No More Lies

by Sandy Appleyard

  Then he says something that makes me think that I’ve got him all wrong, and have from the start.

  “Na, we can stay in my old bedroom.”

  Well…now we’re getting somewhere…

  Chapter 10

  Kurt

  As we drive up to El Paso in my truck, I see Grayson’s pickup ahead of me. It’s way early in the morning, like four o’clock, so there’s nobody on the roads. We promised mama that we’d be home for a late lunch, so I picked Lisa up and we were on our way. She’s asleep against the passenger window, as I drive, watching the sun come up. From the look of it, Laura’s passed out in the truck, too, but she’s leaning on Grayson’s shoulder.

  Chip put up quite a fight when we left, and they considered bringing him along, too, but thought better of it. It’s such a long drive, and we want to go straight through, with as few stops as possible. We haven’t even had breakfast yet, but if it were up to me, I’d have left last night, and stopped for a couple of cat naps along the way. That’s how I do it. But I was voted off the island for that idea.

  Lisa is sweet all curled up on the seat. Her hand is helping to support her chin as she slumbers against the window, using a balled-up sweater for comfort. The drive is long but relaxing. It’s one I don’t mind doing often. Grayson is letting me lead here and there, when he’s tired of it, and it isn’t until about halfway there that we make a pitstop. Reaching over, I rub Lisa’s back as she wakes. “Need to use the lady’s room?” I ask as she stretches.

  “Yeah,” she yawns. “I could pee.”

  I snuffle a laugh. “You’re such a girl.”

  “What…you don’t pee? Let me guess, you piss…” she jokes.

  “Na, in fact, I despise that word. I say ‘take a leak’.”

  She rolls her eyes. “So much different.”

  I slap her arm playfully. “Come on. Let’s go. I’ve got to take a leak.”

  She punches me.

  Grayson’s arms are stretched above his head as I exit my pickup truck. Laura is already in the washroom. Lisa scurries out of the truck, in Laura’s wake. After we all relieve ourselves, we grab a couple of snacks and head back into our vehicles. “Got what y’all need?” Grayson asks us both.

  “Yep, we’re good, brother.” I answer for both of us. Lisa and Laura seem quiet. I’m not sure if they’ve made up from their fight the other day, but I stay out of it all the same.

  When we arrive at the ranch, I see that Hawk is outside, cutting the grass on his riding mower. He waves, but otherwise doesn’t stop to say hello. That’s Hawk for you. Mama is on the porch, drinking tea, and she waves hello. We’re not even up the walkway when she shouts. “Y’all hungry?”

  Grayson doesn’t hesitate. “We’re starving, mama. Feed us.”

  She smiles. “Come on in. We’ll take care of the introductions inside.”

  Mama isn’t your typical mama. She’s tall and built like she could take a hurricane. With long, blondish-white hair, tied back in a braid, there isn’t any fragility in Maggie Thomas. This woman has raised six kids practically alone, was widowed in her early fourties, and put Steely Pines Ranch on the map. She’s a woman of honor, whom I regard as the strongest person alive. Also the most loving and caring. There isn’t a selfish bone in mama’s body, either.

  I hear the mower shut off, and seconds later, Hawk is behind us. He’s shirtless, with sweat beating down his chest and back. His Stetson is freshly wiped, no thanks to him, I’m sure. He raises his hand to high-five Grayson first. “Hey, bro! I didn’t expect you guys out here for at least another hour.”

  “We had zero traffic, man.” Grayson comments.

  Hawk sticks his head out, calling out the herd. “Mitch! Carson! Luke! Get your asses in here! Grayson and Kurt are home!”

  “Quit your cursing…and swearing, boy!” Mama swats him. “Don’t you see there are ladies present?” she chides.

  “Rachel not coming, mama?” Grayson asks.

  “She’ll be along.” Hawk answers for mama. “In court today.” He explains.

  I raise a hand to Lisa. “My sister’s a lawyer.”

  “I figured.” Lisa smiles.

  We make all the introductions as each of us takes a seat in the living room, while mama puts on a kettle for tea.

  Mitch, Carson and Luke are inside a minute later. They each hold their hands out for the girls to shake, commenting that they don’t work here. “Y’all say that like it’s a bad thing.” Hawk suggests. “Y’all have worked here before. Ain’t no shame.”

  “There’s plenty of shame.” I scoff, joking around. “That’s why I left.”

  “Yeah, to work at another ranch, stupid.” Grayson says.

  “Ain’t no shame in doing what makes you happy.” Mama points out, bringing the girls some tea.

  Laura excuses herself to use the washroom after taking a sip of mama’s tea, and I wonder if maybe it tastes bad. “Kurt, y’all want a tea?” mama offers.

  I lift my hand in thanks. “No, I’m good.”

  Mama gives me a look, but I ignore it.

  “So how is it out in Huttonville?” Mama asks both Grayson and I.

  “Very good. Beautiful ranch.” Grayson says and I nod.

  “And how is my boy doing at being a doctor again?” Mama beams, addressing Grayson.

  “I’m doing fine, mama. Great, actually. I’m thinking about opening up a practice on the ranch.” Grayson says.

  This is news to me. “Really? That’s pretty cool.”

  “Yeah, it was Laura’s idea.” Grayson adds, as she walks out of the washroom. He takes her hand in his as she sits down next to him. Mama notices their handholding, and smiles.

  “So, tell me, Laura.” Mama says. “How is it having two of my boys on the ranch?”

  “Wonderful.” She says honestly. “You’ve raised two of the finest boys in Texas.”

  “I like her.” Mama frowns. “She seems smart.”

  That gets a giggle out of everyone in the room.

  We hear the front door open, and my sister Rachel walks in.

  “Oh, wow, looks like I’ve missed the introductions.” She says, setting her briefcase down. “You’ll have to catch me up.” I rise, and so does Grayson. We don’t get to see Rachel often, but today seems to be an exception. Rachel is tall, like all us boys, and she’s got a face like me and Luke, but she always looks sorely out of place being in a suit and all, since she became a lawyer.

  After the second wave of introductions, Grayson and Laura sit back down again, and he gives her a kiss on the lips. They exchange a look and I know what’s coming next.

  “Well, since we’re all here now.” Grayson speaks up. “I might as well tell you all something important.”

  He looks at Laura, taking her hand to his lips. “I’ve asked her to marry me and she said yes.”

  Mama claps her hands together and smiles. “I knew it! When’s the wedding?” Her voice is flat, like she’s already in planning mode, is on a mission.

  “Woohoo!” Rachel hoots, practically dancing over to Grayson and Laura, giving them each a hug in congratulations.

  “We’re all invited, right?” Hawk says, unimpressed.

  “I’m guess that you already knew.” Luke says to me.

  “Yeah, man. We already knew.” I chuckle, high-fiving him.

  Mitch pipes up, whining. “Grayson…man, I don’t have to buy a dang suit, do I?”

  “Yes, you do. And bite your tongue.” Mama admonishes, giving Grayson and Laura a hug.

  “We’re going to get married on the ranch.” Laura announces. “It won’t be a fancy wedding, just a simple one.”

  Mama’s smile is bright. “Darlin’, now there’s no pressure, love. Grayson’s first wife, God rest her soul, was real fancy and all, so she wasn’t interested. When Grayson’s daddy and I got married, I had the most beautiful gown given to me from my grandmother. Now, if y’all want to borrow it, it’s yours. You can take a
look if you like.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Thomas, I’d love to.” Laura gushes. “I have such a pendant for antiques. Just look at my ring.” She flattens her left hand so mama can get a good look at her engagement ring.

  “Oh, darlin’, it’s so lovely.” And this is the first time I swear I see mama’s eyes welling up. “Come. I’ll show you the dress.”

  Laura looks at Lisa. “You want come too?”

  “Sure.” Lisa says, rising from next to me.

  It’s just us Thomas kids sitting in the living room. “Kurt,” Mitch says. “What’s the deal with your girlfriend? You gonna ask her to marry you, too.” He’s teasing me.

  “We’ve been on two dates, asshole. No.” I say.

  “She’s quiet.” Rachel comments.

  “No, she’s not.” Grayson snuffles knowingly. “Wait until you get to know her.”

  “She’s hot, Kurt.” Luke comments. “Where’d you score a Courteney Cox lookalike like that, man.” He chuckles. “Maybe I should come out to Huttonville if the chicks look like that there.”

  “They also look like Laura, my fiancé.” Grayson points out warningly. “You got something to say about her now?”

  I ignore the jibe. “Lisa’s Laura’s best friend, man. That’s how I met her.”

  Unscathed, Rachel sits down on the arm of the chair next to me. “It’s funny seeing you both with a partner. I’m not used to it.”

  “Took some getting used to for me, too.” Grayson admits. “But Laura, you’ll love her. She’s great.”

  Hawk walks over to Grayson, and leans on the wall, crossing one leg over the other. “You say she runs that ranch over there, does she?”

  “That’s right.” Grayson says. “She keeps the books up, and she keeps the boys in line, too. Hell of a woman.”

  I chime in. “Lisa runs her own business. Two of them.”

  Rachel’s interest is piqued. “Oh yeah? What’s she do?”

  “She’s a freelance photographer and an interior designer.” I answer. “She’s won awards. You should see her house.”

  “I’d love to some day, if I can get the time off.” She turns to Grayson. “How soon are y’all getting married, anyway? Got a date set yet?”

  “We’re just waiting on the priest. He’s set to get back to us in a couple of days.”

  “Alright. Not that I’m more important, but I’ve got a couple of killer cases coming up.” Rachel explains fairly.

  “I’ll give you as much notice as possible.”

  “Get married this weekend and it’ll suit me fine.” She teases.

  “It may just be.” Judging by his tone, Grayson isn’t kidding.

  Rachel rounds on him. “You shitting me?”

  “Well…maybe.” Grayson smiles. “I’d say in about a month, maybe less.” He says. “Y’all get to by my age, you don’t want to wait around.”

  Mitch interjects. “Yeah, especially if you want to have any kids, man. You both look like you’re pushing it.” he scoffs.

  For that, Grayson gives him a look. “I’ll remember that when you’re forty and still unmarried. At least I’ve been married once before, jerkwad.”

  Pleased with himself, Mitch smiles.

  We hear the girls coming back downstairs. “Well?” I say to Laura.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  Mama is smiling proudly. “I’m going to have it cleaned and packaged up while you’re here. You can take it home with you and have it altered. But I don’t think you’ll need much. You’re about the size I was when I got married.”

  “You can get it cleaned that fast, mama?” Luke asks.

  “Taylor can do it fast enough.” Mama says. Taylor runs both the drycleaning store and the bakery right next to it. “The man’s had a crush on me for years. He’ll get it done right quick.”

  “Mama’s been going to that bakery almost every morning for as long as I can remember.” Luke says. “Maybe y’all should keep that wedding dress, mama. Who knows if you’ll need it or not.”

  For that, he gets a cuff in the back of the head, but mama has a smile on her face. “Y’all know I’d never get married again.”

  Grayson lifts his chin at her. “How come, mama?”

  She waves. “Ah, I’m too old now. And when have I got the time? What, between keeping this place running, and keeping my boys out of trouble.”

  “I think we keep you out of trouble, mama.” Mitch says, good-naturedly. “Grayson, that mouth of hers is getting worse by the day.”

  “Sounds like someone I know.” Laura says, grinning and winking at Lisa.

  Lisa reaches over and smacks her on the shoulder. “Bite your tongue, as mama here says.”

  I take it that they’ve made up. No cat fights are starting after that.

  “Ain’t nothing wrong with havin’ a big mouth, mind.” Mama says. “So long as you’re always right.”

  That gets a laugh from everyone in the room.

  After an early dinner, we all sit around the table, playing cards together. Lisa seems really laid back with my family. She’s right about fitting in with big crowds. She’s a natural.

  Mitch is sitting on the opposite side of her, and he keeps tossing her the queen of spades in our game of Crazy Eights. “You son of a gun, you did it again!” she laughs, punching him in the shoulder. “Can we switch spots next round?” she asks, as she picks up six cards, feigning pain as her hand gets loaded up. “We can do like Musical Chairs or the like.”

  I set my cards in my left hand and rub her back with my right. “You want me to beat him up for you?”

  “Hell, I can handle that if I need to.” She scoffs, punching his arm again.

  Luke, sitting across from Mitch, says. “You need a bodyguard over there, Mitch?”

  “Get bent.” Mitch sneers.

  I kick Luke from under the table. He chuckles.

  “I see nothing’s changed around here, huh, mama.” Grayson comments. “These boys are still acting like children.”

  “You got that right.” Mama answers, rearranging her cards in her hand.

  Laura addresses Rachel. “How about you? You get into lots of fights with these boys?”

  Rachel tips her chin up at Lisa. “Hell, I’m with her. I can beat the pants off any one of my brothers.”

  “It’s the horse racing she can’t beat.” Hawk interjects. “That’s how come she became a lawyer. Got tired of arguing with us, so she moved on to paid clients.”

  “Horses ain’t for everyone, Hawk. Y’all know that.” Mama says. “All you kids were told that if the ranch isn’t what y’all want to do, it’s okay. I’d never force my kids to do anything they didn’t want to do.”

  Grayson leans over and kisses mama on the cheek. “And God bless you for that, mama.”

  “Anyone want another tea? I’m getting one.” Rachel says, setting her cards down, and then rising.

  “I’ll have another one, love.” Mama says.

  After that round of cards is finished, we start talking around the table, just like old times. We don’t stop until we hear the crickets chirping through the window during brief moments of silence. “Geez, we should get off to bed.” Mama finally says. “Got an early start tomorrow.”

  I look at Hawk. “Are my old quarters still vacant, or am I in my old bedroom for the night?”

  “Whatever you like, man. I haven’t changed a thing since you left.” Hawk says casually. “Haven’t had the time.”

  “You’re not hiring anyone to replace Kurt?” Grayson asks.

  “Already hired someone local. He don’t need the living space.” Hawk explains.

  “Ah,” Grayson says.

  “You boys figure everything out.” Mama says. “I’m heading off. Goodnight all.”

  We all say goodnight as Mama leaves the room and heads upstairs.

  “I should head home, too.” Rachel says. “I’ve got to review a briefing before Monday morning. I’d like to get
a head start on it in the morning.”

  “Alright, sugar.” I say. “It was nice seeing you again.” I kiss her cheek.

  “Nice seeing you, too.” She smiles. “And it was nice meeting you both.” She addresses both Lisa and Laura. “You be sure to let me know when the wedding is, Grayson.”

  “Oh, I will.” Grayson says, rising to kiss her cheek.

  When Rachel leaves, I look at Hawk. “How’s it going around here…since I’ve been gone?”

  He shrugs. “Busy as usual. But the new guy, Pete, he’s working out.” He stretches his arms over his head. “I oughta head off, too. Mama wasn’t kidding about having an early start.”

  “Need a hand in the morning?” I offer.

  “Naw, Pete’s coming. Plus, I got these two.” He nods to Luke and Mitch.

  Grayson changes the subject. “Laura and I can take my old room or the guest house.” He looks at me. “Unless you want the guest house.”

  Awkward. “Whatever you like, man. I’m easy.”

  “I wasn’t referring to you. I was checking with Lisa.” Grayson implies.

  “I can sleep wherever. I’m not fussy.” She says. “Hell, I can bunk out on the couch.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” I argue, good-naturedly. I’m not sure how she feels about sharing a bed with me. Well, actually, that’s a lie. I know very well how she feels about that. I’m just not sure that we’re ready for that. Perhaps we can pull one of them, ‘you-sleep-on-your-side-and-I’ll-sleep-on-mine’ kind of deals. I just don’t want her to feel uncomfortable, and whether that means punctuating the fact that we haven’t slept together yet, in front of my family, or hiding that fact by making like we are and it’s no big deal, I’m not sure to her which is the lesser evil.

  But I’m about to find out.

  Chapter 11

  Lisa

  How shy and nervous Kurt gets when our sleeping arrangements are brought up is adorable. He’s so afraid of putting me in a tense position. I’ve been sitting beside him all night; the last thing I am is tense. As we all dismiss ourselves from the table and disperse accordingly, I simply follow Kurt. “I’ll at least show you around, so you can decide where you prefer to sleep?”