Hometown Star

chapter Eight

Destiny Cooper White Johnson O’Hara Lamont Jones blew into town like a gale force wind—the kind that toppled trees and knocked out the power.

Star was waiting in baggage claim when she spotted her mom. Destiny’s bleached blonde hair, too tight top stretched over her surgically enhanced breasts, courtesy of husband number four, Harry Lamont, and her painted on jeans made her hard to miss. As Destiny made her way through the crowd to the luggage carousel, male heads turned, some even snapped around so fast Star was sure the men got whiplash. And Destiny noticed. She thrived on the attention, turning her megawatt smile on any man stupid enough to think he might have a chance with her.

Star wanted to yell, “Run while you have the chance,” to the men, but instead she called, “Hi, Mom.”

“Starlene, there you are,” Destiny said when she spotted Star. Star met her halfway, taking her mother’s hot pink carry–on bag from her before giving her a one–armed hug.

“You look tired,” her mother said with a frown. “You should give yourself a lift. Put some highlights in your hair. Smile more.”

Star rolled her eyes. “I look tired because I am tired. I’ve been working and making the drive here to visit Brandi every day.”

“You’ve always been a saint,” her mother said with a tight smile. “So responsible. A real little mother when you were a girl. I never understood it. You certainly didn’t get that from me.”

“No kidding.”

“Hey, Star.”

Star turned at the sound of Cade’s voice. Great. She had no desire to talk to him now, with her mother an avid onlooker. “O’Brien.” She frowned. She hadn’t seen him since their fight, and she didn’t want to see him now.

“Star, aren’t you going to introduce me?” Destiny asked, a predatory glow in her eyes.

“Oh, sorry. Mom, you remember Cade O’Brien.”

“Cade O’Brien?” her mother said, the words gushing with pleasure. “Dan’s son? Well, didn’t you grow up to be a handsome man, just like your daddy.” Her mother smiled, extending her hand, complete with hot pink acrylic nails, to Cade.

Star’s stomach tightened. She didn’t want her mother touching Cade, not even in greeting. And then it hit her. She was jealous, jealous of her own mother.

“Destiny.” Cade took her mother’s hand. “Nice to see you again.”

Destiny practically purred. Star wanted to puke. Cade pulled his hand free.

“What’re you doing here?” Star asked Cade.

“Picking up clients.” He focused his attention on Star now. “Their flight arrives in about five minutes. We could have carpooled. I don’t have to ask why you’re here.”

“Mom came to see Will,” Star offered, although she wasn’t sure why she was telling him anything.

“It’s true, I did,” Destiny said. “I couldn’t stay away.”

“Of course not,” Cade replied his tone congenial. He looked to Star. “We’re having a fish fry tomorrow night. Why don’t you and your mother come for dinner?”

Before Star could say, fat chance, her mother said, “We’d love to. Wouldn’t we, Star?”

“I don’t know,” Star hedged, rummaging for a plausible excuse. She couldn’t watch her mother paw Cade all evening. She’d rather chew broken glass. “Brandi—”

Her mother cut her off. “Will be fine without us for the evening. Unlike you, she does have a husband, remember?” Destiny gave Cade her killer smile. “What time should we be there, Cade?”

Star’s stomach rolled. Her mother was hitting on Cade. Good grief.

Cade grinned. “Six o’clock.”

“We’ll be there.” Destiny gave him another man–eating smile.

Thankfully the luggage began spouting out and landing on the conveyor belt with a thud.

“Come on, Mom.” Star took her mother’s arm. “The bags are coming.”

“We’ll see you later, Cade,” Destiny said with a wink.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Cade said, his eyes on Star.

Star led her mother to the luggage carousel.

“What’s your suitcase look like?” Star asked.

“It matches my carry–on. It’s hot pink.”

As if on cue, a hot pink suitcase popped out through the opening. Star hefted the bag from the carousel. “Come on, Mom, let’s go.”

“You’re always in a hurry, Star. Chill out.”

Star walked from baggage claim. She didn’t even look to see if her mother followed or not. They’d only been together for minutes and Star was annoyed already.

Once they were in the car and on the road, Star said, “Brandi’s really excited to see you, Mom.”

“I can’t wait to see her.” Destiny looked out the window. “I swear I’ve never understood the appeal here. All this green. All the rain. All the snow.”

“Come on, Mom,” Star said. “Admit it’s beautiful country. Seward is gorgeous. Where else can you get a three hundred and sixty degree view of the mountains? And the bay. I mean, I’m not Alaska’s number one fan, but even I can’t deny the beauty.”

“If I remember correctly, the town reeks of fish,” her mother said, her nose wrinkling.

“True,” Star agreed. “I guess it’s a tradeoff.”

“I’ll take the desert any time.” Destiny gave her a tight smile. “So how long are you staying on?”

“I’m pretty much done with Patsy’s place,” Star told her. “I’m supposed to be back in Seattle a week from Monday. I’ve been working from here, but I’m nearly finished. Brandi wants me to stick around, but I’d like to leave sooner.”

“You’re such a Cosmo girl.” Her mother smiled. “I envy you, Star.”

“Really?” Star asked, surprised.

“Of course. You’ve always known what you wanted. You’re a go–getter.”

“I guess.”

“What’s Cade’s story?”

Star bristled. “Don’t you think he’s a little young for you?”

Her mother laughed while at the same time managing to toss her long, blonde hair. “I wasn’t asking for myself. I’m thinking of you, Star. Is he married?”

“No, but if you’re thinking of trying to make a match between me and Cade, forget it. That will never happen. We have too much history, all of it bad. Plus, he’s got three kids.”

“Oh.” Destiny frowned. “Three kids? That makes him a little less appealing. But he’s handsome, you have to admit it. I’ve never understood why you didn’t get along with him.”

Star glanced at her mother. “He was mean to me. He hated Patsy. He told me that recently. And he told me other things.”

“What things?” her mother asked, turning to look at Star, her overly waxed eyebrows raised.

“He told me that his father let Patsy live in the mobile home rent free. He basically implied she got free rent in exchange for sex.”

“They had an arrangement. So what?” Destiny asked with a hair flip. “Star, don’t look so shocked. It was hardly a secret. Dan and Patsy were adults. He was her boss and her lover.”

“I never knew.”

“Honey, does it really matter?” her mother asked in a soft voice. “Patsy was a saint with a heart of gold. So what if Dan O’Brien paid her rent? Maybe it was a job perk. That sounds so archaic. Dan had money to burn and he wanted to take care of her. He loved her. He knew it would be upsetting to the boys if he married her. Patsy was good with the arrangement. They were exclusive. It was a win–win for everyone.”

“I get that. I just feel stupid for not figuring it out,” Star said. “And you’re right. Cade never would have accepted Patsy in the role of his stepmother. He hated her.”

Destiny examined her glossy fingernails. “Then he’s a fool. I couldn’t have raised you girls without her help. Patsy kept food on the table for you kids when I couldn’t. I’ll never feel anything but gratitude and love toward her, and you should, too.”

“I do love her, Mom,” Star said. “It’s Cade’s twisted view of Patsy that bothers me.”

“Surely Cade’s grown out of that nasty little boy stage by now? He seemed perfectly nice at the airport. We all need a man, Star. Someone to take care of us. Someone to love. Put him on your radar, honey.”

“Are you joking?” Star asked. “I just told you he spent most of his life hating me.”

“You don’t want to end up alone, Star,” Destiny said, the words thick with desperation.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s terrifying,” Destiny said, as if Star were an idiot.

“Not for me.”

“That’s because you’re young. Wait until you’re older and facing the end of your life alone.”

“That’s your opinion, Mom. I’m stronger than that. If you and Patsy have taught me anything, you’ve taught me that I want to take care of myself. I’m never going to be kept by any man.”

Destiny shook her head. “You’re pretty self–righteous for a girl who’s never been in love. Love is the ultimate drug, the best high in the world. That’s why I’ve had five husbands. I didn’t marry them so they could take care of me. I married them for love.”

“I don’t see it that way,” Star said. “I’ve watched you go through so much heartache, Mom.”

“And so much bliss.” Destiny gave a short laugh. “I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to love.”

Star would never see eye to eye with her mother when it came to men.

They passed the rest of the drive with small talk. At the hospital, Star watched the reunion between Brandi and her mom, then Star gave baby Will a kiss and made her exit.

Being trapped in the car with Destiny had just about done her in. Star needed a break; even better, she knew just how she wanted to spend it.

* * *

Star’s fingers tightened around the binoculars.

She fixed her sight on the eagle. In awe, she moved to the left, another eagle coming into view. So far she’d counted fifteen. How many times had she stood in this exact spot when she’d been a teenager? Eagle Ridge had been her place, her own private therapy session when she’d needed to remove herself from all things Destiny. Some things never changed.

She glanced at her watch. Almost four o’clock. She’d been at this for three hours. With regret, Star turned away, heading for her car.

After being with the eagles, she felt calmer, ready to face her mother, and she felt pretty sure she’d find Destiny waiting for her at the trailer. Brandi had offered to loan Destiny her car, leaving their mother free to come and go as she pleased.

When Star pulled into the driveway, she found Destiny sitting on the front porch, smoking.

“Star,” Destiny called with a wave of her cigarette. “Finally. Where on earth have you been?”

“Sightseeing.” Star walked up the porch steps and let herself into the house. When her mom moved to follow, she said, “Leave the cigarette outside, okay?”

“Sure, sure, whatever.” Destiny dropped the cigarette and ground it out under the heel of her cheap black boot. “This place is as dismal as I remember it.”

Star set her purse on the counter.

“I never understood how Patsy could live here.”

“Come on, Mom,” Star said with a smirk. “The place was rent–free, remember?”

“Still.” Destiny shook her head and stuck out her tongue.

A knock at the door brought both women around.

“Hey, Finn,” Star said, surprised to see the little boy.

Finn squinted at Destiny. “Who’re you?”

“Finn, this is my mom, Destiny.”

“Hi, Finn,” Destiny said with a smile. “Aren’t you cute?”

“Finn is Cade’s son,” Star told her.

Destiny perked up. “Really? No wonder you’re so handsome.”

Finn looked down at his untied tennis shoes.

“What’s happening?” Star asked, her tone light.

Finn’s lower lip trembled. “Something’s wrong with Trudy.”

“What do you mean?” Star asked.

“She’s sick or something.”

“Is Ron with her?” Star asked, alarmed now.

Finn nodded. “At the hospital.”

“What?” Star reached for her purse. “Come on, Finn. Get in the car. I’ll take you home and find out what’s going on.”

“Who’s Trudy?” her mother asked.

“Ron’s wife.”

“Oh, the other brother,” Destiny said. “You’re not leaving without me. I’ll die of boredom if I have to stay here alone.”

“Fine,” Star said. “Everyone get in the car.”

When they arrived at the O’Briens, the three of them made a beeline for the house. Emma sat on the front porch, Snowbell in her lap.

“Hey, Emma,” Star said gently. “Is your dad inside?”

Emma nodded. “He’s with the guests.”

“Okay.” Star pulled the screen door open. “Mom, stay here with Finn and Emma.”

“But—” Destiny started to protest.

“Please, Mom,” she snapped.

“Oh, all right.” Destiny glanced at the kids, looking at them as if they were from outer space.

Star went inside. “Cade?”

“He’s in the kitchen,” Brad said, as he came down the stairs.

“What’s going on with Trudy?” Star asked.

“I’m not sure. She wasn’t feeling good or something. Uncle Ron took her to the doctor.”

Star didn’t like the sound of that. She’d just been through the ringer with Brandi. She hoped Trudy was okay.

“Star.” The rich baritone of Cade’s voice pulled her around. He strode to her, his brow creased.

“Finn came to my place. He told me something was wrong with Trudy.”

“She was having contractions, but I just talked to Ron and they’ve got them stopped.”

“So she’s all right?” Star asked, her heart beating again.

“For now,” Cade said, but his mouth moved into a grim line.

“That’s a relief. Where does that leave you? Don’t you have a house full of guests?”

He nodded. “It’s barbeque for dinner tonight. Thank goodness Trudy had already made the salad and the dessert before the contractions started.”

“Trudy’s working too hard,” Star said. “She needs to rest.”

“Don’t you think I know that?”

“Maybe you need to hire someone,” she suggested.

“I’ve thought of that, too.”

Star softened. “Look, I’m still mad at you, but I want to help Trudy. Can I fill in? I’m here. So’s my mom. We could help get you through the evening.”

A shadow crossed his features: hope, relief, or was he simply grateful for the offer?

“Why would you do that for me, Star?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do. The neighborly thing.”

He gave her a slow nod. “Okay. I could use the help, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble.”

“Star, I’m sorry about the other day. You’re right. I need to let go of the past.”

“You do,” she said. “Maybe we both do.”

He touched her arm. “Star.”

“Do you want my help or not?”

For a moment neither of them moved. He looked at her hard, as if he were trying to see inside her; then things changed. His stare grew hungry and a palpable need rose between them. Her neck felt too warm. Her stomach did a rollercoaster drop. What was happening to her? One more minute of this and she’d turn into a puddle on the floor.

Raucous laughter from the kitchen broke the spell.

Cade let go of her arm. “I better get back in there.”

Star wanted to say she was right behind him, but her throat had closed up tight. Cade confused her. Just when she was prepared to dislike him, he said or did something to make her want him.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. To Star’s surprise, Destiny was the perfect hostesses, setting the table, keeping the food moving, helping Cade keep the conversation flowing.

Destiny ate up the male attention, and the male guests, two middle aged men from Canada, couldn’t get enough of Destiny. Destiny knew how to make a man feel special to the point it was painful for Star to watch her mother in action. So Star excused herself to do the dishes.

Cade also made his escape, taking the twins up to bed.

Star finished drying the last plate and put it in the cupboard with the others. Outside, she could hear her mother’s tinkling laugher, the feminine sound blending with the male voices.

Cade walked into the kitchen. He surveyed the room. “You’re fast. I was going to offer to help, but I see I’m too late.”

Star smiled. “Yep, I’m done.” She folded the dishtowel and set it on the counter.

“You’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty,” Cade said. “I really appreciate everything you and your mom did for me tonight.”

“No problem,” Star said.

“You’re a good person, Star.”

“Don’t read too much into my offer of help,” Star said.

He gave her a tight smile. “I can always count on you to tell it like it is. I better get back out there before your mother eats our guests for dessert.” He headed toward the door. “I do appreciate the help, Star. Besides, you’re nice to have around. Real nice.” And then he was gone.

Star didn’t move. Her heart thudded in her chest. The blood in her veins had gone hot, making her warm all over. Why on earth would she be attracted to Cade? The man made her crazy. Yet, she couldn’t deny the physical side of their relationship and that left her feeling out of control. Hopelessly out of control.