Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek) - By Tina Leonard Page 0,69
way.”
Maggie sat fretting in the large, white doctor’s office two hours from Pecan Creek. She’d put on a pretty pair of peach pants and an off-white blouse that unbuttoned easily, so she could take off her top without mussing her hair. “I want a cigarette so bad.”
Lucy looked at her mother. “It’s okay, Mom. Don’t be nervous. Your check-up’s going to go fine.”
Sugar felt sorry for Maggie. She was so nervous for her mother she felt herself breaking a sweat. “Your last check was clean. This one will be another winner.”
“I know.” Maggie looked out the glass window of the second-floor office building. “Lassiter told me to text him the results. One of you will have to do that for me.”
“Mom, you need a phone. Phones are important.” Lucy looked at Sugar for support. “Especially now that you’re gone more frequently.”
Maggie shrugged. “Okay. And you might as well know, I’ve been seeing a hypnotist.”
Sugar glanced at Lucy, looked back at Maggie. “What does that have to do with needing a phone, and why are you seeing a hypnotist?”
Maggie looked out the window again. “I’m just letting you know that there are some new things in my life. A phone, a hypnotist and a boyfriend.”
“Mom,” Sugar said, “it all sounds wonderful.”
“Yeah.” Maggie nodded. “I love Pecan Creek. I’ve gotten used to that house, even if Vivian did decorate it like something out of a repressed woman’s imagination.” She looked at her nails. “I’m sure she’s repressed.”
Sugar tended to agree, but there was no point in saying so aloud. Lucy shrugged, straightening her short skirt that didn’t come close to reaching the black leather boots she wore.
“I don’t care about Vivian. But I’m proud of you, Mom.” Lucy hugged Maggie and kissed her cheek. “What’s the hypno for?”
“I’m quitting smoking.” Maggie smiled with genuine pride and excitement. “I say I’m doing it for Lassiter because he doesn’t smoke, but the truth is, I need to do it for myself. After I get my clean bill of health today, there’s nothing but smooth sailing ahead for me. And pecans.” She looked at Sugar. “We’re starting a whole new chapter in our lives, and now I’m really and truly excited.”
Sugar smiled. “I am too. Congratulations, Mom. I’m proud of you.”
The nurse called Maggie back, and Lucy and Sugar scooted closer together for emotional support.
“What do you think?” Lucy asked.
“That after all the years of worrying about us, Maggie’s finally free to do what she wants to do.” Sugar leaned back in the chair, telling herself not to worry. She was scared as hell that Maggie wouldn’t get good news. All the old tests and charts had been sent to this doctor, whom Sugar had scoured the Internet for. She closed her eyes. No more chemo. No more anything. Please let Maggie move on to the next phase in her life. She’s finally happy.
“Shit,” Lucy said, “no one ever tells you how hard it is when you’re waiting on the one you love to get checked out. I need a Valium Big Gulp.”
Sugar took her sister’s hand in hers. “It’s okay, Lucy. Everything is going to be fine.”
Lucy looked at her. “Sugar, who do you plug into?”
Sugar blinked. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that you’re always taking care of everyone else. Who do you plug into for comfort and support?”
Sugar looked out the window toward the parking lot. “You and Mom,” she said softly. “It’s always been just the three of us. We work like a triangle. One of us gets up, another gets down, we all take care of each other.”
Lucy shook her head. “I don’t think anyone has ever taken care of Sugar except Sugar.”
It might be true, but Sugar didn’t figure she needed anyone anyway.
Not even Jake, as much as she might want him.
“Maybe Jake,” Lucy said, and Sugar said, “No,” thinking about how strange he’d been when he’d left yesterday. She’d invited him into her bed, and he’d run off like an Olympic medalist.
“Maggie remembered her recipes,” Sugar said, “and she’s happier than I’ve ever seen her, and that’s all that matters to me. I wasn’t looking for a hero.”
She hadn’t been looking for a hero—but if she had been, he would certainly make love to her like J.T. Jake Bentley.
Two hours later, Lucy woke up and glanced at Sugar. “Where’s Maggie?”
“Getting put through the paces still.”
Lucy wished she was still asleep. The nerves didn’t seem to bother her so much when she was conked out. “Did you sleep at all?”