Page 34 of Country Music Cowboy
“Brock has a career.” Hank King pointed out, reaching over to pat Loretta’s hand. “Your call, Loretta. I imagine today has been a lot.”
Loretta nodded, numb. Move in.Here?
“Can you pass me the ribs?” Jace asked, reaching for the platter—and changing the subject.
Conversation picked up, overlapping one another, with plenty of good-natured teasing thrown into the mix. But no matter how much she tried to engage, Hank’s proposition kept circling through her mind.
Assuming, of course, that she agreed to the Wheelhouse Records deal. The thick glossy packet was shoved into the recesses of her oversized bag for airplane reading. Margot always slept through flights, so she’d have plenty of time, alone with her thoughts, to consider all the details. But she was beginning to think the details didn’t matter.
What other options did she have? Really?
“Who wants pie?” Krystal asked, standing. “And coffee?” No one turned her down.
Loretta jumped up. “I’ll help clear dishes.” Better than sitting here, stuck on a hamster wheel, worrying over things she didn’t have the answer to. Not yet, anyway.
Her waitressing days came in handy. Between her and Krystal, they had the table cleared in no time. But once they were in the kitchen, Krystal didn’t bother with small talk.
“I get the feeling you’re not happy about this?” Krystal asked, filling the coffeepot.
Loretta sighed. “Which?”
Krystal’s laugh was startled. “Well, all of it, I guess.”
“I didn’t mean to sound so ungrateful. I do appreciate it—”
“Hello.” Emmy Lou swept in. “I’m so sorry we are so late.” She hugged Krystal, then hugged Loretta too—as if it was the most normal thing in the world. “But we didn’t miss pie. And you know how I love your pie.”
“I made three.” Krystal smiled. “Just in case.”
“That is why you’re the best sisterever. What did I miss?” Emmy Lou asked, taking inventory of what was still needed. “I’ll get plates.”
Krystal and Loretta exchanged a look—then smiled at one another.
“Tell me everything,” Emmy Lou added. “The meeting?”
It was hard at first. Loretta had never been one to share. Sharing meant letting people in, and she was very selective about who those people were. But, with Krystal and Emmy Lou giving all the appropriate looks of sympathy and support, the words kept coming…until they ran out.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” Emmy Lou asked. “Not the way Mr. Powell has handled things, of course, but the offer? I mean, I know you have issues with Travis, but I think, over time, you’ll see he’s a really good, really decent guy.”
“He wasn’t.” Krystal shrugged. “Hewasa partying man-whore who drank like a fish, firmly on the path of self-destruction. I mean, let’s just put it out there because we’re all thinking it.”
“Krystal.” Emmy Lou looked and sounded horrified.
Loretta had to smile. Not at what Krystal was saying, but at Emmy Lou. She was truly scandalized by her sister’s outspoken assessment of their brother. While Loretta found it…refreshing.
“Was.” Krystal didn’t have a problem saying what she thought. Or doing what she wanted. And right now, that was giving Loretta a head-to-toe inspection. “And while I can understand why you’d be hesitant to give him a chance, you’ll be making a mistake if you don’t.”
Loretta swallowed.
“You two do sound beautiful together,” Emmy Lou said. “And, we’re a lot, but, I think, we have fun while we’re touring.”
“What’s the holdup?” Travis pushed through the kitchen door, followed by Brock. “People are getting restless out there.” He walked to the counter to stare down at the pies.
From this angle, the way his jeans hugged his thighs and butt did things to her breathing. Loretta tried not to stare at the way he raked his fingers through his hair. Tried. And failed. He glanced at her, surprised to find her eyes on him.
Why was she looking at him?Stop it.Not happening.
“Oh, they are?” Krystal asked. “You can take the pies.” She nodded at the pies, plates, and utensils ready and waiting. “Loretta, can you help me with the coffee? It’s almost ready.”
