Page 22 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sara watched Steve Chavez winch the Mazda’s front end off the ground. They’d shared kindergarten and family picnics together. Now he called her Miss Carson. It would be nice to change that, even if they were employer and employee.
“Thanks for coming out, Steve.” She climbed into the cab of the truck, searching for something to say. “How’s your dad been since he retired from Carson’s?”
“He’s doing great in Florida. Got himself a boat and everything. He’s gonna strut some when he hears that I’m in his old job.” Steve smiled. “You and I used to hang around the dealership waiting for our daddies. Who woulda figured we’d end up taking their places.”
Relieved that Steve brought the subject up, Sara searched for a memory that might remind Steve that they’d been friends once. “Do you remember the time you and I got into the oil barrels?” She laughed at the memory of the two of them covered in 10W30.
“Yeah, wasn’t Josh the one who dared us?”
Sara dropped a sigh. “I guess. Donny was the one who ratted us out.”
“I’m sorry. I heard you been talking to Josh. I guess I thought you two mended some fences.”
“You were my best friend in high school, Steve. You must know how much he hurt me.”
“Yeah. But that stuff with Lurlene Biggers happened ten years ago.”
Sara looked out the window. “When a McKinley betrays you, it leaves a lasting impression. They did it to my family twice.”
When the silence went on too long, she turned and studied her old friend. Steve drove with his arms braced straight out. His mouth clamped shut in a thin line that showed white against his brown skin.
“What’s the matter? Don’t you approve of my personal opinions?”
“I don’t remember you being so judgmental is all.”
“I’m just protecting myself, Steve. I won’t let a McKinley, or anyone else, hurt me or Carson’s again.”
Steve shook his head. “You do what you gotta do. But lots of people in town aren’t gonna remember you like a best friend.”
“With McKinley driving that Caddy around, how can anyone forget?”
“Oh, they’ll remember the scandal okay. But Josh has been back for closing in on six months. He’s done a lot for the community since he returned.”
“I guess I’ve been gone too long.”
“Long enough for most folks to forget what you’re really like.”
“I wonder what they’ll think?” She spoke the question to the passing scene. Steve answered anyway.
“Most of them will think you’re like your daddy. Some will figure you for another Donny Carl.”
Sara groaned, then straightened in her seat. “I can’t worry about people’s mistaken opinions. I’ve got to focus on getting Carson’s back on its feet and keeping Dad alive.” The last task would be the more difficult of the two.
They pulled up to the front of the house. “I know you’re worried, Sara, but remember that you have friends. Velda and I will help anyway we can.”
“Thanks. I’ll call if I need you.” But she wouldn’t. She had to handle this on her own.
Dawn was breaking by the time Steve left with Frau Fenderbender in tow. The woman had matched her voice, all sharp edges and oversized. Sara wandered through her room, dropping clothes with each step. She needed a shower and rest before confronting Dad with Donny’s absence, and Josh McKinley’s stubborn refusal to back out of the warehouse contract.
???
“That’s a bunch of hooey, and you know it, Sara Anne Carson,” Carl grumbled.
“Whether you want to believe me or not, Donny’s gone on a buying trip. Shouting at me won’t change things. Now eat your breakfast before it gets cold. I’ve got to call and get you another nurse.” Sara plunked the tray over her father’s lap. He frowned at the store-bought bran muffin and bowl of instant oatmeal. It was all she’d had time for after a horrid, sleep-deprived night.
“You expect me to eat this pap?”
