“Nana was just joking, Lila girl.” I reassure her with a finger bop on the nose. “It’s not good to be a tattletale but there are things you need to tell adults, remember?”
“Like if someone is being mean to me?” She looks up at me with eyes matching my own. “Or my friends?”
“That’s right, baby, but I think the tickle monster is getting a little lonely over there. Why don’t you go tickle him?” Before my sentence is complete, she’s wiggling to get down. She forms her hands into little claws and lets out a menacing growl before taking off across the yard. Mon and I laugh as we sit under the patio awning in the wicker furniture.
“Well, how was it?” Mom dives right in as she pours me a glass of icy lemonade.
“It was fun.”
“Fun?”
“I had a good time.” I take a drink of the tart liquid.
“Get any nookie?” The question causes me to choke.
“Jesus, Mom! Really?”
“I do worry about your lack of sex life, dear.” She responds innocently. Oh, if she only knew.
“It’s kinda weird you’re so focused on that, Mom.”
“Sex is perfectly natural.”
“Yes, it is, but I’m not sure I want to discuss it with you.”
“Three years is a long time without intimacy.”
“I’m easing back in. Don’t rush me.”
“A one-night stand wouldn’t kill you, Danielle.”
“Could you please not tell my innocent daughter that?” Dad hollers from across the yard.
“Keep thinking that way, love. Lila was dropped off by the stork.”
“Damn right she was,” he agrees.
“Anyway, like I said it wouldn’t kill you to get a little action.”
“It might not kill but in this town, it would ruin my reputation. Which in turn could hurt my business or, more importantly, my daughter. Don’t you remember what Jessa went through in high school?”
“Pish posh, I’m not saying that your bedroom needs to become a revolving door, Danielle, but it couldn’t hurt for it to open every once in a while.” She shakes her head in disappointment. “Still can’t believe you turned down that fine hunky man.”
“It wasn’t even on the table and I think he knew it. I got a kiss on the cheek goodnight and that was it.”
“Any chance of a second date?”
“I wouldn’t be opposed. He’s smart, funny and, like you said, he’s very easy on the eyes.”
“Why do I sense a but in there?”
“It felt weird being out with another man.”
“I’m sure it did but it’ll get easier, sweetie, I know it will.” She takes a long sip of her lemonade, ice clinking against the glass. “Are you not even going to mention that you ran into the Marshalls at the restaurant?”
“How did?” I shake my head. Damn small time. “Never mind.”
“Verlene called this morning and said she ran into y’all.”
“And?”
“Nothing,” she responds a little too quickly.
“Mom,” I warn.
“She just said it was nice seeing you out with Carson.”
“And?”
“That Zach seemed a little perturbed about it.”
“That’s ridiculous,” I scoff.
“I’m just relaying the message,” she says with a shrug, the corner of her mouth ticking up in a smile.
“Why would it bother him that I was on a date? Not like he’s been lacking for female company all these years. Hell, with him here in town it’s probably the longest he’s been without that kind of attention.”
“Now, Danielle,” she protests.
“What? I’ve seen the gossip shows and the magazine articles. I’m not naïve about how he spends his time.”
“Maybe he’s just never found anyone he loves after you.”
“He never loved me, Mom.”
“Oh, I believe he did,” she nods sagely. “But it was the love of a boy, not a man.”
“What’s the difference?”
“Age, maturity, knowing what you want in life.”
“I knew what I wanted.”
“Girls mature faster dear, you know that. He had too many things he wanted, and something had to give. Unfortunately, his choice hurt you but now he may be ready for the type of love that you need, that he needs.”
“Are you seriously suggesting that I give him another chance?”
“I’m thinking maybe there’s a reason he came back home at now.”
“What, like fate is telling us we’re meant to be together?” I scoff taking a drink of lemonade wishing it had alcohol in it for this conversation. “I’ve grown up from that fantasy.”
“Just because it didn’t work out before, doesn’t mean it won’t work out now. Keep your eyes and your heart open to the possibility.”
“My heart has already been broken into too many pieces, Mom. I can’t afford to have it broken anymore.”
Chapter Fourteen
Zach
“Hey, Vinny, nice of you to remember that you have a client out here in the boondocks,” I answer the phone when I see his name pop up on the screen of my phone. The slight breeze through the trees and the birds singing while I sit on the porch normally provide the relaxation I need but not now.
“Hilarious, Zach. I’ve been trying to keep your location off the radar of the paparazzi. Difficult when the last story they had of you was the home wrecking brawler.”
“Well, they haven’t been creeping around so I would call it a success.”
“So far they haven’t been too invasive. The current rumor is that you’re in rehab trying to kick your substance abuse problem,” he responds dryly.
“Original.” I laugh at the stupid shit they make up to keep selling the gossip mags.
“But that’s not the reason I called. I received a letter today.”
“A letter? Unless it’s from the IRS it can’t be too bad.”
“This one has the potential to cause a lot of damage.”
“Damage? To who?”
“You, Zach. It’s from William and Connie Bertrand.”
“I’m drawing a blank.”
“Connie is the married woman that started your infamous bar brawl.” Kicking the pine wood stool out of the way I stand up and pace the length of the porch.
“And what the hell do they want?”
“A meeting?”
“What the fuck for?”
“It doesn’t specify, but it states that if you don’t meet with them, there will be consequences.”
“You’re thinking blackmail?”
“Extortion more likely.”
“And what do you suggest?”
“I’ll set up the meeting, somewhere secure and away from the media. I will shoot for a place we can control who goes in and out.”
“If they don’t agree to that?”
“A neutral location. We are not giving them the advantage of being on their turf.”
“Son of a bitch. Why can’t these people just disappear from my life?”
“I would have thought with their fifteen minutes of fame used up they would have crawled back into the hole they came out of but no such luck.”
“Okay set it up and let me know.”
“I’ve already got it in the works. If they agree to my terms, I’ll fly them to Seattle and set them up at one of the hotels, but we’ll meet them at a different location.”
“Why Seattle?”
“I haven’t been in a while and some of my family is there. We can keep control of the environment and keep them on the defensive instead of the offensive.”
“Keep me updated. I want to get this all behind me.”
“As do I and the record label. They’re still raising a stink and trying to negotiate low on your new deal.”
“Maybe it’s time to do what I’ve been wanting to do,” I murmur.
“And what’s that?”
“Opening my own label.”
“And what’s that?”
“Singing those billboard topping hits,” he patronizes. “I’ll call you when I have everything set up. Don’t worry I have it all under control.” The line goes silent as he hangs up. The same feeling of impotence and anger roll through me as he shuts me down. Again.
“Who the hell does he think he is?” I seethe.
“Who, son?” Dad shuts the patio door behind him as he steps outside. How much to say? I hate burdening anyone with petty shit.
“My agent. He keeps shooting down my idea saying I don’t know what I’m getting into.”
“What idea?”
“I want to open my own production company?”
“For music?”
“Yes, I want to give others some opportunities I had or didn’t have sometimes. This business is hard to break into if you don’t already know someone.”
“And he’s not on board? Maybe it’s time for a new agent?” he asks as he lowers himself into the chair next to the one I vacated, placing his glass of iced tea on the table.
“I don’t know. He’s been with me from the beginning and hasn’t steered me wrong yet.”
“What’s he got against your idea?”
“It’ll take time away from my singing.” I sigh out leaning against the railing on the porch. The sunlight is filtered through the limbs and leaves of the towering pine trees surrounding the house.
“That’s what he gets a cut of, right?”
“Yeah.”
“If you venture into new territory, what does he get out of it? Money?”
“No. It would be my own, or my business partners if I go that route.”
“I think he’s looking out for himself on this one, not you.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you do this, it will take up a lot of time.” He strokes the beard on his chin as he looks out thoughtfully over the yard toward the lake.
“I’m sure, especially in the beginning.”
“It won’t leave you a lot of time for recording or touring. You’re too much like me. You will want to be hands on in all aspects of this.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It all comes down to money.” His gaze cuts to me. “You’re his meal ticket and he sees his dollar signs dwindling if you decide this is what you want to do.”
“I’m not his only client though.”
“But you’re the one who is topping the charts, getting the guest appearances and winning the awards. Are any of the others doing that?” At his arched look, I realize that he’s right. Most of Vinny’s clients are older and haven’t had any big releases or hits in the past few years. They had their loyal fan bases but were not attracting the younger audiences.
“Greed?” I scoff. “You think it’s all about greed?”
“Money makes the world go round.”
“Yeah, I guess it does.”
“All right, let’s get ready to head into work. We have a busy day ahead of us. Six guided trips and then we have the pontoons to get ready for the fireworks show tonight.”
“We’re taking people out tonight?”
“Best place to see the show is on the water. It’s pretty neat to see the explosions overhead and in the reflection on the water. The winds are supposed to be calm and the water will look like glass.”
“How many boats are we taking out?”
“Just two. Jasper and I will take them out. You can stay on the shore. We’re going to move all the picnic tables and such. It’ll be easier for those who have little kids. They won’t be as confined as they would be on the boats.”
The day stays busy as the fisherman had successful trips hauling in their daily limits of bass in record time. Once the boats were washed down and the equipment put away, Wesley and I move the solid wood picnic tables toward the open field on the east side of the docks where the trees won’t hinder the night sky. Sweat drips into my eyes as the hot sun beats down.
“I’m jumping into the damn lake after this,” I grunt as we lift the heavy ass piece of furniture off the ground. Wes lifts his end with barely any effort.
“It is damn hot out here. I may join you.” We move the table toward the group of others.
“How many people are Mom and Dad expecting to show up here tonight?” Sweat trickles near my eye and I valiantly try to wipe it on my on my shoulder before the salty liquid burns my eye.
“A few. Most of the town knows this is the best spot to watch the fireworks but the tourists will stick closer toward the footballs field parking lot. Easier to keep an eye on them that that way.” He shoots me a wink as he drops his end of the table to the ground. A grunt escapes me at the sudden weight change.
“You gonna get to hang with us or do you have to patrol?” Plopping down onto the wooden bench, I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the bottom of my t-shirt, the only dry spot left on my body.
“Y’all are stuck with me,” he sits down on the end and I swear my end lifts slightly. He reaches into the cooler and pulls out two bottles of icy cold water. He tosses me one before cracking the lid on his and taking a few gulps. “David and Frank both have to be at the football field. Norman will be stationed out on old Grove Road waiting for all the dumbasses who drive after they’ve been drinking. Walker will be out patrolling the lake with his brother.”
“Walker? Walker Blackfoot?”
“One and the same.”
“He’s in law enforcement?” I scoff remembering the troublemaker with the biggest chip on his shoulder I had ever met.
“Crazy isn’t it?” he chuckles. “But I’ll tell you he’s one hell of a game warden. His brother, Creed, too. They know these lands like the back of their hands.”
“Ah did we miss all the heavy lifting?” A voice laughs from behind us and I turn to see two guys trudging down the incline with a cooler in carried between them. On top of that cooler is perched a small boy with a grin ear to ear as he hangs on for dear life. Wesley stands up and walks over as they sit the blue and white container on the ground, ignoring the pout on the child’s face.
“Hey Carter, Cash. Yeah y’all missed the hard labor,” he grins as he shakes hands with the guys. Wes turns towards me and signals in my direction. “Have you met my brother, Zach?”
“Sure haven’t,” the older of the two answers as the group walks toward the table. “Carter Madsen.” He reaches out his hand as I stand wiping my sweaty palm on my shorts before clasping his.
“Zach Marshall. Good to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’m a big fan.”
“Well, thank you. It’s always nice to hear.” Turning toward the nearly identical man, I thrust out my hand. “Zach.”
“Cash. Good to meet you, man.” He smiles as he gives me a squeeze.
“And who is this little guy?” I ask as I squat down in front of the cooler where the little boy is still sitting.
“I’m Blaine.”
“It’s nice to meet you Blaine. I’m Zach.”
“Are you a police officer like Wes?”
“No, I sing.”
“That not very brave,” he crosses his scrawny arms over his chest as he looks me up at me. “I’m gonna be a firefighter when I grow up.”
“Oh really? Why’s that?”
“I’ll get to save kitties from trees.” He grins.
“That sounds like a good job to have.”
“Uh huh. Can I go play now?” he looks up a Carter.
“Sure, bud, just stay away from the water. We’ll go swimming in a little while.”
“Yes sir,” he calls out, taking off for the small playground about fifty feet from where we’re standing.
“I bet he’s a handful,” I laugh.
“He wears me the hell out.” Carter sits down. “I swear I never had that much energy. He just goes and goes until he drops from ex
haustion.”
“According to Mom, we were the same way when we were his age,” Cash pipes in.
“I don’t know how she raised the three of us without pulling her hair out. Especially with Dad on the road all the time. He’s just one and I’m at my wit’s end.”
“My mom always said boys were a handful and a half. They only had Wes and me but at least there were two of them there most of the time to join forces.”
“Yeah, Dad was a truck driver, and he was usually only home on the weekends. She had to deal with us during the week by herself.”
“Okay, guys. Mom is giving us the stink eye since we’re standing around bullshitting,” Wes advises as he raises his water bottle in her direction. “Let’s get the rest of this stuff set up before it gets any later. Cash, you’re on fireworks duty.”
“Hell yeah, I get to blow shit up,” he grins rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
“Just make sure it’s the fireworks and nothing else, man,” Carter yells. “This isn’t a war zone.” Cash shoots him the finger as he follows toward the shop.
“Sorry, I have to give him a hard time. He worked in demolitions when he was in the military.”
“Sounds like he’s the right man for the job then.”
“Oh yeah, he loves that shit.” Carter laughs.
“Better get in there and see what Mom has next on her list. You gonna stay out here and keep an eye on the kid?”
“Yeah because who knows what kinda trouble that kid will find,” Carter remarks.
Later that afternoon, Cash, Carter and Wes walk back toward the shop sweaty and dirty but with triumphant grins on their faces.
“I’m guessing everything is ready for tonight then?”
“Hell yeah, it will be epic,” brags Cash.
“Where’s Blaine?” I ask when I notice the little guy is missing.
“Oh, Dani and Lila showed up earlier and they went swimming.” Carter looks over toward the swimming area.
My eyes immediately catch on the blonde hair of the woman sitting in the red folding chair keeping a watchful eye on the water. Faintly the kids’ laughter floats on the soft breeze. As I watch, she stands and says something to the kids. I don’t hear the words as my focus is taken up entirely by her ass encased in a bright blue bikini bottom. My fists clench as if I can feel the firm flesh in my hands.
Pieces of a Broken Heart: Whiskey Bend Series Book One Page 10
