Page 75 of Lone Star Longing
“As far as I know.”
She shook her head. “Those two didn't get along in the best of times. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for him now.”
“Yeah, this isn’t the life he thought he was going to have.”
She stiffened a bit at that, which wasn't his intention. But she had to know. She had known Con better than anyone else.
Then she turned back to him after perusing the crowd again. “Did you say Lacey is pregnant? I didn't know she got married.”
“She didn’t,” his mother chimed in then. “She got herself one of those Air Force guys who knocked her up and went overseas.”
“Mom,” Beck said. “Nobody says ‘knocked up’ anymore.”
“Wasn't there a movie called that? I saw it on television.”
Britt laughed at that. “So what do you guys do for fun around here these days?”
“We play washers at The Wheel House over on Sotol Road every Sunday. You should come join us.” Con could kick his ass if he knew Beck had invited her.
She drew her chin in, her brow creasing. “The Wheel House?”
“Yeah, it’s under new ownership, and she bought the lot next door, made it this great outdoor space. We have a lot of fun there.”
“I would love to see everyone, but the big party is Sunday. I won’t be able to make it.”
“Well, maybe we can figure something else out. Maybe we can get together another time at The Wheel House. What else does your family have going on? Any other events for us to work around?”
“I’ll check and get back to you. Maybe we can all do something tomorrow? Is that enough time?”
He wanted to tell her that Con had no intention of coming into town while she was here. He should tell her that so she wouldn't get her hopes up. Could he blame Con for not wanting to see her? Britt’s departure had devastated him, when he was his most vulnerable. No, he couldn't blame Con.
“You keep in touch with Diana at all?”
Beck shook his head. “No, when we went our separate ways, we put emphasis on separate. I don't even have contact with her friends.”
“That’s a shame. I thought y’all were such a great couple.”
“I’m a way different person now than I was then. We never would have made it.”
“That happens to all of us. You grow and change. I’m not the same person I was when I left here.”
“I don't think even the ones who stayed are the same people they were twelve years ago. Except Poppy. She might be exactly the same person.”
Britt laughed again. “I can’t wait to see everyone. Look, here’s my number, get in touch with me if you can get everyone together. I should probably get back to my family, though.”
“Absolutely,” he promised, taking his phone back after she entered her number.
She rose up and kissed his cheek, then returned to her family, grouped together under one of the two trees in the park.
“I guess I don't remember her.”
“She was Con’s girlfriend.” Beck unfolded his camp chair and sat beside his mom.
“Yes, I remember about that, but I don't think you really brought your friends out to the house.”
“It wasn't that kind of house,” he said matter-of-factly.
“I guess it wasn’t,” she said with a sigh. “Funny how your group all left, except Con, and Lacey’s group all stayed.”
