Page 59 of Rust and Stardust

Dolly's smile faded, concern etching her weathered features. “But sugar, you just got here. What about that handsome cowboy ofyours? I thought for sure he’d turn your head. Y’all seemed so happy together.”

The mention of his name sent a sharp pain through my chest. I glanced down at the worn countertop, tracing a finger along its scratched surface. “It... it didn't work out.”

“Oh honey,” Dolly sighed, reaching across to pat my hand. “What happened?”

I shook my head, not ready to relive the heartache. “It… It’s because I’m a lying piece of shit.”

Dolly's eyebrows shot up. “Well now you need to have a cup of coffee,” she said, placing a mug down in front of me. “There’s a story there and I think it’s time you shared.”

“Dolly… I can’t…”

“Yes, you can,” another voice said to my left.

I turned to find myself face to face with a long gray braid and worn features. I hadn’t even noticed Mabel when I walked in.

“Then maybe you can explain to me why my boy came home so heartbroken last night.”

That was not the conversation I wanted to have, but it didn’t seem like I had a choice either.

I felt my throat tighten as Mabel's piercing gaze bore into me. Her weathered hands clutched a steaming mug, knuckles white with tension. I knew I owed her an explanation, but the words seemed to stick in my throat.

“I... I didn't mean to hurt him,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mabel's eyes softened slightly, but her posture remained rigid. “Start from the beginning,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I took a deep breath, wrapping my hands around the coffee mug Dolly had placed in front of me. The warmth seeped into my palms, grounding me as I began to speak.

“I didn’t come here to scout for a food festival,” I admitted, shame coloring my words. “I… I came here to steal recipes for my company’s next line of frozen dinners.” Dolly let out a small gasp because she’d personally walked me through every step of her pecan pie recipe. “But I’m not gonna go through with it,” I said, pulling a notebook out of my pocket and placing it on the counter between them. “That’s where all of them are and that’s where they’ll stay. I’m not even gonna take it back with me to New York.”

Mabel's eyes narrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. “And Beau? Was he just part of your little scheme too?”

The accusation stung, but I couldn't blame her. I shook my head vehemently. “No, God no. Beau was... unexpected. I never meant to fall for him. It just happened.”

“But you lied to him,” Mabel pressed, her voice hard.

I nodded, unable to meet her gaze. “I did. And when he found out last night, he was devastated. I've never seen someone look so betrayed. But I couldn’t leave without telling him the truth. He… He deserved that much at least.”

Dolly reached out, patting my hand sympathetically. “Oh sugar, you sure have made a mess of things, haven’t you?”

“This wasn't just a mistake,” I said, my voice cracking. “A fucking stupid one too. I hurt him. I hurt all of you. And now I've lost the best thing that I’ve ever had.” I looked up at Mabel, hot tears falling down my cheeks. “He’s gonna hate me forever, isn’t he?”

Mabel's stern expression softened slightly as she watched the tears stream down my face. She let out a long sigh, her shoulders sagging. “Hate's a strong word, son. And Beau... well, he ain't one to hate easy.”

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, feeling foolish for breaking down in front of them. “You didn't see his face last night. The way he looked at me...”

“I may not have seen his face,” Mabel interrupted, “but I raised that boy. I know his heart.” She reached out, her weathered hand covering mine. “And I know he cares for you somethin' fierce.”

Hope fluttered in my chest, but I quickly squashed it down. “It doesn't matter. I betrayed his trust. I lied to everyone here.”

Dolly leaned in, her voice low and soothing. “Listen here, sugar. We all make mistakes. Lord knows I've made my fair share. But it's what you do after that counts.”

I nodded, wiping away the last of my tears. “That's why I have to leave. I can't stay here and keep hurting him.”

Mabel's grip on my hand tightened. “Now hold on just a minute. Running away ain't gonna fix nothin’.” Her eyes, sharp as ever, held mine. “You came clean to Beau, you're leaving those recipes behind. Seems to me like you're trying to make things right.”

“But it's not enough,” I protested weakly.

“Maybe not,” Mabel conceded. “But it's a start. And Beau... well, that boy's got a heart bigger than Texas. He just needs some time to think things through.”

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