Travis had no response. He sat back in his chair and finished his cigar, turning his father’s words over in his mind as he watched his brother Hudson rocking his newborn son. For the first time in forever, he was going to have to agree with his old man. He reached into his pocket, retrieved his cell phone, and called Coach Hoder.
Chapter 10
The spa was closed Monday, on account of July fourth falling over the weekend, and for that, Ruby was grateful. Saturday was still fresh in her memory even though she’d spent considerable effort trying to erase it. Sunday had been a day of licking wounds, eating copious amounts of chocolate ice cream, and stuffing macaroons in her mouth as she watched Steel Magnolias for the fifth time. Not exactly the movie to lift your spirits, but then Ruby was, if anything, unconventional.
She winced as she pulled on sunglasses and got out of her car. The wine hadn’t helped either. Tasha hopped out and took off at a run, ignoring Ruby, who shouted at the little animal to stop.
“That’s it,” she muttered to herself, reaching into the back for a large canvas tote. “No treats tonight.” She smoothed out her old T-shirt, pulled up her jean shorts, and yanked on the brim of her ball cap, before locking her car and heading in the direction Tasha had run. She knew where the dog was, so she wasn’t concerned, only miffed that after nearly a year, the little thing didn’t know what the word “no” meant. Or stop. Or stay, for that matter.
She spied the little fur ball’s tail wagging crazily as the dog jumped up and down near a bunch of guys working near the new playground. A shock of white hair told her Carl Hoder was already there, and she was happy to see so many volunteers out early on this Monday morning. Several trailers were parked nearby, filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Rain the night before had cut the humidity, and the early morning temperatures were in the mid-seventies. It was the perfect combination of sunshine, fresh air, and spirit. The conditions were perfect to plant things and make them grow. But more importantly, at least for Ruby, she could forget how in less than a month her life had spiraled (and not in the right direction), and she’d taken two steps backward.
No. More like ten. The thought was depressing, and maybe it was childish, but she was going to pull a Scarlett O’Hara and think about it tomorrow. Or the day after that. Or maybe never.
“Ruubeee!”
Ruby smiled and spied a little girl running toward her. Her gait was uneven and she couldn’t run fast, but Miley Wellington’s enthusiasm was hard to miss. Her little arms waved crazily, and she nearly toppled herself at one point, but her giggles had wings and seemed to pick her up. She didn’t stop running until she collided with Ruby.
Thin arms wrapped themselves around her waist, and Ruby dropped her tote so that she could scoop the girl into her arms.
“Hey you,” she said warmly, hugging Miley close. “You smell like sunshine.”
“You look like sunshine and rainbows and unicorns.”
Ruby laughed. “You’ve been watching the princess video again.”
“Uh-huh,” the little girl said with a wide smile. “It’s my favorite.”
Ruby dropped a kiss to Miley’s cheek and shifted her so that she rested on her hip. The girl was six years old, but small for her age. She sometimes had trouble talking because it took a while for her brain to figure out what it was she wanted to say, and her coordination wasn’t great, but the love in her heart was bigger than all of it. And that was a tribute to her mother, Thena. The woman had been an alcoholic most of her teen years and well into her twenties, which meant that Miley had been born suffering from the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome.
They say every addict has a trigger. A button that once pushed, plunges them further into addiction or the reverse. For Thena, holding her newborn, an innocent suffering because of her alcoholism, a disease that had seen her drinking a fifth of vodka per day, as well as six to twelve beers while pregnant, well, that had been her trigger.
She forged a new path, took responsibility for her life—the past that had shaped her—and hadn’t had a drink since delivering her daughter. Green Thumb for the Soul had been involved in helping out the young family, and it made Ruby feel blessed to have been able to play a part, however small.
“I miss you too.” She squeezed Miley one more time and then set her down, smiling as the little girl instantly shoved her hand into Ruby’s. “Where’s your mom?”
“She’s over there.” Miley pointed toward one of the trailers filled with plants, and with an eye on Tasha (who was now chasing her tail) Ruby headed over. She took a few minutes to catch up with Thena and then left Miley with Tasha. She headed over to Carl. The man was dressed in long pants, long sleeves, and a wide brim hat that had seen better days. Ruby shook her head.
“Carl. You must be baking in those clothes.”
He offered a wry smile. “Better that then a sunburn.”
“You have heard of something called sunscreen, right?” She chuckled and set down her tote. “I’ve got extra.”
He made a face. “They all smell like coconut.”
“Carl,” she chuckled. “You need to broaden your horizons. I brought a new product we’ve been selling at the spa. It’s called Ocean Breeze.”
“No offense, Ruby, but that sounds like the fancy spray my wife,” he looked toward the sky, “God rest her soul, used to keep in the bathroom.”
Ruby knew she couldn’t win, so she gave up and looked around. “So what’s the plan for the day?” She glanced back to Carl and caught him staring at her with an expression that was off. He looked…weird. “Something wrong?”
“I didn’t think you’d come today.”
That left her puzzled. “Why wouldn’t I? We talked about this at our board meeting last week. You know how important this project is to me.” A thought hit, and her stomach clenched. “Is it Ryder? What’s he done now?”
“I haven’t heard from Ryder. I just…” He grimaced and scratched his chin. “Did you listen to my voice mail?”
“No.” She frowned. “My cell phone died last night, and I forgot to charge it this morning. What’s going on, Carl?”
She watched the man as a growing sense of unease settled in her gut.
“It’s Travis,” Carl admitted, eyes still on her.
“What about him?” But she knew. Somehow, she knew, and her gaze scanned the area behind them.
“He’s volunteered to help out, and I, well, I didn’t think. I know you two aren’t exactly friends.”
“Carl,” she said gently. The man’s discomfort was obvious. “Don’t be silly. We need all the help we can get. I’m fine.” She pasted what she hoped was a normal-looking smile on her face. “Really. I’m good.”
Carl wasn’t fooled. Not one bit. He cleared his throat. “He’s working with the crew planting trees on the other side of the park. I don’t expect you’ll see much of him if you stick with me. We’re working on the perennials.”
She kept that smile in place even though her emotions were all over the place. She felt nauseous and light-headed, and her muscles tightened in protest. Stress had never been her strong suit.
“Put me to work where you need me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Carl, I’m not a pussy.” The fact that she felt like bolting wasn’t something she was proud of. “I’m positive.”
“Okay.” Carl pointed to the large trailer full of grasses, hydrangeas, and lilies. “You’re with me. Let’s get started.”
They worked together for several hours, and eventually, the tension in Ruby’s shoulders dissipated as the fresh air, the earth and flowers, worked their magic. For a brief moment, she almost forgot that the only man on the planet who could throw her off balance was several hundred feet away. She should be mourning the fact she and Chance were done. She should be pissed that he’d betrayed her. Tricked her. But all she could think about was Travis.
Ruby sank back onto her haunches and wiped sweat from her brow. Her gaze found its way back to the other side o
f the park, and she watched as Travis and Zach propped up the last ornamental pear tree and readied it for planting. Travis’s face was hidden behind by his old ball cap and aviators. Dressed in old work boots, beige khaki shorts, and nothing else, he attracted more than just her gaze. In fact she noticed at least five women who kept glancing his way. Why wouldn’t they? His wide shoulders and impressive pecs glistened in the sun, and his killer smile was in full force as he chatted with his buddy.
Did he even know she was there? Honey, the bartender from the Coach House, was with them, and Ruby looked away, patting the dirt around the hydrangea bush. Something dark coursed through her. It was hot and sharp, and she might have attacked the dirt a little too aggressively, but hell, she needed to release whatever it was before she said or did something she’d regret.
No way was she jealous. She didn’t care that the attractive brunette was practically leaning against him as they planted the tree. Or that she’d been with him the entire day. Travis could do whatever he wanted with whomever. He meant nothing to her.
She closed her eyes. That wasn’t true. God, she wished it was, but after the other night, she couldn’t deny there was still something there. Was it a need to find closure? A need to confess her sins? The acknowledgment that he wasn’t entirely to blame?
Was it guilt and nothing more?
She didn’t know what it was, but Ruby was about done with it. At least for today. She’d finish up and head home.
She reached for the watering can and nearly knocked the damn thing over, cursing under her breath as she stood and bent over, making sure the plant got enough water to survive its first few days after transplant. She was so focused on ignoring Travis Blackwell that she had no idea anyone was behind her until she straightened and backed up, stopping cold when a hard, male body stopped her progress.
A hand on her hip. The other on her shoulder. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Travis.
“Hey.” His voice was low. “I didn’t want you to fall.”
It took a lot of effort to keep her shit together, and Ruby carefully extricated herself from his touch, turning slowly so that she faced him. She had to tip her head up to see him properly, and he dragged off his aviators, his warm brown eyes serious as he looked down at her.
She didn’t know what to say. Or do. She was very aware that a lot of folks were suddenly interested in what was going down in the hydrangea garden. Some of them were discreet. Others, like Lou Anne Simmons, not so much. She was bent over her wheelbarrow so far that if she wasn’t careful, she’d topple the damn thing.
“These look great,” Travis said, eyeing the bushes she’d just planted.
“They do.”
His eyes were searching as if waiting for her to say something. But then he surprised her. “I met a woman—Thena. She said she’s a friend of yours.”
Ruby nodded. She couldn’t get any words out. Her throat was too tight. The damn lump too big.
“She told me what you did for her and her little girl.” He motioned behind him. “What you do for most of these folks.” A slow smile crawled across his face. “You always had a thing for those in need. People with real problems or those who were just plain dumb. Remember Mason Winkworth?”
“Mason?” The lump cleared, the muscles relaxed. “Oh my God. I haven’t thought of him in years.” She nodded and looked away, hiding her face and feeling vulnerable.
“It was the harvest dance, right?”
She nodded. “Grade five.”
“Nope. Middle school grade six. I remember because our teacher was Mr. Buckburn and, man, the lecture we got.”
Before the dance, there’d been a celebration of harvest in the gymnasium, not unlike a typical fall fair. Artwork dotted the walls, music filtered through the speakers, and there were several competitions on the go. One of them was a throwback to the strength of the many lumberjacks who’d settled in the area hundreds of years earlier. Now, with the event taking place inside the school and for safety concerns, there were no saws or axes. There were heavy pieces of wood and a bunch of boys full of bravado and bragging rights.
Mason Winkworth was a kid who’d matured early for a boy, and in grade six, he was already head and shoulders above the rest of his class. He wasn’t known for his mental prowess or his athletic ability, but the kid was brawny and determined to win the last competition. It was a test of strength and endurance.
He’d lined up at the chin-up bar, a young Travis Blackwell at his side, among others, and when the whistle blew, the boys hauled themselves up and held their bodies in place for as long as they could.
Slowly they dropped, until there were only four boys left. And that was when…
“Wasn’t it My Little Pony?” Travis asked chuckling.
“No.” Ruby shook her head. “SpongeBob.”
“Right.”
Mason Winkworth’s track pants had slowly fallen down around his ankles, and his choice in undergarments had left the entire gym in giggles, with more than a few hecklers in the bunch. Not only that, the boxers were on the small side and he…well, he wasn’t.
“His face got so red, and he was so embarrassed,” Ruby said slowly. “I knew he wouldn’t give up until he won, and I knew you wouldn’t give up because you were having too much fun.”
She’d jumped from her seat in the bleachers and run to the boy who was now grunting with the effort to hold himself up, while using his feet, rubbing them along his calves to somehow get his pants back up. Which wasn’t happening. She yanked them back into place and held them so they couldn’t fall back down.
And she stood behind him for at least another five minutes until Mason Winkworth was the last man standing. Or rather, hanging.
“I asked you to dance.” Travis’s voice took on a husky tinge that had all sorts of alarm bells ringing inside Ruby. “Do you remember?”
“I said no.” She swallowed thickly. He was so close, she could count the individual lashes that framed his eyes so beautifully. She could see the gold flecks that lit the depths of his dark eyes.
Travis cracked another smile. “You said I was a jerk. Told me I should have dropped as soon as Mason’s pants had.”
“You should have,” she replied, licking her lips, a nervous gesture she wished she could take back. His eyes had followed her movement, and now they rested on her mouth, their depths dark and intense.
“I like to win.”
“But you didn’t.” Ruby watched him closely.
“Not that time,” Travis replied, his expression changing. Were they even talking about the same thing anymore? He took a step back. “We’re heading to the Tappery, next county over, for burgers. My treat. You coming?”
Ruby stared up at Travis for several moments, not sure what to say or how to act. In the end, she took the coward’s way out. She shook her head. “I’ve got Tasha here.” She turned in a circle. “Somewhere. I don’t think she’d be allowed in a restaurant.”
“You could take her home and then come.”
“Why?” The question fell out of her mouth before she could take it back.
Travis sighed and ran his hand over the back of his neck. He yanked on the brim of his hat and nailed her with a look she knew all too well.
“We need to talk, Ruby. Can we do that?” His tone was cajoling, his eyes warm and inviting. And Jesus H Christ. The man had spent the entire day working outside in the hot sun. Did he have to smell this good?
“I can’t.” She backed away before she could change her mind. “I promised Ryder I’d swing by and we’d do dinner. It’s like our Monday-night thing.” She’d promised no such thing, but it was the only excuse she could come up with.
Travis was silent for a few seconds. “Okay. Another time?”
“Travis.” She had to take a moment. “You’ve moved on and so have I. And as you pointed out the other night, you’re not the only one to blame. I did things too. And maybe it’s time for me to let go of the anger. There’s nothing else to say o
r do. Let’s just leave things alone.”
“I can’t do that.” Those alarm bells that had fallen silent were now clanging again, heavy against her chest, making it difficult for Ruby to breathe or think or speak. The air was rife with an invisible force that was drawing her to him. It scared the crap out of her.
“Why not?” she managed to squeak out.
“Because I like to win.”
“This isn’t a game, Travis.” She took a step back, anger making her hot and fidgety.
“It is, though.” He got up in her business again. “It’s the most important game of my life.” Travis reached for Ruby, and God help her but she couldn’t move. It was as if her feet were encased in cement. Her heart fluttered, and she felt dizzy.
Or maybe quicksand.
His hands settled on either side of her face, and he held her gently, bending even lower so that when he spoke, his breath caressed her mouth like a kiss. She tried to move as panic set in, but he held her firm, his voice throaty. “Let me do this, Ruby. So that we know. So that I know.”
He held her gaze a second longer and then swept his mouth across hers, a gentle caress that lit fires and rang those bells and made her knees weak. It made her want to close her eyes and go back in time. Back to before the marriage and the baby. Back to that first summer. It wasn’t a kiss so much as promise, and she barely managed to hold herself together. When he stepped back, she finally exhaled, a long, slow, ragged breath.
“What do you know?” Did she speak the words out loud?
“This thing between us, it’s not going anywhere. It’s part of us. Like DNA.” He was dead serious. “So why are we fighting it?”
“Why are we fighting it?” Unbelievable. Ruby had to take a moment to try to process what he was saying. “I can think of a million reasons why, Travis, starting with the fact that we’re divorced. We didn’t do so well the first time around.”
He looked away for a moment, and Ruby was able to catch her breath. She waited, like a fool, she waited, and when he turned back, her heart squeezed so damn tight, it brought tears to her eyes.
You Rock My World (The Blackwells of Crystal Lake Book 3) Page 9