Fragile Hearts (Poplar Falls Book 4)

by Amber Kelly

  “Yes, he cranks my tractor!” she screams.

  I put my hands up and watch as she kicks the busted doors into a pile.

  “I worked my ass off, preparing for that position. I interned for the department head the summer before last, and he said I did an excellent job. I pledged his prissy little granddaughter’s sorority. I even changed my minor at his suggestion. I graduated with honors, for goodness’ sake. And Dr. Singh goes and gives the job to Derrick?”

  “Derrick, your boyfriend,” I state, trying to keep up.

  “Ex-boyfriend—sort of. He was someone I was seeing back in Chicago. It wasn’t super serious or anything, not yet. Anyway, he was an assistant to my biochem professor. I used him as a reference on my résumé and asked him to give a recommendation for me. And the rat bastard snaked the job right out from under me. Can you believe that?”

  “Did he know it was so important to you?”

  “Of course he knew! He already had a job waiting for him in Ohio, and he begged me to come with him and take an assistant job. But I didn’t want that. I wanted to work in Denver, and I wanted that animal nutritionist job. He knew that. I love working with animals. He had no interest in it. He had a guaranteed job, and he took mine. And he has the nerve to say he did it for me.”

  She stops her tirade to look at me.

  “Why do men do that? Do you think we’re stupid?” she asks me.

  “Um …” I start.

  “Like, do you really think that making decisions for us is going to make us happy?”

  “I don’t think—”

  “He even said he was apartment-hunting for us. Us. As if I would come running straight to him when I found out the good news.”

  I carefully approach her and whisper, “I’m sorry, Bellamy.”

  “He ruined everything.” She sniffles.

  “I know. I know you’re disappointed, but you are smart and talented, and you are going to have your pick of jobs,” I tell her.

  “I wanted that one,” she grumbles.

  “Maybe it just wasn’t the one for you. The job or the guy,” I console.

  She laughs. “You think?”

  “Probably not,” I say, and she finally grants me a grin.

  She sighs.

  “At least Beau is going to be thrilled now that I’ll be in Poplar Falls a little longer.”

  “I think you’ll find a lot of people will be happy now that you’ll be around a bit longer.”

  She blinks up at me. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  She laughs. “Jeez, I’m a mess. I’m sorry about the mini breakdown. We barely know each other, and I’m laying all my shit on you. How embarrassing.” She looks me in the eye. “I guess we’re friends now, Doc. No going back now.”

  “Lucky me,” I say as I wrap my arm around her neck and lead her away from the kitchen. “Come on. We’re running out of light, and I still need to feed you.”

  I start my vehicle and turn the headlights on. Bellamy is sitting on the stoop with our supper spread out in front of her. The light catches her profile, and she turns toward it. When it illuminates her face, I’m taken aback by how beautiful she truly is.

  She’s the exact opposite of Annie in every way. Annie had straight, shoulder-length, dark hair and big brown eyes. She was petite and had an olive complexion. Bellamy is tall and lean with milky skin and long blonde hair, which has a natural wave, and gorgeous deep blue eyes. Different but both beautiful.

  Why am I comparing her to Annie?

  I sit there, trying to sort my head when I hear my name.

  “Brandt? Are you joining me or what?” Bellamy asks as she shields her eyes from the light.

  I leave all my thoughts of Annie in the cab, and I step out and make my way to Bellamy.

  “Your feast, good sir,” she says as she gestures to the sandwich and chips.

  My stomach growls, and she smiles up at me.

  “Ah, looks like we’re just in time.”

  I sit beside her, and she extends a sandwich in my direction.

  “Chicken salad. It’s Dottie’s specialty.”

  I lean in and take a huge bite of the offered food.

  She raises an eyebrow and waits.

  “Mmm, that’s good,” I say, and I take another bite before she has a chance to pull it back.

  “Told you so,” she brags.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure,” she says as she takes a bite herself.

  “Are you more upset over losing the job or the boyfriend?”

  She thinks for a moment while she chews.

  “The job,” she admits.

  I smile at her. “Good.”

  “Why is that?” she asks.

  “Because broken plans are a lot easier to recover from than a broken heart.”

  Her eyes meet mine, and understanding passes between us. Or maybe it’s just my imagination.

  “Today was fun. You know, I really would love to help you work on this house. I mean, I can’t build walls or anything, but I can sand floors, and I’m pretty good with a paintbrush. And it just so happens that I have a lot of free time on my hands all of a sudden.” She looks at me with hope-filled eyes.

  “I’m not about to turn down an offer for free labor, although I doubt you’ll be able to top your talent with a crowbar, Miss Wilson.”

  “You just wait,” she says before she pops a chip in her mouth. “I have talent you haven’t even begun to tap into yet, Doc.”

  Oh, I have no doubt.

  Bellamy

  “Thank you, Bellamy,” Mr. Hinson says as I hand him his receipt.

  “You’re welcome. And remember, Odie needs to wear that cone until you bring him back to have those sutures removed,” I instruct.

  “He’s going to hate that.”

  “I know, but you have to be strong,” I tell him.

  The bell rings, and I look past the two to see Elle breeze in.

  “Hi, Bells, Mr. Hinson,” she greets.

  “Elle, how are you, gorgeous?” Mr. Hinson asks.

  He’s always been an old flirt.

  “I’m great. How about you?” she asks.

  “Growing old. Trying to stay spry,” he says and gives her a gap-toothed smile.

  “Oh, fiddlesticks. You’re only old when it suits you,” I tease him.

  “When it gets me a little extra love from a pretty girl,” he admits.

  She obliges and kisses his cheek.

  “Aw, what happened to Odie?” Elle asks him.

  “He got after the chickens again. They lit him up.” He laughs.

  We hear a horn honk outside, and he grumbles.

  “I’d best get going. Sounds like the old lady is getting impatient.”

  He walks out, and Elle turns to me. I look at the clock, and it says ten past noon.

  “You’re just in time. I’m starving. Let me grab my purse,” I tell her.

  “Um, I’m sorry, Bells, but I already have lunch plans,” she says.

  I look up, confused.

  “Oh. Why’d you swing by, then?” I ask.

  “I have a lunch date with Brandt. I’m just here to meet him.”

  That gets my attention. I stand and face her.

  “A lunch date with Brandt?” I ask.

  “Yep,” she confirms just as Brandt walks in from the back of the office.

  “I thought I heard your voice. Give me just a minute, and I’ll be ready,” he tells her, and she nods.

  He smiles at us both before walking back to his office.

  “So, where are you two going?” I ask casually.

  “I’m not sure where he’s taking me. Probably over to the café. It’s chili day, and he is a creature of habit,” she says.

  “Do you guys have lunch together often?”

  “Every now and then. Why?”

  “Walker okay with that?” I ask curiously, and she smiles.

  “Walker doesn’t have a problem with Brandt. He knows we’re friends.” />
  That surprises me. Elle and Brandt dated briefly last year before she and Walker realized they had feelings for each other.

  “If you say so,” I mumble. “See you later. Enjoy lunch.”

  I throw my purse over my shoulder and make for the door. She steps in front of me.

  “Just a minute. What was that all about?” She raises an eyebrow at me in question.

  “Nothing. Walker just seems like the jealous type, so it surprises me that you and Brandt have lunch together; that’s all. But if it’s not an issue, then it’s not an issue.”

  “Uh-huh,” she says, unconvinced.

  “I’m serious. I was just looking out for you.”

  “Walker knows I’m not going anywhere. His ring is on my finger, and for some reason, I’m crazy about the man. Brandt and I are friends. Walker doesn’t dictate my friends. You know that.”

  “Would you feel the same if he were taking a female friend to lunch?” I ask.

  “Of course. He takes Sonia to lunch all the time, so they can discuss his mother’s care. What’s going on with you?”

  “Ugh, I don’t know. I’ve had a rough couple of days, and I haven’t had a chance to fill you in,” I confess.

  “Why didn’t you just say that? Do you want me to cancel with Brandt? We can go grab a bite and talk if you need to.”

  “No, don’t do that. I don’t want to ruin your plans. I’m sorry. I have to run out to the house anyway.”

  “Walker wants to go out tonight. Some band he likes is playing at Butch’s Tavern. Why don’t you come too? I’ll call Sonia and get her and Ricky to come. We’ll have drinks, and you can tell us all about it.”

  “That sounds good.” I give in.

  “We’ll pick you up, and that way, Walker can drive, so we can drink.”

  I give her a doubtful look.

  “Don’t worry. If I’m with him, he makes sure not to have more than two beers.”

  “What have you done to him, witch?” I tease.

  Brandt remerges.

  “Ready?” he asks Elle.

  “I am.”

  “I’ll see you guys later. Enjoy lunch,” I tell them before I walk out and to my car.

  I turn the ignition and watch while the two of them chat as he locks the office. Then, she takes his arm, and they walk off toward the café.

  I don’t like it. And it pisses me off because I have no idea why it bothers me.

  I pull up at the house, and Momma is on the porch, holding Faith in her arms.

  “What do you have there?” I ask.

  “My favorite granddaughter,” she coos at the baby. “Beau is out, following Myer around while he works, and Dallas is inside on the couch, napping.”

  “Good. I’m glad she came over, so she could get some rest.”

  “Oh, she didn’t. She came to drop Beau off, and while she was waiting for Myer to come get him, she sat down with the baby in her arms and fell right off to sleep. I gently took Faith from her, turned off the television, and threw a blanket over her, and Beau and I snuck out as quietly as we could. Faith and I have been sitting here ever since, swinging and enjoying the cool afternoon.”

  “Bless her heart, I’ll just sit here with you two, then, so I don’t disturb her.”

  I take a seat on the swing and open my arms.

  Momma reluctantly gives up the sleeping baby.

  “That boy has called the house a dozen times today,” she tells me.

  I roll my eyes. “Ignore him,” I tell her.

  “Bellamy, you can’t avoid him forever.”

  “Sure I can.”

  “An adult would call him back and end things properly,” she scolds.

  “An adult would have told me he decided to steal the job right out from under me. No, actually, an adult wouldn’t have taken the job in the first place.”

  She sighs.

  “That’s true enough,” she agrees.

  “He’ll figure it out and stop calling soon, Momma. I have no desire to hash anything out with him.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. But I can’t promise that your father won’t have an earful for him if he answers and Derrick is on the line.”

  I shrug. That’s a chance he takes.

  The baby shifts in my arms, opens her eyes, and lets out a loud cry. I shush her and try to rock her back to sleep, but she is not having it.

  “Faith!”

  We hear the panicked call from inside.

  “She’s out here, Dallas,” Momma calls to her.

  A disheveled Dallas emerges from the house.

  “Is she okay?” she asks.

  “Just fine. Apparently, it’s lunchtime though,” I say as I nod to her.

  Dallas looks down at her T-shirt. The telltale signs of a leaky boob show.

  “Yep, the milk factory is full. Give me,” she says as she reaches for the baby.

  “I wish I could feed her for you,” I say as I pass her off.

  “I’ll switch her to a bottle when I go back to work in a few weeks, but I want to breastfeed her for as long as I can. I know I look a hot mess, but I really enjoy it.”

  “You look wonderful,” Momma insists.

  Dallas shakes her head.

  “You do, Dal. You are glowing,” I agree.

  “Thank you. And thanks for the power nap. I feel much better.”

  “You can come here to nap anytime,” Momma says before standing. “I’m getting hungry myself. I think I’ll go rustle up some lunch for the three of us too,” she announces before walking inside.

  “I heard about what your douche-bag man did,” Dallas says as soon as the door closes behind her.

  “Did Momma tell you?”

  “Yeah. She let the phone go to the answering machine a couple of times, and I asked what was going on.”

  “I’m so angry,” I tell her.

  “If you want my two cents, I say it’s better you know now than waste years of your life with him and then find out that he is a selfish prick. Trust me.”

  “Honestly, I think I’m relieved. I was counting on the job, but I don’t think I ever saw Derrick and me going the distance. I believe he was more serious about us than I was. I’m more pissed that, now, if I do end up in Denver, he’ll be there.”

  She laughs. “Look at it this way: you could always end up as his boss one day and fire his ass,” she says with a gleam in her eye.

  “I think I just got myself a new goal.”

  “That’s my girl. Don’t get mad. Get even.”

  Brandt

  I walk into Butch’s Tavern and search the crowd of faces, looking for Elle. I have no idea how I let her talk me into this, but she knew Mom was out of town, and I had no excuse as to why I couldn’t come out and socialize for a while tonight. Bars aren’t usually my thing, but the places here in Poplar Falls are a far cry from the glitzy dance clubs and late-night party scenes my associates used to drag me to in Portland. Here, the atmosphere is laid-back and more of a watering hole for friends to gather together after a hard day’s work, like they would at a backyard barbecue.

  I spot Walker as he balances a couple of bottles, and I make my way to relieve him of the whiskey glass cradled in the crook of his arm.

  “Doc, thanks. Glad you could join us. We’re in desperate need of testosterone. All my buddies have been falling off like flies lately. It’s just Payne and me left to wrangle a bunch of unruly women by ourselves,” Walker greets as he leads me to a large table nestled in the far corner of the space.

  “Look who the cat dragged in,” Elle squeals as we arrive, and Walker starts distributing beverages.

  “This must be yours,” I say as I place the glass in front of her.

  “Yep, she’s my whiskey girl,” Walker confirms.

  Sonia slides over close to Elle on the bench seat.

  “Come on, Doc. We’ll make room.” She gestures for me to sit beside them.

  I look around.

  “Where’s your husband? I’m sorry. His name escapes me,” I
ask her.

  “Ricky. He is playing poker with some buddies tonight,” she says as she rolls her eyes.

  I take the offered seat and flag down a waitress. I order a beer and a shot of tequila.

  “Now, that’s my kind of order,” Walker says before raising his beer and taking a long pull.

  “I thought you said Bellamy was coming tonight?” I ask Elle.

  “She is. Foster is giving her a ride.”

  Foster.

  Elle gives me a curious look and then explains further, “We were going to stop and pick her up, but Walker talked to Foster earlier, and since he wanted to join us and he works out there at Stoney Ridge, it just made sense for him to bring her.”

  I nod in agreement. “Of course.”

  I clear my throat and look to the front of the room, where a couple of guys are setting up sound equipment.

  “So, you know the band?” I ask Walker.

  “Yeah, the drummer is a friend of mine. We used to play in a garage band together in middle school.”

  “You play?” I ask.

  “And he sings.” Elle beams. “If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to get him up there for a song or two tonight.”

  He grins at her and winks.

  Payne joins us, and Walker adds another table to ours and scoots up a few confiscated stools.

  Forty-five minutes later, Bellamy breezes in with Foster on her heels.

  She has on a beige maxi dress cinched at the waist by a wide braided leather belt with turquoise beads and brown cowgirl boots. Her hair is in a topknot with wisps escaping to frame her face.

  Her face alights when she spots our table, and she grabs Foster’s hand and leads him over.

  My eyes fall to their joined hands as they make it to us.

  “Where have you two been?” Elle asks.

  “It’s his fault. He was in the driveway, talking on the phone forever, while I waited in the truck,” Bellamy says as she rounds the table and forces me over with her hip before sitting down.

  Foster looks at Walker. “Mom, man. Giving me a hard time. I knew moving back in with her was a bad idea. I have got to get my own place,” he says.

  “What was she giving you shit about this time?” Walker asks.

  “I have no idea. She’s been on my ass since the divorce. Today, she was going on about how I’ve already made one mistake today, and going out tonight would be number two.”