by Christine
“I told you you’re the boss.” Sterling dragged his feet as he walked. He’d left his hometown twelve years ago with his pockets empty and his head down and was returning the same way. It wasn’t enough that Dotty had showed him the paperwork. He'd had to pay a hefty legal retainer to get Elaine to back off. She’d cosigned his mortgage on the loft, so he'd lose that too. The market was at a high when he'd bought it, and he'd spent far too much on renovating. By the time he closed everything out, the 401K was gone, and all he had left was his Lexus, which he owed to his secretary. After all, a promise was a promise.
The bar and grill was filled with familiar faces. A local band played country classics from the other room for a crowded dance floor. Most of the people wore jeans and work shirts. Walking behind Darryl, Sterling tipped his hat at childhood acquaintances as he weaved his way through the patrons sitting at round tables in front of the bar. He was waving to Jerry in the corner when he almost fell flat on his face. A booted foot was stuck out in front of him. It belonged to Newell, who sported a hefty shiner.
Darryl rushed to defend him, fists at ready. “You scumbag. If you ever touch my family again, I’ll—”
Sterling put a hand on his brother-in-law’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s get our drinks.” He took a step away from Newell’s table and addressed Darryl loud enough that all Newell’s friends could hear. “You know, the sheriff is up for re-election in a few months, and there’s a former deputy who might run. I hear she has an awesome right hook.”
Newell rose unsteadily like he’d had one too many. “It was a sucker punch, I tell ya.” He clenched his hands. “Face me in a fair fight and see who’s left standing.”
His brother-in-law would have accepted the challenge, but Sterling shook his head. “Let it go. He’s not worth it.”
Newell’s laugh sounded more like a bull snorting. “You’re not worth it. Neither one of you. When I think of the time I wasted trying make you into something, and look at you now.” He shouted to his table full of cronies. “Losers! Both losers.”
Patting his brother-in-law on the back, Sterling continued to the bar. He had to admit Newell was right. He was a loser. He’d lost everything.
After taking their seats, they sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Darryl peered at him out of the corner of his eye. “Thanks for that. Never liked the guy.”
“I feel the same way.” Sterling couldn’t believe he’d ever cared what his old coach thought of him.
“So what were you doing in Texas of all places?” Darryl asked.
“I thought I had an opportunity there, but someone beat me to it.” He tried not to think about Julie gloating over her new boyfriend. “Not sure what I’ll pursue next.”
Darryl took a sip of his drink. “Sometimes if you wait a little while, what you really want will come to you.” He got to his feet and walked away.
Sterling was confused and turned around. He never expected to see what was right in front of him. The sapphire blue formal she wore glistened in the warm light, but it was nothing compared to the way Paige looked at him, as though he were all she ever wanted. If only that was true.
“What do you say we dance?” She bit her lip as if nervous he might refuse.
He removed his hat before standing and bowed his head. “You’ve got to know what you’re getting yourself into. Paige, I’ve got no job and little hope for one. Elaine’s blackballed me from all my contacts, and I’ve lost my apartment, too. I’ve got nothing.”
“Well, I guess you’ve become the man I first thought you were.” The joy in her eyes seemed to grow. “And as I remember it, I liked him a lot.”
“You’re sure about this?” He took a tentative step toward her. “I don’t want you to get stuck in a deal you’ll later regret.”
“Sterling.” She shoved her balled fists on her hips. “If I wasn’t sure, do you think I’d come to the Pit wearing this?”
The dress she wore was beautiful but he liked her just as well in the baggy overalls she wore the first time they met at the farmer’s market. “You’re right. I’ve got a feeling this is a win-win.”
“Definitely.”
He threw his hat in the air and took her in his arms, determined to never let her go again.