Renegade Moon (CupidKey)

by Rigley, Karen E.

  “Where’s your watch, Eric?” Iris demanded.

  “Uh . . .” Eric shifted slightly. “It’s too, ah, expensive to wear for every day.”

  “You threw some shindig last night, Iris,” Martin commented, obviously steering the conversation away from such a touchy subject.

  “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” Destiny added diplomatically.

  “Yeah. Thanks,” Eric mumbled, hitting a bump that bounced his passengers upward.

  “My offer to drive is still open, little brother.”

  “Keep it up, hermano, and you’ll be walking.” A pickup approached from the opposite direction. Eric lifted two fingers of his hand resting on top of the wheel in a little wave. The passing motorist answered his wave in the same manner.

  Destiny had noticed all the waving here. It seemed that everyone waved at everyone else when driving on these back country roads, usually just a little salute with one or two fingers. She caught herself picking up the habit, and wondered what Austin motorists would think when she returned and compulsively waved to every car on the freeways. After her experience here in the high desert, her old life in Austin felt so far away and far removed. She knew returning home might prove bittersweet. And Eric merely a memory, or a photo in her portfolio. Her screensaver.

  Those thoughts drew her gaze back to Eric’s hands and the power in them; hands capable of crushing her if he so chose. Instead, she recalled their gentleness, touching her tenderly during her heat exhaustion, combing her hair . . . that had been amazing. Thinking of it still made her heart flutter.

  “Hello, Destiny, please come in, over,” Martin teased. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for five minutes.”

  “Oh. What?” She felt a blush tint her cheeks.

  “Want a piece of gum, little girl? It’s sugarless. Won’t rot your pretty white teeth.”

  “Yes, thanks.” She took the offered stick from his hand.

  “Excuse me,” Iris snapped. “Am I in your way?” She pressed back into the seat, glaring at Destiny. “We can exchange places.”

  “Oh, no,” Destiny replied breezily. “You and Martin look so cozy together.”

  “Yes, don’t we,” Martin agreed, running his fingers along Iris’s shoulder.

  Iris folded her arms and scowled at everyone and everything.

  Eric’s cell phone chimed, surprising him since it didn’t ring much. Most of the time he left it at the house, only carrying it when traveling off the ranch. He didn’t know whether to be pleased or spooked by the caller ID. “Hi, Mom.” Though not his biological mother, he had called her ‘mom’ since he could remember. His birth parents had died when he was so young, yet between the Montoyas, who actually adopted him, and the Garcias, he’d never felt he’d been without family. Certainly there were times he felt the outsider, but never shut out. It stemmed from his own feelings of isolation, not from the way he’d been treated.

  “Hi, sweetie, how was your birthday?”

  “Okay. Had a little party last night.”

  “Oh?”

  Eric heard all sorts of things in that simple remark. His mom knew his view of parties and he hoped she didn’t try to dig out the information. Bad enough he’d endured the celebration. He refused to revisit it for his mother, especially in front of this particular audience. “It was a surprise.”

  “I see. Well, since we had to miss your actual birthday, we’d like you to come to lunch today. I called the ranch and Estrella said you were on your way to Albuquerque to buy some roofing, so that should work out well, right? Martin’s with you, isn’t he?”

  “Among others.” He squirmed mentally, thinking of those ‘others.’ If his mother had talked to Estrella, she’d already heard the details of events and guests.

  “I know. Estrella told me. Destiny’s invited, son. Not to worry.”

  “Uh, Mom, I’m driving, let me give you to Martin.” He shoved the phone across the two women into his brother’s hand. This could prove to be interesting. Just how interesting remained to be seen. She likely knew all about the party, all about who threw it for him, but not who accompanied them today. He wished heartily he’d told Iris ‘no.’ Too late now.

  Martin chatted a few minutes, clicked the phone shut, and handed it back to Eric, who tossed it up onto the dash.

  Destiny tried to read Eric’s inscrutable expression, but failed miserably. She wished she could have heard the other side of the conversation. Were they going to see Eric’s parents?

  “Mom invited us to a birthday lunch,” Martin announced, partially answering Destiny’s silent question.

  Iris’s head whipped around toward Martin. “We’re going to your parents’ house?” she practically rasped, which drew Destiny’s attention. “Does she . . . do they know who all’s coming?”

  “Not sure,” Martin said.

  Iris heaved a sigh and stared forward as if she rode a rocket sled to her doom.

  Destiny stole glances at them all, but nothing revealed itself to clarify the ten thousand questions racing through her mind.

  They zoomed along the scenic road in a hair-raising course. The narrow, twisting blacktop switched back and forth and up and down, magnified by Eric’s rate of speed. He drove confidently, familiar with the highway and never appearing caught off guard by a sudden turn or switchback.

  Except the jumble of thoughts boiling in his mind were anything but confident. Should he warn his mother that Iris was coming, too? Making a sudden decision, he grabbed his phone and stuck it out to Martin.

  “Call Mom and tell her there’s one more with us.”

  “What, and ruin all the fun?”

  “Hermano . . .”

  “All right, all right.” Martin took the phone and made the call. “Hi, Mom. Yeah, we’re still coming, but we picked up an extra person at the convenience store . . . Iris . . . yeah, the same . . .” A chuckle. “See you soon.” He handed the phone back and Eric tossed it on the dash again.

  They flashed by a pullout she would like to have stopped at, but she didn’t dare ask. She sensed a growing tension in Eric, and felt somewhat tense herself, packed tight against Iris. They didn’t encounter much traffic on the road but as they approached one steep grade, they spotted a camper laboring uphill.

  “Great,” Eric muttered, slowing.

  Destiny didn’t mind their crawl. It gave her more opportunity to check out the scenery. Wild and primitive, it enchanted her. The crest of a hill offered a spectacular view of huge deep canyons, and back down the snake-like road they’d just traveled. As she started to ask if they could stop at this overlook, Eric swung the truck out to pass the camper and they sped off again. He didn’t drive as fast as before, quite impossible over this stretch of the highway.

  Destiny noted Martin’s feet firmly planted on the floorboard. Iris’s feet were firmly planted on Destiny’s camera. She reached to move it, catching the strap. “Iris, please don’t step on my camera.”

  “Where am I supposed to put my feet? Your stuff is all in the way.” Iris nudged the camera away with her foot.

  “Don’t!” Even though the camera was encased in its cover, the sight of Iris’s booted foot shoving it angered her. She scooted the camera safely over to the driver’s side, pressing it back against the bottom of the seat where it wouldn’t interfere with Eric. She tucked her canvas bag behind her own feet and slid as close as possible against Eric, away from Iris. This caught his attention and he shot her a sideways glance. She tilted her chin defiantly. He made a little kissing motion at her, flustering her completely. Then his focus riveted back onto the highway as if it had never happened.

  They passed through a tiny town, the first of several, forcing Eric to slow down momentarily through each one. Hay pastures and signs of civilization began appearing on one side of the road. Soon sh
e could see cultivated fields, offering an odd contrast of mountainous desert on one side of the highway and farmland on the other.

  The Interstate leading into Albuquerque appeared ahead, and Eric zipped up onto it, joining the flow of traffic into the city.

  Taking an exit on the outskirts, they stopped at a building supply yard. “I’ll put in our order, and it’ll be ready when we come back on our way home,” Eric announced.

  Ready for the break, Destiny slid out of the truck cab. Once everybody got out, stretching cramped muscles, they trooped inside together. While Eric and Martin chatted with the proprietor, she looked around. Her usual powers of observation deserted her. All she could focus on was Iris, who had managed to grab and hang onto Eric’s arm. He escaped her clutches and went with the clerk to help select materials.

  Deciding to reclaim her position, she returned to the truck. Opening the driver’s side door, she sat sideways under the steering wheel, dangling her legs. That way, if Iris tried for Eric’s side again she could quickly slide out, rather than get pushed over. She bristled with stubborn determination. She’d meant it when she’d warned Iris that she didn’t take threats well. Though she felt as if she were in junior high school again, her back was up. Game on.

  “Let’s go,” Eric said, approaching the truck. “This’ll save time on our way back.”

  Iris glared at Destiny as she climbed in beside Martin. Destiny smiled sweetly and nestled close to Eric’s side. She quickly glanced at him to see his reaction, but he just smiled and started the truck. Destiny relaxed, satisfied that she’d won another round.

  They drove into an upscale residential neighborhood, and Destiny felt butterflies stirring inside her chest. I’m going to meet Eric’s parents! She took a deep breath and swallowed, sparing a glance at Iris. All Iris’s bravado seemed to have deserted her. At least Iris looks more nervous than me, she thought, seeking to calm her jitters.

  A winding drive led up to a southwestern hacienda with a red tile roof. Destiny admired the way that, rather than an expanse of grass, gardens covered the lawn, separated by stone walks with cast iron and wooden slatted benches set about strategically, inviting one to stop for a rest while wandering through each unique section.

  “Did your folks move? This isn’t their house,” Iris said, gazing around as they got out of the truck.

  “Yep, they moved about five years ago, wasn’t it, little brother?” Martin replied.

  “Something like that,” Eric agreed, making Destiny wonder how much more there was to the story, with Iris being unaware of the move.

  “This is really elegant,” Iris announced, seeming to regain some of her lost confidence. She latched onto Eric’s arm as the front door opened, and Destiny noticed how deftly he managed to slip from Iris’s clutch, striding up the steps in the lead.

  A couple and a woman stepped outside onto the wide, sweeping entrance portico. “Destiny, this is my mom, Leila, and my dad, Carlos. And my Aunt Shirley, from Houston, Texas. I didn’t know you were here,” Eric said to his aunt, dispensing hugs to his relatives. He drew Destiny forward. “Destiny Winston, a photojournalist from Austin, Texas, covering the dig on the Bar-M.” Martin had also come forward to offer hugs, then stepped away so Destiny could shake hands with the trio.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Montoya, and . . .” she started to acknowledge.

  “No, no, dear. Carlos and Leila and Shirley. Just like our son introduced us,” Leila corrected with a warm smile. An attractive woman with soft, wavy brown hair and blue-gray eyes, Leila emanated friendliness. Carlos, with light, caramel-colored eyes, shared the same fine, patrician features as Martin. Shirley had a halo of strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes, and peaches and cream complexion, highlighted by the swirling aqua draped dress she wore, accented with several silver and turquoise bracelets and rings. A beautiful squash blossom necklace graced her throat. Eccentric. Flamboyant, came to mind as Destiny returned her open, friendly smile.

  Iris swept forward. “Hello, Carlos and Leila. And Shirley. Long time no see.”

  “Yes, it has been a long time,” Leila replied, her expression growing cool.

  Destiny noticed no one offered to shake hands or greet Iris in any other way, and none of them appeared to be happy at Iris’s presence, yet Iris seemed oblivious as they all entered the house. The fragrance of lemon polish and gardenias scented the air. The simple welcoming elegance of the front gardens continued within the home’s interior.

  “Let’s go out on the patio, it’s such a nice day,” Leila suggested, leading the way through sliding glass doors onto a Spanish tiled, covered patio. More gardens abounded in the back yard, including a well-tended vegetable garden.

  “Where’s Tina?” Martin asked, glancing around.

  “In the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on lunch,” Shirley supplied.

  “So Tina still works for you?” Iris asked, obviously trying to make her way toward Eric.

  “Of course. I’m so fortunate to have her,” Leila replied, her voice noticeably cooler to match her expression, each time she had to acknowledge Iris’s presence.

  Lots of history here, Destiny concluded. Would she learn any of it today? Or would it only serve to fuel her curiosity?

  They chatted awhile, relaxing in the pleasant surroundings. A gnat flitted around Iris’s face and she slapped at it. “Are we eating outside? There’re bugs out here.”

  “They don’t eat much,” Martin offered.

  “We’re eating in the dining room,” Leila said, standing and linking arms with Destiny. “Let’s go inside and get settled. Tina has things about ready.”

  Before Eric could follow, his aunt placed a ring-festooned hand on his arm. “A moment,” she murmured, and they strolled to the edge of the patio. “What’s up with Iris?” she asked bluntly.

  “I don’t know. What’s ever been up with Iris?” He smiled down at his aunt. “Didn’t know you’d be here. Just out for a visit?”

  “Well, I knew your birthday was coming up so it seemed a good time. We actually planned to come to the ranch today, but when your mother called, Estrella said y’all were coming to Albuquerque. So we decided it was a happy coincidence and you should come here. Estrella told us you had Martin and Destiny with you, but she didn’t mention Iris.”

  “That’s because she didn’t know. Iris invited herself along when we stopped for gas in Las Nubes.” The thought drew his brows together.

  “Ty tells me you have Cupid.”

  “If I’d known we were coming in for lunch and that you’d be visiting, I’d have brought it along and given it to you.”

  “No, you would not. Cupid’s at work here, and he’s not finished.”

  “Aunt Shirley, that’s just family superstition.” Eric continued frowning, focusing his glare on the ground, trying to deny how strongly he felt that family superstition teasing through his mind.

  “It most certainly is not!” Reaching up, she caught his chin, turning his face to hers. “Cupid has been uniting couples in this family for generations. Grandparents, your parents, your uncles, several of your cousins so far, which just happen to be my boys. It’s obviously your turn, and just as obviously, with Destiny.”

  Eric wished she were right. He wanted her to be right. “Aunt Shirley, this isn’t a good time for it. There are things going on I can’t explain.”

  “What? Iris? Pfft.” Shirley waved a dismissive arm, setting her bracelets jingling.

  “I wish it was that simple. Besides, I’m not really a Carrington. It doesn’t pertain to me.”

  Chapter 11

  “Nonsense. I’m not a Carrington by blood. I married your uncle, thanks to Cupid’s magic. Besides, recently Cupid escaped outside the family to bring a trucker, who found him, and his new bride together. And, Eric, you’re as much a Carrington, and a Montoya, as anyone born into th
is family. And to say you’re not shows disrespect. Now what could possibly thwart Cupid’s enchantment meant for you?”

  A smile tugged at his mouth as he gazed down at his colorful aunt. He wished he could tell her. He wished he could tell Destiny and Martin and his folks as well, tell them all. But he must not. They had to be protected, and it was up to Eric alone to see to it by keeping things to himself, at least for the time being.

  “Hey, y’all, come eat,” Martin hollered, sliding the door open.

  Eric pulled Aunt Shirley’s arm through his, and they went inside together.

  Destiny admired the way Leila had managed to smoothly seat them all, with Carlos at the head, herself on his right, Martin beside her, and Iris beside Martin. Eric sat on the other side of his dad, and Destiny had been firmly planted between Eric and Shirley.

  To Destiny’s amusement, Leila refused to allow Iris even a tiny chance to sit beside Eric, yet she had done it pleasantly, without so much as a touch of rudeness. And she’d managed to accomplish her seating arrangement while helping Tina bring in the food. Tina, motherly, middle-aged, now sat at the end of the table closest to the kitchen. Smile crinkles graced her pleasant face rather than frown lines. However, like the others in this household, she didn’t waste any smiles in Iris’s direction.

  “Mmm. This salad and these vegetables are divine,” Destiny complimented honestly. “Did they come from your garden?”

  “Absolutely. We eat what we grow,” Carlos said, his pride showing.

  Green chili cheeseburger steaks were served, delighting both brothers. Must be a family favorite, Destiny decided, and sampling hers, could understand why. She glanced across at Iris, who appeared as if confronted with fast food that had been under the warming lights too long. Iris nibbled at her vegetables and salad, and finally took a tiny bite of her cheeseburger steak. Then another. And another.