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The Tessarae Inn |
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Dreams In Amber Refrains CHAPTER 22 “I know this is going to sound strange and all considering my vested interest in promoting your behavior for my profit and gain, but don’t you think you’ve been imbibing too much lately?” “You point, if you actually have one, is?” “The drinking. It’s not a good sign that your house is in order.” “So what’s next for you a white collar with a matching bible to thump?” RJ grunted then shook his head. “I don’t pretend to be good at this. Haven’t had a lot of practice. But I’m trying to be a friend here.” Todd set his glass on the bar so that it made a loud thud. “Glad you know your limitations. Give me another double.” He waited to hear one of RJ’s famous growls or snappy comebacks but all he heard was the low rumbling sound of heavy breathing. He looked up and saw that RJ had a candyass smile slashed across his face and was making small almost imperceptible birdlike steps. It was an ugly sight to see and it could mean only one thing. He turned around slowly and saw Toni sweeping toward them in a blaze of yellow. Todd pushed his glass toward RJ who frowned but then poured two fingers of scotch. “Hey, my lover man,” said Toni. She placed her hands on the top of the bar and lifted herself to meet RJ’s kiss. “Hey, beautiful. You look like sunshine.” Okay, she did look good—happy—but there was no reason to encourage the two of them to devolve into sputtering lovesick idiots. “Will you two give it a rest already? This may be a house of ill repute but people still like a little peace with their demon rum.” Toni turned her head slowly and looked at him. “Todd, what a surprise. I didn’t see you there. Of course, I wasn’t looking for you. I thought you’d be in the city with…” RJ cleared his throat. “Toni, don’t antagonize the customers.” “You know, Toni, I miss these little conversations with you. I knew something made Llanview seem more peaceful than it was before I left. Then I remembered I hadn’t run into you. Another good thing spoiled.” Toni narrowed her eyes and tightened her lips so that just a hint of her teeth showed. He braced himself. She was about to launch into one of her tirades and he was going to have to counterattack. Last one standing got bragging rights until the next time they squared off. “Heads up, Manning. I think your party just arrived.” Todd glanced over at the door and saw Heather and Treyscott stroll into Capricorn. They glanced around but didn’t see him probably because Toni was blocking their view. They walked to a booth and sat down. He waited a few seconds then drained his glass and stood up. Toni, who had watched Heather and Treyscott's every step, swung her head around. “I know him. That’s Bryan Treyscott—quarterback for The Tornadoes. He’s here to meet you? What is the world coming to?” “Coming to? Didn’t you personally drive it to hell in a hand basket months ago?” “Only after…” Todd waved his hand and cut her off. “I’ve got people to see.” Toni frowned but then glanced toward the booth where Heather and Treyscott were sitting. She turned back with a plastered smile on her face. “I’ll walk over with you. I’d like to meet Treyscott.” Just as he was about to tell Toni what she could do with herself, he caught RJ’s eye. RJ nodded then said, “A second opinion might be worth a listen.” Whatever. He made long strides toward the booth with Toni nipping at his heels. “Heather,” he said as soon as he reached the edge of the booth. “Treyscott.” Heather looked up at him with knives drawn. “Good. I thought you weren’t here. Now we can get out of this place.” Toni took a step forward but then harrumphed and shifted her gaze to Treyscott. “Hello. I’m Toni Reynolds. My fiancé owns this place. Welcome.” “Thanks. Nice place." Treyscott glanced around the room. "Too bad I’m on my way to another appointment but I’ll be back next time I’m in town.” “We'll look forward to it. By the way, I’m a big fan of the Tornadoes. You had a phenomenal season last year." Treyscott flashed Toni a slow grin. "Can I have your autograph?” “Sure. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen?” “Oh my God. Ugly fans. I rushed over without a pen and paper.” “I have a pen, if you can find something to write on.” “I’ll check my purse.” Toni rummaged around and pulled out a card. “This is my business card. Mind signing the back of it?” Treyscott took the card and signed it then turned it over and studied the front for a second. “Wait a minute. You’re Antoinette Reynolds, the photographer?” Toni smiled and drew herself up an inch or two as she nodded her head. “I love your work. I don’t believe this. I’ve been trying to meet you for five years. Was out in San Diego and walked into a gallery doing an exhibition of your work. Fell in love immediately. I can’t believe I’m talking to you now.” “The world is truly small and irony rules." Toni slid into the booth next to Treyscott. "Which photographs do you have?” “I have five but only two are on display at my apartment. I’m building a house soon and am creating a special gallery for them and other works too.” “I’m truly flattered. Do you have a favorite?” “Love them all but I especially love the Louisiana series since that’s where I grew up. The first photograph that captured my attention was the one of the shack at the edge of the bayou where the egret…” Heather exhaled loudly. “We don’t have time for this. Daddy Carl is waiting.” Toni shifted her gaze to Heather slowly. “Excuse me. Did you say Daddy Carl?” “My father.” Toni leaned back, crossed her arms over her chest and stared at Heather for a long five count. “I see. You’re daddy’s little girl aren’t you? Think the world centers around you?” “It doesn’t?" Heather flipped her hair. "I hadn’t noticed but then I have more important things to do than take Polaroids that anyone could take and call it art. Please. Talk about a ripoff for fools with more money than common sense.” Toni jerked forward but Treyscott reached across and held her back. “I apologize for her. She really shouldn’t be allowed out in public.” “Fuck you, Bryan.” Treyscott pulled out his wallet and handed Toni a card. “My home number is there. How about giving me a call next week? I’d love to continue this conversation in a more conducive environment.” Toni gave him her most dazzling smile. “I’ll do that. I have some prints here in Llanview you may be interested in seeing.” Heather barreled her way out of the booth then stood next to Todd. “Let’s get rolling before this turns into a bad episode of Blind Date.” Toni slowly oozed out of the booth followed by Treyscott who couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off of her. They stood for a moment and looked at each other. “Next week,” said Treyscott. Toni smiled and started back across the room. She turned and backpedaled a few steps then stopped. “See you, Todd. Nice not meeting you…?” “Her name isn’t important,” said Todd. Toni flashed him a tight smile. “Right.” “My name is Heather Shuttlesworth and I suggest you not forget that.” Toni opened her mouth then cocked her head to the side. “Oh, I get it now. Daddy Carl is Carl Shuttlesworth.” She looked directly at Todd. “That explains a thing or two.” He told Heather and Treyscott he would meet them at the stadium. Heather tried to have a psychotic episode. If he had a bucket of water he could have thrown it on her and she would have melted into a puddle of goo. In the end, though, Heather, sulking like a two-year old, along with Treyscott limoed away. He rushed back into Capricorn club to hear the assessment. Be careful of what you seek. Toni was practically foaming at the mouth. “Laugh at me if you must, but you need to stay away from that bitch.” Todd sucked his teeth for a minute. “That would be because she was trying to interfere with you making a play for Mr. Quarterback while your fiancé was fifteen yards away wiping the top of the bar, blissful in his total ignorance.” RJ exhaled loudly. “Give it a rest, Manning.” “Look, Todd. I don’t know why we irritate the hell out of each other but it is our misfortune that we keep ending up floating in the same orbit. Learn to live with it. I have. People I care about care about you and I am being straight with you. That woman is dangerous. Nothing good will come out of you associating with her.” “What exactly was your first clue, Sherlock?” “Damn it, Todd. Listen to me. There are different ways of picking up information in the world. I just got this vibe from her that sent a chill down my spine. And the sad thing is that I sensed she was trying to be on her best behavior because Treyscott was there.” “Treyscott? They hate each other.” “If you say so. There is a strong current between them that’s for sure. It may be hate but I think …” Was everyone in Llanview suffering a collective brain fart or something? “Cut it out, Toni. All I asked was your quick opinion not this damn trip into voodoo crapola.” “Hey,” said RJ. “Don’t make fun of stuff you don’t know shit about.” Toni stepped directly in front of him then said softly, “There are things in this world that would scare the devil, Todd. Believe that.” “Nope. Will not. Got to go. Thanks for nothing, Miss Cleo.” “What you need to do is go to NY and be with your wife.” “What you need to do is mind your own damn business.” He walked out of Capricorn’s backdoor and jumped into Blair’s Audi. Driving her car somehow made her seem closer. He missed her like crazy. And as much as he hated to admit it, maybe Toni was right. Maybe he should just drop all of this and go to NY. The image of Blair laughing and whirling in his arms in Key West floated into his consciousness. Was this stupid team worth the risk? Not even close. Nothing was worth losing Blair over. Nothing. Then why couldn’t he just let it go? Why did he feel as if everything depended on making this deal? =========== Shuttlesworth leaned back in a huge leather chair that had more than a passing resemblance to a throne. He took a couple of puffs on his cigar then said, “So what do you think of my little empire, son?” What did he think of it? Was he even awake? The place was more than he ever imagined. He glanced out of the huge window that looked down on the field and could see several players just tossing the ball around for the hell of it. The “skybox” was really an elaborate office suite with a fully stocked bar, kitchen, conference room and bedroom. “Speechless? If you think it’s great now, wait until training camp starts and then the season. Nothing I can say can describe it.” “It’s okay.” “Yeah, right.” Shuttlesworth laughed loudly. “You’re drooling over there. Remember I know you now like you’re my own.” “You don’t know me that well.” “Know you like you’re the prince born and true. No need of trying to lie to me. I know how much you want it. How much you want it all.” “I want the team. I never tried to hide that. I’m just wondering what else you’re talking about.” “Let me make it a little clearer then, son.” Shuttlesworth gestured around the suite with his cigar. “I need someone I can trust in charge of things. At first I thought it was just about The Tornadoes but the more I see you the more I think we can work out a more extensive working relationship.” “I have my own business concerns.” “Peanuts. Big ass peanuts but still peanuts compared to what I can offer you.” “What is this really about, DC?” He gave him a crooked smile then leaned over closer. “You met her. She’s the dream I didn’t know I had. I’m working on her to get her to elope. Need to put my stamp on her. You know what I mean. Then we can deal with the rest of it.” “She’s agreed to marry you?” “Not yet. I’m softening her up. Getting everything in place then I plan to bowl her over, sweep her off her feet before she has a chance to have second thoughts. I’m talking soon. Things are coming together.” “Have you had her family checked out? Maybe you shouldn’t rush things.” “Why should I worry about them? You met her. She’s an angel walking. She’s my second chance. With her I can start another family. I could get my heir this time for real. In the meanwhile, I need someone in charge who I can trust.” “What about Heather or Robyn?” “Just between us they are good kids. I tried to do my best by them. Raised them the way girls need to be raised but Heather needs someone to be in charge of her and Robyn’s too soft.” In charge? Soft? Shuttlesworth glanced toward the door then lowered his voice. “Treyscott is back. No use stirring up bruised egos. Funny, I thought he would fill the void at one time but he turned out not to have it for the long haul. The boy sure can play some ball, though.” Treyscott seemed not to notice them. He walked straight to the bar and poured himself a large glass of bourbon. He downed the whole glass then poured himself another one. Shuttlesworth jumped up. “We’ll continue our discussion later. I’ve got to go check on something.” He winked at him. “This might be the night. I’ll be back in a few.” Shuttlesworth walked over to Treyscott and patted him on the back then disappeared down the hallway. Treyscott grunted then glanced over his shoulder. He grabbed his glass and walked over with an unsteady gait then flopped down in the chair vacated by Shuttlesworth. “So are you duly impressed?” “This is a great stadium and the facilities are first rate.” “Yes indeedy. Nothing but the best for Shuttlesworth and his brats.” “He treats you like family.” “He’ll treat you the same way if you give him what he wants.” “All I want to do is buy into the team.” “I told Heather and now I’ll tell you. If you buy into this team I am outta here.” What the hell? “And another thing. You need to stay the hell away from Heather. You are one asshole she does not need in her life.” The absolute last thing in the damn world he wanted was Heather in his life but Treyscott was crossing a line. “I don’t take orders.” “She does. Bet you didn’t know that.” What the hell? “Hello, Todd. Treyscott.” They both turned toward the voice. It was Cassie. Treyscott grunted then stood up. “Got to go.” He walked next to Cassie. “And you need to run like hell.” Cassie frowned and watched Treyscott walk away. She turned back toward Todd. “What’s going on? Where’s Carl?” “Don’t mind that jerk. He’s just a drunk. DC will be back in a minute.” Cassie gave him a dazzling smile then said, “Carl giving you a tour of the place? I had forgotten that you used to play football. This is really something isn’t it?” “Yep.” Cassie perched on the edge of a chair. “Do I have a right to be this happy, Todd? I keep looking for the trapdoor to fall out from under me. He is everything he seems, isn’t he?” “Yeah, sure.” What after all was one more short-term lie? Cassie studied him for a second. “You seem a little distracted. Is everything okay?” “Just miss Blair.” “Tomorrow night is her big night. You’re going up for the show, aren’t you?” “I wouldn’t miss something that important to Blair.” Cassie smiled. “Who would have thought we would both be this happy and in love? Life sure is funny.” Yeah. Damn hysterical. Chapter 23 Dreams In Amber Refrains FAN FICTION |