Chapter 5
Run Ins
Trevor
I probably shouldn’t bethis disappointed that Cakes didn’t show up before Jess and I had to leave. I still have things to sort out in my head and a divorce to handle before I come face-to-face with her.
However, as we ride down in this elevator to leave, I’m in a sour mood. Moses was happy Jess and I stopped by. He looked tired and a bit gnat, but that spark was in his eyes, and the man kept saying how ready he was to go home.
Good thing Dr. Curry is a friend of the family and knows the moment that man returns to the ranch, he’ll try to work it. I doubt they will release him anytime soon.
“Oh no,” Jess gasps as the doors to the elevator open.
“What happened, baby girl?” I ask, looking over my shoulder as I step out.
“I forgot my textbook. I need to go back.”
“I’ll come with you,” I say, turning to get back in the car.
“No, you get the truck. I’ll be quick. I don’t want to wake Pop-pop. I just need to grab my book.”
“All right, I’ll be waiting out front.”
I need to make some calls to check in on a few sites. We have a couple of houses going up and a new building downtown. I haven’t been on site in a few days.
I pull my phone and start for the parking garage. I’m sending off a text when I overhear a male voice ask for the room of Moses Galveston. I turn to find a big burly guy at the reception desk.
He looks around, and his green eyes land on me. He gives a nod, and I return it. I don’t know him, but he looks a bit familiar. I shrug it off as I reply to a text that comes in. Then my phone rings with a call I need to take.
I walk outside and head for my truck, my mood still sour from not getting to see Cakes. I can’t help wondering how long she intends to be here. I hope I have time to work my shit out.
* * *
Lynn
I slept like crap.My mind has been racing with what my daddy will need. Who’s going to take care of the ranch? How long will I need to be here? Then the worse part.
Will I make it back home without running into Trevor? And how is his daughter so close to my family? I mean, it was so clear to see she knows my grandmother and father intimately. Like family.
What has been going on here in my absence? Now that the shock has worn off, I’d like to ask the girl so many questions. I know that’s the coward’s way out.
Asking her is easy. She clearly doesn’t know our past and she can’t force information I don’t want on me. Not like if I ask Elise, Maggie, or my family.
“You better get moving,” Elise calls into my bedroom.
I’m sitting on the edge of the bed looking crazy. I tossed and turned all night. Wanting to see my daddy to at least know what’s going on, I drag my exhausted body from the bed and head for the shower. Hopefully some hot water will release some of this tension and relieve these aches in my bones.
“I’m in Texas,” I breathe to myself as the water cascades down my body.
The weight of that statement only increases the heaviness I feel. I work through my shower in a daze. Concern for the ranch really begins to set in.
My father doesn’t have anyone to pass it down to. I would be next in line. It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself to even think of my family’s ranch.
I know mama and daddy would never force me into running the ranch, but if I don’t, then who? It’s been in our family for so many generations. I wouldn’t want to lose that. I need to talk to Matthew and see if he can help me figure out my options for my family’s legacy.
I’m lost in thought as I step back into the bedroom. I nearly jump out of my skin when I find Maggie waiting for me. Startled, I place a hand over my heart and try to catch my breath.
“Why so jumpy?”
“I have a lot on my mind.”
“Like a certain sexy-ass blue-eyed construction worker?”
“Don’t you start too. I told you guys I don’t want to know anything about him,” I mumble.
“Girl, that ship has sailed. You do know that was his oldest last night. Them babies love your family. You’re gonna run into them even if you manage to avoid their daddy,” she says as she places her hands on her hips.
I throw my hands in the air. “And how the heck did that happen?”
“You gave him up. That’s still family to your folks. Them kids didn’t do anything. They shouldn’t be punished. Trev needed help, and your folks stepped in.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for years. Trev is?—”
“Not another word. I don’t want to know. What am I wearing?”
Maggie sighs, then mumbles under her breath. “I can’t wait until he gets his hands on you. Grr.” She then turns and picks up the outfit she laid out for me. “Here, I’ll tackle that head once you put this on.”
I take the high-waisted jeans and top she hands me, noting the heels she placed at the foot of the bed for me. I get dressed and shake my head. The jeans are skin-tight, and the top is a crop top baring my stomach.
I’m not the little twig I was when I was last home. At thirty-eight, I’ve come into my grown-woman weight. Because of the label and the image they want me to keep, I do have a trainer.
My workouts have kept my breasts perky, but my hips haven’t gone anywhere, much to the label’s displeasure. I do a lot of photoshoots and video footage from the waist up these days.
I’m not willing to get lipo or anything else that will alter my natural body. Take me or leave me. My voice is my voice. I’ve been firm on that for years.
In my culture, I’m not even that big. I’m what you would consider slim, thick. I’m still not as tall as my sister was, but I’m fine with that.
“Damn,” Matthew says as he comes to knock on the door and pops his head in as I step into the heels.
“And I haven’t even touched her hair,” Maggie coos.
“You don’t think this is a bit much for a visit to the hospital?” I mumble.
“That’s what the duster sweater is for. I’ve got this. Now come on and let me tackle that hair.”
I shake my head at her but move to allow her to get me together. I sit and look at Matthew expectantly. He clears his throat.
“The car is downstairs waiting. The one you wanted me to rent for the team to use will be here this afternoon. All they had was a Mini Coop, and we all know I’m not fitting in that. They’re expecting an SUV back this morning.”
“Thanks, Matt. Let Wilson know we don’t need the entire team for this. I don’t want to draw too much attention.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve talked. I’ve got you covered.”
“Is there room for me? I’d like to see Moses,” Maggie says.
“I don’t see why not. Elise is coming,” Matt replies.
“Give us twenty and I’ll have her ready. We’ll be right out.”
“Do your thing, Mags,” he says.
I take a deep breath and allow my body to relax. I have my team, my friends around me, and things always come together when they’re near.
***
We pullup to the hospital, and my heart is racing. Matt’s phone rings right as we stop. Wilson gets out to usher us into the hospital. Matt murmurs he needs to take the call and will catch up. With a nod, I follow Wilson into the hospital.
Elise gets the information we need, and we head up to my father’s room. I’m fidgety as we ride up. My palms turn sweaty as we walk to his room.
“Oh, hey, Miss Galveston.”
“Hi, Jess, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was just grabbing my textbook I forgot. Pop-pop Moses is napping, and your mama stepped out to get something to eat.”
“You said you’re studying education, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m the oldest of four. I’ve always helped my daddy out with my siblings. I figured I’d make a good teacher.”
“But your heart wants to sing,” I say as a statement, not a question.
Her eyes light up just as I thought they would. I know that look—I used to have it when I was her age. She becomes completely animated.
“Yes, ma’am. I love music. I would love to sing. I’m not sure if I’m a strong songwriter, but I think I’m a decent singer and guitar player,” she says.
“You play?”
“Yes, ma’am. My daddy bought me my first guitar when I was about five. Your mama started my lessons.”
“Then I know you can play. Come by my room after your next shift. You can play and sing for me.”
“Really, ma’am? Are you sure? I don’t want to waste your time.” She covers her face with her hands and textbook. “Pop-pop said he would tell you about me. Or talk to your folks who helped you. I’m so shy, I told him not to.”
I chuckle. “Jess, it’s fine. Come by the room.”
“Oh my God. You’re so much nicer than I dreamed. Thank you, Miss Galveston.”
“Call me Lynn or Cakes like everyone else around here.”
Her eyes grow wide, and her lips form an O shape. Her cheeks turn crimson, and she begins to bounce on her toes. She’s so adorable.
“Can I call you Auntie Cakes? I’ve always dreamed of this moment. Of course, not like this.
“I mean, Pop-pop Moses was never in the hospital, but I dreamed you’d come back home, and you’d be like my cool aunt. Don’t tell Auntie Ann. She’d be so pissed. I just love you, ma’am.”
I can’t hold in my laugh. She really is sweet. Trevor did good. I give her a warm smile.
“Auntie Cakes has a nice ring, but that’s an honor I haven’t earned. We’ll get there,” I say and wink.
“Yes, ma’am, Miss Galveston. I mean, Miss Cakes. Can I give you a hug?”
“Yes, Jess.”
I open my arms and she rushes into them. She hugs me so tight, I can’t breathe for a moment. She releases me and takes a step back.
“Oh my God, I forgot Daddy is waiting for me. I’ll stop by after my next shift. Thank you so much, Miss Cakes. You’ve made my entire day.”
I force a smile as her words hit me in the chest. Trevor is here. Was he here to see Daddy?
I want to double over in pain. I had no idea it would hit me this hard. It’s like each year hits me in the gut. Punch after punch.
“I gotta go. See you later,” Jess sings and takes off.
Elise wraps an arm around my shoulders and tugs me into her side. I bury my face in her shoulder. I thought this pain had healed.
“You’re amazing. That was so sweet of you,” Elise murmurs into my hair.
“I need to see my daddy. I need to know what my family needs so I can go home,” I choke out.
“All right, honey. All right.”