Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,5
over there.”
“He liked Patsy,” Ron said with a shrug. “She was like a grandma to the kids. Especially after their mother died. Did you know that Patsy continued to bake bread and cinnamon rolls for us until the end? We all miss her.”
“Thanks for saying that,” Star said, touched by the kind words. “I miss her, too.”
“Of course you do,” Trudy said. “There’s been a lot of sadness in this house the past few years with Dan and Patsy passing on and of course Marissa.”
“Marissa?” Star asked.
“Cade’s wife.” Trudy’s eyes went all soft. “Two years ago. A car accident.”
“I’m sorry,” Star said, surprised to find she meant the words. Every kid needed a mother, even Cade’s.
“Are you staying at Patsy’s?” Trudy asked.
“If the power’s on when I get back over there. I just called the power company. They assured me the power should be on soon.”
“But what if it’s not?” Trudy asked. “Stay for dinner.”
“Oh, no,” Star said a bit too quickly. “I don’t want to impose.”
“Don’t be silly,” Trudy said. “You don’t have power. In fact, you could stay here tonight. We have one room open.”
“It’s the start of our busy season,” Ron said. “We have a full house starting tomorrow. Take the room, Star.”
“Stay for dinner,” Trudy said again.
The screen opened and Cade joined them.
“We’ve invited Star for dinner,” Trudy said. “Don’t you think that’s a great idea, Cade? It would give us all a chance to catch up.”
“Sure,” Cade said, but Star didn’t believe him. Wariness shadowed his eyes, as if he didn’t trust her. Well, he didn’t need to worry. She had no intention of sharing a meal with Cade and his family. She wasn’t good enough to eat with them when she’d been a kid, so why change things now?
“Thanks for the invite, but I planned on packing tonight,” Star said. “I don’t have a lot of time. I’m here on business, and my time to work on the trailer is limited.”
“I insist you eat dinner with us.” Trudy placed her hands on her hips. “It’s been so long since I’ve had another woman to talk to. Just looking at your shoes makes me drool. I’m starved for a conversation on fashion. Please stay.”
Star thought of the groceries she’d bought in town, of the cold salad she’d probably have.
“I’m making homemade chicken potpie,” Trudy coaxed.
Star’s mouth watered at the thought of chicken potpie. She never ate that many calories at a time and couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything homemade.
Star took a step toward the door. “No, I should go.”
Trudy’s face fell. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” Disappointment oozed from her words.
“Some other time?” Star asked. “I really do want to get settled.”
“Why don’t you run Star home, Cade?” Ron suggested, giving his brother a pointed look.
“That’s okay,” Star said quickly. “I can walk.” She didn’t want to be alone in a vehicle with Cade, even if the drive was short. The man set her on edge. She didn’t trust him, didn’t like him.
Cade pointed at her feet. “In those shoes?”
“Cade’s right,” Trudy said. “Save your shoes. If you won’t stay for dinner, at least take the ride.”
“No, I’m fine.” Star went to the door. “Thanks for the use of your phone. I really appreciate it.”
On her way across the yard, she spied Finn playing with Emma. The two looked nothing alike. Finn had Cade’s black hair, while Emma’s hair was a beautiful shade of red. Both twins sat on the grass, petting the kitten.
Star waved as she passed.
The minute she hit the trail, her feet began to ache, so much, she almost wished she’d taken the ride from Cade.
Almost.
Chapter Two
Star pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She slid her feet into her comfy yellow flip–flops, noting the blisters on her heels. While the walk back from the O’Brien house may have saved her pride, her feet were now paying the price, but it was a small price to pay when it came to taking nothing from Cade O’Brien.
Ready to work, Star glanced around, wondering where she should start. With Patsy’s room? The bedroom was sure to be full of memories. Maybe she’d wait until tomorrow to tackle that room with Brandi.
Star did a quick check on the second bedroom. The room was crammed full of Patsy’s art supplies and canvases—too many to weed through when she was this tired, although she did look forward to going through her aunt’s paintings. Patsy’s paintings were the biggest reason she’d decided