The Weather Girl (16 page)

Summer felt her stomach drop. She swallowed hard and begged him with her eyes not to say any more. “Did you know the tallest tsunami ever recorded was seventeen hundred feet? It was a megatsunami. Back in 1958.”

Mimi straightened up in her chair. “What new show? And why are you gettin’ all worked up over there?”

Summer decided downplaying the whole thing was the best idea. “He’s got an idea for a new show and he asked me to consider working for him, but I have a job—a life—here in Abilene.”

“He offered you a job?” Mimi frowned, her shoulders slumped. All the wind had been taken out of her sails. “Would you have to leave Texas?”

This was not the conversation Summer wanted to have and not when she wanted to have it. Big D must have known all along that something was up. Summer shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe.” Big D cleared his throat and looked at her pointedly. “Fine. Yes, I’d have to leave Texas,” she relented.

Mimi said nothing but stared at Big D, who seemed to be communicating with her wordlessly. When their silent conversation ended, Mimi stood up and headed for the back door.

“I’m not taking it! I’m not leaving,” Summer called after her. Mimi went inside without a word. Summer felt the guilt expand in her chest, but it quickly turned to anger that she directed at her grandfather. “Why did you do that? Why upset her for no reason?”

“Why are you so afraid of upsetting her even a little bit?” he asked calmly.

Summer began to pace and fidget. “I’m not afraid of upsetting her. I just don’t see why we should worry her about something that isn’t going to happen.”

Big D relaxed into the lounger his wife had vacated as Summer’s agitation grew. “Why isn’t it going to happen?”

“I’m not leaving. Why would I leave?” Her voice began to rise.

“Why wouldn’t you leave?”

She stopped pacing and stared at the old man. He was a picture of serenity while she was a frazzled mess. How could he not understand? Why was he doing this? “Because my life is here,” she said, attempting to sound confident and sure.

“What if you could have a life out there? Out on the road, chasing storms and doing what comes natural?”

Summer felt her resolve beginning to crumble. What if she could? It was the question that had been haunting her. She could go. She could see things and do things she only dreamed about. But leaving would have its consequences. “Did you know on average there are six hundred weather-related fatalities a year?”

Big D smiled, but there was sadness in his eyes. “You aren’t going to die if you take this job, and neither is your grandmother. It’s about time you both figured that out.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

L
IKE
 
MOST
 
EVERY
 
day, Travis stared at Summer from his desk. She was working with Richard on some special tornado report. The two of them were suddenly best buddies, which was much better than bitter enemies. Still, Travis didn’t trust him. Amazingly, Summer’s luck had turned around the second she and Richard became allies. Coincidence? Travis didn’t think so.

They looked busy, so Travis didn’t interrupt. When he wasn’t staring at her from across the newsroom, he was usually sitting on the corner of her desk. He wanted to bother her, to go over and grab one of her pens so she’d have to reach across him to try to take it back. He wanted to make her laugh and help rid her of those worry lines he could see on her forehead.

He took a minute to glance around the busy newsroom. Everyone was hard at work, preparing and researching. They all had such purpose. His phone buzzed in his pocket. The name on the screen caused him to hit Decline. Sam Lockwood was not happy with his son these days. Travis knew he was calling to berate him about not following up with the guy from Alabama. Alabama was so far away from Abilene, and Abilene was where Travis wanted to be.

His focus shifted back to the main reason he had for sticking around. He caught Summer staring in his direction. Unnecessarily embarrassed, she looked away. She had her hair pinned up, so she couldn’t hide behind it today. He watched as her cheeks flushed with color. Now he really wanted to go over there. He could only imagine what fun weather fact she’d be sure to share in this state of mind.

This moment more than any clarified how very different his life was from a year ago. A year ago, he thought he was in love with a woman who loved spending his money more than she loved him. The fancy house in Miami, the fast car in his garage and the endorsements that put his face in magazines were things he thought he needed. Back then, he felt confident about who he was even if it wasn’t exactly who he wanted to be.

With Summer, everything was different. He had none of those material things anymore, except for the car—which she clearly didn’t like. He lived in a modest house. No company wanted a has-been to sell its product. KLVA paid well, but not as well as the NFL, not even close. Summer didn’t care about the money or the fame, though. She was learning to love football for the game itself, and it had nothing to do with being part of the Travis Lockwood empire. There was no empire. There was only a man who was lost and trying to find his way.

Summer wanted to help him find his way. She was full of patience and understanding. She encouraged him to think for himself, pointing out the worthwhile qualities he tended to overlook in himself. She was strong and brave, beautiful and bold. When he looked at Summer, he knew—he was in love with her.

He knew it when they kissed on his doorstep after the tornado. Witnessing the sheer power of nature was intense, but nothing came close to the feeling he experienced when he held Summer in his arms. It had to be love because there was nothing in the world that could compete with it, and supposedly, love conquered all.

“Travis, sugar, can you do me a favor?” Rachel and her plunging neckline eclipsed his view of Summer.

He had to stop and think about it, his Southern manners hindered by the recent unearthing of Rachel’s mean streak. As much as he wanted to say no, Travis decided to be a gentleman. “What can I do for you?”

“I need your opinion on something. Can you come into the studio with me?” She held a hand out and wiggled her fingers as if he was going to take it. Travis stood up and shoved his own hands deep in his pockets. Rachel lowered her arm to her side, looking none too happy about being left hanging.

“I only have a minute or so,” he said, adding to her dismay. “I have some things to do before the newscast.” Namely, talking to Summer.

“Come on, now. You know all you need to do is ask, and all those silly little production assistants will do anything you want.” Rachel’s walk was something out of a Marilyn Monroe movie. She sashayed all the way from the newsroom to the studio. There was no one else there, not even the tech guys. Rachel sat down behind the news desk. “Does this color look all right against the backdrop?” she asked, all wide-eyed and innocent.

Travis knew he shouldn’t have indulged her. She was wasting her time. There was never going to be room in his life for Rachel and her games. “You know better than anyone what looks good and what doesn’t. I don’t think you asked me to come in here to talk about your clothing choices.”

She smiled and fluttered her eyelashes, playing it up as if there was a hint of embarrassment in being caught. “You got me. I didn’t ask you to come in here to talk about that. I came here to offer you something instead.” Her eyes pleaded along with her words. The usual cool confidence she displayed began to dissolve. “The Rodeo Parade is this weekend, and I know we’ll both be there. Afterward, I’m hosting a charity dinner. Last year at this event, we brought in over three thousand dollars for Alzheimer’s research. I’m sure we can top it this year with your help. Ken thinks it would be a wonderful idea if you were to come...as my date.”

As much as he wanted to help a good cause, being Rachel’s date was not happening. Before Travis could turn her down properly, a loud crash sounded behind him. One of the production techs stood next to a freestanding floodlight as it lay on the floor, shattered glass scattered around it. Travis was about to ask him if he was okay when Rachel unleashed on the poor guy.

“You’re going to get yourself fired, Pete! Didn’t I tell you to stay clear of here? You scared me half to death. Is that what you want? You want to scare me to death?”

Confused by her outburst, Travis went over to help Pete with the broken light. “I don’t need your help, Lockwood,” the man said with a sneer. “Y’all need to get out of here so I can clean up this mess before the newscast.”

He didn’t have to tell Travis twice. He headed for the doors while Rachel hung back to continue her tirade. He figured he’d get out of “date night” with Rachel by going straight to Ken. Why his boss thought having him escort Rachel anywhere was a good idea was beyond him. Travis rapped on Ken’s door.

“Come on in!”

Travis pushed open the door and slipped in, closing it quickly behind him before Rachel returned from the studio. “About this weekend,” Travis started.

“What about it?” Ken glanced up from his computer. He was obviously in no mood for beating around the bush.

“I can’t be Rachel’s date to the charity dinner thing. I know you think it’s a good idea, but I have to decline.”

Ken’s eyebrows pushed together. “What in the world are you talking about?”

“Rachel’s charity dinner. I can’t be her date.”

“Okay...” Ken stretched the word out as though he was waiting for Travis to say more.

“Okay. Great. I’m glad you understand.” Travis bolted from the room before Ken could change his mind. It was a good thing Ken didn’t think it was one of his brilliant ideas, like putting Travis and Summer together. When Ken thought his idea was ratings gold, there was no talking him out of it. Travis had no complaints about being paired with Summer, though. In fact, someday he needed to thank Ken properly for that.

Summer was alone at her desk when he caught her eye this time. She looked as though she needed to be distracted. Travis took his spot on the corner of her desk. “Hello, Weather Girl.”

“I see you and Rachel needed a little one-on-one time,” she said, completely unable to hide the hint of jealousy in her tone. It was music to his ears.

“I guess I need to write a big check to her charity this weekend.”

“That’s nice of you,” Summer said, giving him her full attention. “She’s really increased awareness in the community and started some great programs that support caregivers—not just in Abilene, but all over West Central Texas.”

Travis could feel his eyebrows pinch together. “First, you and Richard mended all your fences and now you’re singing Rachel’s praises? Is the world coming to an end or something?”

Summer put her hand on his knee. “Don’t forget I also started liking you, which means we might see some snow around these parts next July.”

She was so strange, and he loved it. He loved her. He pulled on one of her curls. “I might need you to remind me just how much you like me. Maybe you can show me this weekend?”

“Maybe,” she said with a smile. “But right now I need to work, so go bother someone else.” She pushed his leg until he stood up.

He left her to her charts and graphs, feeling better than he had in a long time. The weather girl was the only one he wanted to bother. Indefinitely.

* * *

KLVA
SENT
 
OUT
a crew to film the entire West Central Texas Rodeo Parade on Saturday. Brian, Rachel, Travis and Summer were expected to represent the station. The women were going to ride on the Texas Star Chevrolet float while the two men rode horses alongside it. The sky was a cloudless blue and the fall sun was still hot, causing the sweat to drip off Travis’s forehead. He took the cowboy hat off his head and wiped his brow with the sleeve of his ridiculous plaid shirt.

“Howdy, Cowboy,” Summer said, sneaking up behind him. “Look at you, all decked out in your jeans and plaid. The hat is a nice touch for the rodeo.”

He set the hat back on his head and tipped the brim in her direction. “Texas forever.”

“Forever.” She smiled and warmed him better than the sun ever could.

One of the production techs lingered nearby. Travis still had a hard time remembering some of the crew members’ names, but he recognized him as the guy from the other day.

“Hi, Pete,” Summer said with a wave. She knew everyone’s name.

He looked at her funny, as if he hadn’t expected her to acknowledge him. He was a scrawny character with long, skinny arms and legs. His jet-black hair was pulled back in a ponytail.

“Summer.” He nodded in their direction. “Travis.”

“Pete,” Travis said with a nod of his own. He remembered how Rachel had yelled at the poor guy. Pete hung out near them, his eyes flicking in their direction one too many times for Travis’s liking. Finally, he headed over to the equipment van, giving Travis and Summer some much-needed privacy. “Is it me, or is Pete a little creepy?” Travis whispered.

“He’s quiet. Be nice,” Summer said, swatting his chest. “He also has it bad for Rachel. It makes me sad for him.”

“I’m sad for him, too. Carrying a torch for Rachel is pretty much the worst way to waste your life away.” His arms circled Summer’s waist. “If he was holding out for you, that would make sense. Not that I would ever let him or anyone have a chance.”

She stood on tiptoes kissed him on the cheek. “You are so cute in that hat.”

“Well, I’ll have to remember that.” He winked and let her go.

She bit down on her bottom lip and backed away. “I’m going to talk to Ken. I’ll see you over by the float?”

“I’ll be the good-lookin’ cowboy on the horse.”

Her smile illuminated her whole face. “No doubt.”

Travis grinned all the way over to the horse trailer. He loved that woman and he was going to tell her tonight. With Shannon’s help, he’d gotten ahold of Hank, the bungee-jumping hot-air balloon guy. If he was going to be worth it, Travis needed to show Summer he could face his fears before asking her to face hers. Nothing said “I love you” like jumping out of a hot-air balloon.

Rachel and Brian were both hanging out by the horses. “There you are. I was wondering where my favorite sports man was hiding,” Rachel said, moving toward him. Her jeans looked painted on, they were so tight. “You ready for our big date tonight?”

Travis’s mouth fell open. He’d figured Ken had let her know he wasn’t required to make an appearance tonight. The two of them hadn’t talked since she asked him. “Ken said it was fine if I didn’t attend. I thought you knew.”

Undeterred, Rachel invaded his personal space. Her finger ran the length of his chest. “Now, I don’t mind a little playing hard to get, but I’ll have you know, I’m not used to being the one doing the chasing.” Travis backed away. “Oh, come on. It’s for charity.”

He kept his voice low so as not to embarrass her in front of everyone else. “I’m not playing any games with you, Rachel. I’ll happily write you a check for your charity, but the only person I have a personal interest in around here is Summer. The sooner you get that, the better.” He stepped around her and shook hands with the man who owned the horses.

Brian and his horse got along great. Travis and his? Not so much. After two attempts at getting the stubborn mare to move, Travis gave up. The owner must have expected trouble and had another horse for Travis to try. While he saddled that one up, Travis sat on the street curb, watching everyone prepare for the parade. Around the corner, hundreds of people were lined up along the streets of downtown Abilene, sitting in their fold-up chairs or in the back of their pickup trucks. Kids waited impatiently for the parade to begin, driving their parents crazy.

Travis took off his hat, the heat getting to him. He wiped his brow as two feet entered his peripheral vision. He looked up, setting the hat back down on his head. “What’s going on, Pete?”

Pete seemed a bit on edge. “You can’t have them both, you know.”

Travis’s eyebrows disappeared under his hat. “Both?” Then it clicked. He shook his head. “Oh, I’m not riding them both. That first one was too difficult, so I’m giving the second one a go.”

Pete’s expression went from angry to horrified. “Is that how you treat them? If one gives you some trouble, you go after the other?”

Travis held his palms up. “Well, I can’t ride them both at the same time, now, can I?”

Pete’s eyes managed to go wider. “You...You are... You are the reason I hated every football player in my high school! Didn’t your mother teach you how to treat a woman?”

“A woman?” Travis got to his feet. He had a good half a foot on Pete, who took a step back. “What are you talking about?”

“Summer and Rachel! What are
you
talking about?”