Summer on Main Street

by Crista McHugh

  “Brooks Bennett, in the flesh,” Genevra said in a charming southern-belle accent. She was radiant with her hair piled up in a hot mess and her aquamarine eyes shining over a warm and engaging smile.

  “Hello, Mrs. DuVal,” Brooks said as he clasped her outstretched hand, hoping against hope his eyes weren’t bugging out of his head. “It’s a pleasure.”

  “The pleasure is mine. While your sister, Darcy, is practically my second daughter and I know your parents as well as just about anybody, you, the favored son of Henderson, have proved as elusive to my acquaintance as any town hero ought to be.”

  “Simply biding my time, waiting for Lolly to grow up,” Brooks said, smiling. “And it’s good to finally meet her momma.”

  “Well, you’re as charming as everyone says. Do you have time to sit for a minute?”

  “Absolutely,” Brooks nodded, seating himself in a comfortable white rocking chair across from the women. He crossed his legs at the ankle, glad he’d worn a new pair of flat-front khakis and the turquoise polo shirt his mother said matched his eyes.

  “How do you like working for the police department?” Genevra asked.

  “I enjoy it very much. It allows me an insider’s view of our town and its citizens.”

  “I’ll bet,” Genevra smiled. “I’m sure more than a few give you a run for your money.”

  “That they do,” he said, nodding a smile. “But it’s a great opportunity to see where we excel as a community and where we fall short.”

  “And here I assumed y’all were solely focused on giving out speeding tickets.”

  “Well, there is that….” He smiled. “Which I have to admit is a lot of fun on most days. I know so many of the people I pull over that it’s hard to keep a straight face as they try to worm their way out of a ticket. I’ve had the opportunity to pull my mom over more than once.”

  “You pulled over your mother?” Lolly said, shocked.

  “Sure did. That woman has a lead foot. Always has.”

  “You didn’t give her a ticket though, did you?”

  “Of course!” He winked. “But the biggest part of my job these days is keeping a lid on the teenagers. Now that school is out, they don’t know what to do with themselves. So the police department is determined to keep a large profile in an effort to keep them out of trouble.”

  “Are you worried about vandalism?” Genevra asked.

  “A little bit, but in a rural community like ours where we have the farms and the lake, it’s more about safety. The kids have a lot of freedom and there’s always the potential for fires starting and boats tipping over. On top of that, most kids around here have learned to drive a tractor or a boat long before they are eligible for their driver’s license. So we get a lot of underage drivers cruising through town while their parents are unaware.” He gave a short laugh, looking down at his feet and then back up to meet her eyes. “To tell you the truth, it hasn’t changed much since I was that age.”

  “I swear, Lolly’s dad was one of those boys you’d be sitting on tight.” She laughed. “He and his brothers were rule-followers by day and hell-raisers by night. If Emma DuVal ever had a clue what her precious sons were doing back then, she’d have packed them up and shipped them off to military school.”

  “Now there’s an idea.” He smiled. “I’ve got an entirely different perspective now that I’m tryin’ to uphold the law.”

  “And now they all have cell phones, so the word spreads a lot faster than it used to. You don’t have to go around hunting for parties like back in my day.”

  “That’s exactly right,” Brooks said, moving his leg up to cross an ankle over his knee. “Technology is a wonderful thing. I just wish the thirteen-year-olds didn’t have access to it.”

  “Thirteen? You have problems with thirteen-year-olds?”

  “They are the worst offenders,” he insisted. “I’d like to round them all up and lock them away for a year. Most of their parents would let me, I imagine.”

  “Is that going to be your platform when you run for mayor?” Lolly joked.

  Brooks grinned at her. “That’s an opinion I’ll probably have to keep to myself.”

  “Mayor?” Genevra asked, but was immediately interrupted by the ringing of her cell. She looked over to the table next to her, smiled a shy smile, and picked it up saying, “Excuse me a moment, won’t you?” She got up and headed to the kitchen before answering.

  Brooks lifted an eyebrow. “A hot date?”

  Lolly nodded, her gaze having followed her mother. “I think so.” She turned to Brooks. “Actually, I’m sure of it. Though she is not talking.”

  “What do you mean, not talking?”

  Lolly leaned closer. “She’s seeing somebody. But she’s not saying who. Not even telling me. Says she wants to sa-vor it.”

  “Sa-vor it?”

  “Uh-huh. Saaaa-vor it!” Lolly stressed again. “Brooks, I’ve never known her to date. Well, at least not like this. And I have no idea how long it’s been going on. If I hadn’t come back for the summer, I would have no idea about it at all.”

  Brooks' brows drew together. “Why the secrecy?”

  “You’re aware of my uncles, right?”

  Brooks thought about Jeb, JB, and Jimmy DuVal. All big men around town with large personalities. Those guys led the charge when it came to coaching the kids, refereeing the games, and selling concessions—making them the backbone of the community. No doubt they’d been hell-raisers growing up, Brooks thought, because they were hell-raisers now. The DuVal brothers had their collective nose stuck into everything, with strong opinions they didn’t mind sharing. Brooks had no doubt they’d want to know who their brother’s widow was seeing. God help the poor son of a bitch.

  “Understood,” he said. They both listened intently for a moment, unable to make out anything being said.

  “Come on,” Lolly whispered. “Use your cop skills to figure this one out for me. I am dying to know who he is.”

  “Maybe he’s from out of town.”

  “Could be. But then why not tell me?” She shook her head ‘no.’ “I think it’s somebody right here in Henderson, and they are being very careful about keeping it under wraps.”

  “You can’t blame them. Your uncles aside, people are going to have their opinions and probably voice them. My mom has always held your mother in high regard, and she’s just going to love hearing about this. Whoever it is, he’s either going to be a hero or a goat. Because this town wants to see your mother happy after what she’s been through.”

  Lolly opened her mouth. Then closed it. She leaned even closer and lowered her voice further. “Brooks. The thing is, I don’t know what she’s been through.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, look around. You see any pictures of my parents? I know it’s been a long time since he died, but you’d think she’d have one around. There’s a picture of my daddy in my room and a few over at Momma DuVal’s. But when I asked to see their wedding album, Momma couldn’t locate it. She and I have always been able to talk about anything, yet she’s consistently hesitant to talk about my daddy.”

  “Well, from what I understand––”

  “Sorry about that,” Genevra called out before she sailed back into the screened-in porch. “Now, Brooks Bennett, what is this I’m hearing about mayor? I’m intrigued.”

  Brooks shot Lolly a baleful look. “Mrs. DuVal, I wish Lolly hadn’t said anything. It’s just something I’m thinking about. If you wouldn’t mind keeping that a secret for the time being, I’d be obliged.”

  “Oh, she’s good at keeping secrets,” Lolly insisted. “Right, Momma?”

  Genevra blushed slightly but otherwise looked completely composed. “Trust me not to mention it to anyone, Brooks. But I am curious why you’d even want the job.”

  “My buddy Vance Evans and I are tired of watching our contemporaries move away from Henderson. We’d like to create an environment appealing enough to draw the young people back.
”

  “Well, you’ve got my vote,” she said pointedly as she looked over at Lolly. “And I have to say, I sure would love to be a fly on the wall the day Mayor Stevens finds out he’s actually got some competition for the job.”

  “Mayor Stevens has done a great job for Henderson,” Brooks said.

  “Spoken like a true politician,” Genevra laughed.

  Trying to cover his wide grin, Brooks motioned to the mannequin tucked into the corner of the porch. “What’s this, Lolly? Are you planning to outfit the Gryffindor tennis team?”

  “I am!” Lolly cried as both women clapped and chirped their delight. “That’s exactly what I want you to think when you see that tennis outfit.”

  Brooks looked the design up and down and couldn’t help but grin at Lolly’s obvious talent and ingenuity. The sexy tennis dress with its V-neck halter top somehow screamed Harry Potter with its bold left chest emblem and the Gryffindor House scarlet and gold striping at the hem.

  “It’s for Fashion Week. I need to evoke vivid memories and emotions in the audience, while showing functional and technical appeal,” she recited. “The fact that you thought of Harry Potter helps me know I’m on the right track.”

  “So you just…what? Came up with the design of this dress…from nothing?”

  “No. I sat in front of movies three, four, and five and sketched a lot of the costumes. I was able to get an idea of the repeating shapes and structures, not only in the clothing, but in the architecture as well. Lots of triangles showed up. Severe lines. So the V-neck was a good place to start. Of course, adding the colors and the crest helps to trigger the mind. I’m working on the men’s version now.”

  “How many items do you need?”

  “As many as I can make. I have to submit my designs for approval. The more I submit, the better chance I have of something making it into the show.”

  Brooks’ head spun from design to designer. “You have to produce the garments before you’re approved for the show?”

  She shrugged. “In theory, you only have to submit your drawings and fabric samples. But the competition has become so fierce that most everyone submits finished prototypes. The judges like it because they can see the quality of your craftsmanship and are assured the design will be complete for the show.”

  “That’s a lot of work without any guarantees,” he observed.

  “Which is why I moved home for the summer. Fewer distractions and no fashion students looking over my shoulder. Not to mention Momma is brilliant at brainstorming ideas and is, more importantly, my primary investor.”

  “Money well spent,” Genevra said, reaching over and taking her hand for a moment. The affection between mother and daughter was palpable. It made Brooks smile even while his gaze darted briefly to the floor.

  “So this is what’s keeping you busy after you run with Vance.”

  Lolly nodded and grinned. God, those sapphire eyes were lit up with excitement. This was her passion, he realized. This was what she was born to do. Like playing baseball and revitalizing this town was to him. She was a designer. And a good one at that.

  It was then that Genevra took a quick glance at her watch and popped out of her chair. “You two are probably in a hurry to get out the door and I’ve held you up.”

  “No, Momma. We’re fine,” Lolly said, winking at Brooks. “We’re in no hurry, are we, Brooks?”

  “Not at all,” he said, playing along. “Maybe you’d like to come with us?” he offered.

  “As if you’d want your date’s mother along,” she scolded. “Up! Both of you. Out!” She clapped her hands. “Time to go.”

  Lolly burst out laughing as she and Brooks rose to their feet. “Momma, are you throwing us out?”

  Genevra drew in a deep breath, held it as she looked between the two of them, and then squeaked out, “Yes.”

  “Yes, I’m so sorry,” she apologized, “but you two have to go. Now.” She ushered them through the kitchen, into the dining room, and to the front door while taking continuous glances at her watch. “And Brooks, if you wouldn’t mind driving out the road to the right, I would appreciate it.” She bit her lip as both Lolly and Brooks looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. She squeezed her eyes together. “I know. I know! Please. I’m sorry. Just…just give me this one thing and I promise I will come clean soon. Very soon.”

  Lolly stood with her mouth open, gaping at her mother. “Oh. My. God,” she said slowly, in complete disbelief.

  Brooks recognized desperation when he saw it, and right now it was all over Mrs. DuVal’s face. He was not interested in standing around while this pleasant interlude unraveled, so he grabbed Lolly by the hand and drew her out the door.

  “No problem, Mrs. DuVal,” he called over his shoulder, dragging Lolly into a run to his truck. He picked her up and shoved her inside, waving to her mother as he sprinted around the cab and sprung into the driver’s seat. He started the engine without buckling his seat belt and spewed gravel in his haste to back out of the drive. He swung the tailgate out to the left and shot a glance in his rearview mirror. His eyes popped wide when he spied the approaching vehicle. They needed to get out of here now.

  He threw the gear shift into forward and punched the gas. Lolly’s arms flew out, bracing herself with one hand on the door and the other on the dash. With one eye on the country road ahead and one eye in the mirror, he was pretty certain that the tell-tale royal blue Maserati with its convertible top just turned into Lolly’s drive.

  Mystery solved.

  ***

  Genevra DuVal watched the close call unfold in horror-struck amusement. Holding the screen door open with one hand and pressing fingers to her lips with the other, her eyes glistened with tears of mirthful embarrassment as she watched her daughter driven from the scene in haste, just as one very slick, very sexy sports car turned into her drive.

  Releasing her anxiety from the almost-meeting, the breath she’d been holding hitched again at the sight of the driver. Slick and sexy didn’t even begin to describe that one. The one she’d fallen so desperately in love with over the past several months. The one who had appeared out of nowhere, determined to make her every wish come true.

  Her heart skittered wildly as he angled to a stop, captivating her with a nod and that Top Gun grin even before he put the car in park and turned off the engine. He didn’t look away as he exited the car with his dark shades, dark hair, tanned skin, and gorgeous clothes. Lordy, the man knew how to dress. And his body was masculine perfection, she thought, as he sauntered to the bottom step, stopped, took off his sunglasses, and held them in both hands in front of him. He cocked his head to the side, studying her as he always did with that oh-so-sultry half smile. When he spoke, he invariably spoke gently, as if she were skittish and he didn’t want to scare her off.

  “Great dress,” he acknowledged with an appreciative look up and down. “What did I miss?”

  Genevra shook her head letting out a breath along with a choked gurgle of laughter at her own foolishness. It was long past time for everyone to know just how she felt about Hale Evans.

  “I lost track of time talking with Brooks and Lolly and therefore made a sensational fool of myself hurrying them out the door.” She looked toward her feet and wrung her hands together as he came slowly up the stairs.

  “It all seems so ridiculous now,” she said as he stood two steps below her, leaving them eye to eye. She raised her chin and met his gaze. “Hale, I love you.” The surprise registered in his face as she reached up to touch his cheek. “I do,” she said as his arms slid around her waist. “And I am ready for everyone to know.”

  A long breath eased out of Hale as he drew her close. His eyes closed as their lips almost touched. “Thank God,” he breathed above her mouth. He hugged her to him, squeezing her securely. “Thank God,” he said again, tucking his chin and kissing the back of her neck.

  Genevra rubbed her hands up and down the raw silk over his back, amazed at his relief. How could he have d
oubted her feelings? “I love you, Hale,” she said again, her heart full and free. This time he released her enough to slide his lips across hers, kissing her tenderly and gently before moving his mouth to her ear.

  “You will never, ever regret this,” he told her right before his arms tightened around her waist and he lifted her off her feet, moving them both inside. They let the screen door clap shut behind them. “I think I’ve loved you from the moment we met,” he said between eager kisses. “Christ, I’m certain of it. And oh! Dear God!” he said, pulling them apart. “If my mother wasn’t expecting us for dinner…."

  He let the words trail off as he pushed a hand through his short hair, looking around her foyer as if unfamiliar with his surroundings. Suddenly, his dark eyes narrowed and he brought his gaze back to rest on her smiling face. “Prove it?” he shouted.

  Genevra startled at his uncharacteristic explosion. A giggle escaped as Hale began backing her up.

  “I receive this beautiful stationery, doused in some tantalizing scent. A handwritten letter from the woman I adore agreeing to have dinner with my mother and me.”

  Genevra held out a hand to keep him at arm’s length, but he kept stalking.

  “And then, there at the bottom are the two dirtiest words I have ever read.”

  “What words?”

  “Prove it.”

  Genevra laughed nervously. “Hale, how was I supposed to respond? ‘Rest assured I’m not gay’?” she repeated from his note. “No woman could possibly mistake you for gay. I certainly don’t think you’re gay.”

  “And yet, you want me to prove it.”

  She stopped. “Well, yes.” She eyed him sincerely as he kept coming and stood looming over her. “I….” Oh My God, was he going to make her beg him for sex? “I’m…ready when you are,” she said primly, feeling like a damn fool but unwilling to back down.