Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek) - By Tina Leonard Page 0,103
chandelier is to die for.”
“Well,” Sugar said, looking at Jake, “I never saw those two as cohorts, but I’m so glad they are.”
He kissed Sugar’s hand. “You’re amazing. Pecan Creek will never be the same because of you.”
Sugar laughed. “Because of you. You brought us here with your smooth talk.”
He looked around the room. “I could turn this place into a bed-and-breakfast. I might even let Lucy redo the American Gigolo room. I really misfired on that one.”
Sugar stared at him. “You did that room?”
“Yeah.” He had an embarrassed smile she thought was charming. “Vivian wanted a Some Like It Hot room. But what guy didn’t dream of being Richard Gere in the American Gigolo?”
“Lucy was right.” Sugar grinned. “She said Pretty Woman would have fit the theme better than American Gigolo.”
Jake nodded. “Probably. I didn’t think about it. I wanted to be the American Gigolo, not the rich guy who got the girl.”
“Hope that changes,” Sugar said, and Jake said, “God, I hope so too.”
She smiled at him. “Let’s go let in your visitors.”
“And the reporters.”
“I’m not afraid of them.” Sugar could have twirled on air. “I don’t think I’ll ever be afraid again.”
They opened the door to find Minda, Charlotte and Dodie at the front of the line.
“We had to beat our way up here,” Charlotte said. “But we feel as the elders of Pecan Creek—”
“Pillars,” Jake said. “Elders seems so harsh for you ladies. Entrepreneurs is even better.”
“Yes.” Charlotte beamed. “As the Entrepreneurial Pillars of Pecan Creek, and Lucy’s mentor, and Vivian’s best friends, we should see first.”
“And gratis,” Jake said, and Sugar said, “Absolutely. Please come in.”
The three ladies, the Salesladies of Sex—as Jake called them—went up the stairs to claim first peek ahead of the crowd. Sugar smiled. “They’ve invited Maggie to join their church circle and their reading group.”
Jake smiled. “Maggie can handle them.”
They let the crowd in, and people streamed through the house, eager for a glimpse of the next Chicken Ranch of Texas, and Sugar just smiled.
It felt great to be home.
As the crowds gathered on the stairs, patiently waiting their turn for a look at the infamous room, Lucy appeared at the top of the staircase, dressed in her white flapper dress, Bobby German at her side.
“Sugar! Maggie!” Lucy exclaimed. “We made it! The FOB is now a rousing success!”
Jake pulled Sugar close. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think your sister and Bobby were going to give the real show.”
Sugar gasped. “What show?”
“We’re getting married!” Lucy squealed with delight and tossed a hot-pink bouquet of roses to her sister. “Free nuts for everyone!” She slid down the banister, and Bobby followed his chosen bride to thunderous applause.
Lucy threw her arms around Sugar and Maggie. “Thank you for everything you ever did for me. I know I wasn’t the easiest kid to raise, but I definitely had the blessing of you. Thank you, thank you, for everything.” She looked at Sugar. “Your turn is coming.”
Bobby nodded and pounded Jake on the back. “Your turn is coming, man. Just let it happen. Once you’ve had a Cassavechia, you won’t ever want anything else.”
“Wise words,” Jake said, and Lucy and Bobby ran out the door, tossing tiny bags of Hotter than Texas Nuts to the people waiting in line for a peek at the notorious room.
“How about it?” Jake said to Sugar.
“How about what?” Her heart jumped into her throat as she stared into his eyes.
“How about we follow in their footsteps? Feel like making a scene?”
Sugar laughed, tugging Jake to her for a kiss. “No,” she said. “I’m not a scene-making kind of girl. Couldn’t you tell by the new name on my float?”
“Why did you change it?” Jake asked, grabbing another smooch.
“Because I love you,” Sugar said. “I want to stay here and be part of your life. And our kids will be able to tell everyone their parents sell Hotter than Texas nuts, and won’t offend their teachers and friends’ parents. It seems important.”
“I see,” Jake said. “PC is damn lucky to have you here.”
“So if we follow in their footsteps,” Sugar said, “it’s going to have to be a little traditional. An elopement is Lucy’s style. I’m much more—”
“Father of the Bride. Old version.”
“Exactly.” Sugar stood on tiptoe and kissed him, getting the same enthusiastic applause Lucy had.
“That’s some room,” a reporter said as he went by. “Looks like Audrey Hepburn’s bedroom. If there was a dead body up there, he didn’t die from the décor. Probably just had