Page 57 of Country Music Cowboy
He was staring right back at her.
“Travis?” a voice called out. “Travis?” A woman’s voice.
“Fuck.” Travis ran a hand over his face. “Fuck fuck fuck.”
Loretta glanced in the direction of the voice. “Is that…”
“My mother?” He groaned, pushing himself off the blanket and dusting himself off. “I’ll try to keep her away from you.”
“From your mother?” She shielded her eyes and glanced up at him. “I think I can handle myself.”
He shook his head, but he was smiling. “You know, you’re right. Okay, then, you’re on your own.”
She frowned. “Watch out for cactus. Or scorpions. Or goat head stickers. Or—”
“Anything else that can damage my poor naked feet?” He nodded. “I got it. Thanks.” With another look her way, he sighed and headed across the waving grass toward CiCi King.
Loretta wasn’t one to run away, but one long steel-eyed look from CiCi King made her consider packing up the blanket and heading back to the house. Emmy Lou and Krystal had both wanted her there though neither of them said why. Still, it was better than sitting inside by herself…with far too much time to think about she and Travis in her big, comfy bed.
Not the best time for this. Especially now that Travis and CiCi were done talking and yes,dammit, CiCi was headed this way.
“Yoo-hoo.” CiCi King was waving. “Can I steal some of your shade?”
No.“Of course.” Loretta was practically sitting on the edge of the blanket now.
“You are a pretty thing.” CiCi paused, hands on hips, to give her an uncomfortably thorough once-over. “So sweet and natural.” She knelt on the blanket, looking perfectly at ease in her designer jeans and bright pink wrap-around top. Like she belonged. “Have you ever seen such a spectacle? I can’t think of how many of these things they’ve made, but it never fails to amaze me—the work and talent and time this all takes for something that lasts four or five minutes tops.” She smiled at Loretta. “But then you know all about that. Singing is the same I guess.”
Loretta had nothing to say to that so she smiled.
CiCi’s phone rang. “Oops.” She held up a finger. “One sec.” She winked. “Hi, darlin’. I’m out at the house. Three Kings are shooting the video for ‘Blue Skies.’” There was a pause. “Yes, Emmy’s song.” She sighed. “Yes, the one she wrote for her fiancé.” There was distinct edge to the word “fiancé.” “I know. He’s good. He’s good. I’m proud of him too.” Another pause and a laugh a little too brittle to be real. “I think he’s turned over a new leaf.” This time the pause was longer. CiCi glanced Loretta’s way and rolled her eyes—like she was including her. “I’m glad he’s staying single. The last thing he needs is to get caught up by some pretty little thing, needing rescue, who will knock him off the wagon.” She broke off, nodded, and said, “Yes, you’re right. He’s all kinds of vulnerable right now, even if he’s acting all strong. A mother knows these things.” She laughed. “I know, I know. Lunch next week. Yes. Looking forward to it. Bye now.” CiCi hung up and placed her phone on the blanket beside them. “One of my bunco friends.”
I’ve got nothing.“That’s nice,” Loretta said, hoping it was a suitable response.
“We’ve been friends for eons.” CiCi ran a hand over her platinum blond hair. “They love my kids, especially Travis. That boy could charm the dew off a honeysuckle. Well, I’m sure you’ve noticed.” CiCi was watching her now.
Loretta couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t just being watched, she was being catalogued. Mentally dissected and compartmentalized. But it might only feel that way because of the coldness in CiCi’s brilliant blue eyes. “He is charming.”
“Good thing you’re a levelheaded girl. And since you’re staying out here, maybe you could do me a teensy little favor?” She paused but didn’t wait for an answer. “If you could keep an eye on Travis for me? Most men don’t know what’s best for them, after all. They need to be kept in line.” She laughed.
Loretta glanced toward the cameras and people and commotion and wished there was some way she could find a reason to go there. Now. Immediately.
“I appreciate that.” CiCi patted her hand. “I wanted to congratulate you. It’s not every day someone gets this sort of opportunity. A new duo, touring with Three Kings, and a record too?”
How did she know this? As far as Loretta knew, the details of the contract weren’t common knowledge.
“After everything with poor Johnny and all that trouble with your father, it’s about time something good happened for you.” CiCi was smiling again—but there was no warmth there. “Ethan Powell has high hopes for you. He’s a smart judge of character so, take it from me, you do what you need to stay in his good graces. He is a man, after all. He needs to be kept in line just like the rest of them. Once you figure out how to do that, there will be nothing stopping you.” She turned, giving Loretta another head-to-toe sweep. With a nod, she said, “You just stay focused and keep your eye on the prize and you’ll go far, Loretta Gram.”
Was she truly offering Loretta career advice? Or was this about something else altogether? And how the hell was she supposed to say anything?
CiCi’s phone started ringing again. “Oh, I have to take this one.” She picked up her phone and pushed herself up and off the blanket. “I enjoyed our little chat, Loretta. We girls have to stick together now, don’t we? I’ll see you at the wedding? Take care.” She waved, then answered her phone, walking back through the tall grass to the camera crew.
Loretta’s phone vibrated.
You lose a limb? Bleeding out?The text read.
Loretta frowned.
You look a little shell-shocked. She has that effect on people.The three little dots kept scrolling. Who was texting her?
