Page 83 of Small Town Frenzy
“No, it gets better.” Did he just waggle his eyebrows? “Five generations ago, a girl from the Greenes and a boy from the Dover clan ran away together. No one knew whatbecame of them. Could’ve been killed. Texas was a lot wilder back then. Could have gone off to Hawaii and lived their remaining days on the beach.” When he shrugs, his shoulders relax instead of stiffening again. “It’s a mystery I’ve investigated many times over the years. Their tracks end just west of San Antonio.”
“That’s sad. Doesn’t sound like they got very far.”
“But I think they did.” Excitement glimmers in his eyes. “One day, I hope to prove it.”
“I could help you with that.”
He smiles.HEsmiles. It’s genuine and real. “That might be a fun project to do together.” Griffin and Jacob have their puzzling. My dad and I can solve family mysteries together.
Leaning in, he rests his arm on the chair closer to me. “Three generations from mine?—”
“There’s more? I’m so invested. Who knew our history went back that far with them?”
“I did.”
“Oh right.” I’ll just clamp my mouth shut and let him finish telling the story.
“So three generations back, my great-grandparents had ten kids. One got pregnant by a Greene?—”
“Seems it runs in the family,” I joke, nudging him with my elbow. The joke doesn’t land. Oops. “Sorry, go on.” I zip my lips and try to keep myself from thinking we’re further along than we are. Baby steps. Or maybe he just doesn’t appreciate one-night stand humor. It’s probably that when I think about it. Then a random thought occurs that has me sweating on the spot. “Oh my God, please don’t tell me I’m related to Griffin.”
He sighs, but his expression doesn’t harden. I’m kind of waiting for that to happen. Unkind? Possibly, but a few words with dad’s personal interest don’t negate thedisrespect he walked in with. But for now, I’ll try to enjoy the moment in case all things change at the stroke of midnight.
“You’re not related. The baby didn’t make it, which added fuel to the already burning feud.”
“So much sadness.”
“Times were hard back then. The Greenes had lost their fortune from some wayward members of the family, and as you know, our family thrived.”
“Probably on their hard time.”
“Probably. Nobody comes by fortune by being kind.”
Crossing my legs, I get more comfortable by slumping just a little into the chair since it doesn’t seem we’re in a hurry. “That’s too bad. I’d rather lose a fortune than live a miserable life surrounded by money.”
“Poppycock.” It’s not something I’m going to argue about with him. I have the privilege of not having to worry in life, so far, but that may not last forever, so I’ll choose love to carry me through.
I wait for the story to continue, but he doesn’t say anything. “What happened next?” The lightness he’d allowed through seizes, and the lines of his face harden again. I knew I was on borrowed time but didn’t realize how much. Recalling where the story left off, I think about three generations and following the pattern that means it would jump to—Oh. “Julie Ann and?—”
“As I said, out of respect for your mother, it’s not a story that bears repeating. Nothing came of it anyway. No great legend to be added to the books. No fateful ending . . .” He closes his mouth and sits back, his thoughts wandering somewhere else.
“Dad?”
He looks at me, and says, “No fateful ending for us. Only hers.” Trying so desperately to hide an emotion that mighttip me in one direction or the other, he fails. Pinching his lips together, he releases and then adds, “You and Griffin Greene finally broke the curse.” Relaxing deeper into the leather cushion, he smiles. It’s not toothy, but that wouldn’t be him. “It’s only broken if you’re together. Are you seeing him, Cricket?”
“We’re together.” I don’t need to question Griffin’s honor or loyalty, if he’s staying, or if he loves me. The words haven’t been exchanged, but Jacob and I feel them.
This time, he’s the one who reaches over and covers my hand with his. “I’m happy for you.”
“What’s going on?” My mother comes around to stand in front of the stained glass. “What are we celebrating?”
My dad’s hand was already back in his lap, his back stiff and his expression miserable again. Such a disappointing end to what was one of the highlights of my life. I stand, swiping at the back of my pants to smooth any wrinkles. She looks at me, though her gaze doesn’t reach that deep.
My mom was the It Girl of Central Texas. She could even claim the title all the way up in Dallas. She had the last name, the money, the connections, and the ambition. Her mother made sure to connect her with the most eligible pedigreed bachelor she could find. My father entered stage left and never left her side again.
I think there were plans for me to take over one day, wear the crown, win affection, and whatever else comes along with the title. Unfortunately, she got stuck with me as a daughter. And placating society was not something I was interested in. Add in being a single mom, and that dream of my mom’s was destroyed. But I don’t care anymore. I’m tired of pretending that our last name matters. I’m happy, and that is more important. “I’m dating Griffin Greene, and he’s Jacob’s dad from a one-night stand in Costa Rica four-plusyears ago.” Her ruby-red lips open in shock. “Your grandson’s birthday is this Saturday at Rollingwood Ranch. You’re both invited. He loves baseball, cowboy stuff, and has recently gotten into graffiti with his dad, if you need present ideas.”
I start to leave, walking around a large console toward the door. I stop just on the other side of it and turn back. “I want to open a wine-tasting shop in downtown Peachtree Pass, and I’m going to marry Griffin one day. We’re not engaged, and we’ve not said I love you, but he’s my soul mate. It took seven generations for this to happen, and I’m not going to waste time trying to explain to naysayers.” I head for the door again and open it.
