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“Yeah, everything’s fine. Do me a favor and be careful around Taylor Rich.” She turns, glancing in his direction. He’s still burning a hole through me, nursing his beer.
“He’s never caused a problem for me. He hits on some of the other girls who work here. Heard he’s cheated on Lucy a lot over the years. Are they over?” she asks with her brows furrowed.
“Yep, they’re over. Listen, if he does anything out of the ordinary while he’s here, let me know.” She nods.
“I’m glad she wised up. She deserves better. Maybebetteris you?” she says in a questioning way and quirks up an eyebrow.
“And maybe you’ll tell me why Hawk Abbott rattled you.” She pinches her lips and lifts her chin defiantly.
“All right, I won’t pry if you don’t pry. I’ll let you know if anything…unusualhappens tonight.”
I rap my knuckles on the bar before heading to Taylor. I stand there but don’t say a word as he sizes me up. I can see a bruise on his jaw where I clocked him earlier. I smirk before walking out the door.
As I approach my truck, I can see Hawk standing in front of Lucy. Her head is on his chest, but he has her at a distance, rubbing her back.What the hell?Is she crying? I pick up my pace so I can reach them. Hawk turns when he hears me coming and doesn’t say anything, but his face is apologetic.
“Lucy,” I say breathlessly. She glances up, cheeks stained with tears and looking for the world as if her heart just completely shattered like broken glass. “What’s wrong?” Hawk backs away and I hand over my keys. He jumps in my truck and fires it up after he climbs behind the wheel in the driver’s seat. I open my rear passenger door for Lucy and help her in.
I slide in beside her and once we’re all buckled, Hawk pulls out onto the road and heads toward Valley B. I pull Lucy over and her small frame is shaking. Her face is turned in toward me and I feel hot tears trickle down my neck where she rests her head. I can’t say much in front of Hawk, so I hold her and try to comfort her without words until we can be alone again.
When we got back to my house, Lucy headed straight to the guest room. I let Rocky out and made sure his water and food bowls were topped off. I can hear water running in the guest bathroom so she must be showering.
While I have a minute, I pull my phone out and call Dad. He answers on the second ring.
“Tate, is everything okay? I’m glad to hear from you, you just don’t normally call,” he says quickly as if getting ready to run to my rescue if I needed him to. And maybe, in a way, I do.
“Yeah, Dad, I’m fine. I, uh, I need to ask you to help me with something though.”
“Okay, son, anything.” I shut my eyes against the case of nerves I have. What am I doing? I can’t do this.
“You know, um, never mind. I’ll take care of it. Sorry I called so late.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Son, when you’re ready, I’ll be here,” he states calmly as if he knew what I was thinking about asking.
“What do you mean when I’m ready?”
“Just that, son. From our conversation the other day, I’m sure I can guess what you might be wanting from me. When you’re ready to talk to your mother, I’ll help you. I promise. That’s what you wanted to know right? You want to talk to her so you can live your life…have love in your life.”
I’m stunned into silence. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll um…I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
“I’ll be here.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll talk to you soon. And Dad… I love you. I’m proud of you.”
“I love you too, son. Goodnight.”
When I end the call, I turn and find Lucy standing there, wrapped in a bath robe, her long dark hair still wet but combed out.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt…or eavesdrop. I only heard you tell your dad bye. I wanted to say I’m sorry for being such a mess and involving you in it. But thank you for all you’ve done for me.” Her eyes are still a little red and slightly puffy from crying. She has on no makeup and aside from the fact she’s been crying, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I wish I could keep her from shedding another tear.
“You don’t need to thank me, Lucy. I already told you that.” I start to move closer to her, but she takes a step back.
“Well, thank you anyway. I’m heading to bed. Goodnight.” She smiles and Rocky trots up beside her.
“Goodnight, Lucy.”
She makes her way back down the hall to the guest bedroom with Rocky on her heels. I can’t help but laugh at my little traitor of a dog. Seems like I’m not the only one under Lucy McCree’s spell. And Rocky is the next best thing if I can’t be with her.
My phone buzzes and I reach for it. I haven’t been asleep long, it’s midnight. I open one eye and read the text.
