Page 17 of Beneath Southern Stars

“Are you okay?”

I swallow down the tears filling my eyes and clear my throat. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard her laugh like that.”

“She’s been through a lot. You both have. I was a little older when I lost my parents, but I remember withdrawing. As an adult, I can only imagine how stressful and frightening that was for my grandparents.”

I turn to face Laney, a grin on her face as she watches Steve. “You lost your parents? Both of them?”

She sighs and looks my way, pushing up her glasses. “I did.”

Not another word is said as she shuffles Pepper and Steve into the house. I’ve just closed the door when the doorbell chimes.

Celebrity life has always confused me. Not just the way my photo is taken while returning a shopping cart to its corral or how taking a trip to an amusement park requires security but the way people stare awkwardly, unsure of how to behave in my presence. It’s something that has always made me uncomfortable. I’m just a guy who stumbled on a little luck and can play the guitar. It’s never made sense to me.

Until now.

Sitting across from Mattie Lincoln is surreal. Did I have him as my fantasy league quarterback for two seasons? Sure did.

Am I going to tell him that? Nope.

Instead, I’m sitting here with a beer in my hand listening to him share stories of life in professional sports and what it was like coming home to Magnolia Grove. Knowing how his career ended, I empathize with how difficult it must have been to transition back into small-town life. Still, he seems happy and if it wasn’t for that twist of fate, he wouldn’t be with Emma.

“How long do you think you’ll be in town?”

Stretching my legs out in front of me, I take a draw from my beer. Good question. “Not sure. I promised my in-laws I’d have Pepper back by Christmas morning. But I can’t see staying here if I need to hide out in that house,” I say, nodding toward the rental next door.

Mattie laughs. “Laney mentioned you were recognized. I have to say, I’m a little surprised. The beard is a different look.”

I lift my hand, running the palm across my cheek. “Yeah, it’s not my manager’s favorite look. The label on the other hand wants to lean into it. Says it gives me an edge. Truth be told, I got lazy and just stopped shaving. My focus is on my daughter.”

“I’m sorry about your loss. Must be difficult for her. Hell, we lost my grandfather recently and none of us have been okay. Can’t imagine what it’s like for a little kid.”

“Yeah, it’s been a tough haul. Our therapist suggested we get a change of scenery. Escape the ghosts and see if it helped her open up.”

“Has it?”

I nod. “I’m not sure if it’s the change of scenery or Laney. The few times we’ve been around her, Pepper has been a lot more outgoing.”

Mattie laughs. “That’s Laney for you. She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Her entire family, just great people. Well, were. It’s just her and Uncle Freddy now. Still, she’s one of the good ones.”

I take another pull from my beer and then choke.

“She’s single too.”

Coughing and gasping for air, I shake my head.

“Don’t die on me, man. The ladies would never forgive me. I’m just saying, if you’re going to spend time with someone, Laney’s a great choice. Now, let me give you some tips on working with the town and keeping a low profile.”

For another thirty minutes or so, Mattie gives me a breakdown of the gossips in town and what I can expect if I become a topic of that rumor mill. His suggestion to call out my presence to these women seems strange at first, but after he explains the dynamics of the town, it all falls into place.

“So, what you’re saying is if I throw myself at the mercy of these women, they’ll protect me?”

“Yep. There is nothing malicious in their gossip. Honestly, if it weren’t for Ms. Linda, Mrs. Jinny, and Mrs. Minnie, I don’t know that half the couples in this town would have found one another. A little gossip and a lot of love goes a long way in Magnolia Grove. I’m telling you. Head on over to Mimi’sGasoline Grove for the best sweet tea of the south and share your worries with those ladies.”

It seems strange, but what do I know about the dynamics in this town?

“Oh, and bring your daughter. They’ll protect that girl like their own. It’ll be like that movieSweet Home Alabamawhen the town rallies around Reese Witherspoon. Besides, Laney is your biggest advocate, and she’s in charge of the Jubilee. It makes her royalty for at least the next two weeks.”

“Did I hear someone mention my favorite movie?” Emma asks as she slides her hand over Mattie’s shoulder. His hand grips hers as he looks up at her.

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