Setting his can on the table, Riley asked, “How is your older daughter?”
Shaking her head in bemusement, Marjorie replied, “She says she’s having the time of her life. They’re in a different city nearly every night on this whirlwind tour. She told me she still cries every time she hears Pierce’s voice on the radio.”
Marjorie’s older daughter, Kara, was on the road with her fiancé, Pierce Vanness, an up-and-coming young singer. He’d just recorded his first CD, and his first single was making a respectable showing on the country music charts. He was on tour as the opening act for a well-known country group.
Kara had believed in Pierce since she’d first heard him singing in a local bar. She’d dropped everything in Edstown to follow him—including the management of the Evening Star, a job she had spent years preparing for. Some people thought she was crazy to take a risk like that, but nearly everyone believed it was because of her support and encouragement that Pierce’s career was taking off so quickly.
Riley could identify with Pierce’s dream. He had a few of his own. The difference was, he didn’t need anyone to cheer him or push him. When he was ready, he would pursue his goals on his own.
Cameron sighed and pushed away from the table. “There are a few more boxes waiting for us,” he reminded Riley.
Draining the rest of his cola, Riley stood. “Let’s go,” he said. “The sooner we get her moved in, the sooner she can start paying rent.”
The others all laughed—even Teresa.
Riley wondered if he’d made a big mistake renting half his home to a woman he already found entirely too intriguing.
Chapter Five
Teresa’s helpers were determined to finish their job before they departed. By the time they left just after dark, she was completely moved into her new apartment. Every stick of furniture was in place. Kitchen supplies, linens and personal possessions had been put away. Even her clothes were hanging neatly in her closet. There was very little left for her to do.
“I don’t know how to thank everyone,” she said, not for the first time, as Serena, Cameron and Marjorie prepared to leave. “Especially since it’s the second time you’ve all helped me move in.”
Cameron shrugged, his gentle smile illuminated by the security lighting overhead as they stood in the front yard, huddled into their coats against the chilly night air. “You can repay me with another one of those cakes you made me last time. Man, was that
good.”
“I’ll make you two of them,” she promised.
Serena laughed and patted her husband’s flat tummy. “You do that and he’ll be as fat as I expect to be in a few months.”
Riley cleared his throat loudly. “I’ve only helped you move once, but I like cake, too.”
Teresa couldn’t help smiling at his hopeful expression. “I’ll make you a cake, too,” she promised.
He grinned. “I’ll hold you to that.”
She looked quickly away. There was something about his lazy smiles that made a funny little quiver run all the way through her. And she had no business at all quivering over Riley O’Neal.
She and Riley remained outside to see the others off. Their car had just pulled away and Teresa was preparing to thank Riley again for his assistance when a battered pickup truck turned into Riley’s driveway. An older man in a camouflage cap and coat, jeans and battered boots climbed out of the cab. “Hey, Riley.”
“Hey, Bud. Come meet my new tenant.”
The visitor ambled toward them, his thumbs hooked in the pockets of his jeans. “Well, well,” he said to Riley, studying Teresa in the artificial light of the security poles. “Ain’t you the lucky landlord?”
Riley sighed. “Teresa Scott, this is my uncle, Bud O’Neal.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
She extended a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Mr. O’Neal.”
His hand was rough with calluses, testifying to a lifetime of hard work. “Call me Bud. Everyone does. So you just moved in?”
“Yes, just today.”
“Well, you let me know if Riley gives you any problems, you hear? I’m the only one who could ever keep him in line.”
Teresa couldn’t help but return his contagious smile. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”