Small Town, Big Secrets

by Elsie Davis

  “Too late for that. And I intend to use every avenue I’ve got to see that you win. It’s my job.” Harry grinned, all too pleased with the turn of events. “I want you to go back to Riverbend. Take your files or whatever you need and work from home. We need to keep you and Becky on the front page of the news, not buried on page ten in a tiny corner.”

  “But I just got back here, and I have a lot to do.” As much as he liked the idea of seeing Becky again, he wasn’t liking the idea of using her for career advancement. At least, not anymore.

  “Look, this is your chance to win. You’ve got a laptop—use it. Get your secretary to reschedule meetings. When’s the wedding? Hopefully, not until after the election.”

  “You’ll be disappointed, then. It’s in two weeks.” Steve was grateful they’d already decided on a date knowing it would help put an end to the media madness.

  “That’s preposterous. How can you put together a wedding in two weeks? It takes months.”

  “It’s called a Justice of the Peace at City Hall. Probably my father, as luck would have it.” Steve laughed, knowing each drop of information was bringing Harry closer to the brink of having a fit as he tallied up the lost votes.

  “No. No. No. That won’t do. Your fiancée agreed to this? What’s going on?” His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You go home, meet someone, and a couple of weeks later, you get engaged and tell me you’re doing a whirlwind wedding. It doesn’t add up. What gives? I know you better than to believe all this.” Harry plopped down in the seat in front of the desk and leaned back, his hands behind his neck.

  “It’s called love.” Steve laughed and moved to sit down behind his desk. “You said get married, so I am.” He wasn’t about to tell him the rush came in the form of much-needed money.

  “Whatever you say.” He shook his head. “Just get back to Riverbend. Please. Don’t forget, I’ve got a lot riding on your election, too.”

  “I’ll go back, but only because I want to see my fiancée and you won’t be hounding me to get back to Houston.”

  Harry laughed. “I’ll hound you if you come back here.”

  It was a good thing he was his own boss and could make his own decisions because he liked the idea of going back to Riverbend for the next couple of weeks. It would give him time to rent a house, the idea of staying with his mother beyond a couple of days as unsettling as losing the election. It didn’t take long before he worked out the details with his secretary, stopped at the house for more clothes, and was back on the road to Riverbend.

  And Becky. The idea put a smile on his face and warmth in his heart.

  An hour and a half later, he pulled into the driveway of his mother’s house and was greeted by Randall. “Good to see you again, sir.” The older man took his garment bag and headed up the grand staircase.

  “Thanks. Good to see you, too.” Steve nodded.

  “Who is it, Randall?” his mother called from down the hall.

  He paused, leaning over the banister to answer. “Steve has returned, madam.” The old coot barely moved his lips as he spoke before continuing on his way.

  “Steve?” His mother joined him in the foyer.

  “Hello, Mother. I came back to see Becky and look for a place to live, so I hope you don’t mind me returning so soon.” Steve gave her a perfunctory hug, one they’d perfected over the years to give the illusion he was a loving son happy to see his mother.

  Her smile disappeared at the mention of Becky. “Nonsense. You’ve always been welcome here. You’ve just always made it a point to stay away, so pardon my surprise. Why the rush to find a place to live? You’ve got lots of time, and you can just stay here.”

  “We’ve decided to get married in City Hall a week from this Friday.” It was the first time he’d managed to render his mother speechless, her shocked expression priceless.

  “That’s ridiculous. My son, married at City Hall? I won’t stand for it. You’re not a commoner.”

  “I want to marry the woman I love, Mother. That’s all that matters. I see no reason to wait.” It was the second time he’d said the words, each time sounding more and more familiar on his lips. Was it possible he was falling for Becky? It wasn’t part of their deal, but it seemed inevitable on his part. What was there not to love? That was the question.

  His mother snorted derisively, lines of tension on her face. “That’s just it. I don’t think you love the girl.” Her steely gaze bore into his, trying to read his response. He’d learned a long time ago not to react.

  “And why, then, would I be marrying her?”

  “I don’t know. Poll ratings, perhaps?” His mother was a sharp old bird, but there was nothing she could legally do to stop him from getting married, regardless of the reason he was doing it.

  He wouldn’t fall into the trap of admitting anything. “You have it all wrong. Once upon a time, you met Dad and fell in love. It happens.”

  “I met, thought I was in love, got pregnant, got married, got divorced. Not a great story.”

  “Well, then, at least Becky’s not pregnant. Our story will end differently than yours.”

  “I’m not a fool, and I hate to see you throw your life away. You know, for all that you assume I don’t care about you, it’s simply not true. I was just never good with kids.” His mother fixed a cocktail and came to sit beside him.

  “Let’s hope you’ve improved with time because Byron will soon be your grandson.” Already was, but Steve wasn’t about to split hairs or break Becky’s confidence.

  “Step-grandson, and don’t remind me.” She curled her lip up disdainfully, turned, and made her way across the room, stopping to turn back when she reached the door. “You’re making a big mistake. I thought you were smarter than that.” His mother walked out of the room, determined to have the last cutting words.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Becky looked up as the bell over the restaurant door jingled. Steve.

  Her heart beat a little faster as she watched her handsome fiancé walk across the room toward her. Pretend fiancé, yes, but the fluttering in her stomach was all too real. She liked him, more than she should, and that was information she’d keep to herself. They had an agenda, and she’d stick to it, just like she’d promised.

  “Hey there,” he said as he slid into his favorite booth in her section.

  She laid his menu down. “Hi to you, too. I thought you were in Houston. What brings you back here so soon?” There was no disguising her surprised pleasure at seeing him, but hopefully, he didn’t read too much into it.

  “I had to come back to take care of some things, and I was worried about you and the publicity attached to our engagement. I knew it would be a bit overwhelming.” His gaze lingered on her as if reassuring himself she was handling things okay.

  Another sign of what a caring person he was. “That’s sweet of you. There has been a steady stream of people calling my phone, and a few have come to town, but there’s not much to tell, so they leave quick enough.” Their engagement was big news, but Becky wasn’t much of a talker and had no intention of talking to the press other than to confirm the relationship.

  “I’m relieved to hear it. Sometimes being under the microscope is stressful.” He sat back in the booth but continued to study her. There was something different in his gaze, but she brushed it off. They both had a lot going on.

  Becky laughed. “The locals who come in here stare, dying to ask me questions, but most don’t. I figure they’re waiting on me to do the talking. So, what do you want for lunch? The special and a glass of sweet tea?” She moved on to a safer subject.

  “Am I that predictable?” He smiled.

  “When it comes to food, yes. Everything else, no.” She grinned and turned to leave.

  “Becky?” he called out after her. She turned around and returned to the table.

  “Change your mind? Going to st
ep outside your comfort zone?” she teased.

  “No. At least not with food. But with you, yes. I was thinking we should spend time together this week. As in a lot of time. Not just for the publicity, but for us. If we’re going to be living together, I think we should get to know each other better.”

  “I think it makes perfect sense. Tonight?”

  “That would be great. Anything to be out of my mother’s house.”

  “What are you, sixteen?”

  “Sometimes around her it feels like it.” He laughed. “Maybe we could check out a movie at the theater with Byron. I noticed Mary Poppins was playing.”

  “Um, that’s a little old for a five-year-old. But you’re in luck, Happy Feet is playing, too, and he’ll love it.”

  “I’ve got a lot to learn, don’t I?”

  “You do, but give it time. Pick us up at five-thirty, and we can stop at the hot dog stand for some chili-cheese dogs and fries. Make it an old-fashioned, honest-to-goodness date.”

  “You’re on.”

  Steve polished off his lunch, letting her know he had work to do while in town. When he was finished, he headed her way. Mindless of anyone who might be watching, he pulled her in his arms and kissed her. And not just any goodbye kiss, a kiss that also managed to say, I can’t wait to see you again. A kiss that left her breathless.

  “See you tonight, beautiful.” He grinned. Too bad it was all an act because there was no faking her racing heart. The man had quite an impact on her.

  Her shift took forever, but when it was over, she rushed to pick up Byron from school. After parking the car, she made her way to his classroom just as the bell rang.

  Byron spotted her and came running up to show her the popsicle stick craft he’d made today. “Look, Mommy. I made it for you. It’s a box for special things, like jewelry and stuff.” He beamed.

  “I love it. Thank you, honey.” She kissed the top of his head, treasuring his gift. She signed her name on the pick-up sheet and then headed back to the car, the two of them walking hand in hand. “Guess what? I’ve got good news.”

  “Are we getting a dog?” Poor kid still hadn’t given up on pushing for one every chance he got.

  “No. Better. Mr. Steve is back in town and taking us for hot dogs. And then Steve and I are going to the movies for some grown-up time. You can play with Julia.”

  “Yay! I like Mr. Steve. A dog would be nice, too. Don’t forget, you told me one day I could have one. Maybe tomorrow will be the day,” he said, his eyes lit with excitement.

  “Not tomorrow. Let’s just concentrate on dinner first.”

  “Okay, Mommy. I like the movies, too, but I don’t want to watch all the mushy stuff if you two are going to kiss.” Byron scrunched up his face in distaste. “And Aunt Julia promised she’d watch Toy Story with me tonight.”

  “If you’re sure.” This evening had just turned into an unsupervised date. A real date—the idea leaving her breathless.

  Becky drove back to the house, ignoring her son’s comment about the kiss. She helped Byron out of his car seat, and they headed inside, Byron dropping his book bag by the door.

  “Not so fast, young man. Run upstairs and put away your book bag and then come back down. We need to clean up a few things before we go. It’s our turn.”

  “Okay.” Chores weren’t his favorite thing to do, but Becky tried to make it fun by doing them with him and making a game of it. Her mother had done the same with her and it had worked wonders. But then, Becky figured her mother would know better than anyone considering she was a professional housekeeper.

  She barely had time to finish getting ready when Steve knocked at the door. “Hi, there. You look nice,” he said, kissing her openly in front of a wide-eyed Byron. “Ready to go, buddy?”

  “Yeppers.” He took Steve’s hand as they stepped off the porch and made their way to the car. Becky wasn’t used to competing for Byron’s attention, the gesture both off-putting and welcome at the same time. She wanted her son to like and respect Steve, and as for Steve, he would be an excellent role model for Byron.

  Steve drove to the hot dog joint and pulled into a drive-thru spot, rolling down his window to place the order.

  “Just a plain hot dog with catsup for Byron. And a sweet tea. I’ll take a fully loaded house special.” She grinned.

  “Living dangerously, aren’t you?”

  “How’s that?”

  “Between the spicy chili and onions, those are reserved for stomachs of steel, last I checked.”

  “Still are.” She laughed. “My mother cooks with heavy spices and I’ve gotten used to the heat.”

  “Good to know.” He placed their orders, adding his own.

  “You and Byron have something in common. You both like plain and simple.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with just chili and mustard. I like to keep my stomach in one piece.”

  “Wait till I cook for you at home.” It sounded intimate and genuine, like they were a real couple, something she was getting used to far more than she should, but it felt nice. Sweet. The one thing she hadn’t factored in their plans was her falling for Steve. She’d have to be careful or, by the time the year was out, he’d break her heart.

  “I’m looking forward to it. Just remind me to hide the hot sauce.” His cheeks dimpled, his teasing finding the mark.

  “Be careful not to get catsup on Mr. Steve’s seats. Make sure it all gets in your mouth.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Byron said, his muffled words proof he was getting at least some of it in his mouth. Clean seats were more important than manners at the moment, so she’d let that one slide.

  Steve handed him extra napkins from the bag. “Don’t worry, buddy, leather seats clean easy, and here’s extra napkins.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Steve. But I’ll be super careful, anyway.”

  “Good deal.” He smiled, taking another bite of his own hot dog.

  “Nice and spicy, just like I wanted,” she said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with her own napkin.

  “Just wait till you throw ice cream in the mix. You might not be so happy.” Steve shot her a challenging look, daring her to correct his assessment.

  “You didn’t say we were going for ice cream after.”

  “I love ice cream,” Byron said. “I can mix my dinner with ice cream and my belly will say yummy.”

  Steve laughed. “Mine, too. And for the record, I was trying to surprise Byron. Didn’t realize ice cream had to come with a warning.”

  “Now you do. But based on the time, it will have to wait until another outing. We don’t want to be late for the movie, which by the way has been upgraded to The Wedding Planner. Byron already had plans with Julia, so we need to drop him off at the house after dinner.”

  Steve nodded. “Perfect movie, don’t you think?” His mischievous grin made her more nervous.

  “Aww, darn it. Ice cream sounded good,” Byron said, leaning forward in his seat.

  “I’ll tell Julia you can have some.”

  “Yippee!” Byron shouted, happy once again.

  Steve started the engine and drove back to her house. Becky took him inside, filling Julia in with all the instructions for the evening.

  Five minutes later, they arrived at the movie theater. This was the first time they were going on a date-date. Just the two of them as a real couple. Becky’s breath hitched when Steve took her hand and led her toward the entrance.

  The marquis was a symbol of the days when it first opened. The letters were still manually changed to announce the three movies. Becky loved The Wedding Planner, having seen it three times already, but she couldn’t imagine Steve going for it. Most people viewed it as a chick flick.

  “Two tickets, please,” he said, pulling out his wallet.

  Becky started to dig in her purse, feeling it was only right she pa
y for her entry.

  He put out his hand to stop her. “I’ve got this.” Steve winked, his message clear. They were on a date, and in his world, the man paid. Fine. Chivalry wasn’t dead in her books, not to mention the expense wasn’t in her monthly budget.

  “Popcorn?” he asked, stopping in front of the counter.

  “No, thanks. We just ate.” Becky was full, but she also didn’t want him paying the exorbitant prices for movie theater food after having bought the tickets.

  Steve led her into the theater, the lighting dim but still enough to see where they were going. There weren’t many people here, leaving their seat choices wide open. “You okay with sitting in the middle?”

  She shrugged. “Let me guess, they’re a good place to be seen?” Her normal was in the back row. Who was she kidding? It had been a long time since she’d been to the theater and, therefore, nothing about it was normal.

  “Actually, I was thinking we would see it better. Kind of in your face and more real.”

  His answer surprised her because it meant he wanted to see the movie. Steve Parker had a romantic side, whether he wanted to admit it or not. “Sounds good.” She’d sit anywhere he wanted as long as it was with him.

  Once seated, he leaned in close. “I’ve seen this before, but I like it. It’s pretty funny if you ask me. All the things that can go wrong, do.” He lowered his voice as another couple came and sat at the end of the row.

  “I agree. I’ve seen it three times, but it never gets old.”

  Steve took her hand as the light darkened, and the previews flashed across the screen.

  “We should go see that one. What do you think?” he asked after the preview for another law enforcement versus alien finished.

  More along the lines of what she expected from a guy, but still, not what she would have thought the city attorney would choose. Went to show how wrong you could be about someone. Or how right. The man she’d agreed to marry was a down-to-earth nice guy. Real.