Love Is for the Birds

22. Teddy

TEDDY POURED A BAG OF CREAMSICLE-FLAVORED JELLY BEANS in a glass jar and popped one in her mouth. Silky, orange-cream flavors flooded her with memories of summers eating ice cream bars with Pops at the country store.

She turned to the jingle of her front door. In walked a teenager, a plug the size of a dime in one earlobe, nose ring, skintight jeans, and a torn T-shirt that revealed a belly ring. The girl slinked down the aisle fingering foil-wrapped chocolates and examining the selection of candy bars.

Teddy admonished herself for judging the girl on her appearance. Teenagers tended to go overboard. But warranted or not, she sensed a need to protect her inventory. “May I help you?” She approached the girl.

With her eyes still fixed on the candy displays, the girl said, “My mother told me you might have a job for me.”

In her outfit, she hardly seemed the candy store type.

“I have to get a job for my probation,” the girl said, by way of explanation.

That’s honest. Though Teddy admired the girl’s candor and unsolicited disclosure, all sorts of questions popped into her mind. First and foremost, what caused her probation?

“I only just opened.” Perhaps the girl would just move on.

“That’s what I told her you would say.”

From the expression on the girl’s face, Teddy sensed the girl had experienced more than her fair share of rejection. “Who’s your mother?”

“Dot.”

Teddy dropped her jaw and then quickly closed it. “I didn’t . . .” She knew Dot’s daughter lived on the mainland where the schools were better, but Dot never mentioned her daughter wanted to move to the island. Especially now.

“My grandmother can’t handle me anymore.”

Again, the honesty sounded both shocking and refreshing. Teddy would have to teach the girl to speak with a bit more finesse. Why even consider hiring her? Teddy didn’t have the cash flow to support an employee. But Dot, like Barb, always helped whenever Teddy needed anything.

Teddy recognized something familiar in the girl’s eyes. Though overpowered by heavy black liner, their unusual hazel color reminded her of someone. Someone she’d seen recently—not Dot. Her eyes were brown and round.

Teddy struggled to find appropriate words. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to it.” The girl glanced over the shop. “You make all this candy? I mean, except the candy bars.”

“I make fudge, peanut brittle, chocolate. All sorts of candies.”

“I’m a good cook. My grandma always said so.”

“I’m sure you are, it’s just that,” Teddy pointed to the empty store. “I don’t hardly have enough work for me.”

“It’s okay. I told my mom you’d say no.”

Behind the girl’s way overdone makeup, Teddy recognized a sweet teen who didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. Teddy knew how that felt. Not having a father had made Teddy an outcast. All the kids at school were nice enough, but Teddy always felt left out.

“I’ve forgotten your name,” Teddy said, embarrassed to have to ask.

“Brooke.”

Teddy slapped her forehead. “That’s right. I knew you as a toddler with a pacifier in your mouth.” Teddy extended her hand. “I suppose I could have you sweep up an hour or so a day. But I couldn’t afford more.”

Brooke’s face lit up with a smile causing her upper lip to pinch against her nose ring.

Teddy cringed. “Doesn’t that hurt?” Teddy pointed to the nose ring.

The girl shrugged.

“You mean it? My mom said you would hire me. I didn’t believe her.”

“One condition.” Teddy pointed to her nose. “The nose ring has to go.”

“I figured.”

The bell sounded, and Jack stepped in. “I’ll take three of everything.”

Teddy felt a tiny tingle when she heard his voice, and she hated herself for it. A slow, lazy grin cracked across his face making him even more irresistible. Plus, his dark-brown hair fell irresistibly over his ears. With his dark tan, he had transformed into a true local.

“All systems go for dinner tonight?” Jack grinned.

“I’ve got to lock up and take Pickles for a walk.”

“You promised. It’s a nice evening.” He stepped closer as if to kiss her on the cheek. Teddy used her eyes to motion toward Brooke.

“Pick you up at 7:30.” Jack gave Teddy a thumbs-up.

The timing would give her a while to relax and freshen up. She did need a break. The stress of opening the shop had added a few wrinkles around her eyes. A quiet sit-down dinner sounded divine.

When he left, Brooke asked. “Is that your boyfriend?”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Heat rose into Teddy’s cheeks.

“What would you say?” She picked up a rope of red licorice and asked, “How much is this?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

A wide smile covered Brooke’s face. “Wow, thanks.” Brooke chomped on her licorice. “He’s hot.”

Teddy laughed. Jack was hot. “What kind of guys do you like?”

“We just kinda hang out in groups.”

“That’s smart.”

Past the heavy cat-eye liner, past the nose ring, past the spiked hair and shaved head, lived a girl with enchanting hazel eyes who just wanted someone to pay attention to her. As a teenager, Teddy spent her days on the beach with Walt and the other locals. She’d been horrible to her mother, always whining about working in the store, complaining about her mother’s parenting, and, worst of all, blaming her mother because they never had enough money.

The minute she turned eighteen, Teddy moved to Houston. Things between them were always rocky because Teddy wanted Houston and her mother wanted Bird Isle. That fateful Thanksgiving, instead of going to see Pops, Teddy wanted to show off her success in Houston, so she insisted her mother come to visit her and Daniel. Her mother never made it back to Bird Isle.

A wave of grief swept through her. Teddy blinked to fight tears. If only she and Daniel had traveled to Bird Isle instead, her mother would be here today.

Brooke’s brow creased. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Teddy waved a hand over her face. “Just thinking about something.”

Teddy placed an arm on Brooke’s elbow and guided her back to the storeroom. “Let me show you how to clean up at the end of the day.”

“I can tell my mom I have a job.”

“Let’s just try the job out for a few days, see how the work goes. Like I said, I don’t need much help.”

“You’re solid.”

“Remember, there’s one stipulation.”

“I understand. I’m not stupid. I’m tired of the piercing anyway. Hadn’t you better get ready for your hot date?” A smug little crinkle formed at the corner of Brooke’s mouth.

What just happened? She started the day alone and ended the day with a new employee and a date.

After walking Pickles along the beach, Teddy slipped on a pair of jeans and an embroidered Mexican top. She put a fresh coat of mascara on her lashes. Brooke probably used at least ten. Teddy finished with a dab of cherry-red lip gloss, hoping for a casual I-don’t-really-care-about-you air for her date.

Her phone played Jack’s ringtone, “Daddy Sang Bass” by Johnny Cash, a song Pops loves. She closed her eyes and thought about sitting at the ranch and listening to music with Pops, then answered the phone after several rings.

“Finally,” Jack said. “I thought you were going to stand me up.

I’m on my way.”

“I’m not dressed.”

“That works for me,” Jack said.

“Very funny. I mean, like fancy dressed.”

“You’re always beautiful.” Jack pulled into her driveway. “I’m walking to your door.”

She stepped outside. Jack whistled. A rush of adrenaline passed through her. She’d never known a man with such panache.

They drove to the mainland and a tiny Mexican restaurant that, according to Jack, specialized in chile rellenos. Somehow, Jack knew that she loved rellenos, in particular, and Mexican food in general, though she couldn’t recall ever mentioning it.

When Jack opened the door of the restaurant, the aroma of grilled meat, onions, and peppers wafted out. Split-leaf philodendrons and pots of bird of paradise lined the entrance, giving the impression of a courtyard off a street in Mexico City—rich terra cotta-colored walls and stone tiles in maize and turquoise. Water bubbled in a fountain next to a large bird cage where a lime-green and orange parrot greeted them with a raspy “hello.”

She pulled in a big breath. No one had ever done anything like this for her before. As if all this were not enough, he reserved the whole restaurant just for them. Strains of mariachis singing the love song “Motivos” filled the room. In their suits with red sashes and black sombreros, they meandered through the empty tables to one lone table twinkling with the light of red-and-white votive candles. Teddy closed her eyes and listened to the beautiful voices.

When they finished their song, the lead mariachi asked for a song request.

She said, “‘ Cielito Lindo,’ por favor .”

The trio bowed and obliged. The beautiful lyrics of the song resonated through the empty restaurant. Jack stood and offered a dance. She took his arms, and they swayed to the beautiful serenades of the mariachis. Jack knew the song and sang softly in her ear.

“How do you know this?”

“I’m from Texas, which means I am an honorary Mexican.”

“I don’t think citizenship works like that.”

He moved his head back to see her face. “I like everything about the culture, the food, the family, and the music. I know some ranchers in Mexico. They have the best cooks. It’s where I learned to season my barbecue.”

The warmth of his hand penetrated through her blouse onto her waist. Jack pulled her hips next to his with a firm but gentle pressure. Teddy could get used to this, if she hadn’t just ended her relationship with Daniel, if she hadn’t just reopened her store, and if she hadn’t seen Jack’s wife’s name on his barbecue trucks. His hand skimmed up her back and pushed her chest against his. Her heart tremored into top speed, ignoring all the reasons she shouldn’t let herself have feelings for Jack.

He lifted an arm, spun her around, and then tugged her against him like they were two magnets. The music stopped. The mariachis slipped away, quietly leaving the two of them alone with no distractions from Pickles, friends, or customers. Jack’s dark eyes gleamed in the candlelight. Her chest tightened with a panicky sensation usually reserved for more extreme circumstances, like giving a speech, taking a pop quiz, or driving in a blinding downpour.

Jack released her hand, which dripped in sweat. He politely pretended not to notice, but the minute he sat down, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hand. Chunky fresh guacamole in a molcajete , tortilla chips, and queso fundido with chorizo adorned the table. The owner of the restaurant brought them each a margarita garnished with a purple orchid.

Jack lifted his glass and toasted her. Teddy took a sip, then another while Jack talked to the restaurateur about the menu.

“ ?Esta es su novia ?” the woman asked.

Understanding the Spanish Is she your girlfriend? , Teddy coughed, spitting a bit of her drink. She grabbed a napkin. “Sorry, sorry.”

Jack touched Teddy on the arm. “You all right?” When Teddy waved him off, he answered the restaurateur. “ No se ,” meaning he didn’t know. Jack shifted his eyes to Teddy and said, “I hope so.”

The restaurant owner raised her brows and with a twinkle in her eyes, she spoke in rapid Spanish. Because the woman talked so fast, Teddy only caught a couple of words, but she understood the gist of their conversation. The senora wished them many happy years together.

Teddy let out a nervous laugh, certain her face turned red as salsa.

“Did you catch that?” Jack asked. “She thinks we’re meant for each other.”

A tiny flutter stirred in her stomach. “I know some Spanish . . . I’m pretty sure she didn’t say that.” Teddy took the orchid from her margarita and tucked the flower behind her ear. “Is she also some sort of fortune teller?”

“She reads chile peppers.”

“Is that a thing?”

He shook his head. “Gotcha.”

“You’re terrible.”

“What? Just trying to have some fun. I’ve been waiting for this night too long.” Jack offered Teddy the basket of chips.

“It has been rather busy.” Teddy reached for a tortilla chip, dipped the chip into one of the two bowls of salsa and took a bite. The heat of the peppers burned into her nose. She waved a hand in front of her mouth and then took a gulp of water. Tears fell from her eyes. “Whoa.”

“You got the hot one,” Jack said. “I should have warned you.” He pushed the queso toward her. “This will neutralize the heat.”

She greedily scooped the cheese onto a chip. Meanwhile, Jack tried the sauce and survived the tasting unscathed.

“Show off,” Teddy said, gulping more water. “I’m curious. Why Bird Isle?”

Jack put a spoon full of queso fundido in a corn tortilla and made a taco. “It’s my favorite spot on the coast. I like to fish here. All the other towns have gotten so commercial with their high rises.”

“I can see why you came one time, but you’ve practically moved in.”

“You know the reason for that.” He leaned closer to her and reached to the corner of her mouth to brush away a crumb.

Teddy thought of her holding-hands-over-the-hill-affair with Daniel. That long distance romance didn’t turn out so well. Just one more reason why the odds were against Teddy and Jack. “You live in Fort Worth. What is it, four hours away?”

“Five.”

“There’s no one in Fort Worth. Isn’t the city like one of the largest cities in the United States?”

“Thirteenth largest or something like that.” He pointed another rolled tortilla at her. “But no one like you.”

“I’m flattered.” Teddy avoided his eyes.

“I guess you can’t plan these things. How would I know? The only thing I know about women is that you have to remove your cowboy hat to kiss them.” He grinned and pointed to his head. “No hat today. I’m ready.”

Teddy laughed and shook her head.

“I have feelings for you, and I think you have feelings for me. C’mon now. ‘Fess up. Didn’t your heart go pitter-patter when we were dancing just now?”

A shiver passed through her. He definitely could read minds.

The restaurant owner placed Teddy’s meal in front of her, warning Teddy of the hot plate—golden-fried chile relleno on a salsa roja sauce, rice, and a cup of smoky borracho beans. Steam rose from Jack’s red snapper, Huachinanga a la Vera Cruzana , carrying the scent of tomato sauce, lemon, olives, bell and chili peppers. His glance met hers as he inhaled a deep breath of his sizzling food.

Teddy bit her tongue. Daniel had never done anything even remotely romantic, unless you counted the time he bought her a dress from Neiman’s, which she didn’t. He only purchased the dress because he wanted her to upgrade her wardrobe. Why even think about Daniel? She didn’t need to justify their breakup. Their split had nothing to do with Jack.

“This is wonderful. I—” Teddy’s voice cracked.

He lifted his hand. “I hear a ‘but’ coming on, and I won’t have it. We’re on our first date. Second if you count the concert. Don’t over-think this. Just enjoy yourself.” He sawed off a piece of his fish.

“My thoughts exactly.” Teddy took in a deep breath.

Jack raised his glass.

Her heart pitter-patted in double-time, just as Jack predicted. He read her so well. However, the reverse wasn’t true. Teddy waited a beat to control her breathing.

“I worried you weren’t coming back. That you went back to Daniel.”

“I thought we were just going to enjoy ourselves.”

“Just one last question. You really changed your mind because of the story you read in the Vietnamese restaurant?”

“Yes.” She nodded, this time keeping her eyes on his. “Besides Pops, this place is my family. Barb, Walt, Dot, the birds.” Her eyes welled with tears, and she blinked them away.

“I wouldn’t mind being part of that family.” Jack touched her hand and squeezed it. “Just give me a chance.”