A Second Helping (21 page)

However, when she got to the small town where they were all being held, she took one look at Riley languishing in the cell in his orange jumpsuit, and her heart melted. “Hey, Riley,” she said.

His face brightened. “Hi, Stasia.” Then he turned glum again. “Sorry about taking Chocolate, but Cletus wouldn't leave without her. You know how he is.”

“I do. They treating you okay here?”

“Well as can be expected, I guess. How are you?”

“Better now that I've seen Chocolate and know she's all right.”

“I suppose by now you know all about why Cletus and I were running from the police and what happened back up in Kansas.”

“Yes, but I'd like to hear your side.”

So he gave her his side, and mostly told the truth. He left out the parts about why Genevieve left him and Cletus running roughshod over him and the house. “Cletus was just protecting us. He sat on Prell out of self-defense.”

“Hogs can be that way.”

“I didn't think the county would believe me and would put Cletus down, so we hotfooted it out of there.”

“And then you met me in the parking lot that day.”

“Yep. And you and Chocolate were so nice to us. Sorry I had to lie to you and run off without telling you good-bye like I did.”

“I understand why you thought you had to.”

“Thanks for the lawyer too. Court's gonna appoint me a new one once the extradition papers get signed and I'm sent back. Been nice knowing you, Stasia.”

“Hold up, pardner. You're not getting rid of me that quickly. I'm going to hire the best defense team since O.J. and we're going to get you and Cletus out of this mess.”

Riley stared, “You mean that?”

“Have I ever said anything I didn't back up?”

“But Stasia, why?”

“Because you're my man, Riley Curry, and a woman always stands by her man. Once this is all settled, we're going to plan another wedding, but this time, it'll be me and you.”

It occurred to Riley that he'd never mentioned a word to her about Genevieve. “Got something else you need to know.”

She didn't let him finish. “About your wife, Genevieve? I know all about her. Divorcing her shouldn't be hard.”

“Divorce? I was raised Catholic, Stasia. I don't know if I can do that to Genevieve.”

“Apparently, Genevieve isn't Catholic. I talked to the prosecutor's office up in Graham County. Genevieve's already filed for divorce.”

“What! Why that ungrateful—”

“Let's just forget about her for now. We need to concentrate on seeing if my legals can get you out on bond. If not, I'll meet you in Graham County and be there until this ends.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

He smiled. “I feel a lot better knowing you're in this with me.”

“Wouldn't have it any other way.”

R
ay got paid Friday morning, and after lunch he and Siz headed over to Franklin to cash their checks. Once that was accomplished they got back in Siz's rust bucket and Ray asked, “Do you know if there's a flower shop around here?”

“There's one on Main. Who are you buying flowers for?”

“Ms. Brown and Ms. Rock.”

“You trying to hit on them?”

“Not that it's any of your business but I just want to show them my appreciation.”

“You know Ms. Brown is Mr. July's lady, right?”

“Don't mean I can't buy her flowers.”

“No, but I don't want you to get it twisted.”

“You just drive and stay out of grown folks' business.”

Siz shook his head and drove back to Henry Adams.

“Drop me at the Power Plant,” Ray told him. “I'll walk back to the Dog.”

Siz let him out and Ray went inside.

Although he'd been in town only a few days, he'd de
cided it was time to test the waters. If he couldn't get Brown to bite on his charms, he'd get to her through Crystal. From what he'd seen of their relationship, the two seemed very close. His question was how many dollars did that closeness equate to. Ray had no morals, and if he had to snatch Crystal in order to get paid, so be it.

“Ms. Brown?”

Bernadine looked up from her desk. “Hey, Otis. How are you?”

“Doing good. Just wanted to give you these.”

Her mouth dropped. Taking the wrapped roses, she studied them for a moment before turning her attention on him. “They're lovely. What did I do to deserve them?”

“My way of saying thanks for helping me get back on my feet. Got some for Rocky too. Do you like them?”

“I do.” She set them on her desk. “I'm going to put these in a vase ASAP.”

“You know, you're a real classy lady. Never met anybody like you before. Sure would like to get to know you better.”

He watched her eyes evaluate him for a moment before asking with a smile, “Are you hitting on me, Otis?”

He gave her his famous grin. “Trying to.”

“That's so sweet, but I'm in a real good relationship with your boss. I am flattered though.”

“Okay. I recognize no when I hear it.”

“No hard feelings?”

“None.”

“Good, because I understand you're doing a great job over at the Dog and at the school. Even though you've only
been here a few days, I'm hoping you'll stay and become a member of the community.”

“I'm thinking about it. I like it here. Kinda slow, though.”

“I agree, but once you get used to it, it's not that bad.”

“Gonna take your word for it.” He paused and checked her out in her suit and gold. “Sure I don't have a chance with you?”

She laughed. “Go back to work, Otis. Thanks for the beautiful roses.”

“Can't fault a man for trying. You have a good day, Ms. Brown.”

“You too.”

Walking back to the Dog, Ray had to give it to her. She'd handled him like the class act that she was. She hadn't gotten offended or cussed him out for trying to hit on her, but he got the sense that she would trust him a little bit more after this, so that was good. Now, to work on Crystal.

 

Mal swung by Bernadine's office to make sure they were still on for dinner that evening. The roses on her desk were impossible to miss. “Where'd you get the roses?”

“From Otis of all people. Aren't they gorgeous.”

“Why's he giving you flowers?”

She studied his face for a moment. “Just to say thanks for the job and helping him out. He did try and hit on me but that was beside the point.”

“Hit on you?”

“It was harmless. I wasn't offended, and he was very sweet about it when I told him I was in a committed relationship with you.”

“I'm going to kick his ass.”

“No, you are not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No, you are not. What will that prove?”

“That Otis needs to get his own woman.”

“You're jealous?” she asked, sounding surprised.

“Damn straight.”

He saw her trying to hide her smile as she said, “He gave Rocky roses too. You going to kick his behind twice now that you know that? He was just saying thanks, Mal.”

“Yeah, right. I'll be talking to him.”

“This is not anything for you to be all bent out of shape about. He's been doing a nice job and I don't need you going Neanderthal over a bunch of roses.”

Mal stared off.

“Stop tripping. The only man I care about is you.”

He met her eyes.

“Promise,” she added, then sighed. “Didn't know you were the jealous type.”

“I didn't either. Never felt this way about a woman before, Bernadine, and frankly, it's scaring me to death.”

She chuckled. “Why's that?”

“Not used to thinking about a woman all day, wanting to see that woman all day. Not usually in that deep. If she doesn't call, fine. If she kicks me to the curb for someone else, I'm okay with it because another one will come along, but you, you're different. You got me going in circles. Remember that old Friends of Distinction tune?”

“I do.”

“That's me,” and he sang the chorus, “Round and round and round.”

“Nice voice.”

He nodded, then said seriously, “I guess what I'm saying is that I want what we have going between us to work out.”

“As do I, Mal, so you have nothing to fear from the town handyman.”

He sighed. “Pretty silly, huh?”

“I think it's kinda cute. Never had a man get all worked up over me this way.”

“Well, I'm worked up in more ways than one. Just so you'll know.”

“Noted,” she said. “We're not going there just yet, but we'll revisit the subject at the appropriate time.”

Both of their faces shone with the affection they felt for each other. “So are we still on for dinner tonight?” she asked.

“Yeah, call me when you get home.”

“I will, and Mal?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for letting me know how much you care.”

“No problem.”

Mal left the Power Plant and went directly back to the Dog. He found Otis at the apartment.

“What's wrong?”

“You bought my lady flowers.”

“Yeah. Just a thank-you. Nothing more.”

“Next time, use words.”

“Hey, I'm sorry. Didn't know you were going to trip.”

“Now you do. Don't do it again.”

“Damn. You that insecure?”

Mal's jaw tightened. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Hey, if you and Ms. Brown are as tight as you say you are, a bunch of flowers from me shouldn't make you flip out.”

“I'm not flipping out. I'm just letting you know what time it is.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Soon as Jack moves into his house, you're outta here. You can live in the trailer next to Rocky.”

“The flowers were just a thank-you, man. That's all.”

“I heard you the first time. Just make sure you heard me. Stay away from Bernadine.”

“Okay.”

Mal slammed the door on his way out.

As the reverberation faded away, Ray smiled. Who knew that playing Satan in July's Garden of Eden would be so much fun.

Mal was still fuming as he drove away and headed out to Clay and Bing's to check on their sick milk cow. He knew he was way over the top on this roses thing with Otis but he couldn't seem to help himself. Bernadine Brown had him turned inside out. If he thought he was in uncharted territory last summer when he first began having feelings for her, he was so far off the map now, he might as well have been circling Saturn. This was a mess. Up until that afternoon, he would have said he didn't have a jealous bone in his body. Liar. He wanted to smack Otis into next week for even looking at Bernadine, let alone buying her roses. He fought to remember whether he'd taken his blood pressure
meds that morning. Being with her was going to give him a heart attack.

 

After school, Trent drove Amari to Tamar's. As they parked and then walked around to the back of the truck to remove the tent, hatchet, and an overnight bag holding his toiletries and changes of clothing, Amari began feeling anxious.

Trent knew his foster son well enough to sense his moods and so asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just not sure how this is going to go.”

“It's going to be fun.”

Amari wasn't so sure but he kept the doubts to himself. “What time are you picking me up?”

“Tamar will bring you home.”

“Oh.”

Trent gave his thin shoulders a quick squeeze. “You'll be okay, but do something for me and keep an eye on her. She thinks she walks on water but those feet of hers will be eighty-six come December. Don't let her do too much.”

It never occurred to Amari that someone would have to look out for Tamar. She was bigger than life in his eyes. “Okay, Dad.”

“Did you charge your phone like I asked?”

“Yep.”

“Good, in case of an emergency you can get in touch. But remember, you're not allowed to be on the phone for any other reason while you're doing this though. No texting Preston in the middle of the night. Understood?”

“Understood.”

Tamar stepped out onto the porch. “Hey there, Amari. Are you ready?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Good. Got all your stuff?”

“I think so.”

“Then load it in Olivia's bed.” Olivia was Tamar's pickup.

Once the transfer was made, she said, “Tell your dad good-bye, then come on in the house.”

Amari looked up at Trent. “Feel like I'm getting ready to be shipped off with the army.”

Trent pulled him close for one last hug. “See you Sunday. Take care of Tamar.”

“I will.”

Amari watched him drive away, and only afterward did he climb the steps and enter the house.

“You're looking kinda down, Amari.”

“Just not sure what this is going to be like.”

“You're not supposed to. If we knew how everything in life was going to turn out beforehand, our existence would be pretty boring, don't you think?”

“I guess.”

“Life is an adventure, and you can't stop living it just because you don't know what's coming next or what's waiting around the corner. The Dusters didn't know what they were getting themselves into by moving West, but if they hadn't taken a chance there'd be no Henry Adams, and you and your dad would never have met.”

“Never thought about it like that.”

“That's what some of this weekend is going to be about, thinking about stuff.”

He smiled, and when she smiled back, Amari felt himself relax a bit.

“You grab that cooler and I'll carry this water.”

He looked at the cut-off cardboard box that held the plastic wrapped bottles. “How about I take the cooler out and then come back for the water.”

“Your dad tell you not to let me do too much?”

“Yeah.”

“I appreciate that. Shows he cares, but I can handle this. You get the cooler.”

Amari found the cooler to be very heavy.

“What's in here?” he groaned as the weight of it tested the strength in his young arms.

“Bit of this and that.”

“This and that need to lose some weight.”

Taking very short steps he managed to get the cooler out to the porch, but how to get it down the steps and over to Olivia and then into the bed of the truck wasn't going to be easy. He looked at the cooler and then through the screened door to see if she could see him. Hoping she couldn't, he quickly lifted the lid to see what was inside and found it filled with rocks! “Tamar!”

“Yes?”

He looked up to see her standing over him.

“Why do you have all these rocks in here?”

“Your first test.”

“Huh?”

“You passed the first part. Now, can you get the cooler to the truck?” She set down the box bottom filled with the bottles of water and took a seat on the porch's old sofa.
“We can't leave until you get this done, and remember, you have a tent to raise when we get where we're going. Nothing worse than trying to raise a tent in the dark.”

Amari looked at his watch. He still had a few hours before then. Turning his attention back to his task, he asked, “Did O.G. and my dad have to do this too?”

“Yep. One was better than the other, but both wound up taking so much time they had to put their tents up at night.”

He looked down at the cooler again, trying to figure out the riddle. “Can I use something to move it with?”

“Sure. The biggest part of their problem was they never opened the cooler though.”

He studied the cooler again and repeated to himself what she said.
They never opened the cooler.
He repeated it again, and then again. And then epiphany. “Oh hell!” he said, mad at himself. Seeing the censure in her eyes, he apologized for the cussing. “Sorry.”

“Figured it out?”

“Yeah. If I unload the rocks I can carry the cooler to the truck. Then I carry the rocks to the cooler until it's full again.”

“Very good. Now we can get going.”

“We're not taking the cooler?”

“Nothing we can do with a cooler filled with rocks, Amari.”

Carrying the water, she walked by him and down the steps. “You coming?”

He looked at her in shock then down at the cooler. Since she obviously had said all she intended to about the cooler,
he hustled to catch up because he wouldn't put it past her to leave without him.

With Tamar driving at the upper limits of the speedometer as she always did, they reached their destination in a short time, so short a time that Amari knew where he was. It was July land where he and his dad had gone fishing and hunting over the school break. The old picnic table he and his dad had eaten at was still there.