by Ciana Stone
But he'd kept going, primarily because he'd do just about anything to keep from thinking about Lula. Thoughts of her, what had happened and how he'd acted kept him awake most nights, made him drink more than he actually wanted and had him picking up women like a sex-starved teenager.
In short, he was making an ass of himself and wanting to blame her for it. "Gimme that fucking money," the woman he'd just screwed, snapped as she shoved her feet into high-heeled shoes.
Lincoln handed her the money, batted aside her hand as she tried to slap him then rose and guided her non-too gently from the room. He knew the smart move would be to shower, sleep and then give the situation serious consideration in the morning,
But instead, he threw on clothes, grabbed his keys and went outside where his bike was parked. It was only a five-mile ride to the bar he’d left earlier, and he was betting the men he’d been drinking with were still there.
Sure enough, their bikes were still in the parking lot. The moment Lincoln walked in, a deep bellow sounded. “Back for more, bro?”
“Got bored.” Lincoln smiled, yelled to the bartender to send over four more pitchers and then walked over and clasped hands with the big beefy man who’d greeted him. Jeff Davis was, hands-down, one of the most dependable people, Lincoln had ever known. A long-haul trucker by trade who owned his own rig and a biker at heart, Jeff had been a friend for nearly twenty years.
“You wear that gal out already?” Jeff asked as Lincoln pulled up a chair and gook a seat.
“She wasn’t a long-haul ride.”
Jeff, and the rest of the men laughed. All but Trevor Alexander. Trevor was young and had yet to earn cynicism or rancor from the road. As Jeff told it, Trevor was just riding with the boys while he took a year to see the country, before heading home and going to college.
“So, what do you think, Trev?” Lincoln asked. “Life on the road, or a cush job behind a desk?”
Trevor shrugged. “Neither, I think.”
“Good answer.” Lincoln paid the bartender for the beer he delivered and poured himself a mug. “Are you thinking of following your father’s footsteps? Word is, he did real well for himself.”
“Don’t know.”
“Well, you have time. You’ll figure it out. Hey, interesting side note. Your father and my brother are connected.”
“Yeah? How?”
“That tracking thing your father invented? My brother and his partners licensed the technology for a project they’re working on. SynthBee.”
“What’s that?”
“Believe it or not, synthetic honey bees. Actual AI bugs. They needed a better way of tracking and your father’s application fit the bill. I hear the deal was signed last week with your father’s company and Heritage.”
“Isn’t that owned by the Walker family?”
“Yep.”
“Cool.”
Lincoln raised his mug. “Your father’s a smart man.”
“Knowin’ that for a fact,” Jeff, or as he was most often called, Big Jeff, chimed in. “Cord was always smart, even as a kid. I knew he’d never settle for just being a rancher. That dude is brain blessed.” Jeff drained his mug and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I used to think the same about you, bro.”
“Oh? And what changed your mind?” Lincoln asked.
“This dumb ass move you made, running away from that woman.”
“I didn’t run away.”
“No? Then what you call it, man? You have a woman who loves you and you turn your back on her over some bullshit carnival crap? Come on, Dude. You know if a woman wants to cheat, she’ll do it on the sly. Not in front of the whole fucking county.”
Lincoln’s first inclination was to tell Jeff to go fuck himself. Not that he did. He knew that inclination was nothing more than him trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions which were wrong. He knew that. Facing it was just humiliating.
“I hear ya,” he commented.
“So, what you gonna do about it?”
“Sleep on it.”
“You leaving already?”
Lincoln smiled and stood. “I think I got what I came for. Ride smooth and walk well, brother. And darken my doorstep now and then. I may just be calling Cotton Creek home.” He looked at Trevor. “You too, Trev. Door’s always open.”
“Thanks. I’ll be seeing you.”
“Same here.” Jeff stood and gave Lincoln a near bone-crushing hug. “Ride smooth.”
“Always. And thanks.”
“What are friends for?”
Lincoln headed back to the hotel and upon arriving headed straight for the shower, turned on the water and climbed in.
Two days from now it would be Thanksgiving. He imagined the people back in Cotton Creek. Chances were, everyone would gather at Wiley's. His place was the largest and could accommodate the most people. Mathias and Reese would be there, as would Deacon, Mica, and their baby. Trina, Brody and their son would attend, probably Etta and JJ and more than likely Naomie, Netta, Nellie Mae, and Lula would join. There would be a lot of laughter, good food and a feeling of family.
When had he become someone so attracted to that sort of thing? He's spent the majority of his life on his own, no real attachments aside from his brothers who were single and loners as well.
Now everything was different. He'd watched Deacon and Wiley with their families and spent time with them, and damn it, he found himself yearning for what they had. And Lula was the woman he always imagined as the main character in that little private movie.
"Fuck!" He nearly put his fist through the tile wall of the shower. He'd never wanted to fall in love and had done everything in his power to stay unencumbered, responsible only to himself.
Now, he wanted to be attached, depended on and being able to depend upon someone else. He wanted to share his life with someone. No, not someone. With Lula. Lincoln knew he'd acted like an ass, and he knew why.
It was easier to let his jealousy send him running than it was to admit that he felt it. Seeing her with another man made something catch fire inside him, something that threatened to scald straight through him. The fires of possessiveness were new to him and burned him to the bone.
So, what are you going to do about it? Go home, admit you were wrong and hope like hell she'll take you back or live like you're doing now?
As much as he hated the way things were right now, admitting he was wrong was a bitter pill to swallow. Lincoln hated being wrong and hated, even more, having to admit it. He turned off the water and snatched a towel from the rack.
Big Jeff was right. It was time for Lincoln to go home and face the music.
*****
"I swear I think the spirit of the little girl is connected with Nellie Mae."
"I know you do," Naomie agreed as they walked up the sidewalk to Molly's house, laden with things Lula had prepared to contribute to the Thanksgiving dinner. "But I just don't see any good way to introduce the topic of a dead child from the past without either upsetting people or making someone mad."
"I hear you, and I'm not saying it's a great idea to do that, but I swear to God, if that child shows up again, I'm getting some answers from her."
"Yeah? What're you gonna do, wrestle her to the ground and sit on her until she talks?"
"Smart ass," Lula said and gave up. "Fine. Maybe she won't show up. And it was really nice of Molly and Mercy to invite me."
"They like you."
"And I like them. Oh, did you talk to Reese about the bridal shower? I'm happy to do it at my place if you want and I'd really love to help."
"I did, and she said she wanted to thank you herself today. She's getting really excited and nervous."
"It's going to be incredible. I can just see it," Lula sighed. "I love weddings."
"Thank goodness. Reese and I are about as much use as tits on a bull when it comes to that stuff."
"Lucky for you two that you have friends."
"Indeed, it is."
"Hey th
ere." Molly pushed open the screen door and stepped out onto the front porch to hold it. "Wow, what all did you bring?"
"Two pies, coconut cream and banana cream, some triple fudge brownies for Kaylee, potato salad, deviled eggs, a squash casserole and a jar of apple butter. Mercy said you were out and that you like it on your morning toast."
"Oh bless you, I do. Come in, just go right on back to the kitchen."
Everyone but Nellie Mae, Etta and JJ were already there. Lula was thrilled at how friendly everyone was and how they made her feel welcome. While she'd had a lot of lonely nights staring at the sky and missing Lincoln, she'd also had a lot of invitations to join these people for dinners and get-togethers, and she'd started to feel part of a real circle of friends.
If only things had worked out with Lincoln, it would be perfect. But the "if-only-blues" weren't going to drag her down today. She was enjoying some downtime from keeping up her role as Dillon Walker's new fling, PE teacher and coach to a bunch of high school girls.
Once she'd unloaded all the food and placed it on the big serving table on the huge porch out back, she went back into the kitchen to see what else she could help with. The moment she walked in, Reese grabbed her in a hug.
"I swear I could kiss you. Naomie showed me those pictures you'd taken from magazines on ideas for the wedding, and we love everything. Are you one hundred percent sure you don't mind helping with the wedding?"
"Are you kidding? I'm dying to help."
"Then you're in charge girl. You tell the rest of us what you need and go to it."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
"Wow, thank you. I'll make you proud, I promise."
"I have no doubt at all."
"Nor do I." Mathias' voice had Lula turning to look behind her.
"Wow, you have a way of making a gal feel very small, you know that?"
He smiled. "I think I might have heard something along those lines before. Seriously, thank you. It means a lot to have friends who are willing to help."
"I really am thrilled and can't wait to get started."
"Hey, Miss Lula!"
The sound of Kaylee's voice brought a smile to not just her face, but those of the people standing with her. Lula turned and knelt down as Kaylee ran over. "Hey there, sweet girl. I'm so happy to see you."
"And I'm happy to see you." Kaylee hugged her then smiled up at Reese and Mathias. "Do I still get to be the flower girl when you get married?"
"Indeed you do. And Miss Lula is going to be in charge of all that wedding stuff so you and your mama can talk with her about what kind of dress you get to wear, and the flowers you get to carry and all that."
"Really? I get to carry flowers?"
"You sure do."
"Well hello, there sweet pea."
Lula looked up at the same time Kaylee turned to look behind her. Nellie Mae was dressed for the event. Her slacks were the color of a pumpkin, her blouse that of deep brown leaves that have already fallen, and both were spangled with gold and copper studs and rhinestones.
Sparkling globs of colored rhinestones decorated her ears , were fashioned into pins in her hair and even served as bracelets. She was a sparkling sight, but nothing could outshine her smile, which warmed Lula's heart. She'd quickly come to love the little old woman.
"Wow, you look beautiful, Miss Nellie Mae."
"Oh you," Nellie Mae fanned her hand at Lula.
"It's true, and I want a picture." Lula fished her phone from her pocket. "Okay, now strike a pose."
Just as she took the picture, Kaylee grabbed her arm. Lula didn't have to wonder why. She saw it, too. The sad little spirit was standing right beside Nellie Mae. She said a silent thanks when Mercy hurried over to greet Nellie Mae.
Kaylee turned to Lula. "You see her, right?"
"See who?" Reese asked and squatted down beside Lula.
Kaylee looked at Reese and then Lula. "Don't ask me," Lula said. "You need to talk to your mom or dad about that."
"I'm going to right now."
As Kaylee took off, Lula stood. She waited until Reese followed suit and then motioned to her and Mathias. They followed her outside. "I don't want you to think I'm a flake or anything, but the truth is, I see dead people."
"So does Kaylee," Reese said and added. "Wiley told me. Just in case she ever said something or saw something, when we were around. He and Molly don't want her going around telling people, but they don't want her to feel ashamed or abnormal either."
"Thank god."
"So, what, or who did she see?" Mathias asked.
"A spirit of a little girl." Lula quickly described the child and what little she knew of her, including how Lincoln had tried to help her find information.
"So, you saw her again, just now?" Reese asked.
"Yes. Standing beside Nellie Mae. She appeared before when Naomie and I were at Netta's having dinner, and Nellie Mae was there. I swear the two of them are connected, I just don't know how."
"Then how do you find out?"
"According to Kaylee, we ask the spirit."
"Have you?"
"I have, but she's not exactly forthcoming."
"Maybe she'd feel more free or safe with Kaylee."
"Maybe, but I can't ask Kaylee to do that. She's a little girl, and I don't want to pull her any deeper into this than she already is."
Just then Mercy walked outside. "Can we speak?"
"We'll leave," Mathias offered.
"No, you can hear this. I know something is up. I saw the look on your and Kaylee's faces. Is the spirit back?"
"Yes." Lula wasn't about to lie.
"Kaylee has been wanting the child to appear to her again. She feels she can help the little girl."
"I don't know what to say. I want to help her as well, but she gives me very little to go on. I do..." Lula let the rest of the words go unsaid until she made a spur of the moment decision, but one that was quite important.
"I think the spirit is somehow attached to Nellie Mae."
"Have you asked?"
"No, ma'am."
"Wait here."
Lula looked at Reese when Mercy went back inside. "I really don't want this to interfere with the day."
"I'm sure it won't. Mercy is very discrete."
"It'll be okay, Lula," Mathias assured her. "Let's just wait and see what Mercy has in mind."
"Okay." Lula wished she'd just stayed at home. If she had, all the people here would be having a good day, without interference from a sad spirit. Wait. If the spirit is here for Nellie Mae, then Kaylee would have seen her anyway.
Lula couldn't help but acknowledge the very real possibility that she was grasping at any straw to lessen her burden or responsibility.
Mercy walked back outside, holding Kaylee's hand. Kaylee looked back and motioned with her hand. Lula saw the spirit appear. The child stepped up beside Kaylee.
"Is she with us?" Mercy asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Lula responded at the same time Kaylee answered, "she's right here beside me, Elisi."
"Good, then let's have a conversation shall we?"
"Yes, okay." Lula agreed.
"Excellent. I think we should all go to Kaylee's play area. Kaylee said the spirit likes it there, so perhaps she'll be more comfortable. And, we'll have a bit more privacy.
Once they were all gathered in the play area, Mercy held out hands to Kaylee and Lula. "Everyone join. You as well, Reese and Mathias."
They all did as instructed. Lula saw the spirit, in the center of their circle, looking around at everyone. "Lula, you and Kaylee need to speak to the spirit. Welcome her and tell her we are all here to help. Ask if we may all be allowed to see and speak with her."
"Yes, ma'am." Lula looked at Kaylee. "Do you want to start or should I?"
"You go first."
"Okay." Lula turned her attention to the spirit. "Hi again. We want you to know that we welcome you here and that we all want to help you find what you need to be at peace. Would you allo
w Kaylee and I to share our ability so the others here who want to help, can see and speak with you?"
You really will help?
"Yes, we will. Really." Kaylee answered. "I promise. My Elisi and Reese and Mathias are all good people like Lula, and we want to help you."
"Can you tell us how we can do that?" Mercy asked.
Find me and take me home.
That answer shocked Lula. The spirit had never answered her so directly. She quickly spoke up. "In case you didn't already know, my name is Lula Duvall. What's your name?"
Nanette Simmons.
"Hi Nanette, I'm Kaylee. I'm six, how old are you?"
Five.
"And you're quite a pretty girl, Nanette, and I bet you're very sweet and kind as well," Mercy said. "I'm Mercy and Kaylee is my granddaughter. I want to help her and Lula to find you, but we don't know where to look."
I fell through the boards.
"The boards?" Lula asked. "In a house?"
I was looking for the shells that are in a circle. I wanted to make a necklace for my sister. I fell through the boards.
"Where do you find that kind of shell?" Reese spoke up and then added. "And hi, I'm Reese, and like everyone else, I want to help you. Can you tell us where to find the shells?"
The lake, silly.
"So you were at the lake when you fell through the boards?" Lula asked.
No, I was coming home from the lake. Can you please come find me? I'm tired of being in the dark.
"We will try, Nanette. Just one last thing. And it might help us find you. Who is your sister?"
Nellie Mae.
"Elisi?" Molly's voice from the back patio put an end to the moment. Nanette vanished, Mercy turned and called out to Molly. "We'll be right in."
Kaylee tugged on Mercy's hand. "Can we tell Mrs. Nellie Mae that we talked to her sister?"
"No, sweetie, we have to keep that a secret for a little while. Can you do that?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good girl. Okay, scoot in and help your mama. We'll be right in."
When Kaylee ran off, Mercy looked around at everyone else. "I'd appreciate if you all allowed me to address this with Nellie Mae. She's a friend, and I think she would take it better coming from me."
