Page 15 of Storm Warning
“... The Red Fern.” I hear him mention another bar and my anger boils even hotter. A serious feat since I was pissed long before we ever stepped into this bar. Is he seriously trying to secure himself a record deal now too?
Apparently, there’s nothing he can’t do.
People literally have no shame these days. This conversation is over. I know Daisy’s too kind to stop this, even if the hesitation is written all over her face, but lucky for her, I’m not and this ends now.
“Listen, Cowboy, we don’t want to join in on whatever bullshit scheme you have going, and tonight I’m not in the mood to just be polite about it. At the very least, pretend you don’t just see Daisy as an opportunity for fame,” I snap. Maybe he’ll take the hint and escape before I make this ugly.
“Hey now, angel outlaw, there ain’t a doubt in my mind that if I sang for Miss Daisy here—” He gestures to my friend as I ball up my fist again, ready to punch him for the nickname he finds so cute. “—that she would wish we had never met. So, don’t ya worry, I’m not lookin’ to get famous.”
Right. I can’t imagine he doesn’t see her as another avenue, and yet I do find it intriguing that he admits that he lacks talent somewhere in his life.
“She mentioned not findin’ anyone with a spark. And as luck would have it, I believe I know someone with what she’slookin’ for, specifically someone who no one important has heard. And just so y’all don’t feel any pressure, I won’t say who they are or when they play.” He glances over to a huge clock on the wall, then back to us. “Sets start in thirty minutes. I’m headed that way now. Offer still stands, y’all are welcome to join… Or don’t,” he adds, winking at me.
I exhale sharply, not amused or flattered by him at all. Just as I ready myself to decline him again, Daisy agrees.
What the hell? I whirl toward her, my gaze pleading to revoke her response. This is a terrible idea. How does she not see through his bullshit? But her expression is filled with so much hope that something in my calloused heart gives. As much as I don’t agree, I can’t be the one who steals that hope away from her. Not when I know she would do anything I asked with no hesitation at all. Stifling a sigh, I nod, letting her have this moment, knowing that if it goes sour, at least I’ll be there to get out of it.
My eyes return to his, and I gesture for him to lead the way, more so because I’d prefer to have someone I don’t trust in front of me rather than behind.
7
RHETT - JUNE 18, 2004
“Ya ever seenthat blonde before, Juddy?” I nod toward the music rep and her friend.
Funny how in a place like the Red Fern all I can see is her. She wears a black top that loops around her neck and is cut low revealing her cleavage. Covered in silver sparkles, it reflects light with every turn she makes. And as if the top isn’t already hot enough, she’s paired it with a tiny set of shorts that scoop so low I can see her hip bones. There’s a wild gleam in hazel eyes rimmed with smokey makeup, and the pink highlights peaking through her hair give her an edge that makes her stand out in a place like this.
She’s mesmerizing, and I can’t look away.
The man must have never heard of being discreet as he spins his entire body in their direction. Thankfully, they aren’t paying attention, or, at least, they weren’t until he yells, “Nope, can’t say I’ve seen either of them before.”
The blonde with the face of an angel turns toward us, her gaze scalding in its intensity, and I feel like a deer in headlights. She may look like she’s been sent down from heaven,but I can already tell she’s going to give me hell. And I’m not sure what it says about me, but I like it. I’m hoping her acknowledgement is just a coincidence, but I have my doubts as I watch her say something to her friend who also looks in our direction. Sending her a wink, I’m shocked to see her lips curve into a smile until her middle finger follows. I can’t hold back a chuckle. A fallen angel, no doubt. One that would give Lucifer, himself, a run for his money.
“Well, looks like she knows you well enough to tell you to fuck off.” Judd smiles, taking a sip of his beer.
“Yeah, maybe that, or maybe she knows your sister and already knows what she wants from me well enough to sign it from across the room.” I softly shove his shoulder as we fall into a fit of laughter.
“You even know what my sister looks like, Rhett?” Curiosity lingers in his words.
“Can’t say I do, the lights are always off.” I take a drag of my drink.
“Shut up, dumbass.” Despite his harsh words, he wears an amused grin. A moment of silence lies between us before he chuckles, adding, “I don’t know how I didn’t see that one a mile away. Anyways, she’s backstage.” I raise my eyebrow, pretending he’s piqued my interest, and he responds with an indifferent shrug. “She helps at most of the local live bars, and I basically follow her ass around so she doesn’t wind up meeting a jackass like you.”
“Shots fired, ladies and gentleman,” I say to no one in particular, twisting back and forth, raising my drink in the air to cheers his comeback.
“I’m kidding, Bud. But some of these guys out here are trash. I don’t want them anywhere near my little sister.” He holds onto the thought before forcing a chuckle. “Sage is too damn brave. Sees this whole world as her oyster and forgetsthat it ain’t all rainbows and butterflies. I wish she had the guts of that girl you asked about. Sage is as naive as they come.” He sets his empty glass on the bar before nodding to the barkeep for another. I can’t help but wonder if something happened to make him this protective. He grabs his newly filled glass and takes a sip. “Sings like a bird, though. Prettiest voice I’ve ever heard.”
Judd and I haven’t done much besides joke, but being the momma’s boy that I am, I appreciate the love he has for his sister. If I had one, I’m sure I’d be just as protective too. My brother, Duke, is basically an exact example of what he wants his sister to avoid, and, honestly, I’ve had my fair share of moments too.
“I ain’t so sure you’d want her too much like that one.” I motion toward the sassy blonde— Kaylee, her friend mentioned her name was. “I met her once before, she’s got a mouth on her. One that probably gets her into just as much trouble as it gets her out of. And, oddly, I don’t mean that in the way I wish I did,” I say, smirking at the thought of her giving some head. “It just sounds like your sister isn’t always signing up for a fight, but that one definitely does. She likely doesn’t view the world as rainbows, either. I’d be willin’ to bet she hates just about everythin’.”
Judd and I both watch the girls for a minute before turning away from them. And I can’t help but wonder what Daisy said to make her friend smile since it doesn’t seem to be the expression she ever chooses to lead with.
“To be honest, I’ve seen that girl once too. I think she owns a coffee shop, Southern something? Sip. Southern Sip. But, it does seem like you know more than I do.” Skepticism flashes with his remark, there and gone just as fast. Seriousness doesn’t suit us, so he adds, “Are you hopin’ she’s the one who keeps you up tonight?”
“She already does, but only if we’re talkin’ nightmares.” Ilaugh, but if only he knew how true it is. Why she’d shown up in a dream with Helfire is beyond me. A chill slithers its way down my spine but I brush it off. If only she came to me in more pleasant, less clothed dreams. “What did you say that shop’s name was again? Southern Sip?”
8
