Fallen Idol (Love and Music in Texas Book 4)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  "I don't have a problem with that." Kyra raised her gaze to Matt, eyes full of question.

  "Andrew normally spends time with David, but with everything going on, he hasn't as much. I have to go to the shop," he explained. "I know you just got in and probably want to spend time with your family."

  Kyra gently touched his hand. "It's okay. I don't mind. It sounds like you and Andrew are like family."

  He almost reeled back at her touch. Actually, more like his reaction to her touch. Quickly moving his hand from hers, Matt cleared his throat. "I'd better go. There's so many things to do..." More to do than fill his head with thoughts about Kyra.

  "You go. Thanks so much for everything. Like I said earlier, please don't worry about my car yet. I'll get a rental. Get to those who are in more need than I am."

  "Thanks again." Matt walked away, thinking he liked her more than he imagined he would. He kind of expected... well, he'd expected the exact opposite of how she acted. He liked her.

  But it didn't mean he had to wonder about her. Matt should stay away. He'd find that hard to do, considering he was good friends with her parents, and Andrew always hung out with David. Damn.

  As he rounded the corner to go, Matt stopped to turn around and look back one more time. Andrew and David sat together, looking at something on Andrew's phone. Kyra stood across from them, talking into her own phone. "I'm not ignoring you or the letters. I'm at the hospital now! Trust me, I know what they do and don't want, okay?" She sounded agitated. Kyra hung up, shoved her phone in her pocket, and moved back to talk to the boys.

  Matt's spirits sagged when Andrew gave her a comforting hug. His words really pulled at him. "I'm happy I finally got to meet you, Kyra."

  Another woman Andrew attached himself to, and it had to be a musician. One who had a lot of trouble behind her. Somewhere along the way, his son was going to get hurt because he put his heart out there so easily. Matt didn't blame him. Andrew probably felt like he knew Kyra because of the closeness with the Sanders.

  He slipped away, dreading the work day even more.

  Chapter Five

  Time moved every day at the same pace, but today it seemed to move even slower. It was almost as if the universe wanted to laugh in Matt's face and say "Ha ha, I own you!" No, that wasn't the case, because the universe didn't just pick on people that way, as much as it felt like that sometimes. Every time he checked the clock, only minutes had passed instead of an hour or more as he'd initially thought.

  He wiped his sweaty brow with a greasy palm and grunted. Two cars done so far, a whole lot more to go.

  "Hey Matt? There's a guy out here wondering how long it's going to take to get his car fixed," Rhett yelled.

  If it was the same guy who called three times, Matt was going to go crazy. This was going on all day. Constant calls, requests, wanting to know how much more could they pay to get their car done first ahead of everyone else, yada yada yada. It never ended.

  What a nightmare.

  Sure, the money coming in from the services would be great, but the customer demands? He could do without that a little less.

  He put on his best fake smile and ambled to the inside of the shop, ready to deal with the customer.

  A white haired man fumed on the other side of the counter. He reminded Matt of Santa Claus, minus the no white cotton ball beard and shorter hair. Oh, and this guy here wasn't so jolly. In fact, he was pretty pissed off.

  "I need my car!" He slammed his fist down.

  Matt remained calm. On the outside, anyway. "You and half the town, sir. I'm sorry. There's a waiting list." Yep, this was the same guy who'd called repeatedly earlier.

  "This damn town needs another good mechanic shop," the man snapped, then stomped out of the building. The door slammed so loud the sound bounced off the walls. Other customers that were waiting around hung back.

  Matt turned to walk away when the bell jingled over the door again. He half expected it to be Non-jolly St. Nick, but to his surprise, Blaine and Randy entered the building. "What are you guys doing here?"

  "A concerned citizen told us you were overworked." Blaine winked.

  Matt's heart sped up, thinking he'd been complained about, until he realized Andrew must have talked to them. Who else would it be?

  "So I've enlisted some help, and hopefully you won't be so overworked." Randy pointed at the door. In walked Blaine's brother Jameson and Lucas Bennett, Avery's husband. "Jameson knows a bit about cars, and Lucas is a fast learner."

  "And I can run things up front so that there's more availability in the bay," Blaine commented.

  "You don't have to work today?" He stared at Randy and Blaine.

  "The beauty about owning my own business is I make my hours. It's slow, and Serena's running the studio this morning," Blaine informed him.

  "I told Dad you needed some help, so he let me have the day off to come up here," Randy affirmed. "We're all yours."

  *****

  Kyra stared at the two story ranch style house. She'd seen a few pictures of it, but the actual place itself was a little run-down. The house needed a good paint job and a few other things. Now the landscaping, she adored. She pictured herself sitting under the large oak tree with the field of green grass surrounding her with a guitar in her hand. Pathways of gravel and pavers led to the sidewalk. Arrays of plants and flowers, only a few left blooming, lined up against the sidewalk. The front porch was small, but contained planters as well.

  This had been her family's fourth move since leaving Nashville. Mom and Dad always said it was because they couldn't find the best place to settle down. Kyra wasn't sure she believed it, but if there was more to the story, no one told her a thing. But of course they didn't. She'd been in a fragile shell for years. No one wanted to tell her the ugly side of things. They all believed she couldn't handle it. Come to think of it, she wasn't sure she could have handled it, either.

  "Oh joy, looks like your fan club is here," Amy snapped, pointing at a small herd of people, some who snapped photos.

  "That's hardly a fan club," Kyra retorted. She was a little more than sick of her sister's attitude. Whatever was up with Amy, she took it out on everyone around her. They were all worried about Mom and Dad, no doubt, but Amy was acting like a cold-hearted brat.

  "Whatever. Just tell them to go the hell away, okay? We just want a little quiet!" Her sister shoved the car door open and stomped off toward the house.

  "If you two will grab my stuff, I'll get them out of here," Kyra said to David and Andrew. "Just don't talk to them. Nothing. Please. Okay?"

  Both agreed.

  Kyra climbed out of the car and approached the photographers. "You're on private property, you know," she warned sternly

  They didn't seem fazed. Then came the questions. "Do you know how your mom and dad are? How do you feel about coming back to Texas? Is it true you're coming back with a new album? Is your life being threatened?"

  "No comment to every single one of your questions. If I find you lurking around my family's property and intruding, I won't hesitate to prosecute. Got it? This is a difficult time, and we'd like for you to respect our privacy." Kyra folded her arms over her chest. "Get out of here, now!" She emphasized the last word.

  A few took pictures before bolting, but at least they went away. For now. She had a feeling they'd be back.

  Kyra walked to the front door and stepped inside, peering behind her one last time. So far, she didn't see anyone lingering. Good.

  "We brought everything in," David informed her. "I'll show you the spare room where you'll stay. It's right next to mine."

  "Mrs. Winters is coming by in a bit," Amy said, avoiding her sister's eyes.

  "Who's that?" Kyra tried to recall the name.

  "She's our neighbor. She checks in with us while Mom and Dad are... away," Amy muttered before stalking off.

  Kyra stared off after her sister, trying to understand. Amy was upset and nervous about her parents. She got that. But the only person she was
really snappy with was Kyra. She'd been decent to David, Andrew, and Matt. Every time she said something to Kyra though, it was with an attitude.

  She'd get to the bottom of it, eventually. Right now, it was time to check out the house and figure things out.

  "Come on. I'll give you the tour." David stood beside Andrew. Both seemed eager to show her the house. "We even have a cool tree house Dad and Matt built!"

  "A tree house, huh?" Even at almost twelve and fourteen, tree houses were still among the things that were cool.

  "This isn't just any kind of tree house. It's the coolest!" Andrew insisted. "I don't care how old I get... there's just something about the peace up in there. If Dad would let me get a guitar, it would be the perfect place to play."

  Kyra thought about her guitar, but decided against saying anything. Matt had his reservations about musicians, it seemed. She wondered about that. He did kind of judge her before he got to know her. What did he have against musicians? She shook it off and gave her attention to David and Andrew.

  The house was nice. Inside, it looked much better than the outside. It was a little misleading. Maybe Mom and Dad were just busy, and some of the things hadn't been taken care of. Her initial thought was that her family struggled financially, but now she wasn't so sure.

  Kyra studied the walls full of pictures. Photos of Mom and Dad, and photos of Amy and David. Photos of her when she was younger, and some photos of her at concerts and award shows.

  They didn't have any recent ones, but that was Kyra's doing. She hadn't sent new ones. She had pushed her family away right after the accident, so that no one could see her in the condition she'd been in. Kyra hadn't really let anyone see her. Not her family, friends, or the man she'd been seeing when everything came crashing down. When Taryn and Jordan stopped returning her calls almost immediately, she'd decided it was probably best and never let anyone else come by.

  She'd become reclusive, wallowing in fear, pity, and a handful of other destructive feelings, until she learned it was time to get out of that pattern.

  "This is where you'll be staying," David said, pointing to a room and pulling Kyra from her deep thoughts.

  She crossed the threshold and entered the room. More photos hung on the walls of all of them. She picked up a frame containing a picture of her and Amy sitting together holding David just after he was born. One of the last family pictures they'd taken before Kyra skyrocketed to the top of the charts. They'd stayed in Nashville until she turned nineteen. Then, after the accident, they tried to come back and help until Kyra was on her feet again. She'd refused their help. They'd just uprooted their life a handful of times for her. No way did she want that to happen again!

  With tears in her eyes, Kyra wrapped her brother in a hug. He hesitated at first before hugging her back.

  "What's that all about?" David asked when she let him go.

  "I missed you. Don't tell me you've grown up and started hating hugs all of a sudden," she teased, hoping he wouldn't pick up that there was so much more to it. He may only be twelve, but David was attentive.

  "That depends." A sly grin spread across his freckled face. "Can I jam on your guitar?"

  Kyra gasped playfully and messed up his dark hair. "Figures you'd try to spin it to your advantage!"

  He shrugged, amusement dancing in his eyes. "So, can I?"

  "Me too!" Andrew begged. "We'll let you up in the tree house. Usually it's boys only, but we'd make an exception for you."

  "That might be a deal I can't refuse." Not that she had a problem letting them play on the guitar, but hey, she'll take the offer.

  They turned at the sound of footsteps. Quiet voices drifted toward them. Kyra stepped out of the room. Amy and a woman with blonde hair and a smile approached.

  "Kyra. It's so good to finally meet you." The woman rushed forward and gathered her in a tight hug. Amy frowned and turned away, moving back down the stairs. "I'm Elaine Winters. I live next door." The woman let her go and took a step back.

  Kyra breathed a sigh of relief. It was still weird to have people get in her personal space, especially when they didn't know how it affected her. There was hardly a time where she could walk down the street and not have someone reach out to grab her. Most times it was friendly, but there were others that had completely different intentions.

  "It's good to meet you," she managed. Did the woman pick up on her relief? If so, she didn't show it. Her gaze was warm and friendly.

  "Please let me know if there's anything we can do. I've been by to visit your parents. In these parts, family is more than just blood."

  Kyra nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it. I wish I was here under better circumstances, but still, I'm glad to be with family."

  From somewhere downstairs, Amy laughed. It wasn't a friendly, fun laugh. It sounded more bitter.

  That was it.

  "Excuse me for a second." As she stormed downstairs, she clenched her teeth. She found her sister leaning against the wall by the stairs, catching Amy off guard.

  "Mind telling me what your problem is?" Kyra snapped, watching the smug look disappear.

  "My problem is you!" Amy shouted. She folded her arms across her chest. If looks could kill right about now...

  "Why? What did I do to you, Amy? I know this is a tough situation, but what the hell is your problem with me?"

  Amy rolled her eyes and shoved herself away from the wall. "Where do you want me to begin?" She grabbed her purse and jacket and stomped off toward the door.

  Kyra followed. "Don't go anywhere! I'm trying to-"

  Amy whirled on her. "Just stop, Kyra. You don't get to waltz back into my life as if you've always been around and think I'm going to be happy and hug you. I'm not the rest of them. I'm not going to cater to Miss Susperstar's wants and needs. Just back the hell off!" With that, she bolted out the door and slammed it shut behind her.

  "All righty then." Kyra shook her head. So Amy had issues with her. Fine. They could figure them out once Amy stopped running from her. She backed away from the door and smack dab into a body. "Oh! I'm sorry!"

  Mrs. Winters smiled sadly. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I heard Amy and was going to try to stop her, but..."

  "Yeah. I don't even know where to begin with her," Kyra admitted.

  "No one does. She's been acting very cold for about a month now. Your parents have been worried about her, but she won't talk about whatever it is."

  "So this started before I came home?"

  "Well, something did. I know she has a lot of resentment toward you. She doesn't tell me this, but I've heard her talk to my daughter Sharon about it, and one can tell."

  Resentment? Okay, Kyra could see that one.

  "She's young. Impressionable. You haven't had the easiest time the past seven years." The woman's tone and expression was compassionate. She reached out for Kyra's hand. "I don't pay much attention to what's said about those in the spotlight, but I can't help but hear what's said about you because of my connection with your family. Still, you were young, and things happen."

  Kyra backed away. She hated when this came up. The accident. The way young girls had looked up to her and, because of a mistake, she lost a lot of trust. How many times had she been ridiculed over it?

  No denying she'd wanted the music career. She had the passion and the gift of music, but Kyra had to admit, she hadn't been ready for the fame at such a young age. Not when it came with unknowing responsibilities. The way others looked up to her, she had to keep up a certain image and reputation. Jumping in the music business so young had it's disadvantages, too. She never had the chance to grow up and make her own mistakes without being in the eye of the public.

  And when she did, they all frowned down on her. All of them. The articles were scathing and cruel. The letters, the horrible things sent... If she could go back in time and change things, she would. But that wasn't possible.

  "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought this up."

  Kyra shook her head. "It can't be av
oided. I've spent years hiding because my mind and body were too fragile to handle everything. Now that I'm back in the limelight and I'm here, it's all going to come out. I have to expect it. I've always thought about my family, but I guess it never occurred to me how much they were and are affected by what happens with me." The conversation was cut short when Kyra's cell went off. "I'm sorry. It's my manager. I should probably take this." She smiled politely at Mrs. Winters, answered her phone and walked into the other room. "Hi. What's going on?"

  There was silence on the other end, then Mark took a deep breath. "You've got some more hate mail."

  Kyra rolled her eyes. "That's something new? I've been getting that for years."

  "Kyra, listen to me. This one had a newspaper photo of the fire involving your parents."

  Chapter Six

  "You boys look like you've been working hard all day," Blaine commented that evening. Matt smirked and debated on wiping his oil stained hands across her cheek for being sarcastic. Randy beat him to the punch. He leaned in, kissed her, and then left oily hand prints on her face.

  "Randy!" she protested.

  He shrugged. "Just wanted you to look like me."

  "You guys saved my ass today. I wish there was a way I could repay you." Matt wasn't sure about all the help, considering they weren't employees and things like that could get a little tricky. But it worked out in the end. They all knew what the hell they were doing, and the customers were happy to have their cars back faster. There was still plenty of work ahead, but the dent in the to do pile had been lowered significantly.

  "You don't need to repay us. We're glad to help," Jameson assured him.

  "Need anything else?" Randy asked. "If we're good, I think it's time to head home and clean up." He wiggled his dirty fingers at Blaine again. She shrieked and jumped back. Everyone laughed. "You're such a girl," he teased.

  "You think? I figured that's what you loved about me," she shot back.

  Matt chuckled. "I'm good. Thanks guys." He headed for the bathroom to wash his hands and face.