Authors: LuAnn McLane
Cam stood up and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Cat, and I want to thank you for doing this for the Cougars too.”
Cat waved them off. “Hey, it’s my pleasure,” she said as she sat down. “Well, as long as I get the national anthem right,” she admitted with a roll of her eyes.
“So you’ve never sung it before a crowd?” Cam asked.
“Nope. Not only is it a tough song to sing, but there’s something intimidating about it for some reason. But hey, I’m honored anyway.” She grinned at Cam. “I’m a baseball fan, so I’m looking forward to taking in a game.”
“I’m sure you’re so busy these days that you don’t get to do much of that kind of thing,” Mia said.
“Yeah, I miss doing the little things, but I’m not complaining. I get to do what I love for a living. Cam, I’m sure you feel the same way.”
“I sure do, and I hope I don’t blow it.”
“So how was the concert?” Mia asked. “Is Toby a pretty cool guy?”
Cat nodded. “I like him a lot and I’ve learned so much from him. That man can work a crowd.”
They chatted about Toby Keith and country music for a few minutes, but then Cam’s phone rang. He looked down and said, “Oh, it’s Noah. I need to take this. Excuse me,” he said and headed to the sidewalk outside, where he could hear.
Cat wiggled her eyebrows and leaned closer. “Wow, he’s hot, Mia. And a baseball player . . . Damn, I’m jealous! So have you told him who you really are yet?”
“No.” Mia shook her head slowly. “I’ve wanted to, but the time never seems right.” She sighed. “I guess I’m scared at how he’ll react.”
Cat reached over and covered her hand and squeezed. “You’ve got to fess up soon.”
“I know.” Mia toyed with the neck of her beer bottle and nibbled on her inner lip.
“Hey, it’s not like you have a criminal record or you’re married or something. Your daddy is rich . . . so what?”
Mia frowned. “I know that it seems silly, but, Cat, he’s mentioned several times how he detests arrogant, wealthy people. He grew up poor and cleaned pools.”
“And, let me guess, wasn’t always treated kindly.”
Mia pressed her lips together and nodded.
“But you’re not like that, and neither is your dad.”
“Oh, I think I can be pretty shallow at times.”
Cat leaned forward. “What are you talking about? I’ve seen you work tirelessly putting charity events together.”
“Thanks, Cat. You’re such a good friend, and I’ve missed you.”
“Hey, I’m not feeding you a line to make you feel better. Lots of people have benefited from your hard work. You were very good at it, Mia. Look, I know that with a full-time job it will be more difficult, but I hope you find the time to do more good works.”
“I will,” Mia responded, but Cat’s comment had Mia’s head spinning. While it was true that she had always thrown herself into planning the events, Mia hadn’t really thought so much about where the funds actually went afterward. Of course, she knew the money went to good causes, but only in an abstract way. She was suddenly reminded of Sunny and how a single pair of shoes made such a big difference in her life. Seeing someone benefit firsthand had been a moving experience. Mia sat up straighter. “I’ll never be too busy to help people.”
“I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just read that your dad saved some company called Hanover Candy from going under.”
“What?” Mia sat up straighter, and her stomach did a little flip. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, there was an article in the
Chicago Tribune
. I don’t usually read the business section, but I saw a picture of your dad and read the whole article.
Mia felt her heart pick up speed. “Oh my gosh.”
“Why do you look so stricken?”
Mia put her hand to her chest. “I thought he bought the company out from under them! I was so angry!”
“Why would you think that? I know firsthand that your father gives a lot to charity. I never thought him to be the cutthroat type.”
Mia shook her head. “It’s a long story. I have to admit that I’m confused but terribly relieved. Wow . . . ,” she murmured as she soaked in this information, but she had to wonder why her father would want for her to think such a terrible thing in the first place. She recalled how she had accused him and felt a little bit ashamed about how she had stormed out. Of course he had goaded her into it by his comments, but still it had been childish of her and a bit arrogant.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m just . . . Wow, I don’t know. Relieved but confused.”
Cat tilted her head. “He must have had a reason.”
“Yeah . . .” It was amazing how differently she looked at things after just a few weeks on her own, and she had a lightbulb moment. She would just bet that her father had let her believe the worst so that she would finally venture out on her own. She would have to call him as soon as she got the chance and let him know that his plan had worked like a charm. She hoped he would be proud of her accomplishments, and hopefully he would be thrilled that she’d landed a job with the Cricket Creek Cougars, of all things! What an amazing coincidence! “I’m just so relieved that I was wrong. I should have known better.”
Cat nodded and then gave her long hair a flip over her shoulders. “Yeah, your dad is a straight-up guy. But enough about him. Tell me about cutie-pie Cam before he gets back in here.”
* * *
“Hi, Mr. Falcon, what’s up?” Cam walked a little bit away from the front door so that the music was muted in the background.
“I just wanted to make sure that everything is going smoothly. Mitch wanted me to call and check in.”
“I wish we could let Mia know that her father is in town,” Cam confessed. “It doesn’t seem right that we know she isn’t Mia Money.”
“Olivia said the same thing, but like I explained, this is between them, and I have to respect his wishes. It will all be out in the open soon enough.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Well, just get her back here early tomorrow and it will all fall into place. Things like this have a way of working themselves out.”
“I hope you’re right.” Cam sighed after he ended the call. He stared down Broadway at the neon lights, which blinked with silent invitation. The sun was setting and honky-tonk row was coming to life. He was surprised that Mia Monroe loved Nashville, but then again she continued to surprise him. He knew one thing . . . He was in love with the girl and didn’t want to see her get hurt. He would have to respect Noah Falcon’s orders, but it was killing him.
When he walked back into Tootsies, Cat was up on the small stage singing her latest hit. Mia was singing along, and when their eyes met he felt as bright and alive as the blinking neon lights. He was having fun, but more than anything else, he wanted to get back to the hotel room and have Mia in his arms.
Luckily, after Cat sang another song and then a duet, she came back to the table and announced that she was a little bit tired and hoped that they didn’t mind if she headed back soon.
“No problem,” Cam replied, hoping he didn’t sound too eager. “We’ll walk you back.”
“Oh, I’m a big girl, so don’t cut your night short. I had wanted to stay out, but I’m fading fast and want to get a good night’s rest.”
“We don’t mind,” Mia chimed in. “Tomorrow is a big day for us all.”
Luckily the walk was a short one, and as soon as Cam was in the room he pulled Mia into his arms and kissed her. “I like your friend, but I was so glad that she wanted to call it a night.”
“Are you tired too?” Mia asked, but he could tell that she knew exactly what was on his mind.
“Not one bit.”
“Then do you want to watch some television?”
“Nope, all I want is you . . .”
Mia laughed softly and pulled him over to the bed. “And you shall have me . . . over and over and . . .”
He cut her off with a kiss that left him shaken and hungry to have her beneath him. He wanted to go slow, but clothes went flying and after pausing for protection he was kissing her wildly. Everything about her, from the smell of her hair to the taste of her skin, was pure pleasure. She was sweet and pliant in his arms, but when she wrapped her legs around his waist, Cam was lost in the feel of her body beneath him. This was passion, but so much more than sex. He wanted to hold her, to protect her and love her, not just tonight but forever.
26
Lost and Found
M
IA WAS FEELING PRETTY GOOD ABOUT HERSELF. THE
opening-day parade had gone off without a hitch, and the sound check for Cat Carson was moving along smoothly. From where she was standing in the bleachers listening, Mia could see the Cougars dugout, and she had to grin when she noticed the entire team watching intently. Cat didn’t have a band with her but was doing an unplugged set with just a stool and her guitar. The national anthem, which she was still terrified about singing, would be performed a cappella. Mia actually liked the idea since it showcased Cat’s voice and made the transition to the baseball game seamless and easy. A slight disappointment was that instead of staying for the game, Mia had learned that morning that Cat would be whisked away quickly on Toby’s tour bus. They had vowed, however, to keep in touch, and Mia had promised to keep her abreast of the details surrounding her transition back to being Mia Monroe.
While Mia wanted her old name back, she knew that in just a few weeks she had changed and evolved in ways that made her feel good about herself and hopeful for a bright future, both in her personal life and in her job. And although she hadn’t spoken to her father yet, she planned on calling him as soon as she could catch more than a ten-minute break. Mia smiled as she looked around the stadium, which was bustling with activity, but then she realized that all of her work was actually done and this would be a great time to call her father. Perhaps he’d even fly into town and take in a game or two and they could patch up this misunderstanding.
Mia smiled, already feeling much better about the situation. He father would probably even have some sage advice about how to handle telling Cam her real last name. Surely after their lovemaking last night it wouldn’t matter . . .
After waving down to Cat, Mia turned and headed inside to her office. Because the day was going to be a warm one, she had opted to wear a simple yellow sundress and a Cougars baseball cap. The weather was perfect baseball weather and was supposed to stay that way for the rest of the home stand. While humming one of Cat’s songs, she opened the glass door and was met with a blast of cool air. After the last few frantic days of getting everything together, the offices were quiet and vacant. Mia wasn’t surprised. Everyone in the front office had headed out to watch the parade and would soon be returning for the baseball game.
Mia walked down the short hallway to her office and had to shake her head when she saw Mia Money on her nameplate. “That will soon change,” she said with a slight grin. She had to wonder how surprised Noah was going to be when he found out that she was Mitch’s daughter! “What were the odds?”
Mia opened her big desk drawer and pulled out her pretty white straw purse, which she had bought at Violet’s Vintage Clothing. It was perfect for the summer and matched her cute wedge sandals, which she had found on the clearance rack. But when Mia reached for her cell phone, she felt a sudden attack of nerves. She hesitated while she rehearsed what she was going to say to her father, and then, after taking a deep breath, decided it was time to make the call. But before she pressed the green
DIAL
button, she could have sworn she heard her father’s voice! Wait . . . how could that be true? She frowned at the phone and then realized that it was her father’s voice talking to Noah Falcon and they were standing close to her office door. She held her breath and listened.
“So where is Mia?” she heard her father ask.
“I saw her outside listening to Cat Carson rehearse,” Noah answered. “Do you want me to have her paged?”
Mitch sighed. “I was hoping she might call me. She still doesn’t know that I’m here, does she?”
“No, I made it clear to Cam not to spill the beans. I’m sure that he respected my request,” Noah replied, making Mia put a hand over her mouth. She silently backed away from her desk and flattened against the wall so that they wouldn’t see her if they walked by. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer. They knew?
Cam knew!
“I can tell you that Cam was relieved to know that you were having Mia followed,” Noah replied. “He was about to kick some serious ass.”
Mitch chuckled. “Good for him. Nicolina’s kept me filled in on what’s been going on. She thinks he’s a good kid.”
Nicolina? Mia swallowed hard. Did everybody in the whole town know who she really was? Her hands started to shake.
“Olivia said that you two are serious,” Noah commented.
“Yes,” her father answered softly. “Nicolina Diamante is a wonderful woman. I’m lucky to have found her.”
What?
Mia had to press her hand tightly over her mouth.
“Yes,” Mitch continued, “she has some amazing ideas for the strip mall. She wants it to be called Wedding Row and have the stores all have something to do with weddings.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” Noah replied. “Have you gotten any further with the hotel and convention center plans? Adding that to the stadium down by the riverfront would really keep this town on its feet. You know that I’m all in, and I know that Ty is receptive to being an investor as well.”
Mia’s eyes widened and her hand remained clamped over her mouth. This was all too much!
“Thanks, Noah. Yeah, I’m going full steam ahead. We’ll talk more after the game. I think I’ll go back out and try to locate Mia.”
“You sure you don’t want me to have her paged?”
“No, I’ll find her. And I can’t thank you enough for looking after her. I was scared to death when she drove away in that old car. I’m just glad that she landed here, of all places.”
“Hey, she’s done an amazing job. I’m lucky to have her on the staff.”
Well, that’s something anyway,
Mia thought glumly. She remained flattened against the wall until their footsteps faded. For a few more minutes her feet remained rooted to the spot. After inhaling a shaky breath, she knew she needed to get out of there. How could she face anybody? They all knew? It was like a practical joke had been played on her. Her face felt hot and her hands shook. She felt like crumbling into a ball in the corner of the office and having a good cry, but she didn’t want anyone to find her. So after another deep breath she headed down the hallway and took the steps that led out of the side entrance, where she wasn’t likely to be spotted.
Mia didn’t even know where to go. Back to her condo? No, there were memories of Cam everywhere, but she knew that she needed to keep moving or collapse into a puddle, and so she started walking down the sidewalk alongside the riverbank. The sun glinted off the water and the boats looked so pretty and peaceful, but the scene did little to calm Mia down. Because her legs were feeling weak, she plopped down on a bench overlooking the bridge. For a moment she simply sat there, and when a tear escaped she reached inside her purse for a tissue. As she was pulling the tissue from the little plastic container, she spotted the little hula dancer. The sticky stuff had worn off the bottom, so she had put the dancing doll back in her purse until she bought the glue to attach her to the dash of her car.
Mia pulled the hula dancer out and shook her head at the doll. “Here I was worried about coming clean, and everyone already knows! Isn’t that some shit?”
The hula dancer looked at her with a solemn expression.
“Oh, don’t stare at me like that. I know I started this whole ball rolling. It’s just that I was feeling so good about my accomplishments, and . . .” She paused to swallow hot emotion. “The joke was on me! I feel as if I’ve been this reality show for everyone’s entertainment, but they didn’t even have to suffer through commercials. What will Mia do next? Stay tuned!”
When Mia shifted on the bench, the doll’s hips shook.
“How can you dance at a time like this?” Mia smiled slightly and then carefully put the doll back into her purse. Cars were starting to pull into the parking lot for the concert, but Mia got up and started walking. Eventually she would be missed, but for now she needed to get away and try to gather her scattered thoughts. Tears threatened to slide down her cheeks, but she sniffed hard and was determined to keep them at bay.
After walking for a while, she made the turn up into town, knowing full well that Main Street would be deserted. Although not official, it truly was like a holiday, and for the most part the stores were closed for the rest of the day. When she passed Wine and Diner, there was a
CLOSED
sign on the front door, as there was everywhere else in the heart of town. It sucked because Mia had the sudden urge to shop. Retail therapy had always calmed her down, and although she still didn’t have much money, she could at least shop for a little something to boost her spirits.
Mia sighed as she strolled down the street, but no luck. Everything was shut down. She was thinking that she would go back to her condo and try to make sense of things when she pulled up short in front of Violet’s Vintage Clothing store. In the front display window were Jimmy Choos that looked like the ones she had given to Sunny. Although there was a
CLOSED
sign on the door, Mia took a chance and tugged on the handle. It opened with a little tinkle, telling Violet that she had a customer.
“Oh, sorry, we’re closed,” Violet said from where she was arranging dresses on a rack, but as she turned around she smiled. “Oh, Mia! Wait, shouldn’t you be at the game?” Violet walked closer and put her hand to her chest. “Oh, my dear, have you been crying?”
Mia swallowed hard and nodded.
“Oh, sweet pea, come on over to the sofa here and tell me what’s got you so upset.”
Mia followed Violet to the red velvet sofa and sat down. “My real name is Mia Monroe,” she began, and then she poured out her story. “Can you believe that everyone
knew
? I’m so humiliated! Here I thought I had done everything on my own merit, and Noah knew from the very beginning.”
“Oh, sweetie, all I can see is that you have a whole lot of people who love you to pieces.” She patted Mia’s hand. “I am a true believer that things happen for a reason.”
Mia sniffed hard but gave Violet her full attention. “What do you mean?”
“Sweetie, your daddy had you followed because he was worried sick. And you know he was trying to let you go out on your own. He just forced the issue.”
Mia thought back to the conversation and shook her head. “I realize now what he was doing, but still . . .”
“And you ended up here in this little town for a reason.” She pointed to the shoes in the window.
“Did Sunny bring them to you?”
Violet nodded. “I’ve sold her clothes before, and she thought I’d know what the shoes were worth. I didn’t want to see her get ripped off, so I simply bought them. Mia, she was so grateful. And it wasn’t just about the money. You gave her hope when she needed it most.”
Mia put her hand over her mouth, and tears started streaming down her cheeks. She removed her hand and said, “My God, I’ve done so many events for charity, but I was out of touch with what I was really doing. I didn’t really think about the people who needed help or where the money was going. It was about the party, the event, and the pictures on the society page. I was simply clueless.”
“And now you have a clue.”
Mia’s laughter gurgled through the tears. “Yes, I do.”
Violet pointed to the doorway. “Um, might that be your daddy?”
Mia turned around and nodded. She gave Violet a hug. “Thanks for everything. Will you be at the game?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Now, go to your daddy.”
“Dad!” She jumped up and ran over to him, nearly knocking over a display of hats. She hugged him. “Oh, I’ve missed you!” she gushed, but then she pulled back and put her hands on her hips once they were outside. “Wait, I should be mad at you!” She blinked at him, trying to ward off more tears. “But I’m not. Well, maybe a little bit. How did you find me?”
“Jessica saw you walk past Wine and Diner and called Noah.”
“Oh . . .”
“You’re needed back at the baseball park.”
“My job is pretty much taken care of for the day. I won’t be missed.”
“Really, because there’s a certain ballplayer who I do believe will be devastated if you don’t show up and cheer for him.”
“Cam knew the whole time too, didn’t he?”
“No, Mia, Cam didn’t. He only found out when I wanted him to take you to Nashville to pick up Cat.”
Mia absorbed that information for a moment and then whispered, “So he knows who I am and doesn’t care.”
“He’s in love with you and not your money,” Mitch said and then chuckled. “Mia Money . . . really?”
Mia laughed. “I was on the spot.”
Mitch laughed with her but then put his hands on her shoulders and his eyes turned serious. “It’s taken me a long time to realize what life is all about.” Mitch took her hand in his. “I wish I’d had your little hand in mine a lot more while you were growing up.”
“We can’t change the past, Dad.”
He sighed. “I know that.”
“But every step we’ve taken has led us to here and now. And I’m in a pretty good place. How about you?”
“Are you quoting country music to me again?”
“Sort of.”
“What about that fine-arts degree? Shouldn’t you be quoting Shakespeare?” he teased.