Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2)

by Jackie Castle

  By the time she returned for the holidays, Stephen hadn’t wasted any time getting over his injury. She’d spotted him coming out of the coffee shop with Samantha, from the old LARPing gang. Her arms were wrapped around Stephen’s waist as she kissed his neck.

  Bekka blinked away the memory and found she was staring hard at Stephen, his eyes focused on the music as he played the last section. The anger and hurt returned, and she pushed it away. She no longer heard the song, but rather her brother insisting, You’ll find someone who really deserves you, Beks. Probably by next spring, you’ll be head over heels in love.

  Never happened. She loved Stephen Gaines and didn’t understand what she’d done to stop him from loving her back.

  Stephen’s brows furrowed and his tempo slowed. “I know I’m a little rusty, but….” He pushed the glasses up onto his forehead. ‘You’re looking at me like I’m banging on a toddler’s toy piano. Was it that bad?”

  Why’d he have to be so adorable? He always managed to draw her in like a moth to a porch light. Why couldn’t she get over him once and for all?

  She shook her head. “No. You’ve got it. Sounds great.” This was no time to bring the past up. Not when Bob Beaty was on his way. She plastered on a smile, hoping he’d not see right through it.

  “You can really belt out a song lady, when you want to. I forgot what a pretty voice you have.”

  Fantastic. Her cheeks had to be crimson now. She blew out a long, slow breath. Maintain. Don’t sweat the past. Can’t change anything. Tonight is my chance to try again. Maybe Bob will be the one who finally breaks through my house of ice.

  She started to stand when he shifted the papers to another song. “Can you help me with one more?”

  He started playing without waiting for her answer.

  Closing her eyes, she silently prayed instead of singing this time. Please, Lord. There’s so much I don’t understand, and I just can’t seem to get past this place. I miss this. Sitting here beside him. What happened, Lord? If only I knew… “What happened?” The words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them.

  His hands froze over the keys. “What?” When his gaze met hers, his eyes widened for a moment. “What do you mean, hon?”

  She started to shake her head. No, she couldn’t, shouldn’t go back there. “Never—”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Tell me. What’s going on in that mind of yours? Bekka, you’ve become such a tightly locked door. Tell me what’s troubling you.”

  Dare she? She’d locked it for a reason. To protect herself. Her heart. But he was right, she’d closed herself off to so much more than caring for him. “I… well? You. I’m troubled by y—”

  A knock sounded on the glass door, jerking her away from his intense stare.

  Bob stood outside but didn’t seem able to see into the darkened interior. She gasped and quickly stood. “I need to go.”

  Stephen grasped her wrist tighter. “After admitting that? What do you mean I’m troubling you?”

  She stammered, wishing she’d kept her words to herself. Why had she said anything?

  “What have I done?” He probed, still not releasing her arm. “Was it sometime this week?”

  She tried to pry his fingers loose. “No. We’ll talk later. I need to go.”

  His grip loosened. A shadow crossed his face as his hand fell into his lap. “Fine. Enjoy your date.”

  “Not actually a date.” She answered, going into defensive mode. Better than the feeling of slowly being shattered under his intensely probing stare. Hooking her thumb around her purse strap, she took a step backward. “Just….”

  What was she doing? Bob probably thought she’d agreed to a date. She’d hoped to at least try to get past these feelings for Stephen that held her captivated. “Have a good night, Stephen. I’ll… talk to you… later.”

  “Bet we will. Sunday. Don’t forget your promise to make the trip up to Traverse City with me. I need you there. We’ll talk on the way.”

  No, she’d need to find a way to get out of that. She spun away and bolted for the door, nearly knocking Bob over as she stormed out. A cool wind washed over her heated face as she headed directly for his car.

  “Everything okay?” Bob asked, walking briskly at her side. When she didn’t answer, he changed tactics. “You look great. Do you have your camera?”

  She stumbled to a halt realizing she’d left her bag beside the piano. “I almost forgot.”

  Glancing back at the barn, she determined there was no chance she’d go back in there now. No, but she had her smaller camera bag in the trunk of her car. That one would have to do. “Be right back.” She jogged off to grab the case.

  By the time she returned to Bob’s jeep, he stood beside the open passenger door. He was exceptionally handsome tonight. His coffee-brown hair, usually kept under a Lion’s baseball cap was neatly combed away from his face. He wore a long-sleeved denim shirt and tan khaki pants. He’d even scrubbed nearly all the black grease from his nails.

  “I’ve been keeping tabs on the weather. There’s a storm up north, but we should be fine. I don’t think it’ll reach all the way down here before morning.”

  She buckled herself in, hoping he was right. Her life was stormy enough already without adding weather to the mix.

  * * * *

  Stephen reached for his breast pocket and managed to stop himself halfway this time. Slamming down the cover over the keys, he pushed away from the old piano. He needed the practice but wasn’t in the mood anymore. The music annoyed him more than calmed him. Bekka’s parting words sent him over the edge. What did she mean about him troubling her? In what way?

  She’d stared at him with such longing. His shoulder still tingled from where she’d leaned against him. Just like the old days.

  He stood and began to pace, needing something, anything, to keep his mind occupied. He fished his phone from his jeans pocket and scrolled down the messages. He had no friends in this town, except Ethan. His fault. He’d not wanted to become attached to this place. Madison Creek held no real appeal for him until Ethan began sharing his plan.

  But did he really want to get stuck in another dinky town?

  Evidently, getting the recording studio operating and funded while helping Haley with her Bed and Breakfast was about all Ethan could manage.

  Stephen wanted to be more useful. He just wasn’t sure how to help his friend, yet. Ethan needed the word spread that he had a decent place to record music. Would Bekka stay and help make videos? He was beginning to wish she would but feared if she learned he was thinking of staying, that would guarantee her an exit ticket.

  Ethan needed his sister more.

  Maybe.

  He glanced out the glassed wall. A cloud of dust hung in the air from the jeep’s departure. What if Beks fell in love with that grease monkey?

  Stephen shook his head. Both of the Beaty brothers were good guys. They’d been there for Ethan a lot over the past few months. More than he had, and he was supposed to be the best friend? How did Ethan stand him?

  This wasn’t getting him anywhere except deeper into the depressive pit he’d already been floundering in. “Time to get out of here.” There had to be something… anything… he could do on a Friday night.

  He scrolled past Mallory’s name. Call her after ten days of avoiding her? Not going to happen. Especially after she’d blown off his apology earlier this week.

  From across the field, Stephen noticed several people seated on the Victorian’s wraparound porch. Waiting for seats? They were that busy? Maybe he could offer to help. He glanced down at his clothes and deemed himself suitable enough for taking orders and serving food.

  In a matter of minutes, he was jogging toward the Victorian. He knew finding a parking spot would be difficult if people were outside waiting for seats. Heading around the back, he found even the deck was filled with diners. Ethan darted from table to table refilling drinks. A red-headed girl wearing an olive green dress brought out pla
tes. Both seemed flushed and harried.

  Stephen waved to catch Ethan’s attention, then pointed to the kitchen. Ethan gave a slight shake of his head, then rolled his eyes as he also started for the side door. When Stephen met his friend on the steps, he blurted before he had a chance to send him away, “I’ve come to see if I can help. You guys look really busy.”

  “It’s crazy. We’ve started to turn people away. Haley’s booked up solid tomorrow and next weekend. We can’t accept anyone without a reservation now. Can you believe this?” Ethan opened the door as Nick’s blond head poked out. “Leon has five orders waiting to go out. Miss Haley said for you to shake a tail feather.”

  “I’m going to shake her…” Ethan growled out before curbing his words.

  Stephen caught his arm. “Let me help. Tell me what I can do. Seriously.”

  E-man blew out a long breath and motioned for him to follow him inside. “Haley won’t let anyone cook or serve tables unless they have a food handler’s permit. But if you’ll bus tables? Wash dishes? That would free us to take orders.”

  Actually, the thought of washing food-encrusted dishes made his stomach churn, but he set his aversion aside. “Sure,” he answered, his voice deadpan.

  “Don’t have to do anything, Gaines. It’s Friday night. Go enjoy yourself. We’ve got this.” Ethan patted his shoulder.

  “No. I’m sorry, man. I really do want to support you. Can you give a quick tutorial?”

  At that moment, a blond tornado burst into the kitchen. “Good Lord! They’re all willin’ to wait. Perched out on my porch like a bunch of clucking chickens.” Her blue eyes were wide circles against her pale face and bright red lips.

  Ethan grasped her shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “Don’t panic, beautiful. This is what you wanted. Breathe. We’ll get through this, okay?”

  “Okay. Thank you, babe.” She kissed his cheek, then wiped away the smudge left behind.

  “Listen hon, Stephen’s volunteered to wash dishes and clear off the tables. Isn’t that nice of him?” Ethan asked pointedly.

  As if. But Stephen held back his smart retort and plastered on a smile instead. He’d not given Haley any reason to like him. Yet, she’d never treated him as if she held any hard feelings.

  She started to shake her head until Ethan added, “That would free up the rest of us to wait tables. Right?”

  Her countenance softened as she blinked a few times. “You’ll do that?”

  Stephen took the black apron Ethan shoved at him. “Sure will, ma’am.” He drawled, offering a teasing grin.

  She glared back, her bright blues darkening like an impending storm. “Don’t mock me. I’m on my last nerve and am likely to cloud up and thunder all over you if you’re not careful, buddy.”

  “Yes. I got it. Tell me what to do. I’ll stay out of your way.”

  Ethan chuckled and patted his back before he grabbed up several plates and disappeared out the side door.

  “Smart man.” With a curt nod, she led him toward the sinks. “Only got time to say this once, so pay attention.” Her directions were short and to the point. He was not to touch anything going out. He was allowed to take a tub and collect the dirty dishes. They only needed to go through the washer once. “Make sure you give them a good scrub first. If anything comes out food encrusted, I’m likely to bash a plate over your head. That clear as a sunny day?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I got it.” Stephen stared in dismay at the towering stack of plates and bowls in the sink and reached for the rubber gloves. Had he lost his mind?

  The cook gave him a grateful smile. “If you’re not sure about something, just ask.”

  “Thanks, Leon.” Haley winked at the tall youth, then turned back to Stephen. “And thank you, darlin’. I do appreciate you stopping in to help.” She stood up on her tippy-toes and kissed his cheek. “I knew you were a peach all along.” She breezed out a little calmer than she’d blown in.

  He liked being able to bring something positive to the table for a change. But as he worked, he found the job tedious and disgusting. Nobody had patience for his slowness and Leon sent back several plates for rewashing, warning him to not let Miss Haley find them.

  “She’ll have one of her conniption fits, dude.” Leon shook his head. “Don’t want to see that. She’s small but scary sometimes.”

  Stephen laughed, grabbing a bucket tray to go out and collect more dishes. Nick and Sage came in at the same time, gave each other a quick kiss, and then grabbed the next orders to go out. Leon made a joking comment about saving it for after hours.

  “Can’t seem to stop myself from sneaking a little love from my pretty fiancé when I can snag a chance. Who can blame me?” Nick Prater chuckled and snagged another peck as she headed back out with her tray.

  Haley returned with her arms full of dirty dishes. “Where’s my busboy? There’s five tables out there needing to be cleared off. Best nobody come in here with empty hands, am I clear?”

  Sage jumped with a yes, ma’am. Nick saluted and took his order out. Haley spun to face Stephen with fists on her hips.

  He shook his head, laughing. “They really are cute. When is their wedding?”

  “You here to gossip, or work?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “I’m going. I’m going, boss.” As he exited, Leon shot him an I-told-you-so look.

  Stephen nearly ran right into Ethan. “That girl of yours is a real spitfire, you know?”

  “Don’t I?” He grabbed the bus tray. “I’ll fill this one. Go grab another. We need to make room for the last few diners. Go, go.” He shoved Stephen back toward the kitchen.

  Man, what a bunch of…

  “You back in here empty handed?” Haley barked. “What did I—”

  Before she could finish her tirade, he grabbed another tray and rushed out as if his tail was on fire. Man, he’d need a drink after this if they didn’t lighten up. Wasn’t like he was getting paid for putting up with this kind of harassment.

  Ethan worked on the table beside his. He craned his neck to peer around behind him. “I don’t see any smoke coming out of your pants yet. You’re doing pretty good, buddy.” He winked and took his load to be washed.

  His friend had lost his mind if he was willing to settle for this life. E-man must seriously have it bad for the countrified dictator storming through the dining room.

  Not wanting to be caught slacking off again, he piled as many dishes as he could into his bin and carted it to the sink. This was going to be a very long night. Just what had he gotten himself into?

  He bet Bekka was having the time of her life. Out on a boat with that grease monkey who was built more like a gorilla. He sighed and sprayed hot water over the plates he’d stacked in the tray, then shoved it into the industrial sized washer. He stacked cups on the next one.

  The front of his shirt was drenched.

  Did Beks even enjoy being out on the water after dark? Would she be safe? Mr. Beaty better be a gentleman or he’d… what? Bekka was a big girl. Actually, a stunningly beautiful woman any guy would be lucky to snag. She’d developed such grace over the past few years. So calm and loving, most of the time. At least with her family. And Haley, the Texas Cyclone.

  “How long you gonna squirt them cups?” Haley barked as she passed by with a tray piled with more dishes. “You gettin’ tired, hon? I know I’m spittin’ like an angry lizard. I’m just overwhelmed. But you’re here voluntarily. If you’d rather leave, I completely understand.”

  He blinked. “No. I’m fine. Sorry, I was…”

  “You looked all dreamy for a moment. Who was you thinking of? I know you’re sweet on someone. Why don’t you go ahead and tell her?”

  “Who?” Stephen stammered, but she hushed him.

  Ethan entered, his hair hanging in his face. He glared at both of them. “What’s this? You were just griping at me for talking too long with Lubo Herchinger. And he just wanted to know how my video was coming along.”

  She smiled sweetly at him. “
I’m sorry, babe. I was just checking on this pumpkin. Making sure he wasn’t regretting his generosity.”

  “Don’t care if he is.” Ethan narrowed his gaze on Stephen, so threateningly his breath caught. “You’re here, and you’re staying.” His finger jabbed for emphasis. “We only have one more hour until we close the doors. Nobody is abandoning ship, yet.”

  “Yes, Cap’n.” Stephen saluted, slinging bubbles at Ethan who ducked out of the way just in time.

  He pushed his bangs out of his face, his annoyed gaze sending darts at Stephen.

  “All right, boys.” Haley wedged herself between them. “Order up, darlin’.” She pushed Ethan away, then winked at Stephen. “Get to washing, buddy-boo.”

  Buddy-boo?

  Before Haley left for the dining room, Stephen tried again. “You didn’t tell me who you think I’m…uh, sweet on.”

  She grinned and pushed through the door.

  Darn her! What did she know? Or think she knew?

  Chapter Nine

  Lightening flashed in the far distance. Bekka snapped the camera, wishing she’d gone back for her best one with the bigger zoom.

  “I’m getting a little nervous about that storm, Bekka. Mind if I start heading back to shore?” Bob Beaty sat at the helm, an amused grin on his face. “I hate to interrupt. You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

  She blushed, hating that she’d paid him so little attention. The beautiful red sunset and deep blue water captivated her. She’d forgotten everything else. “I’m sorry. Yes, we should go back.”

  “It’s been fun watching you.” He started the engine while she took the seat beside him. “I can’t wait to see what kind of pictures you were able to capture.”

  Bekka had captured one of him standing at the bow, silhouetted against the red-orange horizon. The wind whipped his hair around his face. She couldn’t wait to load it up and add a bit of her magic touch before she sent the photo to him as a thank you. He was going to love it.

  “I’m starving.” He whipped the boat around until the bow pointed toward the shore. “Think they have a seat for us at Haley’s?”