Chapter Two
CHAPTER TWO
Driving an older model Ford Sedan, Annie had rolled through the town and checked into its only hotel under the name Angel Parker. She’d chosen Angel because that’s what Brody used to call her. It didn’t change even when he was upset with her. He’d take her wrists, hold them behind her back and say, “Does my naughty Angel need a spanking?” She’d flush bright red and argue, but all the while she’d be craving his special brand of attention.
Dropping her overnight bag on the bed, she moved across to the window and peered into the street. Even wearing the black wig, sunglasses and hat, she was afraid someone might have recognized her. If word got out it would be mayhem. She didn’t mind the fans and excitement, but she had to stay hidden. If word leaked out to the national media and her whereabouts became public knowledge she shuddered to think what might happen.
Taking a deep breath, she kicked off her shoes and stretched out on the bed. She was desperate to call Brody, but she was exhausted from the endless drive. She needed to catch her breath and collect her thoughts. The conversation wouldn’t be easy.
She also longed to call her parents, but it wouldn’t be safe, not for them, and certainly not for her. There was only one haven, and only one person who could save her. Brody’s ranch, and Brody himself.
Sinking into the bed she said a silent prayer of thanks for arriving in her home town safely. So many things could have gone wrong, from being seen leaving her palatial home, to a flat tire on the drive, or even engine trouble, yet nothing did. But now she’d have to face her past mistakes. She didn’t doubt Brody would help her, but when the dust settled just how angry would he be?
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she told herself to relax and nap, but after a few fruitless minutes she realized it wasn’t going to happen. Reaching into her overnight bag, she pulled out the phone she’d bought on the long trip, stared at the keypad for a moment, then with her pulse ticking up, she placed the call.
* * *
Brody had brewed a fresh pot of coffee and was pouring himself a cup when he heard the familiar song. Sweet Home Alabama was his ringtone. Lifting it from his pocket and seeing the caller was unknown he almost clicked it off, but suddenly had a strong feeling he should accept the call.
“Brody King.”
“Brody…it’s me…Annie.”
An unfamiliar tightness gripped his chest, and try as he might he couldn’t find his voice.
“I know this is a shock and I’m sorry to call you out of the blue but I really need to see you. I’m here in town. Are you busy? Can I come over?”
“Annie…what the hell?” he muttered.
“I’m in trouble. I know I have no right to come to you but, uh, I didn’t know who else to call or where to go.”
He could hear the threat of tears in her voice, and as the shock began to wear off he realized she also sounded scared. The Annie he knew was fearless. Nothing frightened her. He’d often thought that’s why she’d become so successful.
But a flash of anger unexpectedly rippled through him.
While their communication had become sporadic, over the last year he hadn’t heard from her. Not even after sending her a birthday and Christmas card. Nor had she answered the couple of texts he’d sent. He’d only wanted to make sure she was okay, but she had completely ignored him.
It had hurt.
Deeply.
“I see. So now, after ghosting me you want my help.”
“I didn’t ghost you, I swear.”
“Ignored me then. I’m not sure there’s a difference.”
“I’m so sorry. I can explain, honestly I can. Just not over the phone. Please, if I ever meant anything to you let me come over.”
“If you ever meant anything to me? Are you serious? Dammit, girl, you know how much I loved you. At least, I thought you did. Maybe I was wrong.”
“No, no, you weren’t wrong. But…okay…” she mumbled with a sniffle. “If you don’t want to see me I get it. I don’t blame you, I don’t. Just believe me when I say it’s not what you think.”
He paused.
She sounded panicky.
“Annie, it’s fine, you can come,” he said quickly, realizing she wouldn’t have called him unless she absolutely had to.
“I thought—”
“When did you arrive in town?”
“About thirty-minutes ago.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes.”
“Where are you?”
“At the hotel.”
“Did you drive?”
“Yes.”
“How long were you on the road?”
“I’m not sure. It was endless. Nine, maybe ten hours. Feels like longer though.”
“Have you called anyone else?”
“Oh, no. Just you. No-one can find out I’m here.”
He took a breath.
She’d driven all the way from Nashville, or New York or Hollywood, wherever she’d been, completely alone without stopping then called him. Not her family. Something was horribly wrong.
“Annie, check out and come here.”
“Really?”
“From what you just said you don’t want anyone to know you’re in town.”
“No, I don’t. And it’s really important.”
”Edith Swanson has already called mom and claims to have seen you. If she spotted you someone else might too.”
“Oh, no, this is terrible.”
“Mind you, she was your teacher for ten years, but regardless, if you’d be more comfortable here it’s fine with me.”
“You’re not angry with me anymore?”
“Sure I am, but that’s beside the point. I’ll open the garage door. You can pull in when you arrive.”
“Brody, I don’t know what to say. Thank you. This means the world to me.”
“I’ll see you when you get here.”