Last Chance Texas, page 9
“Are you working all day tomorrow?” Kelsey’s question caught him off guard.
Why would she ask that unless she wanted to see him again?
“Just until noon.” He stared down at her, hoping he wasn’t reading too much into the comment.
“Give me a call when you’re done. I’d like to drive out and show the girls your place.” Kelsey made the comment so nonchalantly he thought he’d misheard her.
Must be nice to be that self-confident. To invite yourself over to someone house, knowing they’d welcome you with open arms.
“I’ll do that. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He hoped his voice sounded half as casual as he wanted it to.
So, there it was. He’d see Kelsey again. Have a chance to talk to her about the property. Get to see her reaction once he told her.
It’d be a restless night because he’d spend it rehearsing the speech over and over. He tried to imagine a way to let Kelsey keep the land, but the truth was he’d get a good price for it. And if he didn’t sell now, Maura would never get to college. He’d promised Michele on her deathbed to make certain the girl went to college, and come hell or high water, he fully intended to keep that promise.
Chapter 7
Maura Wainwright had just tucked her daughter, Caitlyn, in for the night when she heard the familiar knock at the door. That would be Mark. She’d asked him to stop by.
When she opened the door to greet him, he quickly stepped inside. The dark circles under his eyes were a grim reminder that becoming a father at sixteen had taken as much a toll on him as it had her.
“Coffee?”
“No, I’m good.”
He sauntered over to the raggedy-looking herringbone chair she’d picked up at a flea market and flopped down.
“That chair’s definitely seen better days. Guess it’s time for a new one.” Her comment brought a smile to his face. But it would fade quickly when he found out what she had to say.
Initially she’d wanted her stepdad here to help soften the blow. But Nathan was at the Blue Depot with Jake. And from what Jake had told her, there was a woman that had caught her stepdad’s eye.
Go Nathan.
She lowered herself on the sofa directly across from Mark and got right to the point. “My dad’s going to sell off the O’Leary property once he’s got the deed. He told me last week.”
“Sweet.” Mark’s mouth tugged at the corners as he spoke. “Nathan deserves that land. He’s worked hard keeping it up.”
Maura sat stoically, wondering the best way to tell him. This wasn’t going to be easy. She decided to keep the attention focused on the land. “The land value has increased over time. It’s worth quite a bit.”
“I’m sure Nathan can use the money.”
“Actually, that’s why I called you here, Mark. I’ve made a decision. I’m finally going to college.”
When she looked over at him, he straightened himself in the chair and stared at her, a puzzled expression on his face. She’d initially thought he’d be happy for her, but judging by the way his mouth was twisted up, that wasn’t the case.
“I, I hardly know what to say.” He looked past her, toward the door.
“Your enthusiasm is underwhelming.” She’d never used that phrase before. It was one she considered pretty lame, but judging by the flat expression on Mark’s face, he was less than impressed with her decision.
She decided to get it all out there; to get it over with. “After that, I’ll be going to medical school. Nathan says the sale of the land should pay for at least the first couple of years. I’ll probably look into getting grants and scholarships. And, of course, I’ll be in debt up to my elbows by the time all is said and done.”
The words tumbled out so quickly she wondered if Mark got it all.
When he didn’t respond, Maura began twirling her hair again, the way she always did when her nerves were on edge. She wanted to tell him the rest, but resisted. No point going into more detail when he wasn’t reacting to what she’d already told him.
“You’ll be going right up the street to Sul Ross then. To start with, I mean.” His tone was matter of fact when he spoke, and she realized convincing him that A & M University was a better choice for veterinary medicine would be a tough sell.
“Nathan says I need to go to A & M. That’s where he went, and that’s where I want to go.” When Mark gripped the arm of the chair, she added, “Besides, my mom always wanted me to go there.”
“I’ve never heard you mention that.”
He jumped to his feet, his eyes blazing. As he stood there, glaring at her, arms crossed, she realized he was much more upset than she’d expected him to be.
“You’re not considering dragging our daughter clear over to Bryan Station.” The anger in his voice was comparable to the day she suggested they give up Caitlyn for adoption. Mark was an old-fashioned kind of guy, much like her stepdad.
Maura felt her defenses heighten as she summoned up the courage to battle him head on. The fear in his eyes nearly broke her heart. And yet, this was her window of opportunity. She had to do this.
“You’ve got your degree, Mark. I’ve been the one who had to give up the most. Now it’s my turn. Surely you can understand this.”
His green eyes clouded, and when he finally regained his composure, his words nearly broke her heart. “A guy only gets one shot at being a father. I always promised our little girl I’d be there for her.”
“Caitlyn knows how much you love her. Nothing’s going to change. But Nathan’s been begging me to attend college since she was born. He can finally afford it, and I’m more determined than ever to make this happen.” When he didn’t respond, she added, “If I don’t do this now, I’ll never do it.”
“You can’t just up and leave like this, Maura. If you do, when the hell am I going to see our daughter? Caitlyn needs both of us. You’re being unfair to her. Can’t you see that?” He was pleading with her now, begging her to reconsider.
“Mark, please. Let’s just try this and see how it works out. If it negatively impacts our daughter, I’ll figure out something else. Just give me a year, Mark. One year. And after that, if Caitlyn is suffering, I’ll reconsider. I know how much you love her. I love her too.” Maura’s voice cracked as she struggled like all mothers do to maintain that perfect balance in child-rearing.
They talked for several more minutes, both being careful to avoid recycling the same conversation they often had; about how stupid it’d been to have Caitlyn when they were just kids themselves; all the things they’d missed as teenagers because they had a child to take care of. Now the conversation had changed, and she realized that while Mark had his share of faults, as fathers went, he was the best.
Some guys would have jumped at the chance to unload a child that arrived before they were ready for fatherhood. Mark wasn’t one of them.
By the time he left, she almost wished she’d just taken Caitlyn and left without telling anyone.
After he’d gone, she stared out into the night sky, gazing at the constellations much the way she had as a child with her mother and stepdad at her side. A rush of emotion swept over her as she recalled what a difficult teenager she’d been. She’d driven Nathan crazy as he tried desperately to be both mother and father to her after her mom passed. And now, here he was, giving up ten acres of land he cherished to make her dream of going to college come true.
Nathan was truly the best stepfather she could have ever had. He’d been insistent that she follow her dream of becoming a doctor.
For a few seconds, she felt the air being sucked out of her. Was this really such a good idea leaving Alpine-the only home she remembered? Leaving Nathan to fend for himself? Was it all worth it?
As Maura stared up at the Big Dipper, she hoped she was making the right decision. She fought the demons, battled the fear that she’d fail. And for one moment, she almost wished Nathan had never gotten Mimi O’Leary’s ten acres of property.
~ ~ ~
The following afternoon Kelsey stood in Nathan’s kitchen, Meredith and Rachel at her side. She’d brought them along for reinforcement, aware that being alone with this man was borrowing trouble. Jake had tagged along as well and was out back with Nathan grilling.
As Kelsey picked up a cucumber for the salad they were planning for dinner, she reflected on her trip to Alpine. Considering all that had happened, it seemed more like three weeks than three days. She’d met more people than she could count and had enjoyed the poetry gathering enormously, although, Nathan had distracted her-kept her from most of the sessions. She regretted missing most of the reading at the auditorium, leaving Rachel and Meredith alone like she had.
She had never gotten around to paying that real estate agent a visit to check out her aunt’s property. As frustrated as she was with herself, Kelsey decided that most of her business could be conducted by telephone. The other alternative was that she’d return to Alpine another time. She’d waited nearly five years. She could certainly wait a couple more weeks.
Meredith picked up her wine glass and took several sips. She appeared to be in an unusually upbeat mood, and Kelsey wondered why. But when she saw the bottle of chardonnay only half full, she suspected the wine might have something to do with Meredith’s mood change.
Meredith reached for the bottle, poured herself another glass, and plopped the wine back down on the counter. She hadn’t bothered to ask anyone else if they wanted a refill.
She looked over at Kelsey and Rachel, cleared her throat several times and dropped a bombshell. “I’ve decided to go back to college. I’m going to take some online classes and go into teaching.” After she said it, Meredith smiled faintly, set her glass back down, and looked expectantly over at them, no doubt eager for their reactions.
Kelsey dropped the cucumber she’d been holding and raced over to her friend. She wrapped her arms about Mere’s neck. “Oh, my gosh, that’s so great! You’ll be a wonderful teacher, Mere. Won’t she, Rachel?”
“You bet your sweet ass she will.” Rachel barely got the words out before Meredith let out a snort.
“Come on, Rach. That sounds like something Jake would say.” After Kelsey said it, Meredith nodded in agreement.
Kelsey looked down and checked her watch.
Five o’clock. Where had the time gone?
As her stomach growled, she began losing patience with the cooks. “Nathan and Jake have been grilling the burgers and hotdogs for nearly half an hour. I wonder what’s keeping them.”
“Jake’s probably cornered him and is telling him more Aggie jokes.” Meredith laughed at her own comment as Rachel wandered out the back door to check on them.
“Nathan’s going to saddle up the horses after dinner. It’ll be so fun to ride again. I haven’t done that in ages.” Kelsey waited for Meredith to respond. When she didn’t, Kelsey added, “We’re still going riding, right?”
Meredith hesitated several seconds before answering the question. “No, Jake invited Rachel to go see the Marfa Lights. I’m going with them. I’ve always wanted to see them. In fact, it’s on my bucket list.”
“Oh . . . well, I’ll go with you then.” Kelsey felt a sudden rush of panic, realizing that once again she was getting herself into an awkward situation; being alone with Nathan.
“I think Nathan’s hoping the two of you can spend some time alone. At least, Jake told me he was.” Meredith set down her wine and looked directly at Kelsey. “I think he’s really into you, Kels.”
“This is supposed to be a road trip with the girls. I’m going with you to see the Marfa Lights.” Kelsey picked up another cucumber and began hacking away at it.
Why was everyone taking Nathan’s side? The girls were practically throwing her at the guy, and Jake wasn’t exactly helping matters.
“It’s our last night here, Kelsey. After that, you’ll never see Nathan again. What harm would it be for you to go riding with him? Besides, weren’t you the one who initiated coming out here? You’re not afraid of getting too close to him, are you?” Meredith stared over at her after she spoke, and Kelsey resisted the urge to walk straight across the room and set her straight.
But the one thing Kelsey didn’t want was to get into an argument with Meredith. If she did, the long drive home would be absolutely miserable. She decided a compromise was in order.
“I’m going riding with Nathan, just as I promised. But after that, I’m having him drive me out to Marfa to see the lights. We should be done in plenty of time for that.” Kelsey crossed her arms, giving Meredith her best look of superiority.
Meredith began tossing the salad, ignoring Kelsey’s comment. Either she wasn’t buying it or was too wrapped up in her own problems to care.
~ ~ ~
Jake moved away from the grill and popped open another beer. “Guess this’ll be it if I’m driving Rachel and Meredith to see the Marfa Lights. Think I’ll take the girls downtown to do a little shopping before we go see the lights. That way you and Kelsey can spend the rest of the afternoon alone.”
He glanced over at Nathan, waiting for a reaction. Had the guy even noticed that Kelsey’s name was omitted when he mentioned going to see the Marfa Lights? It was all in the master plan. Kelsey would stay here with Nathan while the rest of them drove to Marfa. That’s undoubtedly what Nathan had planned all along.
“I’m not sure I want to be alone with Kelsey. I haven’t told her about the property.” Nathan took another swig of beer and set it down on the picnic table.
Nathan’s confession knocked him for a loop. The girls had been in Alpine for three days, plenty of time for Nathan to come clean about telling Kelsey that Mimi’s property was within spitting distance of the Wainwright family farm.
“This is unlike you, Nathan. You’ve never been one for keeping secrets. Kelsey deserves to know. Deep down, you know I’m right.” Jake felt himself frown as he said it, hating the fact that the guy he’d looked up to since they were kids was doing something this underhanded.
Nathan set down the spatula and backed away from the grill, beer still in hand. Lifting the can, he chugged the rest of the beer. He heaved the can across the yard as he exhaled sharply. For several seconds, he didn’t say anything. When he finally spoke, his words were measured, almost guarded. “I’m going to tell Kelsey about Mimi’s land. She probably won’t even care, but I’ll tell her anyway.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Nathan. If you really thought Kelsey didn’t want the property, you’d have come clean days ago.” After he spoke, Nathan shrugged his shoulders and said something Jake couldn’t understand.
“You’re in a pretty bad place, Nathan.”
“Really? And why is that?” The sarcastic tone in Nathan’s voice told Jake he’d definitely struck a nerve.
“You’ve dug a hole. When you tell Kelsey that you’ve been lying to her about the land, she’d going to send you packing. And you like her, Nathan. You really like her. Now if you’d just come right out and told her from the beginning, you might have stood a chance with her. But as it stands, you’ll be hard pressed to come up with an excuse for what you did. Lying by omission, Nathan. You lied by omission”.
“Think you’ll see Rachel once she’s back in Dallas?”
Atta boy, Nathan. Change the subject.
As desperately as Jake wanted to find out just how Nathan intended to handle this dilemma he’d gotten himself into, he decided the best thing would be to just let this go. Nathan was a big boy. He could take care of himself.
But as he looked over at Nathan, his broad shoulders hunched over, a troubled expression on his face, Jake realized that Nathan was probably feeling pretty guilty for what he’d done. Had it been anyone else but Kelsey, Nathan would probably have fessed up days ago. But the guy had a thing for Kelsey. Whether he was even aware of it was another matter.
~ ~ ~
Kelsey stared at the unburned logs stacked on the hearth of Nathan’s fireplace. The others had left, and she already regretted staying behind with Nathan. As she studied the large stack of firewood, she realized he expected her to stay for a long time.
Nathan was seated clear across the room from her, and as he sat quietly, his eyes darting nervously about the room, Kelsey had the distinct feeling the evening would be a disaster. As much as she’d initially wanted to go horseback riding, she decided it probably wasn’t ever going to happen. That gigantic stack of firewood was a clear indicator that Nathan had something else in mind.
“I never did get around to seeing that real estate agent. Guess I can just email her about my aunt’s land.” The off-handed remark appeared to get his attention.
He sat up straighter in the chair, his eyes narrowing. “Land?” The frown on his face confused her.
“Oh, I haven’t told you this. My aunt left me ten acres of property. Of course, I took my sweet time to claim it, but that’s the real reason I made the trip to Alpine.”
“Not for the poetry gathering?” He stared over at her intently, an expression on his face bordering between confusion and anger.
“The poetry gathering was a bonus. I did enjoy what I saw of it. But the real reason I was here was to claim the land.” She smiled at Nathan as she spoke. “Of course, I got distracted and never did go see it. And let me just say, for the record, you contributed significantly to my being distracted.”
After she said it, she assumed Nathan would wipe that frown off his face and smile. But he didn’t. Instead, he slowly rose from the chair and walked over toward the window. As he stared outside, his hands jammed in his pockets, Kelsey realized she may have upset him.
