Catch a Falling Star (8 page)

Maddie grabbed some clean glasses from the dishwasher. “Everybody want tea? Justine? Do you want iced tea? Or Dr Pepper? We have that too.”

“I’ll take ice water if you have it.”

“Of course we do. Lemon too.”

Jake passed Billy on the way to the hallway and hissed, “Aren’t you the lucky man?”

Billy tried not to roll his eyes. “Tam, everything smells great. We don’t do a whole lot of cooking around here.”

“You made mac ’n’ cheese Friday night,” said Maddie. Her face glowed as she turned to face Justine. “It was
really
good. He made it from scratch and used two different shredded cheeses.”

“I bet it was.” Justine smiled at him and accepted the glass of ice water from Maddie. “Thanks for inviting me, Maddie.”

A plate shattered, and they all flinched. Billy gripped the back of a kitchen chair, his heart hammering.

“I’m
so
sorry!” Tamarind looked down at her feet, at the shards of plate on the tile floor. “It slipped right out of my hand. I’ll get you another one.”

“I’ll get the dustpan.” Maddie ran to the closet while Tamarind knelt on the floor.

She started picking up large chunks of plate. Billy knelt as well, regretting the twinge he felt in his knee.

“I’m not normally this clumsy.” Tamarind’s hands were shaking.

“Tam.” Billy laid his hand on her wrist. “It’s just a plate. We have plenty. Mom didn’t even like this set much, which is why she left it here and got new plates in Colorado.”

“No, it’s not just a plate.” She stood, her tawny cheeks a ruddy color. “I should go.” She snatched her keys and purse and left through the kitchen door.

Justine’s blue eyes widened. Maddie stood there, holding a dustpan and broom, her mouth open. Billy scrambled to his feet, grateful for the table that blocked his awkward effort to stand.

“I’ll be right back.”

Justine nodded as he limped toward the back door and went out into the bright sunlight.

Tamarind was already halfway to her petite red Miata. Her head bowed, she reached for the door handle.

“Tam, wait.”

She looked up at him as he approached her. “Billy, I’m sorry, but I can’t stay. Chin-Mae was right. This is a bad idea.”

Billy sighed. “Tam. . .”

“I know.” Her green eyes held tears. She blinked, and they cleared. A woman with tears in her eyes was as hard to handle as a wet cat. She made him want to step back and let her run wherever she wanted.

He forced himself to hold his ground. “You are a beautiful, gifted woman. But. . .”

“You don’t have to say any more.” Tamarind held up her hand. “It’s okay. I was holding onto hope. But I get it. I do. You all have a great lunch.”

“Thanks. Really, I mean it. Especially for the pie. But you should stay. Don’t leave like this.”

Tamarind shook her head. “I can’t. There’d be a huge elephant in that kitchen, and we wouldn’t have any room to enjoy the food. You’re a good man, Billy Tucker. You’re a real hero, and you still have a big future ahead of you. Don’t ever think you don’t. You outshine Jake a million times over.”

She turned and got into her car, and the engine revved to life. Then she was gone in a cloud of dust.

Relief struck him, followed by guilt. He should have talked to her a lot sooner, never let it come to this. But she’d waved the promise of good food and one of Rebecca Hamilton’s cherry pies under his nose. For Tamarind to buy pie from a local rival restaurant said a lot. But then Tam didn’t make pie.

Billy sighed and walked back to the house. Justine waited for him there, along with the food Tamarind had left for them. Maddie had probably talked the poor woman’s ears off.

The shattered plate had been cleaned up by the time Billy went back inside the kitchen. He prayed the pieces of Tamarind’s heart would be fit back together as well. He knew shattered. Not a broken heart, though. He had been smart enough not to let that happen so far.

“So what are your plans while you’re in Starlight?” Jake was saying as Billy entered the kitchen. His brother, ever the coach, sought the opportunity to assess and offer a pep talk when necessary. And unnecessary, sometimes.

“Right now I’m concentrating on keeping my specialist appointments. I’m looking at surgery, probably one more.” Justine took a sip of her water. “Then it’s on to whatever my agent can find for me.”

“Good for you. I keep telling Madelynn here that it’s important to stick with your game plan, even when things get tough.” Jake shook his head. “I see too many kids backing down from their goals. It’s okay to have dreams, but goals will get you there. But then you know that already.”

“So,” Justine said, “Maddie, what’s your game plan?”

“She’s going to be a pediatrician, right?” Jake looked at his sister.

Maddie nodded. “Um, yes. That’s what I’ve always said.”

“She’s good with kids,” Billy said as he sat down across from Justine. She smiled at him, then her expression changed to one of concern.

“Is Tamarind okay?” Justine asked.

“She’ll be all right.” He reached for the bottle of Dr Pepper on the table and poured some into his glass. The ice spun, mirroring his thoughts.

“She really looked upset when she left.” Justine glanced over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Billy.” Maddie frowned. “I didn’t know she was going to be here, too. I didn’t think to check with you.”

“Neither did I,” said Jake.

“This wasn’t a date,” Billy was quick to say. He flicked a glance at Justine. “She told me she’d made a new barbecue rub, wanted us to try it.”

“And the pies from Rebecca’s Kitchen?” Jake asked.

“She, um, she knows I like Rebecca’s cherry pie.” Billy reached for the plate of brisket to pile some of the smoked meat on his plate. “And Rebecca’s are the best.”

“It might not have been a date, but she’s crazy about you.” Jake grabbed a thick roll from a plate. “Didn’t you realize that?”

“I did, sort of.” Billy stated at his sandwich. “I’ve been meaning to talk to her about. . .things.”

“I really like her,” Maddie said.

“I’m not ready for a relationship. I pretty much told her that before she left. I didn’t want to hurt her. But I’ve got too much on my mind right now to deal with that.” He bit back more words. He hadn’t meant to say this much in front of Justine, who sat through the conversation glancing from him to Jake, then back to him again.

Today, Justine looked better than he’d ever seen her, with her blonde hair caught back in a simple hair clip. He wondered what people thought, seeing her in church. He hoped they would leave her alone.

Jake Tucker said grace before they started eating. Justine had her head bowed out of respect, but her mind kept drifting to Billy’s words. He’d let Tamarind down. Poor girl. Justine knew what that felt like. Billy had the class to let Tamarind know face to face, not guess and wonder. Their friendship would be intact, likely.

Now Justine felt a little alone in the world. Her mother had waved at her in church but passed by without talking to her. Neil hadn't called her lately either, although in their last conversation he assured her that the issue with her California home was resolved. No word on any sort of a comeback role.

Which is probably why she’d said yes when Maddie asked her to come for lunch. Unknown to Billy, naturally. The poor man looked absolutely cornered when she arrived. And then the awkward scene with Tamarind.

After the mani-pedi at Top Nails last week, Justine felt like she’d made a new friend in Tamarind. She hadn’t intended to make friends in Starlight, but the young woman was sweet. The friend issue reminded her of something else about Billy.

“I’ve made a decision,” Justine said during a pause in the banter. She hadn’t grown up with siblings, and her mother usually had her own ideas about meal conversation. Namely, anything that Justine wanted to talk about was irrelevant.

“What’s that?” Billy asked.

“I really need to start driving again. The, um, courts suspended my license for six months after the accident, and I couldn't drive anyway with my injuries. But it's time now.” Justine glanced from Billy to Jake. “Everyone has been great about giving me a hand, especially you, Billy. In California, it was nothing for me to have a driver. But I can’t do that to you. Or Jake. Or even Azalea.”

“You sure? It’s really no trouble.” Billy set down his brisket sandwich. “If we’re going the same way, I don’t mind driving you.”

“I understand, but I can’t take up your time if my appointment runs later than yours. Or if I have an early appointment, then you have to bring me and wait, too.” She didn’t want to add,
I’ve been getting too attached. I look forward to seeing your truck pull up in front of my house every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

“Okay then.” Billy nodded. “I know the feeling. I hated not being able to drive myself around after the accident.”

“It’s better this way. Azalea’s going to ask Herb to help me find a good used car. I wouldn’t mind a Lexus, but I don’t want to put money into something I’m only going to leave behind.” She took a bite of her sandwich. The juicy meat and spices combined to make a rich, smoky-sweet flavor.

They fell silent and continued eating.

“When do you think you’re going to leave?” Maddie asked.

“I’m—I’m not sure.” Justine didn’t dare look at the teenager. “By September sometime, maybe sooner. It’s hard to say.”

Billy offered her a tour of the cottage after their meal. They entered the heat outside and made their way to the building.

“So here’s where the Tremontes are going to stay this weekend,” Billy said. He unlocked the door.

“You talked to them?” She grinned as she entered the building. “I want to be here when they come. I want to give them the scrapbook myself.”

Billy grunted. “You’re full of surprises. If people really knew you. . .”

“I’m not a heartless and shallow party girl. But for some reason, people who take pictures always show up when someone’s at their worst.” Another reason that healing up in Texas had been a good idea. “I wasn’t sure coming here was the best option for me at first, but now I’m starting to change my mind.”

“So what do you think of the room?”

She surveyed the great room, complete with a small kitchenette, a foldout sleeper couch, and an armoire. “What’s inside the armoire?”

“Board games.” Billy crossed the room and opened the door. “No television or Internet. In fact, when families come here, I’m going to recommend they turn off their cell phones.”

Justine nodded. “I can see why they’d need the quiet. Oh Billy, it’s so pretty in here. Did you do all this? I couldn’t imagine you putting this together.”

He shook his head and laughed. “Maddie found all the accessories and chose the colors. She’s pretty good with that kind of thing. I would pick brown or blue for everything. It’s easier that way.”

“You’re funny, Billy Tucker.”

“I try.” His eyes twinkled, and she touched his arm.

She had that feeling again, the one she had when he showed her how he crafted boots. But this time they had a wider distance between them.

He stared at her hand on his arm as if it were a snake and stood rooted to the spot.

Oh boy. She sure wanted him to kiss her right about now. Not good at all, for either of them.

“Guess we should get going.” Billy took a step in the direction of the cottage’s door. “Unless you like baseball. I’m not about to leave during the Rangers game.”

“Nope, I’m not a baseball fan.” Justine almost gasped with relief that he moved away from her, but at the same time she wanted to turn the man around and plant one on him.

“Before you leave, I should trace your feet for those boots.” He stopped in the doorway.

“Right.” She could handle that. Her feet were the most unglamorous and unappealing part of her body. As long as he focused on those, she’d be safe.

#             

Justine sure hadn’t wasted any time getting a vehicle. By Wednesday’s appointment, Billy was driving himself to Temple alone. The vacant seat beside him on the truck felt like a yawning hole.

Not good at all. He shouldn’t miss her like this. If he felt this way now, what would he do when Justine was gone for good, settling herself back into her glittering life? A life he didn’t envy one bit. A life he never dreamed of. Their worlds were so different. He'd always wanted a woman who loved the Lord and wanted to honor Him with her life. Honestly, he wasn't sure if Justine believed that concept.

On Sunday, he’d measured her feet for the boots she so desperately wanted. She happily watched as he cut out the leather and took notes of her foot and calf measurements.

Something was happening between them. Good thing Justine was driving herself now. They could both squelch whatever it was.

He zipped along Highway 190, maneuvering in and out of the lines of vehicles. Even with three lanes on the main highway, traffic could be tricky with Fort Hood drivers entering and exiting the highway.

A dark blue sedan sat parked on the shoulder of the road, hazard lights flashing. A woman stood several feet away, staring at the vehicle. She wore large dark sunglasses and a ball cap. A concrete embankment rose up high behind her.

Billy pulled the truck over and stopped in front of the sedan. The woman didn’t even look in his direction. She had her arms wrapped around her waist, and she shivered. The temperature outside was nearly ninety degrees. Heat rose from the asphalt as Billy left his truck.

“I can’t, I can’t. . .” Justine was saying to herself, her teeth chattering.

“Justine.” Billy crossed the space between them and pulled her into his arms.

She leaned on his chest and made a soft whimper. “I can’t. I tried. Some stupid person cut me off. I can’t do it. . . .”

“It’s okay,” he murmured down into her ear. “You’re going to be okay.”

Billy wanted to remove her cap and run his fingers through the silken strands that lay beneath it. A car’s horn blared as it passed them.

“I feel so stupid.” She sniffled. “I’m going to be late for my appointment. So late.”

“Shh.” He didn’t want to move but knew they couldn’t stay on the side of the road like this forever. Or even for a few moments. Some men dreamed of holding Justine Campbell in their arms. He never had, not until lately.

But this wasn’t Justine Campbell, the star. This was Justine Campbell the woman, nearly as broken as he was. Just a woman needing someone to comfort her.

Justine pulled back slightly, but not out of the circle of his arms. “You didn’t have to stop. I don’t want to make you late.”

She was trembling. Way too flustered for a tough PT appointment. Billy made a snap decision. “We can both reschedule. C’mon.” Billy released her but kept a hand on her elbow.

“But my car.”

“I’ll call Herb Bush to bring his tow truck and pick it up.”

Justine nodded then retrieved her purse from the car before locking it up.

He opened the passenger door of his truck for Justine, and she climbed onto the seat.

They pulled away from her vehicle. “Have you been to the lake?”

“Have I what? The lake?” She shook her head.

“We’re going to take it slow, let you drive some back roads.” He smiled at her. She’d stopped shaking. Her teeth weren’t rattling in her head anymore. “You’ll get driving soon enough. But on 190? I wouldn’t want Maddie driving on 190 until she had a lot of experience.”

              They went through the drive-through of McDonald’s to pick up lunches, then off they went to Belton Lake. He loved Texas back roads. Nothing like turning up the music and relieving stress.

Justine said nothing as Billy negotiated the winding road to the lake. “Did you ever go here as a kid?”

Justine shook her head. “No. My mom wasn’t into going to the lake. Plus she was working a lot. It never worked out.”

“One Saturday a month we’d go.” Billy smiled at the memory. “Dad would cook out. Jake and I would get waterlogged between the beach and the water slides, with Maddie tagging along behind us.”

“I wish I’d known you back then.” Justine looked at him then focused back on the fields and the sharply rising hills.

“Me too.” He wondered if they’d have even been friends, had they met. He spent most of his time talking to as few people as possible, while Jake jumped wholeheartedly into town life. But like Justine, he’d left town as soon as he could.

After a few miles, they approached the entrance of the park with a sign that said
Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area
. With a simple show of his military ID, Billy got them into the park without charge, and they continued along the way.

“So, what would you like to do? Find a picnic table, or find a place we can sit in the truck and look out at the lake? Your choice.” They headed along through the park, past the barbecue grills and the boat house where the paddle boats were kept. Even now, the place was clustered with children and families.

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather stay close to the truck. Plus, it’s hot out.”

“That’s fine by me.”

The road took them closer to the lake’s edge.  “I never realized how huge this lake is. I mean, I always heard about it but never saw it this close.”

“One of these days I’m going to get a boat.” Billy’s admission surprised him. “But right now I’m more focused on getting the cottages built.”

“So you want to have more than one?”

He nodded. “We have room for more. I don’t want it too large of a complex. Maybe two more, to have three families at a time.”

“Have you thought of corporate involvement in this? Because it’s a great idea.”

“No. I want to stay hands-on with this. If a corporation came in, they’d take it over, and the whole idea could get lost in bureaucracy and meetings and over-planning.” The very idea of someone else taking over his concept riled him. No, he wouldn’t deal well with outside interference.

He found the perfect spot, perched above Belton Reservoir. The surface of the lake shimmered to the west, with Fort Hood beyond it. The small picnic pavilions near the shoreline looked as tiny as Monopoly game pieces.

He handed Justine the bag with her burger inside. “Your lunch, milady.”

“Thanks.” Then she smiled, the same smile that lit up the big screen or any room she walked into. The same smile that now lit up the corners of his heart.

“Feeling better?”

She nodded. “It’s peaceful way up here. And the lake is beautiful.” A breeze drifted in the open windows and teased Justine’s hair. She’d taken off her ball cap but still wore the large plastic sunglasses.

“Did you know there are towns way, way underneath that water? The houses are still there.” Billy was fascinated with the young history of the area.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Way back in the early fifties, the Army Corps of Engineers started building the reservoir. Three tiny towns lay where the lake would be. So the government took the property by imminent domain, and all the families packed up. Ninety people total, among the three towns, leaving the houses right there. A few homes were moved, plus the town graveyards. Then the Army flooded the area and made the lake.”

“That’s a sad story.” Justine frowned and took a sip of her drink.

“I always thought it was. The families were compensated, of course, but still. . .”

The early afternoon sun shone through the truck’s windows and illuminated Justine’s eyes. “I’ve been realizing that it’s important to have something to come home to. Or someone. Do you realize how fortunate you are, to have such a wonderful family there for you?” Her eyelids fluttered, and she glanced away, then back at him again.