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The Tessarae Inn |
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Dreams In Amber Refrains CHAPTER 30 Blair tried not to wring her hands or look worried. The plan was simple as dirt but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t work. Of course, it didn’t mean it would work either. She and Todd had decided to go with a strategy based on a simple axiom: People who operate in the dark don’t like the light. So they were hanging their hopes on the value of letting a little sunshine into the proceedings. Would it work? There were no guarantees. Still the fact of the matter was that despite her anxiety, they were only playing for bragging rights. The real contest had already been decided. Yesterday had been a whirlwind of activity but in the end everyone answered the call. Heather practically had an orgasm on the phone when Todd told her he wanted to meet today to nail down the deal. Only someone as deluded as Heather would actually think that Todd would cave into her wishes. But Heather was a true believer. Carl Shuttlesworth, the consummate nonbeliever, though had also bought into the idea that his anointed son was coming home from the hills. Such was the fate of true cynics who found themselves vulnerable to their own delusions of invincibility. If she had anything to do with it, they would soon find themselves trawling in shallow waters trying to find their faith. She stepped out of sight when she caught a glimpse of Asa strutting down the hall. Asa made a clicking sound as he walked past her but he didn’t dawdle or look around him. He was on a mission. He was the first point of sunshine on tap. Asa was pissed to hear that Shuttlesworth was even considering selling to Todd. She knew Asa well enough to know that he would try to do the Texas Two-Step all over Shuttlesworth’s plan insulting his mother and her offspring in the process. Nothing like having an arrogant ass, who is as rich as you, trying to tell you what to do to get your back all riled up and get you to dig in your heels. Whatever Asa did Shuttlesworth was going to hate it. For once, Asa was going to be a force of nature blowing in their favor. Blair checked her watch. For their plan to have maximum effect, the points of sunshine needed to appear on a staggered schedule. Just when Shuttlesworth thought he blotted out the light from one, another needed to appear. She smiled when she saw Robyn and Treyscott walking toward her. Of all the things she’d learned in the last couple of days the fact that Robyn was no Heather was one of the good things. Yet, it was still surprising that Robyn was on their side. Not telling her father and Heather what they were up to was one thing but actually joining their plan was another thing entirely. When Treyscott saw her, he broke out in a wide grin but Robyn looked away and bit her lower lip. They all greeted each other then an awkward silence settled between them. Robyn took a step closer to her, stepped back, exhaled and then crossed her arms and just as quickly uncrossed them. “Travis tells me I have you to thank for the slight thaw in things.” “Be good to him. He’s one in a million—one of the good guys.” Robyn nodded then tightened her lips. “Thank you for whatever you said to him but I still have a problem with you.” Blair shrugged. “Todd has a problem with Travis. It’s the way of the world.” Robyn ran her fingers through her hair so her curls seemed to bounce and come alive. She tightened her lips but then nodded slowly. “I’ll have to make my peace with it I guess. Unlike what I’m about to do. Burning bridges here.” “It’s your decision, Robyn,” said Blair. “I can guarantee you that even with the little I know about your father I suspect he is not going to get past this easily. He’s going to see it as a betrayal.” Robyn snorted. “At the very least. He does not handle disloyalty very well.” Treyscott cleared his throat then hooked his arm in Robyn’s. “You have a right to a life on your own terms. Hard lesson to learn. Your sister, it seems, never will.” Blair glanced at Treyscott then back at Robyn. There was a price to be paid for what Robyn was about to do. Did she have any real idea of what was at stake? She spent her whole life surrounded in what might have felt like a suffocating cocoon of Daddy Love and Control but at least her father was there for her. She had no idea what it was like to walk through life without a father to have your back. Blair reached out and touched Robyn’s arm gently. “You don’t have to do this. The plan can work without you. It was not my intention to drag you into this. I didn’t know you would be there when I called.” “I’m not doing this for you or Todd. And I’m not doing it for him either. For once I’m doing something for myself. I’m using your agenda to give me the strength to do something I couldn’t seem to do on my own. I pray that the break is not permanent or complete but whatever happens it will give me room to breathe. Can’t spend the rest of my life being Number Two.” Blair wasn’t sure what to say to her. She nodded her head and smiled in a way that she hoped was encouraging. Robyn cleared her throat. “I think I’ll run to the powder room for a sec. Meet you at the door to the conference room, Treyscott.” She walked away. Blair stepped closer to Treyscott. “Are you okay with this? What I said to Robyn goes for you as well. You don’t have to do this.” He slipped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her lightly. “Everybody has to walk the plank once in awhile to see if you sink or swim. Guess I won’t be invited back to the box after today.” “Only if we lose. If we win, you are on the permanent welcome list. As long as you keep winning games, of course.” He grinned at her. “Does your husband know how lucky he is?” “He knows.” “I’ll take your word for it. But remember if you ever need a fast car, you can always give me a call.” She bit her lip and looked down for a second. “Thank you for that day. I’m not sure what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.” “Can’t believe how it all turned out though. I don’t know how he found you but I’d give anything in the world to have a woman who loved me half as much as you do him.”
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Heather tried to keep focused on Todd but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Asa Buchanan was such an asshole. “That’s a hell of a deal, Carl. Not like you to be so above board and fair. What’s Manning got? Pictures of you being serviced by a slew of farm animals? Oh, but that’s right those would be your wedding pictures.” That was it. Heather put both hands on the conference table and rose up out of her chair a few inches. “I don’t know why you insist on being here, Mr. Buchanan. This is a private meeting.” Asa flashed her his famous cowboy grin then walked next to Todd, who was sucking his teeth and tapping his fingers on the table but otherwise maintaining a surprisingly chilly calm. “You don’t mind me being here do you, Manning? Where’s that scorpion in a red dress you married to anyway? Not doing stuff behind her back again are you?” Todd ignored Asa. Heather felt like her head was going to explode. “That bitch is not involved in this transaction.” “Oops there, girly. Gonna call the man’s wife a bitch to his face? I get to do that but do you?” “She won’t be his wife much longer. Not if we sign…” Her father suddenly sat up straight. He locked his gaze on her and she could feel the heat five feet away. “Number One, no need of talking out of school.” Asa grinned and slapped the sides of his face with his hands. “Oh my goodness. Wait. Wait. Oooooooh…” Asa slapped Todd on the back. Todd gritted his teeth. “You’re not telling me you have a thing for this snake are you? Even the vermin in the swamp run when they see him coming. You may want to know though that it makes you look kind of pathetic to have to use a deal to get a man, especially a man as sorry as this one.” Todd narrowed his eyes but then leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Heather glowered at Asa. He was the most despicable man she had ever had the misfortune to run into. “I never said anything like that.” “Is that how you did it, Manning? You sleep with her? Wouldn’t surprise me. Rumors been heard that Carl there prostitutes her out like she’s a party favor. Damn shame what some people will do to their young’uns.” “I suggest you retract that statement and apologize.” Asa whipped around and then rocked back slightly on his heels. “Well, if it isn’t the star quarterback. This negotiation is getting more and more interesting.” Heather felt such a sense of relief when she saw Bryan that it took all of her willpower not to run into his arms. How had this situation deteriorated so quickly? First, Daddy Carl was acting like he’d been run over by a train and left on the side of the track every since Todd announced that he wanted the team but nothing else to do with him or her for that matter. He stated he had no intention of marrying her. If she’d had something hard and sharp, she would have thrown it across that table aimed straight at his heart but her father seemed to have been wounded beyond recognition. Did Todd really mean that much to him? Was he more important to him than she was? Then before they could recover from having their expectations crushed Asa Buchanan had sashayed in and started stirring up trouble. Asa rubbed his hands together. “So what you got to say for yourself, quarterback boy? You in favor of Manning getting his hands on the team and becoming your new employer?” Heather exhaled. Bryan would repeat his ultimatum that if they sold to Todd he would quit. Things couldn’t have worked out better if she had planned it. Bryan represented a good and easy way to save face. The Tornadoes could not afford to lose Bryan Treyscott and anybody would know that. “Sounds like a good deal to me. Got a shit load of respect for Manning and I play for whoever signs my paycheck.” What? Did he say...? “Have you lost your mind?” screamed Heather. “You better rethink that stance if you expect me to give you… to give you… to support your endeavors in the future.” “Don’t need or expect anything from you, Miss Shuttlesworth. Besides I’m not involved in this deal. Just here because I gave Robyn a ride.” Heather stared at him then slowly shifted her gaze to Robyn who squeezed his hand. Never in her life had she felt more like killing her sister. She wanted to rip every damn hair in her sorry head out with a pair of tweezers. She wanted to pick up something big and heavy and whack at her like she was a roach scurrying across the floor of her life. She wanted to… Robyn stepped forward, sat down at the conference table and nodded at Todd. She picked up the folder, which housed the contract papers. “I assume these are to you and your lawyer’s satisfaction?” “They are.” She picked up one of the pens next to the folder, opened it and she began to sign the papers. “It’s a fair deal made in good faith. For my part I plan to honor it.” “Damn, Carl,” bellowed Asa. “You better watch out. Looks like one of your puppet children just cut one of her strings. That can’t be good.” Heather jumped up to grab the papers from Robyn. Her father raised the palm of his hand and stopped her in her tracks then turned to Robyn. “Have you totally lost your fucking mind, Number Two?” Her father’s voice dripped with such anger and menace then Heather found she could hardly breathe. “I didn’t tell you to sign shit. I didn’t give you permission to do a damn thing.” Robyn ignored him as best she could and continued to sign the papers. Her father seemed to expand as he loomed over Robyn. “I gave you every damn thing you could want but I do not tolerate disrespect or disobedience. You know what you are risking here.” Robyn finished signing the final paper then stood up. She gripped the back of her chair but she met her father’s gaze. “The agreement is not in effect unless you and Heather sign. I’ve made my decision.” “You have no idea what you are deciding, girl child, but you will. And you won’t be able to plead or whine your way out of it. I’ll be in hell long before you figure out a way to make this up to me.” Heather felt her heart beating so fast that it sounded like someone was hitting a steel pipe in her head. Robyn had finally cracked and was out of the family orbit. How long had she prayed and waited for that to happen? Way too long but something was not right. Robyn was not dumb. She knew Daddy Carl would cut her off from everything just to see her suffer. He did not tolerate betrayal. Did not. Why was she choosing to sink into the abyss over this stupid deal? Who was Todd Manning to her? And she really didn’t think that Treyscott was going to support her did she? Besides after today Treyscott would be lucky to have a job changing her cat’s litter box. “Excuse me, I’m here to pick up Robyn.” Everyone turned to see Travis walk into the conference room. Asa slapped his thigh and whooped. “Damn, Carl. You show know how to throw a party. Now you got one of those musical hound dogs freaks barking at your door.” Heather felt sick. This was too much. She flopped down in her seat. Robyn stepped around Asa and walked to Travis tentatively. For a minute they stared at each other then Travis reached out and took her hand and pulled her to his side. “What the hell are you doing here?” boomed Shuttlesworth. “Get the hell out of here.” “Sure thing. Ready, Robyn?” Robyn nodded her head quickly and Travis put his arm around her shoulders. Heather watched as Travis looked around the room. Asa was watching Travis with something that amounted to gleeful interest. Todd looked at him with what looked like chilly detachment. Her father was staring at him with something that approximated complete and utter disdain. Travis tipped his head to them all and he and Robyn moved toward the door. Travis stopped suddenly. “Oh, by the way, DC. It’s the curse of being famous. A few reporters followed me here. I told them about the deal that was being completed. They seemed more interested in that than me for a change. They’ll probably hang around for a while.” “You sorry piece of shit,” screamed Heather. “Compliments don’t work on me, Heather.” Shuttlesworth moved closer to Todd. “You are one manipulative mother, Manning. Called Travis didn’t you and probably figured out a way to sic Asa on us but you miscalculated, son. I don’t gave a fuck about Asa and those sorry newspapers can print whatever the hell they want to and I still won’t sign those papers. Forgot who you dealing with didn’t you? I eat little shits like you for breakfast as well as that bitch wife of yours and fart you out like gas.” Todd shrugged and then scratched the side of his mouth. “Are you saying the deal isn’t fair or that it wasn’t worked out in good faith? Your daughter just announced that it was.” Asa snorted. “Yeah, what are you saying, Carl?” “Fuck you, Asa, and this psycho too.” Todd opened his eyes wide in mock surprise. “Maybe you can tell me again what the problem is, DC? This is the deal we all agreed to isn’t it. I have the check here to complete the transaction. I’ve signed the papers. All you need to do is add your John Hancock.” “It was a down payment, son and you the hell know it. There was another part of the deal and if you think I won’t state it clear and in the open you don’t know me from your smelly asshole.” Treyscott balled his hands into fists. “Shut up, DC. You already lost one daughter today. Do you want to lose the other one?” Shuttlesworth made a swooshing sound then laughed. “You are such a pussy, Treyscott. If any woman tried half the shit on me Heather pulled on you, I’d have kicked her ass from here to Katmandu.” “Fuck you, DC.” Heather felt sharp stabs sensations in her stomach. “Daddy Carl, don’t. Please.” “She grinds her heel in you crotch and you still got the jones for her. We sit in here late at night and laugh about what a pussy you are.” Please no. Not this. Daddy Carl promised he would never do this. Hadn’t she done everything he ever wanted her to do? She had only held onto a little piece of Bryan. She couldn’t survive without at least that little piece of him. “Daddy Carl, don’t do this, please. It’s not true, Bryan.” “Left your stupid ass standing in a fucking church in front of half the world and you still panting after her like you a pussy whipped mother...” “Daddy Carl, stop it,” screamed Heather. Her father looked at her then made a low rumbling sound and bared his teeth. “I’m just getting started, Number One. There are things I can tell Treyscott that will permanently glue his damn ears back.” “Carl?” Shuttlesworth whirled toward the voice then he rolled his eyes to the heavens. He snapped his head to the right and glared at Todd. “You hit below the belt, son. Way below the belt.” “I’m a quick study.” Cassie moved closer to Carl. “What’s going on? I thought this was just a formality, the signing of a contract. I was invited to a celebration. I don’t understand.” Shuttlesworth rushed around the table and pulled Cassie close to him. “Just a big misunderstanding. I’ll finish up here then we can talk. I have big plans for us. The jet is waiting.” Cassie frowned then looked over at Todd. “Is everything all right? Is there a problem?” “Actually, I’m just waiting for DC and Heather to sign the contract then it’s party time as far as I’m concerned. Tornadoes jerseys for everyone.” Heather sank deeper into her chair. How could her father do that to her? Suddenly nothing about the deal made any difference to her. She tried to control her breathing as she eased her gaze upward to get a better look at Bryan’s face. The look in his eyes made every cell in her body freeze. It wasn’t true. He had to know that. He had to know that despite everything she had ever said or done to him it wasn’t true. She had to fight so hard to keep her distance from him. He had no idea how hard she had to fight. She glanced away then back again and prayed that she would see his eyes soften but there was no mercy. There was a way to manage this situation. There was always a way. She reached across the table and grabbed the contract papers and began to sign the pages. She could hear her father in the background talking to Cassie in a soft pleading voice. The contract would only be valid if he signed it as well. She could explain that she understood that signing wouldn’t make a difference in the long run because he would never sign, but her gesture would matter to Bryan. She couldn’t lose him—not completely. She signed the papers and finally saw the glare in Bryan’s eyes soften but then he walked out of the conference room. Heather called to Bryan but he kept walking. She swayed backwards and forward as if being pulled in two directions by equal forces. Her father made a sudden move and snatched the papers out of her hands. What was going on here? She swung around and to her astonishment saw her father signing the papers. Had he lost his mind? If he signed it was all over. She had never seen him cave like that. Never. Her father paused and stared at Cassie. "If this doesn't prove to you where my heart is, then I don't know what the hell will. There is no one else alive I would do this for." Heather felt the air rush out of her lungs. Her father was doing this for that gold digging tramp. He destroyed the only remaining fragment of her relationship with Bryan without a second thought and now he was sitting here caving in for that money loving leech. Bryan. She looked wildly around the room and noticed Blair standing behind Cassie. Blair was smirking but as much as she hated that bitch it didn’t matter. It didn’t even matter anymore that her father was signing the contracts. What mattered was Bryan and he was walking away. Walking away from her. She tried to move toward the door but she felt locked in place. What if her father needed her? Even after what he had just done, she couldn’t abandon him like Robyn. Heather watched as her father finished signing the papers and slammed the pen down on the table. He shoved them across the table to Todd, who seemed to uncoil like a viper that had been sitting in stillness waiting for his prey. He took the papers and handed them to his lawyer who checked everything. Cassie turned and walked into the side office and closed the door. Heather studied Todd. For the first time since he walked in the room she saw his true feelings dance across the surface of his face. The utter contempt made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Her father leaned in close to Todd and lowered his voice but she could still hear him. “Are you crazy, son? You could have had everything.” Todd stood up and Blair walked into his arms. He turned his head and looked at her. “I already do." Shuttlesworth exhaled loudly. "I told you before that I respect a man who speaks his faith. But, son, there is such a thing as being blinded by it." Todd rotated his head toward Shuttlesworth. "I'm not the one who's blind. You stepped in it when you decided to mess with me and mine. You need to understand that because next time I won't be so nice." "Watch yourself, son." "Or what?" Shuttlesworth tapped the table lightly then whispered, "You better pray Cassie comes around because she's the only one who has a chance of keeping me on a leash. When I'm running free, I'm a very dangerous man." Blair leaned toward Shuttlesworth. "Then you better crawl on back into your hole and find so other way to control yourself." "I'd stepped lightly, girl. You have no idea of what's between me and Cassie." "What I know is that if you try to hurt someone I love again you will learn the full meaning of the word payback and I can guarantee you won't like it." Shuttlesworth stared at Blair then a slow smiled spread across his face. "Formidable. I like it. Maybe I went after the wrong Cramer." Todd moved partially in front of Blair. "You think you know me, but you don't have a clue of what I'm capable of when someone goes after what is precious to me. For future reference, stamp that warning on the big screen TV version of your brain. No limits. No boundaries." Shuttlesworth glared at Todd and Blair. "We all live to fight another day." "If that's what you want," Todd said, "but I suggest you cut your losses, while you still can." Shuttlesworth's face softened. "We could have been something together, son. No one in our way would have stood a chance." "I'm not your son, Carl. Maybe if you get that fact straight the rest of it will fall into place." Shuttlesworth flinched as if he had been struck. He stepped back then shook his head. Heather moved toward him but he glared at her then took one last look at Todd and Blair. He walked toward Heather but he brushed past her and rushed to the office.
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Blair walked into the parking lot in close step with Cassie. Her head was spinning. What a show! Neither she nor Todd expected Shuttlesworth to go over the edge that way he did. Poor Cassie certainly got an earful. Cassie stopped and looked around the parking lot. She looked lost. Blair touched Cassie’s arm. “I know that was hard on you and for that I’m sorry but it was important for you to see what kind of man he is.” “I saw it but I don’t feel it in my heart. I know how crazy that sounds, Blair, but he was never that way with me. Not once. I thought he was the one--finally. It’s hard to let that go.” Blair forced herself to be quiet and think for a few seconds before she spoke. This was a minefield. “I’m not telling you not to love him. God knows I don’t have a right. How many people have told me I shouldn’t love Todd but I do and nothing they ever said made a bit a difference to me about that. But just like with Todd, you can’t love or be with a man like Carl Shuttlesworth with your eyes closed.” “He still wants me to go away with him. What would you do if I left with him?” “I’d step out of your way. I’d hate it but that’s what I’d do.” Cassie rubbed her forehead. “Then I’d call your mother.” Cassie stepped back then laughed. “I’d have your back though. And Carl Shuttlesworth would never have a moment’s peace if he hurt you. But lets face it, with Aunt Dorian on the case, he’d never have a moment’s peace, period.” Cassie shook her head from side to side then looked off into the distance. “I thought he loved me.” “I’m not going to pretend to know more than you. But I suspect for a man who doesn’t believe in love, what he feels for you is probably as close to the feeling as he has ever come in his miserable life.” Cassie crossed her arms then looked down. “Doesn’t really matter. The joke’s on him. I can never give him what he seems to want most in this world—a son. So my uterus is going to save me from my heart. Life is sure a bitch, isn’t it?” Blair could see the tears in Cassie’s eyes and felt a catch in her throat. She hugged Cassie tightly. Life didn’t play fair that’s for sure. “Kind rough stuff. Sorry you had to see that, Cassie.” Blair pulled back from Cassie and turned to see Treyscott approaching them. “You’re the one who told me to run for my life,” said Cassie. “Wish I could say I didn’t mean it but I’m still sorry he proved me right.” “No one said the truth was painless.” “Right about that. Had my own brush with it today and it scorched like the Texas sun in August.” Treyscott tugged at his chin and looked at them. “But on to more important things. Are all the Cramer women as pretty as you two?” “Almost,” said Cassie. He smiled at her. “Can I give you a lift home?” Cassie shot a glance at Blair who lifted her shoulders and opened her hands. “All I have to say is strap yourself in tight. This man put the word speed in speed demon.” “A ride in a fast car might be just what I need to wipe the cobwebs out of my mind. Thanks for the offer, Treyscott. I’d appreciate it.” He grinned at her. “Stop for a cup of coffee on the way? I sense we have some things we can talk about.” Cassie glanced upward and Blair followed her gaze. Shuttlesworth was standing on the catwalk staring at them…at Cassie. After a long count Cassie returned her gaze to Treyscott. “I suspect we do.” Blair noticed Todd standing over by the Ferrari talking to Asa. She watched them for a few seconds. When Asa slapped Todd on the back, she almost lost her lunch. Asa strolled away and Todd flashed her a grin. She couldn’t wait to hear what Asa said. The old coot had really come through for them whether he meant to or not. She felt a sudden surge of excitement. It was over. They won. And most important in a few minutes they were heading straight to Creedyville to hug Jack and Starr. She walked toward Todd then remembered Cassie. She raised a finger to indicate that she needed just one more minute. He folded his arms and leaned against the car. Blair moved next to Cassie and squeezed her hand. “We’ll see you in Creedyville in a few days.” Cassie exhaled and smiled. “I can’t wait. Give Miss Starr, the star, and Jack a big kiss and hug from me.” “Will do.” Blair walked toward Todd. With each step she felt lighter. It was over. It was over. And the love of her life was waiting for her. Heather seemed to appear out of nowhere. Blair braced herself for an assault but Heather careened past her and rushed straight to Treyscott. Blair sighed and tried to temper her irritation. This did not look good. She walked back and stood close to Cassie. If necessary, she’d make Heather pay attention again. “Bryan, we need to talk.” “No. We don’t.” “How could you do that to me? How could you be on Todd Manning’s side? You said you’d quit if he bought in.” “My mistake. Won’t happen again. Will keep my professional life and personal life separate from now on. Thanks for schooling me. I get it. Sorrier than you can ever imagine that I ever thought otherwise.” The look of pain in Heather’s eyes stopped Blair short. She glanced at Treyscott and saw a chilly stare. Heather tilted her to the side. “Don’t do this. I was wrong. I admit that. And you know I don’t say that often. And I didn’t do what Daddy Carl said. You know me better than that. We need to plot a new course…partnership…” “Heather, don’t waste your time trying to find a word that works. I have no interest in whatever you come up with. Now, if you will excuse me, I offered Cassie a ride home and we need to get going.” Heather stepped close to him then threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. For a minute, Blair saw Treyscott’s body tremble and gravitate toward her like a plant to light but he pulled back and swallowed hard. “Don’t do that again, Heather. It’s not going to happen between us. Not now. Not ever. Maybe you and your daddy can talk about what a loser I am tonight over cocktails and venom.” Heather stumbled back from his words but Treyscott seemed not to notice. He helped Cassie into the car then walked around to the back. He touched Blair lightly on the shoulder as he walked past. “I know what you’re going to say, Blair. I’ll be careful. She’s precious cargo.” Blair smiled at him. Heather walked next to the building and bent over as if physically sick. Blair forced herself to look away. Heather’s pain seemed like a raw and bleeding wound. After everything that happened she didn’t want to feel sympathy for Heather. But she couldn’t help wondering whether it was actually possible that Heather was in love with Treyscott? Well, if she was, he didn’t seem to be able to see it. He was blind. Blair walked to Todd quickly, moved into his arms and kissed his cheek then his ear and then his neck. He grinned at her. She would never be blind to him and she prayed nor would he to her. “Ready?” “Most def.” He opened the car door and she slipped into the passenger seat. She looked around. Treyscott and Cassie were about to pull out. Heather was leaning against the building and very slowly sliding down into a sitting position. Her eyes were locked on Treyscott’s car pulling out of the parking space. She hadn’t looked at Todd once. Blair glanced up at Shuttlesworth who was still standing on the catwalk. He kept switching his gaze between the sight of Treyscott driving away with Cassie, his daughter having an obvious meltdown and Todd. What had Shuttlesworth told Todd? Don’t risk what you can’t afford to lose. Todd slid into the drivers seat and looked over at her. He held up his hand. “Well, I guess the score is Team Manning 4, Shuttlesworths 0.” Blair tapped his hand and laughed. “You were magnificent!” “You called the play, I just ran it.” “Was Asa as bad as we expected?” “Worse. He was in top form.” “Bless that old coot’s heart for being as predictable as a summertime heat stroke in Texas.” Todd looked over at her and grinned. “That reminds me. What did he say to you a minute ago?” “He said he’d think twice before messing with the Mannings in the future.” “I wish. What did he really say?” “He wants to buy the team.” “Yeah, well, people want lots of things. Luckily, we don't have to give a damn about Asa's wants. Personally, I want to get to Creedyville so we can hug our children.” Todd turned the key in the ignition. “Buckle up because we’re taking the express.” Blair buckled her seatbelt and leaned her head back against the headrest. The power of the car seemed to rumble straight through the floorboards and she felt a sense of anticipation as if she and Todd were on an adventure together to see what was around the next corner. Todd touched her arm. “Nice playing with you, Blair.” She rubbed his hand gently and looked him in the eye. “Team Manning now and forever,” she said softly. “And always.” Chapter 31 Dreams In Amber Refrains FAN FICTION |