Hotter than Texas (Pecan Creek) - By Tina Leonard Page 0,93
a hand. “I can’t do all your heavy lifting, Kel. Debbie seemed shocked that you told me you loved her.”
He blinked. “I don’t remember telling you that.”
“Work with me here,” Sugar said. “Your wife needs to know that you love her.”
“I do,” Kel said. “I made a mistake, but I always loved my wife.”
Jake nodded. “I can vouch for that.”
Sugar looked at Jake. “You’re next, so don’t draw my fire too soon.”
“Gotcha.” Jake got Sugar a beer and sank into a sofa to listen to Sugar train his buddy. “I’m not even here.”
Sugar looked at Kel. “I think Debbie misses you.”
“She doesn’t act like it.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to find the words. Have you tried to talk to her?”
He looked at Sugar. “I don’t bother her. She got rid of my clothes and everything. I figure actions speak pretty loud.”
“And if actions speak loudly,” Sugar said, “maybe a really big action is called for on your part. If you want to save your marriage.”
Kel blinked. “What action?”
Sugar glanced at Jake. “Do go on. This is fascinating,” Jake said. “The Cassavechia mind is a most amazing thing.”
“Just remember that in a minute when it’s your turn.”
Jake waved his beer at her. “I’ll try to be brave.”
“Kel,” Sugar said, ignoring Jake for the moment, for which he was grateful, “you know the big Pecan Creek billboard that you can’t miss no matter how fast you’re driving when you come into Pecan Creek?”
He nodded. “Prime advertising.”
“That’s right. The kind of place you write things that you want to get a lot of attention.”
Kel nodded. “A lot of attention.”
“I have two months of advertising on that board. January and February.” Sugar glanced at Jake.
“That’s right. January and February,” he confirmed.
“I want you to take my two months, Kel. I want you to write your wife the biggest, fanciest love letter this town has ever seen,” Sugar said.
Jake stared at Sugar, and Kel’s eyes bugged.
“You think it would work?” Kel asked, his voice nearly a whisper.
“Go big or go home.” Sugar shrugged. “What have you got to lose?”
Kel looked at Jake. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s risky. It’s fifty-fifty. It could go either way.” Jake pondered his friend’s woebegone face. “Truth is, Kel, you’re up a creek, have no paddle and got a hole in your canoe. I say go for it.”
Kel jumped to his feet. “Even if it doesn’t work, Debbie will know I still love her. The kids’ll know I care. Everybody will know I tried. Debbie will know I still love her,” he repeated. His face lit up like Jake hadn’t seen it in months. “It’s a great idea, Sugar. Thanks for giving me your advertising.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled at Kel, and Jake thought she was the sexiest woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
“Oh hell. In the interest of brotherhood, I’ll add to the pot,” Jake said. “December’s yours too.”
Kel blinked. “What about Pecan Creek?”
“What about Pecan Creek?” Jake grinned. “It’s been here for a few hundred years; it’ll survive one month of not advertising the wares of Pecan Creek.” Some of the more questionable wares like sex syrup and edible tatas would just have to survive the Christmas season on their own merit. “Besides which, we’re fixing to have all kind of word-of-mouth on a national scale,” he said, looking at Sugar. “If there was ever a year for us to cut the Most Honest Town in Texas advertising, this might be the year.”
“Thanks, Jake.” Kel reached over, bussed Sugar on the cheek and headed to the door. “I’ve got to think up what I want on the sign!”
The door slammed shut behind him.
“Stroke of genius,” Jake said.
“I hope it works. Debbie didn’t strike me as mean. She struck me as hurt.” Sugar looked around Jake’s house, then looked at him again. “I hope my hunch plays out.”
“So you had something to discuss with me?”
“Yes, I do.”
It had to be a doozy, or she wouldn’t have shown up on his porch in broad daylight with a head full of steam. And giving up good advertising, no matter how worthy the cause.
No better time to play his best card.
“You sure are a sight for sore eyes,” Jake drawled.
Sugar narrowed her gaze. “Are you trying to sweet talk your way out of this?”
“Yes, ma’am. I am no Kel. I am all about giving my lady the emotional support she needs.” He winked at her.
She hesitated. “I’m not your lady.”
He shrugged. “You’re a strong, strong woman, Sugar Cassavechia, and I respect that. You make