It Had to Be Fate (An It Had to Be Novel Book 3) (7 page)

Zane put his phone away and walked to the back of the truck to help unload his things. Going slow and letting Casey warm to him at her own pace was going to be tough. Especially when she seemed to be as physically attracted to him as he was to her. Unless he was reading her all wrong?

Maybe he was. Casey telling him Mandy had a thing for him came as a complete shock. He’d better have a talk with Mandy and figure that situation out. Make sure she understood they’d never have a relationship. Mandy, being Kip’s granddaughter, was someone as off-limits as a best friend’s baby sister. But he didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

As Casey said, Mandy was a very pretty woman and could probably have any man she wanted. She’d find someone else. He’d just let her down nice and easy.

But he had no idea how.

Since Casey had pointed it out, she’d probably know how to help him fix it too. Maybe after they unloaded his things he’d find her and ask for her help. Over dinner. Might be the perfect way for her to agree to a sort of date.

Yeah, that might just work.

Still smiling at the prospect of a date, he hauled electronic equipment into the guesthouse. When he returned for more, Caleb, Ty, and Eric appeared on the porch. Just what he needed, three more sets of hands. “Hey, guys.”

Caleb said, “Hi. We came by to see if you wanted to go help us find the whiskey, but you look kinda busy.”

Zane couldn’t let them go on their own, but he needed to get his stuff unloaded. “Yeah. Any of you want to earn twenty bucks? I could use some help here. If there’s time after we get all this inside I’ll go with you guys to the mine.”

All three bobbed their heads.

“Great. Just try not to drop anything, please.”

When Mandy reappeared and smiled at the boys, Caleb’s and Eric’s eyes grew wide. Seemed they weren’t too young to appreciate a pretty woman. “Mandy, this is Eric, Caleb, and Ty. They’re on the payroll now and here to help.”

“Great.” Mandy tilted her head. “Follow me, guys.”

Like two little ducks, Eric and Caleb fell in line behind Mandy as they walked to the truck. Ty, oblivious to Mandy’s beauty, had found a rock that held his interest for a moment, but then he slipped it into his pocket and caught up.

With the extra help unloading, Mandy left it to the guys and started setting up the equipment. When the truck was finally empty and gone, the boys wanted Mandy to show them how everything worked. Zane had almost forgotten how cool all his toys were to someone who’d never seen them, so he indulged the boys’ curiosity and let them mix some music of their own.

Caleb was a natural and caught on right away, while Eric and Ty had more fun playing with the drums and the synthesized guitars.

After they’d goofed off for a few hours, Casey’s grandmother stuck her head inside. “You boys need to go eat and then I’ll be over to watch you.”

Caleb rolled his eyes. “We can watch ourselves. Mom is only going to Brewsters.”

“Talk to me when you’re twelve. For now get your butts home.”

Did Casey have a date?

Before Zane could ask, Mandy asked timidly, “What’s Brewsters?”

Casey’s grandmother smiled for the first time since he’d met her. “It’s a bar on Main Street owned by one of my sons. It’s Blitzed Bingo night. Once a month my granddaughters make it their girls’ night out, and I get stuck with these three little hooligans, and Eric’s sister, Haley. You should go too.”

Mandy didn’t seem quite as afraid of Ruth after the boys had explained earlier that she wasn’t really as mean as she appeared. Mandy smiled and said, “Sounds fun. But I need to work tonight.”

Casey’s girls’ night threw a wrench into his plans to ask her out, but it was Friday night so maybe he’d check out Brewsters for himself. The teenage girls he’d been trying to avoid weren’t old enough to be in a bar, so he should be safe. “You don’t have to work tonight if you don’t want to, Mandy.”

She waited until the boys had shuffled out behind their great-grandmother and then said, “But you’re going to work, right?”

“Nope. I’m taking the night off.”

“Mr. Workaholic is taking a night off in the middle of songwriting?” Mandy cocked her head. “Has the world gone mad?”

“Aren’t you always telling me I need to relax more? Take time for myself? That’s what I plan to do tonight at Brewsters. But first, let’s go next door and eat.”

“Fine, but I bet you don’t last two hours before you’re back here doing your thing.” Mandy sighed before she stood and grabbed her phone.

Mandy was quiet as they walked back to the hotel, which was rare for her, so he asked, “Everything okay?”

“Hunky-dory.”

She was definitely mad at him. But for what, he wasn’t sure. Luckily they were at the hotel already so there was no time to ask. Maybe she suspected his attraction to Casey, but that he
wouldn’t
apologize for.

The boys were already seated in the kitchen’s nook when he and Mandy joined them. She smiled at them and asked, “What’s for dinner, guys?”

Dax, watching a news channel on the TV high in the corner, pulled his attention from the screen and called out, “Pigs’ feet and brussels sprouts.”

That sent the boys into a fit of giggles as Dax slid some sort of fancy chicken-and-rice dish in front of them. It smelled awesome. Just as Zane was about to dig in, Casey appeared in a cute sundress and sandals. “Okay, guys, I’m off. Be good for Grandma, please.”

Mandy said, “It’s a little early to go to a bar, isn’t it?”

Casey shrugged a bare shoulder. “Not in Anderson Butte. As soon as happy hour is over, the bingo gets started. Tough to get a table if you don’t get there early.”

“Huh.” Mandy’s head suddenly whipped up. “Turn the TV up. There’s my grandfather.”

Zane’s fork stopped halfway to his mouth when Kip said, “I’m here to clear up the rumors surrounding Mr. Steele’s recent misstep. I’d like to read you a brief statement, and then I’ll take just a few questions.”

What was Kip doing? And why hadn’t he called first? It could only be damage control.

His stomach sank. Was his cover-up about to be exposed?

Worse, was it about to be exposed in front of Casey and her kids?

Z
ane pushed his full plate away as Kip began speaking to the press. “I have just been informed that all the charges have been dropped in return for Mr. Steele completing community service. Mr. Steele wants to apologize to the bar owner and the patron with whom he had a misunderstanding the evening before last. What started out as innocent fun took an unexpected turn. Zane deeply regrets his behavior.”

Kip left out the part about him/Nick “volunteering” to go to rehab.

Casey’s expression turned to stone as she watched Kip’s news conference. Zane hated that the little progress he’d made with her had probably just been eradicated. If only he could tell her the truth.

One of the reporters called out, “Records show Zane is out on bail. If he’s so sorry, why isn’t he here to apologize in person?”

Kip began packing up his papers. “Mr. Steele is in an undisclosed location at this time, to write music and reflect on recent events.”

Another reporter said, “‘Undisclosed location’ sounds an awful lot like rehab. Is that where Zane is? Is that how you got the charges dropped? In return for a stint in rehab?”

Before Kip could answer, Casey picked up the remote and switched off the TV. “That’s enough of that. Finish up your dinner, guys. Grandma is on her way.” Casey laid kisses on the top of the boys’ heads. “Be good for her, please. I’ll be back early. Goodbye.”

After the boys mumbled their goodbyes around their food, Casey tossed the remote on the counter. Mr. Steele, I’d like a word, please.” Without waiting for his reply, she walked out the back door.

He didn’t like the sound of the clipped “Mr. Steele” in her voice.

Zane slowly stood, unable to make eye contact with the kids. He hated they’d just seen that—even though he wasn’t the one responsible, they thought he was.

He found Casey outside, pacing back and forth on the lakeshore, waiting for him. “Sorry about that.”

She stopped and faced him. “Mandy called you a fugitive earlier. Are you
supposed
to be in rehab? Because I want nothing to do with any illegal schemes—”

“No!” He held out his hands in defense. “I’m not supposed to be anywhere. I’m here until this blows over, that’s all.” He wanted to tell her the truth so badly. But if she told Ryan, he’d probably have no choice but to let the cops in LA know that the man in rehab, and who’d falsified a driver’s license, was Nick.

She shook her head and started up the hill. “Well, you just proved my earlier lifestyle differences point. And I think now you can see why I’m not thrilled to have you around my kids.”

Ouch.

He caught up with her. “It’s really not what it appears to be, Casey. You can’t believe everything you see on the news. And as you saw, all the charges were dropped.”

She glanced his way. “With enough money, I suspect celebrities like you can make a lot of things go away.”

She was right. It was futile to argue his point without proof. Now he could only hope that Nick behaved himself and stayed hidden so Zane would have the chance to gain back her trust. Why he had such a compelling need to show her he wasn’t the man she thought he was eluded him. But it had become his new mission in life.

When they approached the bar, he picked up his pace and opened the door for her, letting the aroma of greasy sliders and beer wash over him. It reminded him of all the little dives he’d played before he hit it big.

She stopped and crossed her arms. “I’m meeting my sister so . . .”

He wasn’t welcome. That came through loud and clear. “Got it. Have a fun evening. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” She disappeared inside, so he let the door swing closed and headed back to the guesthouse. Looked like he was going to work on a Friday night after all.

For the first time in his life, the thought of songwriting held no appeal.

When he walked into the guesthouse, Mandy was there, messing with the equipment. Maybe it’d be a good time to have that talk.

He stuffed his hands into his front pockets. “Hey.”

“I knew you’d be back.” She looked up and smiled. “I was just pulling up what we were working on before you had to leave.”

He flopped onto the couch and propped his feet on the coffee table. “I’m really not in the mood to work tonight. I think I’d just like to chill. Alone.”

“What’s wrong, Zane?”

“Casey is upset with me about her kids seeing Kip’s news conference. Now I have to figure out a way to convince her I’m not like my brother.”

“You’re nothing like Nick. But why would her opinion mean that much to you? You’ve only known her for like two days.”

He sat up and leaned forward. “I know. It’s the weirdest thing. I’ve never felt such a gut-level attraction to any other woman before.” Man, he hoped by telling Mandy the truth he wasn’t hurting her too much. But he wanted to be honest.

Mandy’s eyes shifted from his to the sheet music lying on the console. In a soft voice she said, “Yeah. I know exactly how that feels.” She slowly gathered her things and then stood. “So, I’ll leave you alone to stew. Goodnight.”

“See you tomorrow, Mandy.”

After she closed the door softly behind her, he laid his head on the back of the couch and closed his eyes. He was batting a thousand in the “disappointing people” game. The look in Mandy’s eyes made him feel like he’d just kicked a puppy.

Casey searched the crowded, loud bar for her sister. She spotted Meg in line getting drinks before happy hour ended, so Casey slid into one of the last empty booths to wait. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples as she ran that news conference through her head again. She needed to come up with some sort of damage control to tell her kids over breakfast in the morning. Damn Zane Steele that she had to do that.

“You’re doing the rubbing thing. What’s wrong now?” Meg said as she laid their drinks on the table and then slipped into the leather booth across from Casey.

“The boys just saw proof of Zane’s antics on TV. He says there’s another side to the story, but I can’t imagine what it could be.”

“Yeah, I saw that.” Meg frowned into her beer. “But maybe there
is
another side to the story. Josh had a darn good reason for leaving me and Haley, but he couldn’t tell us right away. Zane’s going to be here for two long months. Do you think you should give him the benefit of the doubt?”

Casey sipped her wine. “Josh being an undercover FBI agent is a whole lot different than a badly behaved singer in a band.”

Meg shrugged. “I didn’t know that’s what Josh did, hence the undercover part, but I’m glad I gave him a second chance. And Zane is much more than just a singer in a band, Casey. He’s very well respected in the music industry. The guy has like ten Grammys. And he has a foundation that supports schools to help bring back their music programs.”

The man was a walking, talking contradiction. “How do you know all that?”

“Because I’m a fan. And mostly because I Googled him.” Meg smiled and took a drink. “Wonder who the blonde is who just walked in?”

Casey glanced over her shoulder. “Mandy. Zane’s assistant. Kip’s granddaughter.”

“Kip’s granddaughter? Maybe we should invite her to sit with us then?”

“I invited her to join us earlier, but maybe she didn’t see us. Be right back.” Casey drew a long drink from her glass then crossed the crowded bar. “Hey, Mandy. Did you decide to join us for Blitzed Bingo after all?”

“No. Just really needed a drink.” She lifted her glass and took a long pull. After she’d downed three-quarters of it, she softly laid it on the bar. With tears in her eyes she said, “I just found out Zane thinks of me as a little sister. So congratulations, he’s all yours now.”

Zane must’ve had that talk with her. Poor kid. “I’m sorry, Mandy. Men can be pretty dense about the signals we practically hit them over the head with, right? Why don’t you come join me and my sister? Maybe a girls’ night will cheer you up?”

“Why not?” She tilted her head back and drained her glass. “If you can’t beat ’em, might as well join them.”

“I’m not interested in Zane, Mandy. I’ve got two kids to worry about. They look up to him, and I just hate what they saw earlier.” Casey led the way through the little clusters of people and back to their table.

As they approached the booth, Mandy said, “He’d never do anything to hurt your kids. That was just a big misunderstanding.”

“Hi, Mandy, I’m Meg.” Casey’s sister slid over. “Have a seat. Want another drink?” Meg raised a hand to alert the waitress, Sally.

“Thanks.” Mandy slid next to Meg. “You’ve all got the wrong idea about Zane. He’s a great guy. He’s serious about his music, and he’s determined to promote music awareness for kids.”

Casey didn’t want to upset Mandy any further by arguing, so she just nodded. “My sister was just telling me about his foundation.”

“Yeah, well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Most people don’t know how much time and money he gives to all sorts of charities. If not for his damned brother—” Mandy cut herself off as Sally approached.

“Hi, ladies. What can I get you?” Sally smiled at Mandy.

“A rum and Coke, please?”

“Sure thing.” Sally turned to Casey. “Should I bring you two another while I’m at it?”

Casey feared it was going to take more than two drinks to get through their night. “Yes, please. Thanks, Sally.” She turned back to Mandy. “What about Zane’s brother?”

“Never mind.” Mandy shook her head. “I’ve said too much. Zane doesn’t like gossip.”

Meg gave Mandy a shoulder bump. “But we live for it. Spill!”

Mandy smiled briefly at that. “Let’s just say there is so much more to this story than you guys know. Zane would never hurt anyone on purpose. And there are people in his life who are like barnacles, sucking anything from him they can get. He’s just too nice to cut them off.”

Mandy seemed to worship the ground Zane walked on. No wonder she thought he could do no wrong. But the vision of Zane in handcuffs, fighting the cops as they tried to stuff him into the back of a cruiser, was still fresh in Casey’s mind.

Even so, Casey had seen the quick flash of pain on Zane’s face when she’d mentioned not wanting him around her kids. “Sometimes it’s hard to see a man’s flaws when you’re blinded by love. Believe me, been there, done that.”

Meg raised her beer glass in a mock toast. “Haven’t we all?”

After Sally returned with their drinks and then disappeared again, Mandy studied her fingers as they ran up and down the condensation on her glass. “I know Zane’s not perfect. He’s a workaholic. He’s oblivious to the outside world when he gets an idea about a song. He can sometimes stay up for days straight until he gets it right. He’s so compulsive about making it perfect. I’m not sure he has room for another person in his life, anyway. His last girlfriend left, and I don’t think he even noticed for two days. That was six months ago and he hasn’t dated anyone seriously since.”

Casey had seen otherwise in the news reports about Zane. “Except for the one-night stands on the road, right? You wouldn’t want to be with a guy who did that, Mandy. I think it’d be too hard a habit to break.”

Mandy took another deep drink. “I’ve been on the road with Zane all year, and I’ve never seen him have a one-night stand. Even after his girlfriend moved out. And believe me, I was paying attention.”

“Really?” Meg’s brows spiked. “A good-looking guy like him? I’d sleep with him in a heartbeat.”

“You would not.” Casey kicked Meg under the table. “You’re madly in love with Josh.”

“True.” Meg shrugged. “But I’d have been seriously tempted.”

Mandy said, “Zane’s actually a clean freak. I bet he’d worry about the germs involved with having sex with a stranger.” She chuckled into her glass and took another sip.

Seems the liquor was improving Mandy’s mood.

Then a vision of Zane putting his dishes away after he ate cake in her kitchen the other night filled Casey’s head. And he’d asked the boys to clean up. Their messy living room had probably bothered him.

But Mandy was way too young and pretty to be wasting her time pining after unrequited love. “Being Kip’s granddaughter probably made you off-limits. Men can be weird that way. Once they classify you in that category, there’s no changing their minds.”