Heartbreaker

by Monica Robinson

  Scott swallowed and forced a pleasant smile. “Hi, Mr. Dauber. I don’t know if you remember me, but my name is Scott Nolan and I would like to make you an offer on your bar.”

  Jack studied him for a moment before recognition lit his face. He smiled and clapped Scott on the shoulder. “Scott, my boy! Come in, come in. I haven’t laid eyes on you in ages. How are you? What’s this about you wanting to buy my bar?”

  Scott entered the single-story home, taking in everything. He noted the family portraits littered across the living room walls along with the many photos of Jack with famous people. What caught his eye, however, was a framed photo of Jack with a group of teenagers. They’d all been standing outside in one of his many cabanas, a soda in their hands, and wide grins on their faces. What caught Scott’s attention was that he and Cherry were front and center. She’d been considerably heavier then, but he could still remember how soft she’d felt beneath his arm. They’d been happy then.

  Shaking the memories away, Scott turned to face Jack. “I’d like to make an offer on the Sand Bar. I may not have enough to give you what she’s worth, but I’d like to see her become what she used to be—what she can be.”

  A look of approval flickered in the old man’s eyes and flared. He nodded and grasped Scott’s hands. “If anyone can make her shine, it’s you. So, tell me. Are you married? Any babies to call your own?”

  “No,” he said, perhaps a little harsher than he meant. “I’m still single. If I get my way, however, I just may show someone that I’m here for good and I’m not leaving again.”

  “Charity!” Jack sat in the easy chair adjacent to the couch and shook his head. “Let me tell you, you’re in for a rough time. She may be the sweetest thing, but she’s been hurt too many times. Seen it myself. She came to me one night with her face all busted up.”

  “Bobby.”

  The name came out as a growl, but Jack didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he nodded and gestured for Scott to sit on the couch.

  “Yes, yes. That was his name. Now, why do you want to win Charity’s favor so badly? She’s spoken for, ain’t she?”

  Scott closed his eyes for a brief moment. Gathering his patience and praying for Charity’s forgiveness, he opened his eyes. “They broke up. I love her. Deep down, I think I always have. We had an argument last night and I said some things I probably shouldn’t have. I could buy her some flowers and tell her I’m sorry, but it won’t be enough. The Sand Bar has always been special to her—and to me. I’m hoping that I can redeem myself in her eyes and make a name for myself at the same time.”

  “I see.” Jack sat back in his chair and nodded slowly. He eyed the wall of photos for a moment before turning his gaze to Scott. “How much money you got on you, Scott?”

  Surprised, he removed his wallet and looked at the contents. “A hundred dollars. Why do you ask?”

  “Perfect.” Jack clapped his wrinkled hands together and stood. “Let’s have a drink. You drank more soda than any kid ever should when you and Charity invaded my bar. Let’s see how you handle a shot of bourbon.”

  Did he just make a deal? There was no way Jack would sell his life’s work for a mere hundred dollars. “I don’t understand—”

  “What’s to understand? You want to buy my bar and I sold it to you. She needs work, I won’t lie, but I know you can make her into what she used to be. Maybe even better. I’m ready to retire, and now I can do so knowing that my bar is in capable hands. So, are you going to sit there with your mouth hanging open or are you going to have a drink with this old man?”

  Go big or go home. Scott stood and followed Jack into the kitchen, a small feeling of hope filling his heart. He had a long way to go in making things right between him and Cherry, but this was turning out to be a great start.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “What the hell is this?”

  Charity crossed her legs and straightened her shoulders. Unable to sleep, she’d spent the better part of the night writing her editorial. She’d tried to leave out her interlude with Scott, but when it came down to it, she couldn’t. He’d been an intricate part of her experience, however, she refused to mention his ties to the Hedonna. As far as anyone was concerned, he’d also been a passenger.

  “An editorial and a damn fine one, if you’ll forgive my saying,” she replied with more confidence than she was feeling. She knew Tom was irritated by the piece, but if she could sell him on the idea of a feel-good story that put Fantasy Cruises in a good light, then so much the better.

  “It’s an excellent piece. Your best work yet actually, but it’s not what I sent you out there for. Where’s the story?” His tone was calm with only a trace of suspicion.

  “There isn’t one.” When Tom lifted a questioning eyebrow, she continued, “I found absolutely nothing to support the rumor that Fantasy Cruises is anything other than what it claims to be.”

  Tom leaned back in his chair and stared at his computer screen for a moment in thought. “Nothing?”

  Charity shook her head.

  “I find that hard to believe, but I’ll take your word for it. This really is an excellent story, Charity. I could feel the passion between you and your friend. I’m glad you were able to enjoy yourself.”

  Who was this man and what had he done with her anal-retentive boss? She cleared her throat and lowered her leg. “You are? I mean, you’re not mad that the story wasn’t what you wanted?”

  He shook his head. “You did your job. You got me a story worth publishing. Granted, it wasn’t what I was hoping for, but if there’s no story then there’s no story.” A twitch of a smile crooked his lips. “We’ll run it Sunday. Good job, Charity. I truly underestimated you.”

  She couldn’t contain her smile. She rose and shook Tom’s outstretched hand. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot to me.”

  Tom relaxed into a genuine smile. “Go on, now. I have a few article ideas waiting for you in your inbox. When you decide which one you want, let me know.”

  This was unbelievable. She was tempted to pinch herself to see if she was dreaming, but figured Tom wouldn’t appreciate the gesture. Sure, her love life was in disarray, but at least her career was taking off. Thanks to Scott. A bittersweet reminder that she didn’t need just then.

  Charity left his office in a daze. It wasn’t until she got back to her desk and Emily tapped her shoulder that she came to her senses. She blinked her thoughts away and peered up at her friend.

  “Well?” Emily demanded. “What did he say?”

  “He liked it.” She grinned. “It wasn’t what he expected, but he said it was my best work yet.”

  Stunned, her friend plunked into the chair beside her. “Wow. High praise coming from him. So, when’s it coming out? I want to make sure I get my copy since you’re not telling anyone what really happened.”

  “Sunday. I figured he would want to run it during the week or Saturday at best. Our highest sales are on Sunday, so I’m shocked.” She sat back in her chair with a rueful smile. “My biggest accomplishment and I can’t even share it with the person responsible for making it happen.”

  Emily’s expression softened. “Why don’t you call him? You both said things you probably regret, so there’s no reason why you two can’t talk it out.”

  Charity hesitated. Her friend was right, of course. She’d spent several hours trying to sleep and missing the feel of Scott curled up beside her. Regret kept her tossing and turning until she couldn’t stand it any longer. That’s when she’d decided to write her article—and clean her living room.

  “I hope so. It’s not as though I have anything to lose.” Except my pride. She wasn’t sure what she’d do if Scott refused to talk to her. She’d deal with it, of course, but it would probably send her spiraling to a place she’d vowed never to go again.

  “That’s my girl. If he doesn’t talk to you, then let me know and Laney and I’ll fix him for you,” her friend said with a devilish grin.

  A small smile tugged at Charity’
s lips. “A friend will bail you out of jail—”

  “But a best friend will be sitting next to you saying ‘damn, we fucked up’,” Emily interrupted. She grasped Charity’s hand. “You’ve been my best friend since our freshman year at UCLA. I know this guy has a reputation in San Rico and I know you have a thing for him, but if he doesn’t come around, it isn’t Joe he has to worry about. It’s me. I will make him hurt in ways he has never imagined.”

  Charity blinked. “I never knew you were so aggressive.”

  Emily set her jaw and squeezed her friend’s hand. “I mean it, Cherry. You’ve gone through hell with men and I’m sick of seeing you get hurt. I saw it with Bobby and then with Nick. I won’t let it happen with this guy. Especially knowing he’s broken you’re heart once.”

  Charity froze. She’d never told anyone about Scott and she wondered how her friend could have found out. Joe. Damn it. Her brother would do anything to meddle in her love life. If he’d spent a fraction of the time trying to find a girlfriend that he spent “helping” her, he’d be married with three kids by now. She closed her eyes and released a frustrated breath.

  “What did my brother tell you?”

  Emily hesitated. “Um, nothing. Laney told me. She called me last night. I guess you called your dad and he called your brother. Look, I don’t want to start a family war. I’m just looking out for you because you’re my girl.”

  Crap. If her father called Joe then there was a good chance her brother was already on his way to the Hedonna to look for Scott. She couldn’t let that happen. Granted, Scott’s words had hurt, but she didn’t want him dead because of it.

  “I have to go.” She yanked open her desk drawer and removed her purse. “If Tom asks where I went, tell him I went to lunch. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

  Her friend nodded and stood when Charity rose. “Where are you going?”

  “The Hedonna. If Joe knows what happened, then he’s going to go looking for Scott. I don’t want that. This is my fight, not his. I’ll be back.”

  Emily swallowed and nodded. “Do you think Joe will hurt him? I know he’s a bit out there, but he’s a doctor. Doesn’t he have to follow a code of ethics? Beating up your boyfriend doesn’t seem very ethical.”

  Charity forced a weak smile. “Ethics take a back seat when it comes to family. He may be the biggest pain in the ass I know, but my brother is also the most loyal man I know. He would do anything for me even if it meant sacrificing his career. I can’t let him do that, and I can’t let him hurt someone who doesn’t deserve it. I’ll fill you in when I get back.” With that, she made her way through the maze of cubicles to the double doors. Joe, please don’t do anything stupid. I love him.

  ****

  Scott wiped his mouth on the palm of his hand while surveying the empty barroom. It was almost surreal knowing he was the new owner of the Sand Bar. More to the point, he couldn’t believe Jack sold it to him for the contents of his wallet.

  Coming out of his daze, Scott patted his jacket pocket where he’d slipped the deed and sighed. The old bar needed work. Nothing structural—thank God—but all of the furniture needed replacing, the wiring needed updating, and he was certain the kitchen was in desperate need of an overhaul. Not to mention, he would need all new cabanas, barbecue pits, contractors to do all of the work, and a new crew to help him run the place. He’d be damned if he’d run himself ragged the way Jack had.

  Good thing he’d only asked for a hundred bucks. Then again, maybe that was why the old man had asked so little. Scott’s hope was to restore the bar to its former glory, complete with birch paneling and floors. More importantly, he hoped to give Cherry back the safe haven she’d once enjoyed. He didn’t care if it meant being in debt for the rest of his life if he could accomplish this.

  What had possessed him to say those things to her anyway? He hadn’t meant any of it and, the worst part was, she hadn’t even done anything to deserve it. All he’d needed was to hear Nick’s voice followed by her horrified expression and he’d assumed the worst. Deep down he’d known she would never go back to him—especially after the stunt that jackass pulled on KORK—but seeing Nick had thrown him into a jealous rage he hadn’t experienced since high school. Once the haze had lifted from his brain, the cowardly bastard had taken off running and the woman he loved was screaming for him to get out.

  And he didn’t blame her a bit.

  From behind him, Scott heard the wooden door creak open and he groaned. “Sorry, but the bar’s closed for renovations. We’ll reopen soon.”

  “Not interested in a drink,” a familiar voice snarled. “I came here to break your legs.”

  Scott whirled around to find himself staring into a pair of emerald green eyes that reminded him so much of Cherry’s that he swallowed. It didn’t seem all that long ago that this same person was one of his best friends. Seeing the baseball bat in Joe’s hands now reminded him that there was a difference between friendship and family. It was just a shame he was on the wrong end of the line.

  “Whoa! Hang on a minute, Joe.” He held up his hands while backing up. “Isn’t it unethical for a psychiatrist to resort to violence? Aren’t you supposed to make people talk things out?”

  Joe set his jaw, his hands twisting around the aluminum bat. His friend had been a hell of a hitter in his younger days and the thought of feeling the brunt of his fury made Scott a little more than nervous now. I’m a dead man.

  “You want to talk?” Joe slammed the bat against one of the chairs, causing it to splinter into a hundred pieces. “Why don’t we talk about the promise you made before you left for Vegas? You swore to me you would never contact Cherry again. Why don’t we start there?”

  Scott remembered his promise all too well. It was the single worst mistake he’d ever made. Leaving San Rico had been a good thing, but leaving Cherry behind had left a hole in his heart he’d never been able to fill. Not until he found her again on the Hedonna and spent four glorious days discovering what it meant to love and be loved. He didn’t give a damn about her stupid story or the fact that she was probably the most neurotic woman he’d ever known. She meant the world to him and he wanted her back.

  “First of all, it was your idea for me not to contact her, not mine. You said it would be best since you wouldn’t be there for her either. Second, I didn’t look her up. I bumped into her at my club. What was I supposed to do? Pretend I didn’t recognize her? Even if I had, she recognized me.”

  “You could have had your pick of any woman on that ship. I let you get away with breaking her heart once. I won’t let you do it again. Friend or not.”

  Scott’s brain buzzed with hundreds of thoughts, but the only one that managed to stand out was the realization that he’d hurt Cherry once again. His blood ran cold and his stomach plummeted to his feet. He knew he’d pissed her off, but he’d hoped there was still a chance he could redeem himself. If the murderous glint in his former friend’s eyes was any indication, then he’d burned his bridges with the Kendrick’s once and for all.

  “Fine. I’ll fight you if that’s what you want, but put the bat down. We’ll do this like men. You owe me that much.”

  Joe’s lip curled in fury, but he lowered the bat. “I don’t owe you a God damn—”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Scott snapped. “When I left, I had every intention of coming back for Cherry, but for some reason you couldn’t handle that. Why? What did I do to make you think I wouldn’t keep my word?” This question had plagued him for years, but until now he hadn’t truly wanted to know the answer. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, he needed some closure. He needed to know what he’d done to make one of his best friends hate him so much.

  Joe let the bat fall from his fingers, the aluminum clanging as it hit the floor. He drew in a deep breath through his nose before setting his jaw. “Nothing. I never doubted you’d be back for her. I was wrong for asking you to walk away, but she was so blindly in love with you I couldn’t stand the thou
ght of you hurting her. If that makes me an asshole, I’m willing to live with it.”

  Scott didn’t know how to respond. He wanted to throttle Joe for being so stupid, yet he couldn’t bring himself to do it. As misguided as his intentions had been, Joe’s heart had been in the right place. He couldn’t fault him for wanting to protect his sister.

  “I hope that’s true, because she’ll never forgive you if she finds out it was your idea for me to stay away. Right now she thinks it was all me. So instead of trying to kill me for running my mouth like an idiot, why don’t you help me think of a way to win back the woman I love?”

  “You didn’t tell her it was my idea?”

  Scott shook his head.

  “Why not?”

  “What good would it have done for her hate us both?” Scott ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Look, I’m not expecting us to be the friends we used to be, but we’re going to have to work out something. I love Cherry and I’m not leaving. You can either help me or get the hell out of my way. Which will it be?”

  After a moment of debate, Joe nodded. “I think I know how to get Cherry to take you back. It’ll mean getting this bar in shape quick, though.”

  Scott peered around. “Easier said than done. I haven’t even gone to the bank yet to get a loan, let alone hire a crew to help.”

  Joe chuckled under his breath. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get started.”

  ****

  “What do you mean ‘he quit’?” Emily asked later that evening with her drink an inch from her lips.

  Charity stirred her half-melted daiquiri and nodded without saying a word. She could hardly believe the news herself. After breaking every speed limit to reach the Hedonna, she’d discovered through Scott’s bitch of a boss that he’d quit earlier that day.

  “He quit. His boss, Kathy, told me he handed in his resignation this morning and told her to go to hell. I won’t lie and say I didn’t find that part funny, but it doesn’t explain where Scott went. I called his mom and she hasn’t seen him.” She shrugged and sipped her drink. “He’s vanished.”