15. Beau
Chapter 15
Beau
F or the past two days I’d been spending the majority of my time out back of the house with my smoker. The steer we’d butchered for the competition turned out to be a good choice, the meat nice and naturally tender, which already gave me a leg up on my competition. I’d been practicing on smaller cuts of beef, making sure I got everything just right. Thankfully there was a massive pile of wood stacked just for such occasions. I had no doubt my father had it trucked in before he even told me about signing me up for the competition again. As irritating as he could be, at least he was prepared.
Usually, I savored those moments by myself, out at the smoker, just doing what I did best. But this year things were different. My mind was almost always on Lucas and my heart and body wanted to be near him, not stuck around a hunk of beef all day stinking of wood smoke.
I couldn’t help my mind wandering back to that night in the back of my rusty old pickup, just the two of us making love under the stars. God, it was a beautiful memory and one I wanted to repeat desperately. But between his work and my competition, we hadn’t had been able to find another private moment together. The fair was in full swing, and Lucas spent nearly every day with Logan, scouting it for people to join their company’s food festival.
That was something I’d been meaning to ask him about too, but Lucas was pretty shy about it. I had a feeling he didn’t want to get my hopes up, or his. If the food festival didn’t get approved or whatever, he might never have another reason to come back to Sagebrush. I was desperate to help him to make sure he did come back someday. But short of starting my own restaurant, there was little I could do but point him toward the best cooks I knew.
However, as luck would have it, Lucas had texted me earlier in the day. It seemed he wanted me to meet him at Dolly’s diner later that night for an impromptu date. I was a bit nervous about meeting some place so public, especially since I knew Dolly better than anyone else in Sagebrush. But I figured that wasn’t our destination. Dolly’s always closed early on Sundays. Most likely we’d be driving out into the country again. Either way, I didn’t care. I just wanted to spend more time with that beautiful smile and those gorgeous green eyes full of stardust.
I never thought I was the kind of man that could be so smitten. But there I was, unable to think of anything else other than Lucas and his perfectly kissable lips.
However, that sweet thought was torn away as I heard the unmistakable sound of tires crunching on gravel. Figuring it was Pa or Frank coming back from town, I headed around the corner of the house. But the moment my eyes fell on the candy apple red Cadillac my heart stopped dead in my chest.
Bouncing perfect blonde curls, fair skin, and a white dress stepped out of the car. Then, as if she had a sixth sense, Amber May turned, her piercing blue eyes landing on me instantly.
“Beaufort Matthew Turner,” she called, that bright white smile flashing my way. “Why aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
“Hey Amber May,” I said, shifting uncomfortably on the spot.
She was literally the last person on the face of the planet I ever wanted to see again. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her, she was a kind person. But she was also the kind of woman that didn’t take no for an answer. Whatever Amber May wanted, she got. And her sights, it seemed, were still set on me. It was intimidating to say the very least.
“How’re you doin’, darlin’?” she called, walking over in a pair of white heels that looked too clean to be allowed on our dusty ranch. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”
I swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. “I'm doin' just fine, Amber May. What brings you out this way?”
She sashayed closer, her hips swaying in that dress that seemed painted on. “Oh, you know me, Beau. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to see how my favorite cowboy was doing.”
I resisted the urge to take a step back as she approached, her flowery perfume overwhelming the scent of wood smoke that clung to my clothes. “That's mighty kind of you, but I'm actually pretty busy right now. Got a competition comin' up and?—”
“The barbecue contest?” Amber May's eyes lit up. “Why, I'd love to help you practice! You know I've always been your biggest fan.”
My stomach churned at the thought. “I appreciate the offer, but wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest? You know, since you’re judgin’ the contest and all.”
Her eyes glimmered devilishly. “I won’t tell no one if you don’t, darlin’.”
Then I actually did take a step back that time and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I wouldn’t be comfortable with that. I wanna win on my own merit.”
“Well,” she smiled. “You know who’ll be rootin’ for you.”
“Amber May!” a voice called from the house.
We both turned to see Mabel walking down the front porch steps, heading our way. I breathed a sigh of relief. The chances of Mabel rescuing me from Amber May were zero, but at least I wouldn’t be alone with her anymore. Ever since I turned down her proposal, I just couldn’t stand to be around her for long. It made me feel so… anxious. Like if I talked to her for too long, she’d figure out why I turned her down in the first place and then my secret would be out. That was the last thing I wanted to happen.
Amber May's smile widened as she saw Mabel approaching. “Well, if it isn't Miss Mabel! How are you, darlin'?”
Mabel's eyes darted between Amber May and me, a knowing look crossing her weathered features. “I'm just fine, thank you. What brings you out to our neck of the woods?”
“Oh, you know me,” Amber May giggled, tossing her golden curls. “I can never stay away from Beau for too long. Thought I'd stop by and see how he's doin' with his barbecue prep.”
I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Mabel's gaze. She knew full well about my history with Amber May. And she, probably more than anyone, wanted to see the two of us get together. That’s why, when I saw the concerned glance in my direction, I couldn’t help cocking my head to the side in confusion.
“Well, that's mighty thoughtful of you,” Mabel said, her tone carefully neutral. “But I think you and I better go inside and catch up so this boy can get back to work.” She glanced over at me again. “And don’t get too carried away. You’ve got that meetin’ tonight.”
“Ooh, what sort of meetin’?” Amber May asked, covering up her intrusiveness with a tone of polite curiosity. “Did you go and get a girlfriend on me?”
I could see the fire in her eyes, and I opened my mouth to try to lie my way out of it. But Mabel beat me to the punch.
“Actually, he’s workin’ with a big company in New York about a food festival. They sent a nice young man to scout, and he’s taken a shine to Beau. Of course, as a three-time barbecue champion, he’d be a fool not to.”
“Well, that does sound interestin’!”
Mabel wrapped her arm around Amber’s shoulders, pulling her toward the house. “Come on in and I’ll tell ya all about it.”
“Bye Beau!” Amber May called over her shoulder.
I waved back, but didn’t say anything. However, the moment both of them were back inside and I was out of sight, I let out the breath I’d been holding. My heart was still racing and my blood a bit icy. Nothing like having the one person I was most afraid of sneaking up on me like that. Thank goodness for Mabel or I never would’ve escaped.
But then again, why did Mabel get me out of it? That wasn’t usually her style when it came to Amber May. More often than not, she was trying to force us together. So, what caused her to change her tune so suddenly without warning?
As I pondered Mabel's sudden change of heart, I heard the screen door creak open. I tensed, worried Amber May had managed to slip away from Mabel's grasp. But it was Frank who ambled down the porch steps, his weathered cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes.
“You alright there, son?” he called out, his voice gruff but kind.
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just... surprised is all.”
Frank chuckled, coming to stand beside me. “I reckon so. That Amber May's got a way of catchin' a fella off guard.”
We stood in companionable silence for a moment, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the yard. I could smell the smoky aroma of the barbecue wafting over, reminding me of the work I still had to do. I stepped over to the smoker, Frank standing beside me as I checked the temperature one last time.
“Looks like it should be ready,” I said, glancing up at him. “Want to try it?”
“Boy,” he said, shaking his head with a smile. “If I ever say no to that, you put me in the ground because I’m already dead.”
We both laughed as I reached in, peeling back the aluminum foil. Inside was a small slab of brisket covered in a dry rub of my own making. It had been slow cooking all day, marinating in its own juices until it had reached a level of tender that bordered on heavenly. With a small fork I reached in, tearing a piece away as if it were made of butter. I held it up to Frank, letting him have the first bite. He took it with a smile, popping the piece of brisket into his mouth.
“Goddamn…” he sighed, tears coming to his eyes. “Lord have mercy. ”
“It’s okay then?” I chuckled.
“Okay?!” he scoffed. “You could barter with the devil himself and get anything you wanted with that.” He handed the fork back to me. “Good thing you’re too good a kid for that.”
“I’m also nearly thirty,” I grinned, taking a bite of the brisket for myself.
“You’re still a kid to me. Always will be.”
I patted Frank on the shoulder, giving him a smile before popping the brisket into my mouth. The familiar flavors swirled over my tongue, coalescing into an experience that was, in my humble opinion, pretty damn good. On top of that the meat was tender, juicy, and nearly melted as soon as it touched my lips. It was as good as my last winning brisket. And now I just had to recreate it for the big day.
But I didn't have much time to worry about that. The sun was starting to dip low on the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. I needed to get cleaned up for my meeting with Lucas.
“Y’all can have this for dinner if you like,” I said, wrapping the foil back around the brisket. “I’m meetin’ Lucas tonight.”
Frank’s eyes lit up, as if I’d said something interesting. “You and him spend a lot of time together, huh?”
“Yeah. I suppose.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen two men become such fast friends. Took me nearly six months to like your father when I started here.”
It wasn’t like Frank to comment on things like that. Something about the way he looked at me made me nervous, like he knew something he wasn’t saying.
“He’s a nice guy,” I replied, not willing to go any further.
Frank nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his weathered mouth. “That he is. A real nice fella.” He paused, his eyes searching mine. “You know, Beau, I've known you since you were just a little screamin’ thing fresh home from the hospital. I've seen you grow into a fine young man. And I want you to know... well, I want you to know that you can always talk to me. About anything. Same goes for Mabel and your father. We love you like you was our own.”
My heart skipped a beat. Was Frank trying to tell me something? Did he suspect...? I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “I appreciate that, Frank. Really, I do.”
He clapped me on the shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “Good. Now, you better get yourself cleaned up. Don't want to keep that city boy waiting.”
I nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape the suddenly charged atmosphere. As I headed towards the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that Frank knew more than he was letting on. The way he'd emphasized “anything” and that knowing look in his eyes... it was unsettling.
Inside, I quickly showered and changed, trying to push my worries aside. I had a date with Lucas to look forward to, after all. As I buttoned up a fresh shirt, I heard muffled voices from downstairs - Mabel and Amber May were still chatting. I'd have to sneak out the back to avoid another encounter.
Just as I was about to head out, there was a soft knock at my bedroom door. “Beau? Can I come in for a sec?” It was Mabel.
I hesitated for a moment before answering, “Sure, come on in.”
Mabel entered, closing the door softly behind her. Her eyes swept over me, taking in my freshly showered appearance and nicer clothes. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth.
“You look handsome,” she said, her tone warm. “I just wanted to check on you before you headed out. I know Amber May's visit was... unexpected.”
I nodded, running a hand through my damp hair. “Yeah, it was. Thanks for runnin' interference back there.”
Mabel's smile widened. “Of course, honey. I know things between you two are... complicated.” She paused, seeming to choose her next words carefully. “I hope you know that your happiness is what's most important to me. To all of us. ”
There was something in her eyes, a knowing look that made my heart race. I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.
“Thanks, Mabel,” I managed to say. “That means a lot.”
“Good,” she smiled. “Now you best get goin’ before you’re late!” She swatted me as I slipped out the door. “And tell Lucas to come by for dinner this week! That boy’s too damn skinny!”
“Yes ma’am!”