"I'm confident that realization has finally come to both Jayce and your father." Edna stood and stopped Tiara from her pacing, placing her hands on Tiara's shoulders. She met Edna's resolute gaze. "I hope you don't blame Slim for how poorly things have turned out. He truly meant well, wanting to do right by you. Even for Jayce, though he didn't understand all the dynamics involved."
Tiara frowned, not understanding what Edna alluded to concerning Jayce. "I realize Dad had the best of intentions for everyone, yes."
"Good." Edna released Tiara's shoulders, and looked away. "Has your father mentioned anything about us?"
"He has, and I'm very happy for you both."
"Also good because I hope you'll come back and be present when we finally wed. I no longer have reason to delay him."
Was it her imagination that Edna didn't sound as enthused about her attendance anymore. Was it because Tiara refused to stay?
"Jayce and Slim can handle Majestic now, and we're so pleased with the changes you've made with the Acres." Edna still didn't meet her gaze, and had moved to stand in the doorway to Jayce's room. "The barbeque is tomorrow and the town is looking forward to seeing you and your friends attend." Now, Edna raised her head to stare into Tiara's face, tears building in the Mansfield blue depths.
"I know Darla and the guys are looking forward to it." Too late, she should have added herself as eager, to avoid hurt feelings.
"The following day is Sunday. You and your friends could beat weekend traffic if you leave early. That way you don't have to wait to get back home." As if of their own volition, Edna's tears fell. She had taken a deep breath, said, "Good-bye Tiara," as she rushed away. Seconds later, Tiara heard the closing of a door.
She stood stunned and confused in the middle of Jayce's room, barely aware she still clutched the carving, trying to fathom what had just happened. Had Edna just asked her to leave Silver Waters? Or had she acknowledged that no one would stop Tiara from leaving? What the hell did she expect, after making it perfectly clear she didn't want to be here anymore?
Tiara didn't know if she should be hurt or angry. Ten years ago she was dragged away by Angie. She didn't want to leave then. Today, she felt as if she was being dismissed. Tiara was given the very thing she wanted, a reason to leave again. She hadn't wanted to come in the first place, hadn't wanted to dredge up old memories and feelings. Finally, they were allowing Tiara to decide what was best for her own wellbeing. And what was best was to go back to finishing work on the chiropractor's house, back to her own home and her classic movies, back to take-out and eating in the living room, sleep when and where she felt like it.
Finally, Tiara was her own person again.
So why did it feel like Edna had just ripped her heart from her chest?
SHE WAS SO intent on rubbing down Arabelle, Jayce startled when she heard the car horn. When she turned around, Alison Stewart exited her Sheriff's vehicle and waved. The tall, athletic blonde was stunning as ever, especially in uniform and flashing that sexy grin. The first time Jayce had seen that grin on Ali's lips she thought it contrived. After a year in her position as sheriff, and as a friend, Jayce realized Alison was completely unaware of the affect she had on people. The unassuming qualities bound their friendship in a true sense, giving Alison a place in Jayce's life for as long as Alison wanted, much as Sarah had done.
Jayce put down the brush, and walked toward Alison, her spirits lifting at the sight of a friendly face. "The uniform's on so you're not here to ride. Hope it's not official business bringing you to Meadows."
"Not exactly. Why? Have you done something bad I'm not aware of?" Alison laughed. "I'm not opposed to locking you up, if it could result in you finally going out with me."
Deep in her heart, Jayce wished she cared for Alison in a romantic way. Her life would certainly be easier. Alison had no problem with small town life in Silver Waters. Blushing, Jayce said, "Oh, Ali--"
"Please, don't finish and break my heart." Alison leaned against the hood of her cruiser, propping a booted foot on the fender, as she crossed her arms over her ample chest. "You look like hell, Jayce. Is everything okay?"
"I've had a rough week."
"Want me to rough someone up for you?" Jayce thought she heard a bit more than a hint of seriousness in the question.
"No, but I'll keep it in mind next time Edna gives me a hard time." Jayce wished she could see and feel for Alison as she did Tiara.
"Uh-oh," Alison shook her head as if disappointed. "Can we make sure that doesn't happen until after the barbeque tomorrow?"
"I'm wounded, and you're thinking with your appetite, again," Jayce said. Her heart clenched as she remembered thinking the same about Tiara. Damn it, why wouldn't Tiara leave her head? Suddenly, Jayce felt nauseous.
"Hey, take it easy," she heard Alison say near her ear. Before Jayce realized she was mobile, Alison had wrapped an arm around her waist and walked her toward the front porch. Alison urged Jayce to sit on the swing and sat beside her. "Should I get you a wet cloth, a bucket, something?"
Jayce found her concern endearing. She gently tapped Alison's cheek with her fingertips, then took one of Alison's hands in hers. "Relax, Sheriff, I'm just a little queasy. I'm fine now. Thank you."
The corners of Alison's eyes crinkled as she laughed. "Thank goodness, because this is the last of my clean uniforms. I've been saving laundry for tomorrow morning, before the barbeque."
"Your clothes are safe, for the moment at least." Jayce realized how that came out, and felt her face heat in embarrassment.
Alison smiled broadly, and then shook her head. "Okay, I've so got to let you off the hook, or I'm going to do something very un-sherifflike." Pulling her hand free of Jayce's own, she said, "I've heard from some folks about seeing a stranger while they were on the road behind your property."
Jayce frowned. "I assume they didn't recognize this person?"
She shook her head. "Both times, I've been told, the person was in shadow and moving fast. I'll let my guys know, and we'll keep an eye out during patrols. Tomorrow's my day off. Maybe, after laundry," she said, grinning, "you can saddle up a horse for me and I can check it out for you."
"I'm sure it's nothing, Ali. Please don't use your day off chasing shadows."
"It's my job, Jayce." Alison patted Jayce's thigh. "I don't want to see anything happen to you," her voice sincere, "or Edna," she added.
Just then, the screen door opened. Jayce expected her aunt, but saw Tiara instead. Fresh pain washed through her. Alison must have read her reaction because she rose from the swing and stood beside Jayce.
Tiara glanced at Jayce first and then Alison, not settling on either as she said, "Sorry to interrupt. I was heading home." Jayce thought she noted stress on Tiara's face.
Alison stepped toward Tiara, and extended her hand. "I'm Sheriff Stewart."
"Tiara Summers," she said, shaking Alison's hand, "I'm Slim's daughter."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Summers. I know a little about your father." At Tiara's raised eyebrow, Alison added, "Mostly by reputation. I've only had the pleasure on one occasion." Resting her hands on her utility belt, Alison assessed Tiara from head to foot. "This a visit or a permanent move for you?"
Tiara startled Jayce with her response. "No need to worry about me, Sheriff Stewart. My crew and I will be leaving Sunday. We're just sticking around for the barbeque."
The news was just one more unexpected squeeze to Jayce's heart. Even though she'd expected Tiara's leaving, hearing it from Tiara's own lips brought on a new rush of hurt. Did Tiara hate Silver Waters, or just Jayce, so much that she couldn't wait to get away? It didn't matter. With a little time, Jayce knew this too would pass.
"Well, guess I'll see you again." Alison turned her back on Tiara and walked toward Jayce. She smiled. "Jack and the boys are excited about playing tomorrow. I was hoping you'd give me the honor of at least one dance with you, please? Preferably before I have to bust drunken heads and get all dirty."
Jayce imp
ulsively smiled back, standing to face Alison. "The honor and pleasure, Ali, will be all mine."
"Thank you, ma'am." Alison pulled Jayce in for a hug, which appeared to be an excuse to whisper, "Want me to escort her home?"
Returning the hug, Jayce said, "Thank you, but no." She took a step back and caressed Alison's cheek. "You're the best cop I know. Go do cop things and I'll see you tomorrow." Jayce gave Alison a gentle nudge. "I probably don't have to remind you to bring your appetite?"
"Are you kidding? Hunger's with me twenty-four-seven." Alison nodded to Tiara, who hadn't moved, and said, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Summers." Alison got in her cruiser, turned around, and headed down the driveway, with another wave out the open window.
"She's beautiful, your lady cop friend," Tiara said quietly.
Jayce didn't really want to talk about Alison with Tiara. Tiara, who would be leaving in two days, going back to her more important life, far away from the people who cared for her. "Yes, she is." Mustering every ounce of strength she could, Jayce spun to face Tiara. "Anything else I can do for you?" At Tiara's hurt surprise, Jayce said, "No? Good. I've things to do." Before Tiara could respond, or Jayce give in to the impulse to apologize, she jumped over the porch rail and headed for the barn. Jayce repeatedly whispered, "Be smooth, don't turn around." She managed to do both--until reaching the barn, and closing the door to an empty stall.
Chapter Twenty-four
THE LARGE NUMBER of people to show up at the barbeque astounded Tiara. Apparently, any reason for a get together planned around a huge meal was a good one. She gave up trying to remember everyone Edna and her dad introduced, or who had introduced themselves, to her. Besides, Tiara didn't want to concentrate on people she'd probably never see again. While her head hadn't any difficulty with this conclusion, her heart chastised her for being a fool.
Some of the folks brought in huge grills and smokers on their pickup trucks, for the event. An entire row of barbeque grills was going, each with a different item. The choices were chicken, ribs, steaks, etc., one vegetarian and a tofu meat-lookalike. The tantalizing smell of roasting meat filled the air. Large tables were set edge to edge in front of Jayce's front porch, disposable plastic tablecloths of red and white on top. Huge beach umbrellas were strategically located to shade all areas of the tables and their contents, where metal pans of ice were set for people to place the various pasta salads and other cold food items.
Children of various ages ran around the yard, laughing and playing, teasing siblings and often being reprimanded by a parent for their behavior. Families had brought their own picnic furniture to use, while other wooden tables of various sizes and shapes had been pulled out of pickups and arranged over about half an acre of the front property. Everything had come together in such an orderly fashion that it confounded Tiara.
On Jayce's front porch, the band had set up and played a variety of music, though mostly country tunes. A few people danced in the area where Jayce usually parked her truck. Tiara searched for Jayce and the Sheriff in the same area. She didn't see them and hoped to have a reason to abandon this party before she did.
"Hey, Princess." Her father approached from the left. "Having a good time?"
Tiara knew she couldn't tell him of her desire to hide at home. "Yeah, fine." She pointed to the huge tub of ice and bottled water. "I wanted to get some cold water for Darla. Don't want her overheating herself or the baby."
"That's sweet, honey." He glanced around him. "Quite the turnout."
"Edna and Darla did a good thing, here."
He lightly nudged her in the side. "I like your friends. Too bad you've gotta go home so soon. Edna tells me you'll come back for the wedding so I'm glad to hear that."
Since their talk yesterday, neither Edna nor Tiara revisited the topic of her leaving. To Slim it seemed like a foregone conclusion, too, since he hadn't attempted to change her mind either. A part of her was wounded that everyone had given in so easily. "Just let me know when and I'll be there, Dad."
He kissed her forehead and absently mumbled, "That's great, Tiara, that's great. I'm gonna look for Edna, see if she can spare a moment to dance with me."
"Okay," she said, wondering at his quick dismissal. Tiara expected this reaction from Jayce, even if she didn't entirely understand it, but not from her dad. Shaking her head, hoping to dislodge her confusion and make the most of the barbeque, Tiara grabbed three of the bottled waters from the ice tub, and made her way to the tree where she'd left Mark and Darla sitting in the folding chairs Slim had brought for them. They had a good view of everything. She handed a bottle to each, and twisted the cap off her own. "They're about ready to serve food."
"Thank you, Tiara," Darla said. Mark nodded his thanks.
"No problem. How are you holding up?"
Darla shrugged. "Not bad. I've met quite a few folks, all very sweet. This has been entertaining." Darla reached over and clasped Mark's hand. "After we eat some of that incredible smelling food, I'll probably need to go to the house for a nap, and then do our packing."
A cowbell rang from near the porch and a man with an old-fashioned handlebar mustache hollered, "Come and get it."
Mark kissed the top of Darla's head. "I'll be right back, honey." He glanced at Tiara. "Get you something, Boss Lady?"
She shook her head. "No, Mark. I'll get something in a little bit." Truthfully, she had no appetite.
As soon as Mark walked off, Darla motioned to his now empty chair. "Sit with me for a minute." Tiara did. "I had some of those biscuits you made this morning."
"Yeah." Tiara had forgotten all about them.
"They were wonderful. You had a great teacher." Darla shrugged. "Not that I'm surprised after those incredible cookies." She groaned, held her belly a moment, and blew out a slow breath. "I think the baby's looking forward to chow. So, you want to talk about what happened?"
Tiara wiggled uneasily in her seat. "I wish I knew for sure. Working with Majestic went great, then we're seemingly doing fine in the kitchen. Suddenly, she's telling me--she's talking fences, and not being strong enough. I don't understand where it all came from. We're adults after all, but Jayce has been acting peculiar since the line shack, all hot and cold."
"It's probably a good thing we're leaving tomorrow."
"Uh-huh, I guess."
"You don't seem happy about it anymore. I understood you couldn't wait to get away from here."
"I can't," Tiara said with more conviction than she felt. "I want to get back to my normal life."
"Are you happy with your normal life, Tiara?"
"Just dandy," she said. Tiara had meant to sound upbeat, but heard bitterness instead.
Darla flashed a wry smile. "There are a lot of women like me out there, Tiara, you're bound to encounter them."
Tiara said, "If you mean straight, I have encountered a few."
Sighing wearily, Darla shifted in her chair. "I believe you know what I mean. More women looking to have hearth and home, the fences built to nurture and protect, not trap you inside. From what I've seen of your handsome Jayce, she's just that kind of woman. Maybe she had hoped you were, too."
"Then she let herself get misguided." Tiara's temper flared. When had Jayce won Darla over? Gritting her teeth, and lowering her voice, she added, "Since when does a night together mean a person is ready to play house? People have one-night stands all the time. Damn, we're adults. What the hell does she want from me?"
"More than a one-night stand, maybe?"
Tiara stared, dumbfounded, trying to grasp what Darla said. This was ridiculous, hadn't Jayce been the one to use the reference of booty-buddies, accepting of the situation for what it was between them? Then, clear as the cowbell ringing earlier, Tiara realized Jayce had only acquiesced when Tiara started to blow her off. Had Jayce been harboring hopes that she'd stay, leaving behind the life she'd worked so hard to build?
Jayce would always have a special place in Tiara's heart, but she couldn't stay simply because she cared for Jayce, cher
ished their night together. There were too many factors, too little hope they could make a relationship work.
When Tiara saw Mark was returning, she got up and stared down at Darla. Quietly, she said, "I'm sorry, Darla, but I can't stay here. Jayce will realize it and move on." Tiara watched Mark pass a plate to his wife and take his seat again.
"Are you gonna get some grub, Boss?"
Tiara looked at Darla, "Get some rest," she glanced at Mark, "after the grub."
Weaving between some kids playing tag, Tiara made her way toward the porch, and stopped dead in her tracks. Elmo's massive brother stood next to the barn watching the party, as if looking for someone in particular. Their eyes met and held. She moved in his direction, preparing herself to confront him. He must have realized her intent, because he hastily moved out of sight. By the time she reached the place where he'd been standing, she found no sign of him and suspected he'd escaped to the forested area behind the barn.
Why'd he run? she wondered. Didn't he know her father had explained everything to her? With a shrug, Tiara turned back to the activities just in time to see Sheriff Stewart escort Jayce toward the dance area.
JAYCE ALLOWED ALISON to escort her to the other dancers. "A promise is a promise, Jayce." Alison winked playfully. "And my chores are done." She suspected Alison had finagled a slow dance from Jack and crew as one queued up as soon as they reached the designated dance area.
One arm gently rested at her waist as Alison clasped Jayce's right hand with her own left. Her movements were precise and fluid, proving Alison was a fantastic dancer. Jayce felt comforted by Alison, but she also felt like a fraud. "Ali, I really welcome and enjoy our time together."
Alison smiled down at her, "But you've got a thing for the cute little redhead. Slim's kid."
A Majestic Affair Page 18