Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2)

by Jackie Castle

  She found Haley standing beneath a sprawling elm chopping logs. What a trooper. She’d changed from the white gown into her standard faded, worn jeans, work boots, and flannel shirt. Her blond hair was secured under a blue bandana tied around her head.

  “Hey, there you are.” Bekka folded her arms across her chest. “I was thinking you were in bed still trying to get warm. Ethan was a little put out with me over your costume. I am sorry. I had no idea you caught colds easily.”

  Haley balanced another log on the stump. “I’ll get used to it. Took some time to adjust to the cold back when I came to live with my grandparents. By the second year, I was good to go. I just need to get re-acclimated. Got no time for laying around or being sick. Too much to do.”

  “You’ve lived here before? From your accent, I assumed you’ve been in south Texas all your life.”

  Haley’s mouth pressed into a tight line as if amused over something Bekka had said. She shook her head, her blond ponytail swaying across her back. “Was born right here in this town. So was my Mama. In case you missed it, the town’s named after my family. The Madisons? And our property was right on the creek. My great-great-someone decided to put the two together.” She brought down the ax, breaking the log in half. Taking one half, she set it up and split it into quarters, then tossed them into the growing pile.

  Bekka grinned. “That means you’re a Yankee like the rest of us.”

  Her remark drew a scowl from Haley. “Oh no. Been in Texas much longer than here. I’m a Texas gal through and through. Might not have been born in Texas, but I got there quick as I could.” She bobbed her head definitively which brought a laugh from Bekka.

  “Very well, I’ll not argue with that.” Bekka started gathering some of the wood into her arms. “Listen, I have an herbal tea mix that might help keep the colds away while you adjust. It’s made from ginger and orange to provide vitamin C. How about I fix you a cup and let you try it?”

  “That’s sweet of you. But what are you doing over here, anyway? Thought you’d be at the barn with the fellas working on the video.”

  Bekka took her load and deposited it beside the smoke shack. “I was working in the garden room, but needed a bit of fresh air.”

  When she turned back around, she found Haley studying her intently. She propped the ax against the elm’s trunk. “Say, I have cookies that’ll go with that tea. Snickerdoodles. Your brother’s favorite.”

  “I’m more of an oatmeal and raisin fan myself. But yes, that sounds great. I’ll go put on the kettle.”

  Haley brought over the rest of the wood and, dusting off her hands, followed Bekka into the kitchen. After kicking her boots off in the laundry room, she stopped at the industrial sized refrigerator and freezer and pulled out a container. “I got oatmeal dough all ready to go. I’ll stick a dozen of each in the oven. Need to replenish my cookie plate, anyway. Like to keep a few snacks for my guest and workers.”

  While Bekka set the kettle on to boil water, Haley added rolled balls of dough onto a cookie sheet and slipped it into the oven. “I need to get the cobblers out, too, while I’m thinking of it.” She clasped her head. “So much to do. Hard to keep everything straight.” She pulled out two containers of dessert and set them on the long counter. “I’m glad Ethan is finally getting his video started, but I really miss him being here and helping me stay on track.”

  Bekka had noticed they worked exceptionally well in tandem. She hated that little spark of jealousy that zapped her whenever she saw them together. “How long did it take before you realized you were falling in love with him?”

  Now, why’d she ask that? Bekka inwardly chastised herself.

  But Haley was quick with an answer, “The first time he winked at me, I was a goner. I put up a good fight for a while. Still,” she shook her head, “He lassoed my heart pretty quick, though I tried to yank it back. Didn’t work. That smile of his can do some slick work on me, I tell you.”

  Bekka spun away, not wanting Haley to see her fighting back the laughter. Stephen might think she was ridiculous, but she found Haley charming. She said exactly what she felt and held nothing back. For someone who held a lot of things in check, Bekka found that quality refreshing.

  “So, what about you?” Haley asked while she glanced through the glass window on the upper oven. “You got someone you’re sweet on?”

  With a gasp, Bekka quickly shook her head. “No, not at all.” Actually, for the most part, she was generally somewhat aloof with the few guys who’d tried to date her. She wasn’t sure her heart could take being broken again. So instead, focusing on her studies during the winter months, and the mission trips during the summers took all her attention. Now she had nothing to occupy her heart. No wonder it was running rampant and wild.

  “Really?” Haley’s lips pursed.

  What was that tone supposed to mean? Haley didn’t seem to believe her, but what could she possibly know? Bekka had been a stranger a week ago. “I’m as free as they come.”

  Bekka filled the teapot with hot water and set the infuser inside to steep. Placing two cups and a jar of honey onto the tray, she moved to the oblong table nestled in the nook. Her phone vibrated. Stupid-Head appeared in the ID again. Now, what did Stephen want?

  She swiped her finger across the screen.

  Hav gr8 idea 4 opening scene. U coming back soon?

  That wasn’t his job! She’d already worked out the storyboard. Setting the phone on the table harder than intended, she decided that ignoring him was the best response at the moment. She rarely answered when he bothered to text her, anyway. He should be used to it.

  Haley opened the oven door and pulled out the first sheet of cookies. The scent of oatmeal and cinnamon filled the kitchen. Bekka’s mouth watered. Bliss! Ethan’s girlfriend was a great cook, even if some of her dishes were a little on the spicy side. He’d said that Haley had toned down her use of peppers considerably for the wimpy northerners. Bekka had to laugh. She didn’t mind a little heat. But she preferred her homey desserts most of all.

  Placing a couple of cookies on two napkins, Haley joined her at the table where Bekka poured them each a cup of tea. Haley stirred some honey into hers and sipped it. “That’s yummy. I love this blend.”

  Bekka smiled in satisfaction. “Yep tastes good, and it’s good for you. Win. Win.”

  They grew quiet for a moment while both sipped on their tea. The warm cookie melted in her mouth with an explosion of cinnamon and a hint of what tasted like molasses. Her phone beeped again.

  Haley let out a laugh. “Who in the world is Stupid-Head?”

  Bekka rolled her eyes and hit the ignore button. “Oh, Stephen. A pet name for him, if you will.”

  “Not a very nice one.” Haley’s brows puckered over her blue eyes. “Guess I must have read the signs wrong. I’m usually better at this.”

  “What’s that?”

  Haley sipped her tea then set it down on the table beside her untouched cookies. “I was sure you and Stephen were sweet on each other. Especially after this morning while—”

  “Don’t be ridiculous!” Bekka snapped. What had she done to cause Haley to assume such a thing? Sure, her awful feelings for the man constantly battled to the surface, but she always conquered them. Hadn’t she conquered them? If she was this obvious to a stranger, had Ethan, or worse, Stephen seen through her carefully constructed front? No, she could never let that happen!

  “Ridiculous.” Haley set the cup down hard enough to slosh tea over the rim. “Yeah, that seems to be the popular opinion.” She wiped her fingers on a napkin, then pushed away from the table just as the oven timer dinged. She hurried over and yanked the tray out. It hit the counter with a clattering bang.

  Red dots appeared on the woman’s cheeks. Bekka silently chastised herself for snapping at her like that. “I didn’t mean—”

  “Oh, I know.” Haley waved the spatula dismissively. The furrowing of her pale brows didn’t speak dismissal, though. “Ethan is always telling me to s
tay out of people’s love affairs. One of these days I should listen.”

  “But I… I… mean…”

  “Really, I’m the one who should apologize, Bekka. Jumping to conclusions. Guess that’s another reason people… think….” Her head gave a quick shake. She quickly piled the cookies on a plate.

  “Haley,” Bekka stood and went over to the work island. “Did you happen to overhear Stephen talking to Ethan last night?”

  She kept her gaze fixed on the plate. “I should put this out. My college kids will be here in a few hours. They appreciate the snacks.” She ducked around the other side of the island. “Thanks for the tea. I better get back to work. So much to do.” And with that, she was gone.

  Bekka turned off the oven. Was she always this forgetful? She set the warm cookie sheets in the sink to cool. Regret over her harsh words ate at her. Haley must have overheard Stephen and Ethan talking last night while they practiced in the garden room. She’d wondered after finding her in the kitchen cleaning up. Her eyes were rimmed with red that, at the time, Bekka assumed was caused by allergies.

  Poor Haley.

  Bekka would have to figure some way to explain. Hurting Haley was the last thing she wanted to do.

  Chapter Four

  Stephen rubbed the balls of his palms against his tired eyes. Ethan sat beside him at the expansive computer desk, his long legs stretched out before him and his arms crossed over his chest. They both stared at the largest wall-screen where the last of the clips played out.

  With a shake of his head, Ethan tugged at the patch of hair covering his chin. “I can’t reason out what she plans to do with all of this. Is that it?”

  Stephen checked his messages for the sixth time. The only new text came from the diner owner, Mallory Carson.

  Hey handsome, want to get together tonight or tomorrow? I’m free both nights.

  She’d been pretty free the two times he’d went out with her, too. He used to enjoy a girl like that, but lately, his casual, carefree life had become too reckless. Since that night in California when Ethan threatened to walk out on him, he’d begun to honestly examine his life choices.

  He’d even started making serious changes, too. For starters, there were no more one-night stands. And after talking to his mother, who jumped from one relationship to another like seasonal clothing, the thought of returning Mallory’s text left a worse taste in his mouth than the cigarettes. Another bad habit he was trying to get rid of. Trying… though often failing.

  “Bekka isn’t responding to my texts.” Stephen rubbed his hands over his face, noting he needed to shave. He’d come to Madison Creek in hopes of making things up to his best friend. Actually, his only true friend. Stephen cringed over how he’d nearly ruined their friendship with his stupid pranks.

  He swallowed down the rocky lump of guilt clogging his throat as he glanced over at Ethan. When he’d threatened to walk and meant it, Stephen put everything he had in their performances. They’d made it to the fourth round and were nearly on the show when he’d gotten the call about his sister, Beth.

  There’d been no time for explanations. Beth had almost succeeded in ending her life. Jean couldn’t handle it. Someone needed to be there to deal with the doctors and psychiatrist. While Ethan had been out working a small gig, Stephen hopped a plane to Chicago, leaving a note and what cash he had to spare.

  Nearly two months had passed before Ethan answered any of his calls. Two very long months, during which Stephen started putting actions to his promises.

  Ethan stretched and slowly rolled up out of the desk chair. They’d both spent the past hour looking at the videos.

  Fishing into his back pocket, Ethan brought out his phone and tapped the screen on. “Call Bekka,” he spoke to the device.

  Even though he hadn’t hit the speaker, Stephen heard her sweetly answer. Of course, she wasn’t ignoring her brother’s calls.

  “Where are you?” Ethan listened a moment. Twisting his torso, he popped the kinks from his back. “Why’d you do that? I have all the equip—”

  Stephen also stood, pretending to stretch, but hoping if he got close enough, he could make out the mumbling answer coming through the line. No such luck.

  Ethan’s brows furrowed so tight the skin on his forehead furrowed.

  Somehow, Stephen had a feeling this was his fault. Why was Bekka so intent on avoiding him? One minute she looked at him like she used to, the next she glared at him like he was a lump of maggot-infested meat.

  Ethan snatched up a pen and rapped it on the desk. His tone came out clipped as he breathed out a short breath. “I only have a few hours to work on this today, Sissy. Why are you over there?” Ethan’s expression darkened more. “Wait, what do you mean she left? But, why? Did you—” He pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. “Something’s not right, that’s not like her.”

  He threw down the pen so hard it bounced across the papers scattered over the work surface. “Fine, we’re coming over. I’ll bring my lap—” He paused, mouth hanging open. “Well fine, then!” Anger tinged his words. “I’m still coming over there. You need to tell me how to get this mess out of my hair! And I need to find my w—fiancée, anyway.”

  Stephen stared up at him wondering momentarily about that last bit. He’d probably misheard and pushed the question aside, more interested in why Ethan seemed so put out with his sister. Before he could ask, Ethan began gathering his violin case and jacket. “She wants to run through the clips and check them against her storyboard. She says she doesn’t need any help, or opinions, right now. I’m going over to the house. I need to practice some and help Haley with the smoker.”

  “I thought Leon helped her with cooking.”

  “He does, but he’s in culinary school until later in the afternoon.”

  Stephen found it hard to keep up with all the people who worked or visited the bed and breakfast.

  “I have some people coming over this afternoon to help me finish sound proofing the recording room.” Ethan slipped into his jean jacket. “Can you help, or do you have other plans?”

  “No, I’ll help. I’m here for you, man.” He followed Ethan outside. “Can I tag along? We can practice together. If you still want me to play with you Saturday night.”

  Ethan’s face finally brightened. “Would love that, Gaines. We haven’t performed together in months. I thought you would have plans... with Mallory?” His brows rose with his dig.

  Should he text Mallory back? Ugh. Later.

  Stephen grabbed his cello case and slung it over his back. It was a little bulky for riding on the dirt bike, but they weren’t going very far so he’d manage. “She’s cute, but…” He shrugged. “I’d rather hang with you Saturday and play. Do you have your songs picked out?”

  “Just about.” Ethan straddled the dirt bike he used for the short trips between the properties and kick started it. “You can pick the rest of the songs if you want.” He yelled over the rumble of the motor.

  Stephen climbed on behind his friend. “Will people in this town even appreciate my rendition of Led Zepplin’s Kashmir?”

  Ethan threw his head back in a laugh which was drowned out by the cycle’s revving.

  They reached the drive of the Victorian in no time, even with Ethan stopping to check the mail. Soon as they entered through the kitchen, Stephen was hit with the scent of freshly baked cookies. His mouth watered as he looked around, wondering if there were any left.

  Ethan stopped by the sink and picked up a dirty cookie sheet and spatula. He quickly washed them off and returned them to the cabinet. “Not like Haley to leave dishes behind.”

  The warm, sugary smell of goodness hung in the air strongest around the stove, still cooling. She must have just pulled them out. Stephen’s stomach gave a happy cheer. “Think there’s any cookies left?”

  His friend smirked, but the grin didn’t dim the concern in his eyes. “She usually leaves them on the breakfast bar in the garden room. Help yourself. I’m sure she made
plenty.” He exited the side door to the cook shack. Through the small square window, Stephen watched as Ethan checked the smoker and added a few sticks to the fire.

  I must find those cookies! They’d left out so early to shoot the video, all he’d managed to grab for breakfast was a couple of stale blueberry muffins.

  Pushing through the double doors, he entered the brightly lit dining room and stopped in his tracks.

  Sunlight rested on Bekka’s back and head bathing her in golden light. With the flowering plants surrounding her seat, and her dark hair twisted up in a loose bun, she reminded him of one of those Monet paintings hanging in museums. The sight took his breath away.

  The kitchen doors clicked shut behind him. She looked up and scowled. “I told Ethan I needed time to look at the videos first.”

  He blinked from the trance and scrambled for an excuse for his being there. “I’m looking for the cookies.”

  Her lips flickered into an almost smile before they tightened into a thin line again. “Over there.” She bobbed her head toward the refreshment table, then returned to work.

  Stephen grabbed a yellow napkin and piled two of each kind on it before filling a glass of sweet tea. While in California, he’d accidentally been served a glass of the sugary stuff and found he liked it.

  Glancing over his shoulder, he watched Bekka for a long moment. When had she turned from the cute teenager to this stunning woman? She was the only woman who stirred him to the point of madness. He genuinely wanted, no needed, her approval. He generally didn’t care what people thought of him. Except her.

  So maddening. He’d never let just any woman get under his skin like Rebekka Winters did.

  For the past few years, he’d not allowed himself to think much of her, except for the few times Ethan let something slip about her accomplishments or travels. Now here she was, day in and day out. Representing everything he wanted in a woman, but knew he’d never deserve.