Page 65 of Playing for Keeps

Betty struts over to Tuesday. “I oughta tear a chunk of that lovely blonde hair from your air-filled head.”

“My hair is lovely, isn’t it?” Tuesday says and bounces around Betty. “I wish you’d bleach your hair and go blonde. I bet Otto would want you more.”

“He wants me plenty enough now.”

“Still getting chafed from all that wanting?” Tuesday taunts and jumps back when Betty swings at her.

I am ninety-five percent sure the two women are only screwing around. However, Betty has a mean poker face. Until she smiles, I can’t be a hundred percent certain about what will happen next.

Everyone eventually settles down. As we finish up our beauty treatments, Tuesday moves around the salon, still wearing her cape.

The only person not in a goofy mood is Edith. She stares at the floor, lost in thought. I don’t blame her for feeling depressed. She’s surrounded by people lost in love. Now everyone is in her business over finding a man.

And I’m no better because my mind races with thoughts of men I know. There’s the semi-attractive son of a Basin Rock rancher. There’s club member Knobby’s older brother who manages the feed store. I don’t think Edith would like any of the actual club members.

However, if Edith showed interest in any of those guys, they’d drop to their knees and worship her. Cubby was the same way with Tuesday in the beginning. Of course, he soon realized she was more than he could handle. Once he decided she would dump him, he started sabotaging things.

That’s why none of those club guys could work with Edith. She’d intimidate them. They’d act out like children. She’d be unhappy and dump them.

I consider that rich town where Val’s cousin lives. Arcadia probably has a lot of handsome men with good jobs. Edith would look great on any of their arms. But that would mean leaving her home.

Already moody today, I find myself overly focused on Edith’s situation. Months ago, I’d been miserable, thinking I could never have Val. The curse felt like a thousand pounds resting on my shoulders. I couldn’t shake the malaise. But the homestead magic brought Val to me and stole the curse’s power.

I can’t believe Edith won’t win the same battle.

However, before I can leave my seat and console her, the door to the salon opens. Rather than a troublemaker like Elishia Hill, I’m faced with someone much more fearsome.

Poppy Mercer.

VAL, AKA SAD DADDY’S BIG BOY

With Lola spending her afternoon with the homestead girls, I find myself at home. I figure West, Ike, and I can ride around since our women are together.

Instead, I learn Ike’s gone riding with Uncle Donovan and Otto. As for West, he’s overseeing our mopey pa who wanders around the family room.

I realize my big-hearted father has begun to grieve his younger boy stepping away from the nest. Patting his shoulder, I offer a knowing smile.

“It’s okay,” I tell Pa-Emmett tenderly, wanting him to mourn openly rather than allowing his sadness to eat him alive. “Fess up what’s in your heart.”

“Your ego might destroy two clubs.”

Frowning, I mutter, “That’s not what I thought you were going to say.”

“Don’t cry, boy.”

“Why would I destroy anything?” I ask and pat his shoulder again. “Are you confusing me with West?”

My brother shakes his head. “Piss-ass.”

“You need to be smart,” Pa-Emmett tells me and grips my chin. “You’ve taken on more than you think.”

“Why are you panicking? Did something happen?”

“No, but I think your head is only geared to this girl.”

“I love her. She’s mine. It’s pretty great.”

“Yeah, but I don’t think you’re ready to be out front running shit.”

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