Texas and Tiaras (The Book Cellar Mysteries 2)

by Melissa Storm

  Instead of her cupped hand he got a swift knee jab to his testicles. The air left his lungs in a whoosh and he bent at the waist, holding himself. He deserved that and so much more.

  “Hey leave her alone!” Three young college girls came running toward them from across the lawn.

  Fin’s gaze met hers and held it. “Tell them I’m your boyfriend and we’re just playing around or I will get my fun with them later.”

  Annabeth looked over at the young women and put on a smile that she hoped would reassure them. “It’s okay. I’m fine. We’re practicing for a play we’re in… But thank you for coming to help me.”

  The young women looked at each other and back at Annabeth. “Um… O-kay.” They glanced at each other again and walked away.

  Once they were out of earshot, Fin grabbed her by the wrist and glared at her—still hunched over from her kicking him in the balls. “Oh, it’s going to be so good, Anna. Soooo good.” He wet his lips with a quick sweep of his tongue. “When I am done with you, you’ll be begging me to kill you.” He rose to his full height, which wasn’t tall, but still managed to be intimidating. “Even your mama won’t be able to recognize you when I’m finished.”

  Annabeth trembled with fear or rage—she wasn’t sure which. “No, Fin. When this is all over, you’ll be in the electric chair and I’m going to watch you fry.”

  Fin chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

  He turned and hobbled away from her. She may have won this particular round, but not without losing part of herself in the process. The man had a way of making all her insecurities rise to the forefront. Back home in Detroit, she’d been not-so-nicely referred to as the ice queen. They didn’t understand everything she had gone through and how hard it was for her to open up. Fin somehow managed to break through her walls and kick-started her frozen heart every single time they came in contact. They had some sort of kinetic energy between them that she didn’t understand and didn’t really want to.

  “Annabeth!”

  Annabeth looked up to see cheerful Ligia bounding toward her with her hand waving in the air.

  A smile crept across her face—a gradual thawing. She set one foot in front of the other until she had closed the gap between them. “I thought were meeting on the other side of campus?”

  Ligia’s smile widened. “I have a surprise for you.”

  Annabeth’s eyes narrowed. As far as she was concerned, there were two kinds of people: those who loved surprises and those who didn’t. And her feet had always been planted firmly in the camp of haters. With Ligia being the bearer of this particular gift, Anna honestly had no idea what to expect and after her run-in with Fin, she’d just as soon run the other way at this point. “How about you just tell me?”

  Her new friend waggled her finger. “Oh, you’re no fun. Come on and follow me. You’ll find out soon enough.”

  Since she didn’t really have a choice, she followed Ligia through the bustling campus to the Drag. As they rounded the corner onto Guadaloupe she glanced up to see Marcus standing with the aid of a cane. Tears stung the corners of her eyes. He’s standing! Suddenly the stress of her horrible day fell to wayside.

  Ligia glanced at her with an expectant smile. “He wanted it to be a surprise. I took him to the doctor’s this morning to remove the cast. The doctor wants him to use a cane for a little while until he gets stronger, but—”

  Annabeth stopped listening and started to run toward him. As she got closer, the smile on his face widened. Hey, maybe surprises weren’t so bad after all. She wrapped her arms around his neck and his free arm encircled her waist while he leaned into the cane on his right side

  “Hey, Anna Banana.”

  Tears of joy slid down her cheeks. With everything crumbling down around her, he was her safe place. All of her emotions that she had stuffed down and bottled away, now threatened to erupt. He tightened his hold on her and her body shook from the force of her sobs.

  “Hey…” He tipped up her chin and kissed her. A familiar and loving kiss—so unlike the one Fin had stolen from her moments before. The metallic taste of Fin’s blood still lingered in her mouth. She knew she should tell Marcus about what happened, but she couldn’t—not now at least. Instead of focusing on it a moment longer, she lost herself in the embrace of her lover and best friend.

  For a brief moment she had peace in her heart and in her mind. Yes, it would pass and the worries of the day and hour would soon catch up to her, but for now she relished in the love and support she had found in Marcus. The one true love of her life. Her everything. The only man for her. To think I almost lost him forever…

  Fin may have bested her in every other way, but he had failed to take the most important thing from her. She breathed in Marcus’s familiar scent—sandalwood from his favorite aftershave—and relished in the knowledge that she had the most important check in her win column.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Vi

  Vi sat on the hardwood floor, stretching her calf muscles. The stench of sweaty gym socks permeated the air around her. The one-hour barre class had totally done her in. She loved ballet and the physicality of dancing, but the thought of jumping right back in also terrified her. Maybe once she had fully healed from her injury, she would be up for taking a refresher class. Doctor’s order or no, she had to do things at her own pace. Even the prospect of being on stage—the rush she would feel when the rapt audience, cloaked in darkness, watched her every move—couldn’t motivate her to move faster. She rolled her neck and took in two long, slow breaths. The empty studio amplified every sound she made.

  The class attendees filed out as soon as the class finished, leaving Vi alone. During and after the class, the women all chatted in small groups, giggling and moaning to their BWBs—best workout buddies. Their lighthearted camaraderie made Vi miss Brooke even more. She would have been rolling her eyes at the instructor, or one of the less coordinated women. She’d have worn those ridiculous Lululemon yoga pants and exaggerated each move so that her “assets” were always on full display. Of course, she also would have drawn as much attention to herself as possible—short of farting. Brooke didn’t pass gas. Not ever. Vi giggled, hiding her face behind her hand even though no one was there to see her.

  The sound of bare feet padding across the floor derailed her from her train of thought. She looked up to see a friend from her competitive dance days, Rue. Madame Rue, now.

  “Violeta!” Her friend sashayed across the floor and squatted down to the floor beside Vi. “Mon cheri, it has been too long. I heard one of the girls say that you were taking barre, and I just had to see it for myself.”

  Vi felt her cheeks grow hot from the intensity of the other woman’s gaze. “Yes, well...my doctor said I needed to take a class for physical therapy, so I figured why not this one?”

  And to stop me from just getting high on my sofa every day, but Rue didn’t need to know that part.

  Madame Rue’s mouth dropped opened in a dramatic look of surprise. “Physical therapy? Pour quoi? Were you injured?”

  Vi looked away from her former dance partner and stretched her left hamstring. “Yes, I was shot about six weeks ago.”

  “What?” Rue gasped, placing a hand on Vi. “You were shot?”

  “It’s a long story.” Vi took a deep breath. “I’d really rather not talk about it if you don’t mind.”

  Rue held up her hand to stop her. “Don’t say another word. There’s something else I wanted to discuss with you, but keep in mind that it’s just an idea, so you are more than free to say no. Though I’m hoping you won't.”

  Vi sat on her haunches and began to throw her stuff into her old duffel bag. “What did you want to talk about?” She avoided the other woman’s gaze. If she looked straight at her, she might feel guilted into saying yes to something she didn’t really want to do. Ever since the accident, she hadn’t had the reserves to help anyone other than herself. If she did have a pain-free day to spare, she would spend it on helping h
er sister and making up for all the time she’d lost with her.

  Vi suddenly realized that Rue had been talking and she hadn’t heard a lick of what she’d said. Crap!

  “So what do you think? We could start with one class. The preschoolers would be great. You’re so good with kids.” Her friend rattled on.

  Vi closed her eyes, absorbing the request. Teach ballet? She couldn’t do that. It had been so long since she’d danced. Even to teach little people would require strength, agility, and patience she wasn’t sure she had anymore. Vi smiled to be polite, but also because she wanted to get out of there quickly before she said yes. “I—uh...I’ll think about it.”

  Her friend’s hands clapped together in pure glee. “Wonderful. Let me know soon. We need someone in the position before Thanksgiving. That’s when our instructor is supposed to be on maternity leave.”

  Vi nibbled her bottom lip. “Sure. Of course.”

  Madame rose to her feet and turned on her toes. “I should get going and let you get back to your day. Thank you for considering the position. I’d love to have you back in here.” She glided out of the room with a self-assured smile on her face. She already thinks I’m going to say yes. The expectation alone made her want to turn the woman down and run away.

  Vi’s phone buzzed in her gym bag. She pulled it out and read the text that had just arrived from her new friend, the florist. Roses are red. Violets are blue. You’re so beautiful that I can’t stop thinking of you. The text was followed with a photo of him holding a rose and a violet. Her cheeks grew hot and her heart fluttered despite the corniness of the gesture.

  Vi slung her bag over her shoulder and walked outside into the too-bright sunshine, where Ligia’s SUV sat idling against the curb outside the dance studio. Forget Brooke with a gun, Ligia behind the wheel made for a truly lethal weapon. At least it was air conditioned. She slipped inside, startling Liggy, who was—surprise, surprise—on her phone.

  “Hey, thanks for waiting.”

  The young woman couldn't be bothered to look up from her phone. “No problem.”

  Vi’s cell rang as she buckled up. “Hello?”

  “Hi. Are you Violeta Hernandez?”

  The skin around Vi’s chest began to prickle. “Yes, this is she.”

  “This is Federal One Credit Union. This is a call to let you know that you've over drafted twice on your account this week.”

  Vi buried her face in her hands. Great, so now Ligia knows just how dire and depressing my life has gotten. The first disability check had come in that morning. Not in time to cover all of her bills, which were overdue. The bank and company late fees were enough to bury her. “Yes, I got my check in the mail this afternoon. I'll bring it by first thing tomorrow morning.”

  The other end of the line went silent. She probably doesn't believe me. I'm just another deadbeat who can't manage her funds.

  “Okay, ma’am.” The woman’s tone just confirmed what she already believed. I’m going to pay my bills. I am. Believe me!

  “Thank you.” Vi hung up before the woman could shame her further. She was done worrying about her financial situation, her friendship status, and her own health. She reached into her bag and pulled out a pill—oxycodone. Instead of bills, she let her mind wander back to more pleasant pastures—Fernando. A hot man wanted to take her out to dinner. Not to marry her, or ask anything of her other than just to keep him company for an hour or two. It had been so long since she’d been on a date. She might need some help from Ms. Teen Queen.

  “Ligia, what do people wear on dates these days?”

  The young woman dropped her phone and gave Vi her full attention. “Wait, do you actually have a date? Tell me everything!”

  Vi replied with a small smile and noncommittal shrug. “Is that so strange?”

  “No, no, not at all. I have the perfect outfit for you to wear!”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Brooke

  Brooke listened as Jesse’s tone changed from upbeat to flat. Heather had promised to leave work early and come home to enjoy a movie and game night with the family—and with Brooke, their happy, little hanger-on. While she wanted to give Heather some space, Jesse’s wife was rarely at home anyway. Which made it that much easier to avoid the inevitable confrontation that would come when at last Heather decided that Brooke had overstayed her narrow welcome.

  Now, judging from the look on Jesse’s face as he spoke with her on the phone, their plans had suddenly changed. “Sure, sure, I understand… Okay… Well, we’ll miss you… Okay, bye.”

  He rubbed his temples and took a deep breath, then put on his happy face again. “Girls!” he called to the kitchen where his daughters were busy decorating the cookies they had baked for their special night. “That was Mom. She got hung up at work, but she’s really sorry and says she’ll be home as soon as she can.”

  “Awww,” Ariana wined. “She always does this. I bet it’s on purpose.”

  “Does Mommy hate us?” Tris asked with a pout.

  “No, no, of course not!” Jesse picked up his younger daughter and shot a stern look toward Ariana. “Ari, that’s not a very nice thing to say about your mom. You need to apologize.”

  “Sorry,” she muttered and then slunk into the living room with a fresh cookie in hand.

  “Go help your sister pick out a movie,” Jesse said, setting Tris onto the floor. “Auntie B and I will work on finishing up dinner, okay?”

  “Yes, Daddy. Will you sit by me for the movie, Auntie B?” she tugged on Brooke’s skirt.

  “Of course, I will, honey!”

  “I like having you and Princess Tiara here,” the little girl confided. “It’s fun when Mommy has to work.”

  “Tris, go to the living room.” Jesse said.

  They both watched as the little girl trotted away, pretending to be Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony, her favorite show of the month.

  When she was out of earshot, Jesse said, “She’s right, you know. Hey, I’m glad you’re here too. Now dance with me while we wait for the pizza to come out of the oven.”

  Brooke laughed as Jesse swung her to the upbeat tune playing on the kitchen radio. While she was more of a country pop girl, Jesse tended to rely on the local oldies station for his music. Together they jumped and jived, and even though the dancing tugged at her still-sensitive surgery site, it felt good.

  But this, this was dangerous, she realized as she continued to hold hands with Jesse and twirl into his chest. Any physical contact with Jesse sent shivers through her torso, and she was starting to think that maybe he felt the same way. She’d noticed he found extra excuses lately to touch her hand or to sit a little bit closer on the couch cushions. Part of that thrilled her, but another part of that shook her to her core.

  Jesse was married with kids!

  Just because her marriage had fallen apart didn’t mean that his was doomed to fail as well. And Brooke was many things, but a home-wrecker wasn’t one of them. No.

  When the song ended, she eased out of his grasp and headed to the fridge. “Do the girls want orange soda tonight? You know, since it’s special?”

  He frowned as he studied her. “Brooke, is everything okay?”

  “Oh, just peachy. I was thinking, though, that it’s probably time for me to start looking at apartments. I’d hate to encroach upon your and Heather’s kindness forever. It’s not like you need a third kid to take care of.” She forced a laugh, but Jesse didn’t join her.

  “You’re my best friend, Brooke, and I like having you here. Stay as long as you need. If you leave too soon, I’ll be worried every second that…” He trailed off and looked away, but Brooke knew what he’d wanted to say and was glad he hadn’t. “No, never mind.”

  “So should we go see which movie the girls picked for us?”

  He motioned for her to proceed as he followed behind with plates and cups. Over in the living room, Ari had just selected Frozen from their iMovies collection.

  “Really, again? Are y
ou sure you don’t want to watch…? I don’t know… Equestria Girls instead?”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Tris chanted, bouncing up and down on the couch. “I wanna be Twilight Sparkle, and you can be Rarity, Auntie Brooke. Daddy is Apple Jack!”

  “Daaaad!” Ariana wined. “I don’t want to watch Ponies.”

  “You know it’s your sister’s turn to pick. You’ll get another turn next weekend.”

  Ariana sighed but switched over the movie selection to the newest film in the My Little Ponies franchise.

  Tris continued to bounce, trot, neigh, and sing along with the opening credits.

  Ariana, despite herself, had begun singing and laughing by the time they hit the second song.

  “I chose this one because it’s shorter,” Jesse whispered into Brooke’s ear. “Besides, if I have to hear Let It Go one more time, I’m going to go all Vincent van Gogh up in here.”

  Brooke laughed and didn’t pull away when Jesse inched closer to her on the couch.

  By the time the movie ended, Tris was snoring softly on Brooke’s lap, and Ariana had excused herself to her room to read the new book she’d picked up from the library.

  “Well, I should get her to bed,” Jesse said, standing and stretching his arms over head before grabbing the sleeping child from Brooke. “Be right back.”

  Brooke ventured to the kitchen and peeked at the bottles set out on their wine rack. Despite having fixed several for Brian, she hadn’t had a single drink since finding out about the pregnancy, and hadn’t thought to resume her drinking following the miscarriage.

  Until now, that is.

  “Got a hankering for some of the famous Abrahamson family mulled wine, do you?” Jesse asked, startling her with his reappearance in the kitchen. “Coming right up.”