Walking on Sunshine (4 page)

“Well-deserved shunning, I'd say. I'm starting to like this town more and more.”

“I've lived here all my life and a lot of people have my back.” Laura Lee laughed. “So, do I still have the job?”

“Is there any doubt?”

“Is that a yes?”

A sudden thought hit Shane and he gazed at her for a few seconds.

“You're rethinking your hasty offer? If you want to interview more people, I fully understand.”

“Not at all.” Shane shook his head. “I was just thinking that I'm embarrassed that I need a personal assistant to remind me of things like this interview, for instance. And I can't cook worth a lick. How do you feel about working for me full-time as my personal assistant, cook, and housekeeper? I know it sounds like a lot, but I'm retired . . . well, sort of anyway . . . and those three positions can be rolled into one. Plus, I still have an agent and manager and a staff that manages my other investments. Although I won't be recording or touring any longer, I'll do an occasional endorsement and charity functions. You would have to keep track of those things for me through them. Just hand me a sheet of paper telling me what I have to do that day.”

“Oh my goodness.” Her eyes widened. “But I have other clients to clean for.”

“What kind of compensation would you need to give those up?”

“I don't know. I . . . um, what would my hours be?”

“A nine-to-five kind of thing mostly, but it could be flexible when you need it and of course you'd get vacation time. I eat breakfast after my morning run and I'm gone a lot too, so I won't be breathing down your neck. Lunch can be left in the fridge and dinner but only if I'll be here. If I don't have errands for you to run, you're welcome to use the pool and exercise room as part of your job perks. I might also need you to go to Sully's South or My Way Recording Studio with me once in a while.”

She put a hand to her chest. “This is so unexpected. I don't know what to say.”

“Would sixty thousand work?” Shane asked. He suspected his offer was much more than she was making.

Her pretty green eyes widened again. “I take that back. I do know what to say. Yes. I will take the job.”

Shane laughed again, thinking that he was going to like having Laura Lee Carter around in his daily life. He was a good judge of character, and his gut told him that she would do an excellent job and could be trusted. “So, can you start tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Shane extended his hand and as expected she gave him a good grip. “I'll give you some details so you know what to do.”

She nodded again but appeared slightly uneasy. “Um, when I said I was a good cook, I meant the basics, you know, home-style. I don't know how to do really fancy stuff.”

“Laura Lee, just to let you know I've always thought the whole celebrity thing to be a bunch of hogwash. I'm just a good ol' boy who can sing. Trust me, I'm really easy to work for. And I don't go for the fancy stuff. Simple home-cooked meals will be perfect.”

She let out a sigh of relief, making Shane smile. “Well, then I guess I'll see you tomorrow at nine. Make a list of your favorite meals and I'll go grocery shopping today. I'll leave a card for you with my e-mail address.”

“Will do. I would walk you out but if you don't mind I'm not quite dressed for it.”

Laura Lee laughed. “I can see myself out to my van.”

Shane watched her slosh through the pool and walk up the steps. When she had to pause to find a shoe, he found it hard not to laugh but somehow managed not to. He tried not to notice how her wet clothes clung to her tall, shapely body when she emerged from the shallow end of the pool but felt another pull of attraction. She seemed like a sweet, down-to-earth woman who had been put through the wringer. He sternly reminded himself that she was his employee and he needed to keep his hands to himself. Still, he was looking forward to her company.

She picked up her scattered papers, chasing one down in a sudden gust of wind. “Do you want these?”

“I know all I need to know,” Shane replied.

“Okay, then . . .” She slid her purse over her shoulder and gave him a crisp little nod that was at odds with her soggy status. “I'll be off.”

“I'll send the list. See you tomorrow morning, Laura Lee.” He had to grin when she sloshed away, leaving a wet trail in her wake.

Everybody's Got Somebody but Me

M
ATTIE SAT CROSS-LEGGED ON THE FL
OOR AT THE BACK
of the diner while browsing through the bottom shelf of the historical romance section of her books. “Hmm . . .” She pulled one out and looked at a long-haired, bare-chested pirate on the front. “I wonder if I've read this one,” she mused, and started reading the back cover. Mattie had a weakness for pirates and often imagined herself as the feisty heroine who after putting up a fight ended up having lusty sex with the swashbuckling hero. Tired to the bone after doing inventory, she wanted a book to read later that evening.

Rusty came over, flopped down, and rested his head on her thigh. “Ha. If you think that's gonna get you out of trouble you're dead wrong,” Mattie said, but then petted Rusty's head until she heard him sigh. When she stopped he raised his head and gave her that sad look that got to her every time. “You know I can't stay mad at you,” she said, and started scratching him behind the ears. While the old dog snored she started reading the first few pages of the story.

“Hey, Mattie, you here?” Rusty lifted his head at the
sound of Mason's voice and trotted to the front of the restaurant.

“In the back, Mason. Whatcha need?”

“You got any sexy shad? It's the only bait the bass seem to go for.”

“I'm all out,” Mattie shouted. “And would you let Rusty out?”

“Okay. Go on out, boy.”

A moment later Mattie looked up to see Mason standing over her with his arms crossed over his chest. “Don't give me that look.”

“You gotta be kidding me. I need shad-colored baits, Mattie.”

Mattie sighed. “Like you said, it's the go-to bait right now, so I'm sold out. Don't be so cranky. I've got some ordered.” She patted the floor next to her. “Pop a squat.”

Mason bent his long jean-clad legs and sat down next to Mattie. “Sorry for being such an ass. You know how I get when the fish don't bite. It's not fun to take somebody out fishing for the day and come up empty-handed.” He leaned in and gave her shoulder a shove. “I need to get you out on the water sometime soon.”

“I'd like that. Maybe do a little bit of night fishing.”

“You got it. We'll get Danny to come along. You can pay me back with some homemade fried chicken in Mama's cast-iron skillet. You talked to her or Dad lately?”

“Not in a day or two. They're practicing for a couples tournament coming up.”

Mason nodded and then grinned down at the book she was reading. “I remember picking up one of Mama's books she was reading and my eyes just about popped out of my head when I read a page or so.”

“Hey, it's the only action I'm getting right now, so don't knock it.”

“No! Just stop!” He put his hands over his ears and shook his head. “On that note I think I'm heading over to the Bass Pro Shop and get some lures. Let me know when you can go fishing.”

“I will. And I'll catch more than you and Danny put together.”

Mason stood up. “Ha, we'll see about that. Hey, you up for a bonfire soon?”

“Sure, let's do it.”

“I'll make some calls.”

“Sweet.”

“Catch ya later, little sis.”

Mattie grinned as she watched her brother walk away. When he opened the doors Rusty came back and flopped back down next to her. She did on rare occasion outfish them but not too often. It sure would be a treat to get out on the water if only she could find the time. With a sigh Mattie went back to reading her book.

“Mattie? Yoo-hoo, are you here, girlie?”

“Back by the books, Laura Lee.” Mattie grinned when she looked up and saw her mother's best friend. Laura Lee Carter was one of her favorite people in the whole world. “Get over here and pick out a book.” She patted the space on the opposite side of where Rusty snored.

Laura Lee angled her head to check out the cover of the book. “Ah, pirates. Good choice.”

“Well, you're the one who turned me on to romance novels when I was in high school. If my mama had known what I was reading, she would have thrown a hissy fit,” Mattie said with a giggle.

Laura Lee put a fingertip to her lips. “Shhh, don't tell on me.”

“Never,” Mattie whispered, and Laura Lee laughed. She was such a wonderful person and had been put through so much. But through it all she'd managed to keep a smile on her face and her chin up.

Laura Lee picked up a book with a handsome Highlander on the cover. “Give me a man in a kilt,” she said, and wiggled her eyebrows.

“Aren't you going to read the back?”

“I don't need to,” Laura Lee replied, and hugged the
book to her chest. She reached over and patted Mattie's thigh. “So, how are you doing?”

“Fine.” Mattie was a little startled by the question. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, I don't know.” Laura Lee tilted her head to the side. “I haven't seen that pretty smile of yours as often as I'd like. Anything bothering you, sweetie?”

“Well . . .” Mattie ran her fingers over the glossy cover for a moment and finally said, “I'd like to have a man in my life other than book boyfriends, I guess.” She knew she could tell Laura Lee anything and she wouldn't breathe a word of it. “And I suppose I get kinda lonely for girl talk,” she added with a little shrug. Mattie wasn't high on feeling sorry for herself, but when Laura Lee gave her a quick hug Mattie felt tightness in her chest.

“You know you can call me any time of the day or night with anything you need to talk about, Mattie.”

“I sure do know that, Laura Lee.” Mattie gave a smile, but it wobbled just a bit at the corners. She wasn't much of a crier either, but she had to swallow sudden hot emotion in her throat. “It's just that so many of my girlfriends are getting married and starting families. I mean, I'm in no hurry for that, but they don't get out as much and when they come over for bonfires down by the river, it seems that everybody's got somebody but me.”

Laura Lee shook her head slowly. “Quite honestly I'm flabbergasted that nobody has snatched you up already.”

“Ha . . .”

“Oh, would you just stop?” She gave Mattie's leg a shove, making Rusty groan in protest of the sudden movement. He yawned wide enough to crack his jaw and laid his head back down. “You're a catch and then some.”

“I know . . . right?” Mattie said with a little grin. “Hey, I'm good at fishing and play a mean shortstop in softball.” She gestured toward the kitchen. “And I make melt-in-your-mouth biscuits.”

“And you're gorgeous.”

“Of course there's that too.” Mattie nodded and then laughed, but in truth she often wondered if guys did find her to be pretty. “Do you think we'll find our real-life hero? Our happily ever after?”

“Of course you will.” Laura Lee's smile faltered just a bit, but Mattie noticed.

“Um, I said
we
.”

“I do believe that ship has sailed for me.” She leaned against the bookshelf and chuckled. “Or sank might be a better way of putting it.”

“What? Why would you say such a fool thing?”

“Well . . .” Laura Lee rubbed her thumb over the edge of her book, making a flapping noise. “I'm fifty-five years old for one thing.”

“So? Why does that matter?” Mattie sat up straighter. “I mean, what does age have to do with anything at all? Look at Kate and Ben at Whisper's Edge. They're, like, in their sixties and I've seen them holding hands, walking down Main Street. Ha! And what about Clyde and Miss Patty? They were having breakfast here earlier. I swear they were
glowing
and they're as old as the hills.” She tapped her cheek for a second. “Oh, and Pete and Maria Sully? They're older than you and they rekindled a love that refused to die.” Mattie shook her head. “When Maria came back from Nashville, everybody in town was rooting for those two to get back together, you included.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Yeah, but what?” She pointed a finger at Laura Lee and continued. “And how about Myra at Wine and Diner? Myra and Owen are up there in age too. That man worships the ground she walks on.”

“How do you know this?”

Mattie chuckled. “Because Myra says so all the time. Owen just nods and laughs in agreement. I can give you about another dozen examples if you want me to, not that you don't already know these people.”

“You know what?” Laura Lee gave Mattie's leg another shove. “You walk around like a tough little cookie
and you're nothing but a big old mushy romantic. Well, make that cute, young little romantic. You're no bigger than a minute.”

“I know.” Mattie didn't even try to dispute it because Laura Lee knew her inside out. “That's why I love reading these books. It's like there's always hope against all odds, ya know? I like the opposites-attract scenario when the hero and heroine are the two least likely people to fall for each other.”

“And they banter back and forth until you're dying for them to just kiss and get it over with already.”

“Exactly! What's your favorite?” Mattie asked, but before Laura Lee could answer they heard someone come through the front door.

“Hello? Mattie? Are you here?”

“Back here by the books,” Mattie called out.

“Well, by the sound of him he's certainly not from around these parts.” Laura Lee gave Mattie a curious look. “Who is it?”

“Garret Ruleman, Rick Ruleman's son,” Mattie whispered just before he walked up to them.

“Ah, there you are.” When they both started to scramble to their feet he shook his shaggy head. Rusty groaned in complaint and flopped down onto the floor. “No, stay seated and carry on. I just came back to browse through the books. I forgot to earlier.” He leaned down and extended his hand to Laura Lee. “Hello there, I'm Garret Ruleman.”

“Laura Lee Carter,” she said, and Mattie noticed that she seemed to be charmed.

“Nice to meet you.” Garret pointed down at Rusty. “The ham bandit, I'm guessing?”

“Yes. Add three biscuits to the growing list.”

“Can't say that I blame him. Your biscuits were even better than your promise, Mattie. I'm going to have to add another mile to my evening run, but well worth the effort, I might add.”

“Thanks.” Mattie couldn't help smiling. She noted
that he had changed into a blue oxford shirt tucked into khaki pants. Business casual, but her brothers would consider Garret's clothes as dressing up. The subtle scent of his spicy aftershave slid her way, making her want to move closer. She almost did.

Garret looked down at the book in her hand. “What are you reading?”

Mattie held the book up. She fully expected a raised eyebrow or snide comment and braced herself.

“Ah, a romance novel. My mother adores them.” He grinned and put one hand to the side of his mouth. “I have a confession,” he said in a hushed tone.

Laura Lee and Mattie looked at him expectantly.

“I used to read Mum's books when she wasn't around.” He pointed to the cover. “Lots of good information about women in there.”

Laura Lee laughed. “More men should think like you.”

“I'd say you're right.” Garret shot her a crooked grin. “Mind if I have a look around?”

“Not at all,” Mattie replied. “Mysteries and suspense are located at the back with some Westerns mixed in. Horror is to the right.”

“Any self-help?” he asked. “I need a stack of those babies.”

“Mixed in with the rack of other nonfiction,” Mattie answered, and then realized he was joking. “All the books are one dollar and you just drop the buck in the fishbowl by the register. The money goes to a local charity for literacy, so feel free to be generous. Oh, and if you have any books you want to donate we will be grateful. And although you don't have to return anything, it helps the cause if you do.”

“I'll remember that.” Garret inhaled deeply. “Ah, I just love the smell of books, don't you?”

“I sure do,” Mattie admitted, thinking that her brothers probably wouldn't admit to something like that. Of course none of them were big readers unless you counted
Fish and Stream
or
Sports Illustrated
. “So you're a book lover.”

“Some might be surprised by that fact, but I always have a stack of books on hand. My mother is responsible for my love of reading.”

“Me too. I refused to go to bed until she read at least two or three books to me.”

“You were better than me. I would always be obsessed with one particular book that I would beg for Mum to read over and over.” He shook his head. “Annoying little chap.”

“No, I think that's cute.” Mattie imagined him as a little boy begging with that sweet accent and had to smile.

“Well, I had so many books memorized that Mum's friends thought I could read at the tender age of three, so she got some satisfaction out of it, I suppose.”

“That's funny.” Reading had always been Mattie's escape and she'd often dreamed of actually visiting some of the settings in her favorite historical romances. “Take your time browsing. I'm done for the day, but I'll be here for a while.”

“All right, then, I'm going to go have a look. Good to meet you, Laura Lee. Mattie, always a pleasure.”

Laura Lee gave Mattie a wow-he's-cute little nod, but she rolled her eyes.

When Garret disappeared around the corner, Laura Lee whispered, “What a charmer. I could listen to him talk all day long. Couldn't you?”

“I guess,” Mattie conceded with a small nod. Although she did feel a pull of attraction, it kind of oddly felt as if she were cheating on Colby, so she pushed it aside. She could hear Garret pulling books from the shelves and moving about. With all the stories in the tabloids about his wild ways, Mattie wouldn't have pegged him as a big reader. She kind of wanted to stand up and peek over the middle shelf to see what he was looking through.