Chapter Five

T he gunshot blasted in Kasey’s ears. The bullet seared his leg.

He jerked awake, covered in sweat. He’d dreamed of the holdup again. The dream never changed. And he woke up at the same spot every time.

He hadn’t had the dream in years. Right after it happened, he seemed to have it every night. Dr. Youst assured him it was normal and would ease over time. Thankfully, she’d been right.

He snatched his phone off the nightstand. He’d silenced it yesterday before he’d gotten to Tiny’s and hadn’t checked it since. The time showed nearly eleven. He rarely slept this late, but he’d not fallen asleep until four.

Ten text messages and six missed calls. He ignored them. Last night, while they’d had a private moment, Kasey told Zack and Dre what happened with Harper, and they’d made plans to have lunch today. He needed to catch a shower, stop at Ralph’s Barber Shop, and get to Zack’s by one.

Against his better judgment, he brought up the Star Breeze website on his phone. The footage of his disastrous break-up would air soon. A part of him didn’t want to watch, another part wanted to know exactly what they showed.

Star Breeze’s intro filled the screen. The first story highlighted Gemini, the popular actress and the host of the reality show Chasing Sunsets . Nine months pregnant, she stood on a beach in a white gauzy dress that resembled a tent. The next clip reported a politician having an affair with an employee. Then a panoramic view of the star-filled night in Colorado where he’d proposed to Harper filled the screen. He turned up the volume.

“Reality celebrity Hunter Kase was recently on shoot sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Not only does the park have dunes, it’s also an International Dark Sky Park. Dark sky parks are protected land for scientific, natural, and educational purposes because they possess exceptional starry nights and thriving nocturnal environments.”

Harper loved everything celestial, and he thought it’d be the best place to propose.

“He took a night off to bring his girlfriend, Harper Hastings, to the park. As you all know, Harper is a world-renown model and the producer of Hunter Kase . They’ve been dating the last two years. Star Breeze caught this exclusive of the couple.”

A deep calming breath later, Kasey saw himself on his knee, holding out a box with a two-carat diamond. “Harper, will you marry me?”

“I can’t, Kasey.”

The shot froze with him on his knee.

Kasey hit the side button of his phone, and it went dark.

Well, the episode was out. Hopefully, he could start to put it behind him.

Texts began flooding his phone screen. It vibrated with incoming calls. He answered none of them, unsure how to act or what to say. It was painful enough without the world knowing what happened. Facing people would be challenging.

He groaned. This is accomplishing nothing.

Pity party over, he rolled out of bed. The same bunk bed he’d used as a kid. Opening a drawer on the dresser, he pulled out some clothes he’d left here. He’d been in such a rush to leave Colorado he hadn’t even packed a bag.

The book he’d brought up from downstairs last night sat on the nightstand. He’d only gotten through one chapter before he’d passed out. Plus, his mind hadn’t been clear. Hopefully he’d find time to read it today. Book club tonight might be an excellent distraction.

~

T he Hunter’s house looked different in the light of day. Without the cloak of night, Amanda could now make out the gray stone and white Hardiplank. Two old oak trees canopied the yard and evergreen bushes lined the front of the house.

Shelly Hunter opened the door. “Amanda, come in.” Streaks of gray peppered her short, brown hair. Some might think of her looks as plain, but her personality bloomed larger than life. The first time Amanda met her, she appreciated the woman’s intelligence and humor. Shelly asked, “Did you find the house okay?”

“I knew where it was after driving Kasey home from Quinn’s party last night.” She noticed a set of carpeted stairs to the left of the front door leading to the second floor.

“Oh.” Shelly seemed surprised.

Amanda followed her through the house.

A long hallway opened to a game room on the right and a dining room to the left.

At seeing the table up against the wall and the chairs in a circle on the other side of the room, she stopped. Although simple in design, the table top was a spectacular, thick piece of dark, natural wood with live edges, knots, and a low sheen finish that accentuated the beauty of the wood. “Is that a Nakashima dining table?”

Shelly smiled. “My husband and I found it at a garage sale right after we married. Got it cheap. The people didn’t know what they had. We love it.”

“It’s absolutely stunning.”

They continued down the hallway to the kitchen/den. The bright kitchen was painted yellow. A butcher block island sat in the middle and a small table and chairs were positioned by the back door. The den had cream leather furniture.

Amanda set the cake she’d brought by the sink and peeked out the window. The setting sun cast tree shadows across the backyard. A little girl with hair so black it looked blue, stood on the lawn moving her arms and body in slow motion. Her concentration focused on her hands as they floated in the air. Then she rested her arms to her side. Painstakingly slow, she raised one arm and punched her fist out in front of her. Her knuckles hit an invisible wall and returned to her waist. Her entire body rose and fell with her breath.

“That’s our granddaughter, Marisol.” Love and pride rang in Shelly’s voice. “Her mother taught her Tai Chi.”

“How old is she?”

“Six.”

Kasey crept up behind the little girl, but she suddenly turned around and shook a finger at him. He chased her around before scooping her up. The child cackled with laughter so loudly she could be heard through the closed window.

“Her uncles spoil her beyond belief.” Kasey’s mom exhaled. “Her mom and dad divorced when she turned two. Her mother works for Doctors Without Borders. Marisol rarely sees her.”

Amanda frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“It is what it is. My son is happy raising her, and we’re thrilled to help him.”

Kasey and Marisol entered the kitchen. Dressed in shorts, a tank top, and sneakers, he looked completely different than last night. His hair was shorter and his beard gone. His face was tan until the beard line. His hazel eyes smiled at her. “Hey.”

Surprised at his handsomeness, she returned, “Hello.”

“Marisol, this is Amanda.” Kasey gestured with his arm. “She’s a counselor at Goodson High School.”

“Hi.” The precious dark-eyed girl grabbed a stool out of the pantry and carried it to the sink. She stood on it, started the water, and soaped her hands. “We have a counselor, but I don’t know what she does.”

“Amanda helps kids take the right classes and get into college,” Kasey answered.

“And a whole lot more,” Shelly interjected.

Amanda nodded, a whole lot more .

Marisol turned on the stool and took a towel from the drawer to dry her hands. “Do I need to meet with my counselor so I know I’m taking the right classes to get into the college of my choice?”

What a go-getter.

“You’re in first grade,” Kasey replied. “The classes you’re in are the only ones you can take.”

Marisol addressed Amanda. “When I get into high school, will you help me so I’m taking the right classes?”

Kasey said, “She’s inquisitive to the nth degree.”

“I know what nth degree means, Uncle K. It means extremely.”

“Well, you are,” he returned.

“Kasey, please help me in the dining room,” Shelly said.

“I’ll be right back.” Kasey followed his mom out of the room and left Amanda alone with Marisol.

“I’m impressed.” Amanda smirked. “How do you know about the nth degree?”

“My dad said those same words one day, and I asked my mom about them. She’s in Mali, Africa, helping people who don’t have a doctor.”

“I see. I bet you miss her.”

“Not really. We talk every day.”

Amanda’s parents flashed in her mind. She relaxed her shoulders and brought her attention back to Marisol.

“I’m proud of her. She’s living her best life.”

Amanda wanted to laugh. This kid sounded more mature than many women she knew. “I saw you doing Tai Chi outside, can you teach me?”

“Sure.” She jumped down from the stool. “When you first learn Tai Chi, it’s not important to get the steps exactly right, just concentrate on the movement and the breathing. But, if you want to know how to do the steps perfectly, all you have to do is follow me.”

“Your mom taught you?”

“Yeah. We practice together on Zoom or FaceTime.”

“Sounds amazing.”

The little girl grinned. “Tai Chi increases your quality of life.”

“Well, I could use that.”

They headed for the back door.

Kasey reentered the kitchen. “Where are you going?”

His mother entered behind him.

“To the sunroom,” Marisol answered.

“I’m going to learn Tai Chi,” Amanda added.

“She’s a terrible teacher.”

“I am not, Uncle K,” Marisol defended. “You refuse to listen.”

“I listen fine. You have unrealistic expectations.”

The child lifted her nose into the air. “Yes. I do.” Then she spun away, her hair swaying as she left the house.

Amanda met Kasey’s gaze and laughed. “She’s a ball buster.”

He pointed at Shelly. “Gets it from her grandmother.”

~

K asey watched Amanda and his niece go through the backyard and into the sunroom built on the side of the garage. Marisol faced Amanda with her back to the glass window, so Kasey could see Amanda well. She followed instructions, breathing slowly, moving her arms and body, mimicking Marisol.

“Help me, will you?” His mother stood at the refrigerator door. She handed him platters of fresh fruit, vegetables, and tiny chicken salad sandwiches with the crusts trimmed off.

He placed them on the island. “Yay. I love your chicken salad.”

He’d spoken with his mother and father this morning before he’d left the house. They’d seen the Star Breeze footage and told him how sorry they were. They said Ethan had explained his part in it all, and made certain Kasey knew if he wanted to talk, they were there for him. He appreciated how she didn’t nag him about how he was feeling.

“These are for the book club meeting. If you want to eat, go with your dad and Marisol.”

“I’m staying for book club.”

She shook her head. “You know the rules, Kasey. They haven’t changed since you lived here. Everyone who attends book club has to have read the book we’re discussing.”

“I read To Each Her Own .”

“When?”

“Last night and today.”

She set down the bowl of dip and put her hands on her hips. “How did you know which book to read?”

“It wasn’t rocket science, Mom. You left it on the coffee table.”

“You read the whole thing?”

“Yes.” It’d been good to sit down with Zack, Sadie, Dre, and Quinn. They’d talked about regular life things, thankfully taking his mind off the media circus around his life. After lunch, Zack and Sadie left for a benefit, Dre and Quinn went to visit her grandparents, and upon the suggestion of Zack, Kasey stayed at their house and quickly read the book.

“What’s your angle?” She spied him suspiciously.

“No angle. I genuinely want to discuss the book.”

Her eyes squinted as she studied him.

“I’ve joined book club. Numerous times.”

“Only when I challenged you to do it. Like when we read Codes , the book on conspiracy theories.”

“You made all of us participate in that one. Even Dad.”

She smirked. “Your father is so gullible. I wanted him to read about conspiracy theories and realize they’re not reliable.”

“You weren’t successful.”

“No.” She laughed. “He still believes Elvis is alive.” She scrutinized Kasey again. “Are you joining for Amanda? She told me she drove you home last night.”

“I’m not going from one failed relationship to another. I’m taking a break from women.”

“Yet, you read a book to specifically put yourself in the company of at least ten women tonight.”

“You used to have men in the club,” he answered defensively.

“Still do. Something tells me you’re not attending for them.”

“I’m attending for me. I need to do something to take my mind off the reality of my life. The news footage is on repeat everywhere. I hate that Darcy has been out front running off news crews.”

“Whatever your reason for wanting to attend book club, we’ll be glad to have you.” She scooped up a bowl of chips and went into the dining room.

He’d never admit to his mother he’d read the book in hopes of interacting with Amanda again. Spending time with her last night, he was struck by her kindness. How she’d ordered him food and gave him a ride home. The night could’ve been horrible, and parts of it were bad, but she’d made it bearable. She’d calmed him.

No, that wasn’t the right word.

She’d quieted the world for him. Even with the loud bar music blaring, his mind quieted while he talked and played pool with her. His rage lessened. He hadn’t lied to his mom, he wasn’t ready for another relationship, yet he liked the comfort Amanda brought him.

~

W ith a proper Tai Chi bow, Amanda thanked Marisol before they stepped from the sunroom. “Can we do this again?”

Marisol nodded. “You let me know when you’d like another lesson.”

“By the way,” Amanda said conspiratorially. “Your uncle is wrong. You’re a super teacher.”

“I know,” she said. Not in a boastful way, more in a matter-of-fact tone.

The two trekked back across the lawn and into the kitchen. “Bye, Amanda.” Marisol ran through the kitchen and yelled, “Papa Rafe, I’m ready.”

Shelly poured ice from the freezer into an ice bucket.

“Do you need help?”

“The tea pitcher needs to make it onto the table.”

Amanda brought the cut-glass pitcher into the dining room. “Hi,” she greeted Hilly and Milly, twin sisters who looked to be in their seventies. They were enjoyable to be around. By the time everyone arrived, there were three men and twelve women in attendance. She loved having men in the group. They always brought a different perspective. Everyone did, one of the reasons she loved this group so much.

The chair next to her slid back, and Kasey plopped down in the seat. Hair damp, he smelled of a different cologne he’d worn last night—this one just as luscious.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He held up a copy of To Each Her Own . “Joining.”

She squinted at him. “Why?”

“My mother used to make us read books and attend. I saw the book on the coffee table last night and picked it up.” He glanced around at everyone. “Is it okay I’m here? I know Hilly and Milly used to love for me to attend.”

The old women giggled. Milly said, “We do. Kasey has a unique viewpoint on things.”

“They love me,” he whispered to Amanda.

She raised her brows. “They seem to.”

A large brown and white husky padded into the room and sat at Kasey’s feet. The dog nudged his head against Kasey’s knee. He immediately rubbed the dog’s ears.

Kasey’s mother hustled into the room and stopped short when she saw the dog. “Edward, you weren’t invited.”

The dog didn’t act like he heard, although his ears pricked up.

Kasey smiled as he continued petting the dog.

“Edward,” she tried again.

“He’s fine, Mom. He’ll just sit here with me.”

“No, he won’t. We have people with allergies.”

Kasey stood up, and Edward immediately trailed him out of the room.

“Let’s get started,” Shelly said. “Amanda, since you chose the book, you begin.”

Without the dog, Kasey came back and sat beside her again.

“Okay. My biggest question is...” Amanda appreciated how everyone in the group could be honest and give their opinion without judgment or ridicule. Their ages ranged from twenty to over seventy.

Everyone except Amanda and Brett had a glass of wine in their hand during the discussion. The conversation remained lively and energetic. She liked seeing people interact and enjoy themselves. Kasey often took an opposite stance of the norm. She guessed he did it to watch people’s reactions. He always kept his contradictory attitude playful and challenging.

After the discussion, everyone mingled and ate. Amanda was standing beside Stan and Gloria when Kasey approached.

Gloria grimaced. “We saw Star Breeze this morning.”

Kasey sighed. “I’m sure everyone has. I’m surprised someone hasn’t said anything before now.”

Gloria loved gossip. “I can’t believe Harper broke up with you when you proposed.”

Everyone stopped talking and listened.

“You don’t owe anyone an explanation,” Amanda murmured.

He smiled at her and then turned toward Gloria. “What you saw is what actually happened.” He spoke to everyone in the room. “In case you haven’t heard yet, this morning Star Breeze aired footage of my proposal to Harper. She refused.”

It seemed everyone had a question. Kasey patiently answered all of them. When someone asked if Harper was involved with someone else, Amanda saw Shelly flinch. Kasey just shrugged as an answer, not mentioning Ethan’s involvement.

Amanda hated the situation for him. He vibrated with an energy boiling under the surface that she read as he’d rather be doing anything else at this moment. This must be what people in the public eye dealt with constantly. Everyone so interested and curious about their private lives. It seemed exhausting.

Once most of the people left, Amanda and Kasey cleared the food from the table. He washed the dishes and she dried. His mother talked with the last stragglers at the front door.

“I wish I could get out of town for a few days,” Kasey said. “Away from the media and the world. Except I have to be back on location Monday morning.”

“I understand.” She grasped a wet dish from the drying rack. “I couldn’t believe how everyone kept blasting you with questions. I mean, I know you’ve known them for years, but it was ill-mannered in my opinion.”

He grinned. “You were quite interested last night.”

“I ... I ... I ...” Damn. She was like everyone else. “I was. Forgive me, I offered to listen because I simply wanted to be your friend.”

“I appreciate that, and I believe everyone here tonight was doing the same.” He studied her for a moment. “How would you like to take me and Marisol to a baseball game tomorrow?”

Surprised, she tilted her head. “What time?”

“The game’s at one. You and Marisol seemed to get along well, and I like having someone on my side with all the media hype.”

“I’m sure everyone is on your side.” When she’d watched the failed proposal news footage earlier today, her heart dropped to her toes in sympathy for Kasey. Yet, she knew he didn’t want pity. “Okay, I’ll pick you and Marisol up about noon.”

He smiled. “Can’t wait.”

“I better be going.” She grabbed her purse. “See you then.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She stopped herself from hugging him and kissing his cheek. Rebound woman was not her destiny. Not even in the short-term. After hugging his mom, Amanda walked out to her car. She started the engine and buckled up when a knock on the passenger window startled her. She hit the button for the window to go down.

Kasey stuck his head inside. “I have a couple more questions about the book.” He opened the door and sat beside her. “Why did you suggest the club read To Each Her Own ?”

“I enjoy the writer’s style. The way he leaves out certain things lets me interpret what he writes the way I want it to play out.”

“Are all his books written that way?”

“Not all. Just this series, there’s eleven books so far.”

“I enjoyed it. It held my attention.”

His attention. With the way he seemed to vibrate with energy, she guessed holding his attention was a feat.

“It's a great day for a ball game; let's play two!” ~ Ernie Banks