly.

  “Have faith it will work out, Bristol.”

  I was going to need a lot of faith over the next few days.

  “Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?”

  With an internal groan, I replied, “I can’t. I’ve got Bunco tonight.”

  My mother laughed.

  “You laugh, but it was you who got me stuck in this mess!”

  “I believe it was Ida who got you stuck in it. Who’s hosting tonight?”

  “MaryLou.”

  “I highly doubt that. She’s sick.”

  I stood and walked to my room. I needed to change and head on out soon. “Mindy will know where it’s at tonight. Better go get ready. I love you, Mama.”

  “Love you too. Do you want me to put together a few menus for the event with Annie?”

  “I think we’ll just use our tried and true afternoon tea menu.”

  “Sounds good, Sweetheart. Have fun tonight!”

  “I will. Love you!”

  I was actually looking forward to the Bunco group tonight. Anything to get my mind off of Anson and how confused I was feeling.

  Anson

  “ANSON, SWEETHEART, WILL you move these three tables over here? It’s such a beautiful night, I think we need to be outside.”

  Grams stood on the back porch and pointed to three tables that were closest to the house.

  “What’s going on tonight?” I asked.

  “Well, it’s Bunco night. And it was supposed to be at MaryLou’s house, but she’s not feeling well. So it’s going to be here.”

  I lifted a brow in question. “Bunco?”

  “Yes, it’s a dice game.”

  “Is there money involved?” I asked with a smile.

  With a laugh, she replied, “Yes, but it’s for women only.”

  Granddad walked out onto the deck. “I hope you’ve got your poker skills up to level, Son. It’s poker night.”

  Grams turned and stared at Granddaddy. “That’s this Saturday?”

  He nodded.

  As I moved the tables, I felt my phone going off in my pocket with one text message. Then another. Then another. I ignored them as I moved the last table into place.

  “Irwin! It’s Bunco night.”

  “I know, that’s why I scheduled poker for tonight, my love.”

  “Don’t you my love me. I swear I told you it was going to be held here tonight instead.”

  He frowned. “You didn’t, or I would have reminded you it was poker night.”

  My gaze bounced between the two of them. I couldn’t wait to see who won this round.

  Grams sighed. “It’s okay, we’ll be out here, and you boys will be in the house doing what a bunch of men do when playing poker.”

  Granddad turned to face me. “You’re in for poker night, right?”

  “Um, sure. Are we betting money?”

  He looked at me like I had just asked the dumbest question ever. “Hell yes, we’re betting money. So unless you’ve got fifty bucks for the pot, stay out here with the women.”

  “Fifty? Irwin!”

  “What?”

  “We only put five dollars in our Bunco pot. You’re putting in fifty?”

  He shrugged. “I can’t help it if you play with a bunch of cheap women.”

  I laughed, and Grams shot me a dirty look, which instantly had me shutting my mouth and raising my hands in defense.

  She headed back into the house, and I followed. “What time will they be here?” she asked.

  “Six thirty,” Granddad said.

  “Lord, everyone is going to think we’re having a party. I’m going to get messages from folks asking why they weren’t invited.”

  I frowned. “Are you serious?”

  “Oh, yes,” Grams said as she pulled out a tray of fruit and veggies. “Your granddad and I still know how to throw parties. Everyone in Comfort wants to be invited to them.”

  Granddad walked to the pantry and pulled out bags of chips, pretzels, and Chex mix. I glanced between the two of them. They sure had everything planned out well for two people who had no idea the other was hosting a game night.

  “We always order pizza on poker night. I believe Drake’s bringing it.”

  I froze. “Drake? Drake Overmann?”

  Granddad nodded. “Don’t worry, he won’t hit ya here in front of everyone.” Then he shot me a wink.

  “Well,” I said as I rubbed my neck, “I guess that’s good to know.”

  “Your daddy will be here as well.”

  That made me stop for a moment. “Does he know I’m here?”

  Granddad turned and looked at me. He almost seemed angry. “Of course he does, Anson.”

  “Oh! The ladies are showing up! Anson! Anson! Come help me carry this bowl of punch out.”

  I did as I was asked. The moment the ladies got near the porch and saw me, I was flooded with questions.

  “Will you ever go back to Nashville?”

  “Yes,” I replied, at least a dozen times.

  “Have you seen Bristol?”

  “Yes,” I answered, knowing all too well they had heard about the punching incident.

  Women chattered all around me as Grams asked everyone to be seated.

  “We’re missing two!” Addie, Grams and Granddad’s neighbor, shouted.

  “She’ll be here, don’t you worry!” Grams called out. “I’ll kill Mindy if she isn’t.”

  “What did you say, Grams?”

  With an innocent grin, she simply shrugged.

  I felt her before I even saw her. With a quick glance over my shoulder, I watched as Mindy and Bristol walked up the steps towa
rd the tables of women.

  Mindy gave me a polite smile and walked to one of the tables. Bristol kept her eyes on me. It looked as if she might be walking directly toward me. My heart raced in my chest. Out of fear or anticipation, I wasn’t completely sure.

  “Anson, do you think we could…” Bristol started.

  Then Grams called out for Bristol, and she stopped talking.

  “Bristol, come along, sweetheart, we’re starting late!”

  With a soft smile, she nodded to Grams, then looked back at me.

  “Sorry.”

  Her voice felt like a velvet blanket wrapped around my soul.

  “Bri, wait,” I said as I reached out for her. “How are you? I mean, I know we just saw each other a few hours ago. But I wasn’t sure what to say. I needed to get my head clear before I did or said something stupid.”

  Her eyes went wide, and I was positive it was because of what I had just said. Every single woman was now utterly quiet, obviously trying to listen to our conversation.

  “I mean, we ran into each other…earlier,” I stated.

  I turned and looked at everyone. They immediately started up their conversations again.

  “I’m fine,” she answered with the sweetest smile—fuck, it nearly made my damn knees buckle.

  With a nod, I replied, “Good. Maybe we could get some coffee or something and talk.”

  “Yes. I think that’s a good idea.”

  “Anson! The guys are starting to show up!” Granddad called out.

  Bristol looked toward the house then back at me. “Poker night?”

  I nodded.

  “I’m sure everyone will enjoy seeing you.”

  “Not everyone,” I said with a wink. “Heard Drake was coming.”

  Her smile grew wide, and she let out a chuckle that moved through me like a soft wind on a beautiful spring day.

  Grams walked up and tugged on Bristol’s arms. “Leave, Anson. It’s just the girls now, them’s the rules,” Grams called out.

  Laughing, I made my way back into the house. As I walked by them all, I called out, “Have fun, ladies!”

  When Bristol’s gaze met mine, I winked. She quickly looked away and then sat down at the middle table.

  As I walked back into the house, I saw Paul, one of Granddad’s closest friends.

  “Paul, you grab the cards and bring them into the game room.”

  The game room was a sunporch on the opposite side of the house from the Bunco party. When I walked in, I took a quick glance around. There were about ten or so men gathered around the room.

  “Granddad, your poker night has grown,” I said when I spied the two tables set up.

  “Think of it as the World Series of Poker, Texas edition. Winner from each table plays the last hand. Winner takes all.”

  I nodded and helped Paul put out the cards and chips.

  When I looked up, I caught Drake watching me. I smiled, and he lifted his beer in my direction. Okay, well, that was a good sign. As long as he didn’t anticipate busting that bottle over my head later, it seemed that we were good.

  Then I saw my father walk in. And behind him was Nick. My heart sank, and I was positive it showed on my face. My father’s brows were pulled in slightly. I tried not to let it bother me how close he was with Nick.

  “He’s only a ranch hand, Anson. And Carl’s friend. That’s all.”

  It was Drake’s voice that caused me to turn and look.

  “What?” I asked as Drake reached out to shake my hand. It felt like the room might have gotten a bit quieter, like it had outside when I spoke to Bristol.

  “Welcome home—it’s good seeing you again,” Drake said.

  I stared down at Drake’s hand, and he laughed. “Just shake my goddamn hand before everyone thinks we’re going to fight.”

  My hand went to his. Two firm shakes and I nodded. “Thanks for the welcome home. And what did you mean a second ago?”

  Drake’s eyes went over to where my father and Nick stood.

  “Nick.”

  I huffed. “I’d say he was a replacement.”

  Drake shook his head. “Nah, I don’t think so.”

  He handed me a beer, and I took it. “What do you know about him?”

  “Other than the fact that I don’t like him?”

  That had my attention. “Why not?” I asked as I looked at Drake.

  “Call it a gut instinct. Never mind the way he looks at my sister.”

  “That so?” I took another long drink of beer. “I heard he’s into my dad’s books. I don’t like that.”

  Drake snapped his head and looked at me. “No shit? I’m surprised Carl would let him have that sort of access.”

  “Me too. But that’s what my mom said. I don’t know how much his hands are in it, but when he saw me today, he didn’t seem too pleased.”

  Drake laughed. “I bet not.”

  I took another look across the room, and Nick’s eyes met mine. He grinned, nodded, and then sat down at one of the tables.

  “Ah shit,” Drake mumbled.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked as I followed his gaze.

  “Dude, you want to blow this off and go grab a beer somewhere?” Drake asked.

  I instantly felt my hands ball into fists.

  “What’s he doing here?” I asked as I watched Josh walk into the room. When his eyes met mine, he looked taken aback.

  “What the fuck is he surprised about? This is my grandparents’ house, did he really think I wouldn’t be here?”

  “I don’t think he knew you were back in Comfort,” Drake said.

  “What?”

  “He’s been out of town, working. Wasn’t due back until next week. He must have remembered poker night was tonight.”

  I stared at the man who used to be a friend of mine. The same guy who moved in on my girl. The idea that he’d touched Bristol nearly made me want to jump over the table and throttle him.

  “How long did they date?” I asked.

  “Dude, it doesn’t matter.”

  I faced Drake. “I need to know.”

  He closed his eyes and sighed. “They dated for about a year. It was the longest relationship she has been in since you left, but they broke up a few times. I think he might have been getting too serious, and she wasn’t ready for that.”

  That made my stomach lurch, and I had to force myself not to get sick.

  “Sorry to see Josh is here.”

  Slowly, I turned and saw Nick standing there.

  My eyes went to Drake who looked just as surprised as I was. How in the fuck did Nick know anything about Bristol and Josh?

  “Why do you say that, Nick?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “I just figured it might be awkward for the two of you. Considering you dated Bristol and Josh asked her to marry him.”

  “Motherfucker,” Drake said as he stepped between me and Nick. “He didn’t ask her to marry him and you know that.”

  “Wait, what?” I asked Nick. He honestly seemed surprised I hadn’t known this bit of information.

  Drake looked over his shoulder at Nick. “Dude, why don’t you go take a seat? You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

  Nick looked confused.

  “Is there a problem here?”

  My father’s voice instantly made my blood cool. I stared at Nick as he turned to my father and smiled. “No, Sir, no problem at all.”

  He walked back across the room, and I looked at Drake.

  “He asked her to marry him?”

  “Now is not the time, Anson,” my father said. “It’s not the place.”

  My eyes bounced between the two of them, and I shook my head. A million different feelings were moving through me. Guilt. Anger. Regret. The urge to push my fist down Josh’s throat.

  When my father put his hand on my shoulder, I felt a bit of calm move over me.

  “Son, take a deep breath and realize where you are.”

  I nodded. My father’s voice was so cal
m. He looked me in the eyes, and I saw something I hadn’t seen in a long time.

  Concern.

  “Nick has it wrong, so let it go,” Drake stated.

  “Let’s all sit down and play some poker,” Granddad called out.

  My father nodded and then walked over to a table and sat down. Drake and I made our way over to the same table, and I was relieved to see that Nick and Josh were sitting at the other one.

  As we sat down, Drake handed me another beer.

  “Are you pulling these out of your ass?” I asked as I took it.

  He laughed. “I’m good for something.”

  My father started to deal the cards, and I forced myself not to look over at the next table.

  I wasn’t sure how much time had gone by, but I was halfway to drunk when I won the last hand and bumped Drake off.

  “Looks like it’s Josh and Anson in the final showdown. It’s the best out of three hands, gentlemen,” Granddad said as he handed Drake the deck.

  Drake started to deal and gave me a knowing smile. He knew as well as I did that I could take Josh down, drunk or not.

  “How long are you in town for, Anson?” Josh asked as other conversations started all around us.

  I stared at my cards and tossed two onto the table. “Not sure.”

  “It’s good seeing you,” he stated, keeping his eyes on his cards.

  Drake cleared his throat, and I picked up my new cards. Without changing my expression, I stared at the three of a kind in my hand.

  “Call,” I said as I looked at Josh. He smiled then threw his cards down and folded.

  Drake dealt another hand, which Josh won. The last hand I knew I had his ass beat.

  “What made you come back?” he asked.

  I lifted my gaze and stared at him.

  “Seems to me like you made it pretty clear you weren’t coming back,” he added.

  “Well, I am—do you have a problem with it?”

  His gaze met mine. Then he smirked. “Nah, not at all, dude.”

  “Good.”

  “This is as much your town as it is anyone’s in this room. It’s home,” he said with a smile. There was something off about it, though. I looked down at my cards and arranged them in my hand, not answering him.

  “We’ll have to catch up, grab a beer.”

  I let out a humorless laugh. “Can’t imagine what we have to catch up on.”

  The smug expression on his face agitated me.