Page 9 of Royal Desire

Devon turns to me. “Can you be here tomorrow morning at ten? I’ll have your offer ready and paperwork for you to sign. You were a hit. It’s another reason to draw the locals into the bar too. I’m excited to get you going right away.”

I’ve been back for three days, and I have two jobs. I dipped into a good chunk of my savings to get across the country by bus, which says everything about the state of my savings.

I’m probably too enthusiastic, but I don’t care. “I’ll be here whenever you want me. That’s after the breakfast rush at the Combover. I’m sure Grandma can fill in for me for a short time.”

Devon sighs. “Bloody terrific. Carl is giving Grandma a job before me. I’ve got to see what I can do about that.”

Blake’s expression lightens further. “I can’t wait to tell her.”

I grab my bag off the table where I left it before the show. “We won’t keep you any longer. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Thank you again.”

Everyone exchanges goodbyes for the night, and Blake and I are out the front door and headed for his truck as he continues to fawn over our first experience in The Speakeasy. “That was so cool. It really brought me back to my show choir days. Man, what a high. It was even cooler to experience it with you. I’m happy you’re back, sis.”

I offer him a small smile, even though he only knows the condensed version of why I’m home. If he knew what was at stake, I’m not sure what he’d do. “I was afraid to come back. I’m not proud of that, but I was. I feel like a failure. Like I couldn’t make it in the big city, so I had to tuck my tail between my legs and move back in with my grandma.”

Blake frowns, which I’m learning is rare for him. “Hey, I still live with Grandma.”

“But you’re thriving. And I know you. If I had to guess, you’re still living with Grandma because you don’t want her to be by herself.”

He beeps the locks on the truck. Once we’re both in, he starts the engine, but he avoids me like I used to avoid my landlord when I was late on rent.

“Blake,” I call for him again. “Fess up.”

He backs out of his spot and shrugs. “She’d be lonely. And she may be in good shape, but she doesn’t need to be on a ladder or mowing the yard. I don’t mind.”

I lean my head back and close my eyes, finally allowing myself to relax for the first time since I rolled into town. “You’re pure gold, Blake. Pure gold.”

“I know.”

I roll my head to look at him and smile. “Thank you for tonight. You’re so talented. Grandma did good with you. She didn’t get me soon enough to make me practice. Plus, singing comes naturally for me since I like to run my mouth and all.”

He barks a laugh. “Let’s remember you’re the one who said that, not me.”

“Like you’re not a talker too. But you’re different. Everyone likes you. They either love me or hate me. There’s no middle ground.”

He turns down the street to Grandma’s house. “I love you. And anyone who doesn’t is an idiot.”

“I need you to tell everyone that when they find out I’m back. I expect the love and the hate to be strong.” I lean my head back again until he comes to a stop in the driveway that’s permanently marked by the oil drip from his truck.

Blake kills the engine. “I know exactly who you’re talking about, but don’t worry. It’s been too long. No one can hold a grudge for over a decade. Let’s get inside.”

He doesn’t wait for me to say another word. He exits the truck and jogs to the front door. I grab my bag and heels I kicked off on the drive home.

Blake is the kindest human I know. Of course he doesn’t think anyone will hold a grudge.

I know better.

And Winslet is a small place. It’s only a matter of time until I find out just how deeply some grudges are planted.

CHAPTER FOUR

IN THE FLESH

Ruby

In under twelve hours, I’m back at the manor.

I started at the Combover at five o’clock this morning. I smell like a cocktail of bacon and syrup and am sporting a coffee stain that resembles the state of Florida. It is what it is. I need to get my paperwork squared away and get back to the greasy spoon and out of the silver one.