Scandal (Dirty Laundry Book 2)

by Jackie Paxson

  “Yeah who would have thought looking at somebody as they talked would be something we’d want to do. There is an easier option for people who can’t figure out FaceChat. It’s called calling someone on the phone.”

  “Ugh! You’re such a bitch. Good thing I love you and my mini me.”

  Chrissy laughed. “We love you, too.”

  “Alright, so back to the PTO meeting. Rex told me there were chairs thrown, a mud wrestling match, you flipped a snack table and set the stage on fire.”

  Chrissy just blinked at Talia. “Not even close to what happened. I just told Cynthia where she could stick it then threatened to beat her ass if she talked smack about Mariah again.”

  “Hold up! She talked smack about Mariah?” Talia looked away from the phone toward something off screen. “Zeke! I’m going to Georgia. I need to go kick some southern ass!”

  A sigh could be heard away from the phone. “Am I going to need to come to bail you out?”

  “Hmm…not sure if it’s a good idea for you to know me. I will have Jeremiah call you.”

  “Alright, baby. Just let me know so we can do damage control.” Zeke kissed Talia while she held the phone.

  “Hi, Zeke! No one is kicking anyone’s ass. Keep your fiancée with you and out of trouble.”

  Zeke laughed. “I can keep her here but out of trouble isn’t something I am capable of. Bail money is something I can definitely do.”

  Talia looked at Chrissy. “That is why I love that man.”

  “Bail money and his booty,” Chrissy said.

  “That man does have a fine ass.” Talia nodded her head shaking the phone as she did.

  “I heard that,” Zeke’s voice echoed in the background.

  “We meant you to hear it,” Talia yelled. Looking back at the phone, “Seriously, though, are you ok? I knew my idiot brother was making shit up when he told me about it. I mean he was talking about mud wrestling. Typical guy.”

  “Yeah, I’m ok. Since I talked to Jeremiah the other day, I’ve been thinking about going back to school.”

  Talia let out an ear-piercing squeal. “I knew it! When are you coming out here?”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t hear you right now because a pain in the ass just caused a ringing in my ears.”

  “Sorry. Tell me! What are you thinking?” Talia prodded.

  “I want to finish my engineering degree. I’ve got everything done but the internship. Jeremiah said there was a chance I could get something with his company.”

  “That would be perfect. So, what is holding you back?” she asked.

  “I need to make sure mom and dad can handle the bed-and-breakfast. I also need to figure out my situation with Mariah. It needs to be a good move for her, too. It would be temporary. I’ve already emailed my former adviser about my idea. I haven’t heard back yet.”

  “Look, we will do anything you need us to. Annie is on board too. Tristan would be over the moon to have Mariah around.”

  “I know. I just need to think about it.”

  “Ok. While you think about it, I’m going to have hot, sweaty, monkey sex with my super-hot fiancée. Have fun with Max.” Her voice became sing-songy on the last word.

  “I hate you and apparently I am going to have to neuter your brother for gossiping.”

  “I know. Love you.” Talia hung up before Chrissy could say anything else.

  Damn Talia and mentioning the one man who had been plaguing her dreams. Sleep was going to be elusive with the memories of what that man could do with just a few fingers. Chrissy smiled as she remembered one important fact. She’d just bought fresh batteries.

  Chapter 4

  Single Mom Does Not Mean Easy

  To: maraiahsmama_1@allmail.com

  From: tstevenson@utenn.edu

  Subject: Re: Internship Idea

  Hello Chrissy!

  I am so happy to hear from you. It has been a long time, but I am glad you are getting a chance to finish up. I think your proposal of interning for a production company out in California would be terrific. There are many kinds of engineering uses in the production of a movie or TV show. Once you have secured your internship, I will need to know the specifics. There will be a few times I will need to observe you while you are out there but that can all be worked out. I look forward to hearing more about this interesting possibility.

  Sincerely,

  Dr. Tommy Stevenson, Ph.D.

  Chrissy’s hands shook as she read the email. Her dream of becoming an engineer was one step closer. Fear, excitement, dread and anticipation flowed over her. She was no longer the carefree girl at Tennessee University. She had a six-year-old and a B&B to manage. A feeling of impossibility chilled the blood in her veins.

  “Chrissy? Are you ok?” Her mother’s voice made her jump.

  Shutting her laptop she looked up with a pasted-on smile. “Sure.”

  “What were you just looking at?”

  Panic made her say the first thing that came to mind. “Porn.”

  Her mama looked at her blankly. “Uh-huh. Was it pictures of that good-looking man that was here last summer?”

  “Who?” Chrissy’s voice came out way too shrill to be cool.

  “What was his name?” Her mama tapped her chin. “Mack or Mick. Something like that.”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about.” Chrissy played dumb.

  “His name is Max, Mrs. Benson.” Rex’s voice echoed around them.

  Chrissy glared at him. “Why are you here, Narc?”

  A smug smile crossed his face. “My mama has been nagging me to go on a date before she sends her church ladies on me. So, you and I are going to dinner to appease my mother.”

  “That sounds so romantic,” she said flatly.

  “Come on. It’s a free dinner and you don’t even have to put out,” he said in a loud stage whisper.

  “Rex Walker! My Chrissy is a good girl. She saves it for at least dinner and a movie,” her mother teased.

  Chrissy turned red.

  “Oh, I know, Mrs. Benson. I’m not the man she dreams of, though. He’s in that movie we’d have to see.” He smacked his thigh with a deep laugh.

  “Har, har har. Let’s go before I have to dig a ditch to bury your body. Mama, are you ok watching Mariah?”

  “She’s out fishing with your daddy. I think I can handle that. Go have fun.”

  “Let’s go, you.” She grabbed Rex’s hand, dragging him out of the B&B before he could cause any more trouble.

  Rex’s restored mustang sat in front of the porch steps. The cherry red ’69 mustang gleamed in the waning light of the day. The care that Rex had put into that car showed. Hand stitched leather interior looked new. Everything shone as if it was straight off the assembly line. Her excitement had her twitching. The idea of riding in a classic car was a thrill she never thought she’d experience. The date might have been slightly shy of a kidnapping situation but to ride in that beauty she’d do almost anything, even go on another date with Rex.

  “Maybe if I’d driven the ‘stang more often, we’d still be dating.” Rex’s eyebrow quirked up while he watched her drool over the beauty.

  Chrissy lightly ran her hand over the body of the car. “First of all, we would never have started dating if I knew you said things like ‘stang.’ Second, I’d just be using you for the car and nothing else. So, overall, I think we made a much better choice of just being friends. Now, get in. You’re buying me a steak.”

  Rex opened the door mumbling under his breath “…’stang is cool. I’ve heard other guys saying it.”

  Chrissy laughed, buckled up, then waited for the feeling of freedom that only a classic car can give.

  “Hold this for a second. I’m going to run to the men’s room.” Rex handed her the square pager that would alert them their table was ready.

  “Sure. I’m going to wait at the bar.”

  Rex nodded then melted into the crowded restaurant. As Chrissy approached the bar a seat opened up. Walking qu
ickly, she barely outmaneuvered another couple trying to snag a seat. While she sat at the bar, she people watched. Couples waited for tables, singles anxiously awaited dates and others just tried to drown their sorrows in a drink or two.

  Sables Steakhouse was the fanciest steakhouse around. It was the only one that didn’t have peanut shells on the floor or antlers for decoration. The décor was modern but not too modern as to look like a city slicker owned restaurant. Sables was where you took someone you wanted to impress or celebrate a milestone like a graduation or an anniversary. The people milling around that night were definitely out to impress.

  “Hello, beautiful.” A slightly slurred voice came from her right.

  Turning slowly, Chrissy saw a balding gentleman with a small pot belly leaning against the bar. He was the father of one of Mariah’s classmates. Looking at his left hand she saw the pale ring line with no ring. Chrissy just turned her back on him going back to her people watching.

  “I said, hello.” He poked her shoulder to get her attention.

  She turned back to him with a sigh. “Hello.”

  “Why are you here alone?” Leaning closer to her, Chrissy could smell BO, garlic and the beer he’d been drinking.

  “I’m not.” She tried to keep her voice flat hoping he’d get the idea.

  “I don’t see anyone here with you.” He ran a finger down her arm.

  Chrissy shuddered from his touch. “Please keep your hands to yourself.”

  “Why? We all know you ain’t no Virgin Mary. I’m trying to throw you a bone. Why do you have to act like a bitch?”

  “Is everything ok here?” The female bartender asked Chrissy.

  Before she could answer, Mr. Who-in-the-world-married-him said, “Just fine, sweet cheeks. We will be leaving soon.”

  “I wasn’t asking you, sir,” she snapped, flashing her eyes to Chrissy.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Let’s go,” he said grabbing her arm.

  Chrissy snatched her arm away from him. “Don’t touch me again. Maybe you should go back to your wife. Let me tell you something, even if we were both single, which is not the case, I wouldn’t date you if Jesus appeared and asked me to.”

  The crowd around them had gotten quiet and stared at the scene. Chrissy watched as his temper flared. He swung up his hand. Chrissy braced for the hit closing her eyes tight. When the hit didn’t come, she cracked open her eyes to see what happened.

  “Mr. Johnson, I believe you need to sober up and go home to your wife.” Rex had the drunks arm bent behind his back.

  “I was trying to throw the bitch a bone. My wife and I have an open marriage. I can sleep with who I want,” he sputtered as Rex led him toward the exit.

  “Who would want to sleep with that if they weren’t married to it?” the blonde bartender asked.

  “Not me even if people think I’m easy. I’m Chrissy Benson.” She held her hand out to her.

  “Alyssa Martin.” She shook Chrissy’s outstretched hand.

  “Are you new around here?”

  “Yeah. It’s my first week on the job and second week in Grandin.”

  “What brought you here?”

  “A now ex-boyfriend. I need to figure some things out now. Can’t let my family tell me they told me I was an idiot to follow him here.”

  “I understand. Well, if you need a friend around here, Alyssa, don’t hesitate to call me. I run the Winkin, Blinkin and Nod.”

  “I will do that. Thanks a lot, Chrissy.”

  With perfect timing, Rex walked up as the pager buzzed. Rex gave the pretty bartender a once over then looked at Chrissy. “Let’s go eat.”

  “Sounds good. I am starving.”

  The hostess guided them through the crowded restaurant. They were seated at a small table near the kitchen. Not the best seat in the house but at least they were close to where the food came. Chrissy finally loosed a deep breath as they perused the menu.

  “Are you really ok?”

  Chrissy shrugged, closing the menu. “I’m used to it. Most men think because I had Mariah with no commitment then I’d just sleep with anyone. They can’t wrap their mind around the fact that I was actually in love with Mariah’s father. He just wasn’t in love with me.”

  “His loss.”

  “I agree. I just wish people would realize I’m more than a single mom.”

  Rex sighed. “That is never going to happen here. This town is too small. They are too set in their ways and ideals.”

  Chrissy nodded. After Rex had escorted the stinky pest out the door, Chrissy came to that same conclusion. She would always be branded the single mother who sinned before wedlock as long as she stayed in Grandin. Her concerns about leaving were starting to become reasons to leave instead of reasons to stay. Taking a deep breath, she shook off her worries and decided in that moment she was going to enjoy her night. No more worrying about the future. The present would be her only focus.

  “So, are you going to take Jeremiah up on his offer of the internship?” Rex asked trying to be nonchalant.

  Chrissy let out a dramatic sigh then banged her head onto the table. So much for not thinking of the future.

  “Was it something I said?” Rex winced, lowering his menu.

  Her shoulders began to shake as she laughed uncontrollably. People at other tables watched as Rex blushed from embarrassment and Chrissy, with her head still on the table, laughed like a lunatic.

  Chapter 5

  Why be the Damsel when you can be the Knight?

  Two Weeks Later

  “Are you sure you and daddy are going to be ok?” Chrissy asked as she shut her trunk.

  “We will be fine. Now, go out there and change the world,” her mama said.

  Chrissy smiled. “You said that on the day you dropped me off at college.”

  Her mama cupped her cheek. “I was just as proud then as I am now. You need to get going or you and Mariah are going to miss your flight.”

  “I will get them there, Mrs. Benson,” Rex called from inside the car.

  “Thank you, Rex. When you bring the car back, I want you to stay for dinner.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Rex tipped an invisible cap.

  Chrissy started the car then turned to look at Mariah. “You ready, toots?”

  Mariah nodded her head keeping her thumb in her mouth.

  “Say bye to Grammy.”

  “Bye, Grammy. I love you.”

  Her mama smiled a watery smile. “Love you too, toots. Take care of your mama for me, ok?”

  “Yes, Grammy.”

  “Call when you get there.” Her mama leaned into the car kissing Chrissy on the cheek.

  “Ok, mama. Give Daddy my love.”

  “I will. Love you.”

  A sad smile crossed Chrissy’s face. “Love you, too.”

  Chrissy pulled away from the house. Looking in the rearview mirror she watched her mama wave as they pulled away. When she was eighteen and left for Tennessee, she felt free. It felt like she had her whole life ahead of her. Leaving at the age of twenty-nine with a six-year-old, the decisions she made held weight. The risk was a lot higher with so much more to lose. Even with the added responsibility there was a feeling of freedom and excitement as she drove to the airport.

  “Are you sure about all this?” Rex whispered to her.

  Chrissy looked back at Mariah. “As sure as a single mom with no college degree can be.”

  Rex nodded.

  “Mama?”

  “Yes, sweetie?”

  “Will I get to see Tristan?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will I get to go swimming?”

  “Yes, Jeremiah said there is a pool. We can also go over to Aunt Tally and Uncle Zeke’s house for their pool, too.”

  “Seriously?”

  Chrissy looked at Rex. He bit his lip to keep from laughing. She cleared her throat. “Yes, seriously.”

  “That’s cool. Will I make new friends?”

  “Well, you are the cooles
t kid I know so I can’t see why you wouldn’t make any new friends.”

  Chrissy saw Mariah cross her arms and roll her eyes. “Mama, don’t say things like that. It’s embarrassing.”

  “What?” Chrissy looked at Rex who shrugged his shoulders.

  “You said cool. That’s embarrassing. You don’t know what’s cool.”

  With a sigh, Chrissy said, “The word cool is not embarrassing. Plus, it’s my job to embarrass you.”

  Mariah ignored her, looking out her window.

  “Are you really ready for this?” Rex asked quietly.

  “Honestly?”

  Rex nodded.

  “I have no clue. Sometimes you just have to take that leap to know if you can fly.”

  “And, if you can’t fly?”

  Chrissy laughed without humor. “Then I’m going to make sure I fall with flair.”

  Rex tapped her hand then gave it a squeeze.

  “You know if you need anything, I am only a flight away.”

  “I know, Rex. It would be a hell of a flight for you, though.”

  “It would be worth it if I needed to play knight in shining armor to your damsel in distress.” He grinned.

  Chrissy furrowed her brow. “I’m no damsel in distress. I can be my own knight, thank you very much.”

  Lifting his hands in surrender, he said, “Ok. Ok. How ‘bout I be your sidekick when you have to kick ass then?”

  “Hmmm. You can be my squire.”

  “What the hell is that?”

  Chrissy looked at him like he had three heads. “Talia really is right about you being an idiot.”

  “Mama! That’s not nice,” Mariah yelled coming to Rex’s rescue.

  “You’re right, honey. I’m sorry, Rex.” She looked in the rearview mirror to see Mariah nod, accepting the apology.

  “That hurt, didn’t it.” Rex whispered.

  “I stand by my previous statement.” Chrissy looked back at Mariah. “You are an idiot. If you are going to use medieval references at least know the one person who carries around the knight’s lance.”

  Rex looked horrified. “I am not carrying around your lance. I don’t know where that’s been.”