Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,14
stolen a bottle of cough syrup once when Brandi had been ill. She’d been so desperate to make her sister better.
A knock sounded on the door. Before anyone entered, Bud opened the door and then disappeared into the hall.
“Cade’s here,” Star said at Brandi’s concerned look. “That was probably him. He insisted on driving me.”
“Really?” Brandi asked.
“He strong–armed me.”
“He’s taking care of you,” Brandi said in a knowing tone. “Just like you’re taking care of me. I always thought he had a crush on you. He just had a funny way of showing it. He’s a good guy, Star. Give him a chance.”
“Don’t get melodramatic, Brandi,” Star said dryly. “Don’t confuse a need for control with kindness. And I don’t care how good a guy he is, don’t even think of trying to force a love connection between the two of us. There’s no way I’m dating anyone from this town. Plus, I have a no–kid policy, remember? I can’t even imagine letting kids loose in my condo. All those sticky fingers. Yuck.”
“A no–kid policy is a dumb rule,” Brandi said. “No one would make a better mother than you.”
Star stuck out her tongue.
Brandi squeezed Star’s fingers. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Have you called Mom?” Star asked.
“No.” Brandi frowned. “What’s the point?”
“I’ll call her,” Star said. “She’ll want to know.”
“You can call, but you know she won’t come.” Brandi’s hand tightened around Star’s. “I need you, Star. Not her.”
Star agreed. Their mother would be worthless here. She didn’t know how to give comfort. That had been Star’s job. “I’m going to call her anyway. Tawney and Ruby Sue, too.”
Brandi nodded, and Star didn’t miss the relief on her face. “Thanks.”
Star rose. “Thank goodness my phone works here. You can’t imagine the withdrawal I’m going through at Patsy’s.” Star headed for the door. “I’ll be right outside. I’ll send Buddy back in.”
“Thanks, Star. I feel so much better just having you here. I’m so glad you’re in town. I need you so much.”
“I’m here as long as you need me,” Star said, the words escaping before she could stop them.
“Really?” Brandi smiled, and it were as if a dark cloud had lifted. Star hadn’t realized how much it meant to Brandi to have her here, how scared she really was.
“Really,” Star said. “Don’t you worry, Bran. I’m going to take care of everything.”
“I know you will, Star,” Brandi said, the words confident. “You’re the best.”
* * *
Cade let himself into the house and tossed his keys on the table in the foyer. What a day. After running Star to the Providence that morning, he’d come home to find a problem with the engine on the Mary Rose. He’d spent the rest of the day working on the boat’s engine.
A soft beam of light came from the kitchen where he assumed their guests, three men from Seattle, were gathered, guests who would receive a refund for the canceled fishing trip today. Right now Cade wanted nothing more than a hot meal and a shower to wash the engine grease from his skin, but those things could wait until he checked in with Ron and their guests.
Cade started for the kitchen but took a detour when he heard the sound of canned laugher coming from the television in the family room.
Brad lay sprawled across the brown leather sofa, a can of soda on the coffee table in front of him.
“Hey,” Cade said from the doorway.
Brad pulled his attention from the television to glance at Cade. The kid was barely speaking to him, still angry at Cade for grounding him.
“It looks like Star could use some help at Patsy’s place,” Cade said. “Her sister’s in the hospital. Are you interested in lending a hand if she needs it?”
Brad focused back on the TV. “Not really.”
Cade shook his head in disgust. How did he get through to Brad? He longed for the days when Brad had looked up to him and had hung on his every word. Marissa’s death had changed everything between them. He understood Brad’s anger, and had spent thousands of dollars on counseling hoping to mend his broken family, but he had a feeling that time and a maturity only age could bring would be what ended the rift between him and Brad.
Changing the subject, Cade asked, “Did I miss anything around here?”
Brad smirked. “Just Uncle Ron kissing the guests’ butts.”
Cade frowned. “Get to bed at a decent time tonight.”
Brad used the remote to turn the volume up.
Cade opened his mouth to tell