Chapter 1
Annie sat down at the large oak table, trying not to think of all the memories that being home brought up. It didn’t matter that her grandfather had been old—it still hurt to know she was alone in the world now. Losing her parents in an accident when she was a little girl was bad enough. Her grandpa had been all she had. Now he was gone, too. Damn! Why didn’t he tell her he was so sick? Or that he needed her?
She looked up and smiled as her best friend Marti walked into the room, carrying two oversized glasses of sweet tea. Marti hadn’t changed at all in the eight years that Annie had been away in L.A. Her long red hair was still piled on top of her head in the Georgia heat and her big green eyes were as bright as ever, even through the tears. And of course, she always had a perpetual smile on her face. Time had been kind to Marti—her large breasts and round hips drew the attention of everyone who saw her.
Marti set the glasses down on the table. “I’m gonna miss that old coot.” She slid one glass over to Annie, who took a long drink, gratefully.
The humidity was beginning to get to Annie already, and she’d only been back in Georgia for a week. Marti looked sideways at her, a sly smile on her face. “Remember when he used to fuss at us for sneaking out? He was hilarious!” She lowered her voice. “‘Damn you, girls, I’m fixin’ to whoop your asses!’” They laughed. “Oh! Grandpa, we miss you already!”
Annie giggled, despite herself. Her grandfather hadn’t exactly had an easy time, raising her all by himself. “Or when we tried to explain to him who the Barenaked Ladies were.”
Marti laughed. “He simply couldn’t wrap his mind around it. ‘Bare Naked what?’ he’d say, fussin’ that we’d be better off listening to his old fogey bands.”
They both laughed, but it didn’t take long for Annie to come back to reality. She really was going to miss him. And the money? Where did that come from? Grandpa had left her over two million dollars when he passed, and she had no idea where or how he got it. Maybe he’d saved all his life. She didn’t have a clue, and she hadn’t told anyone, still a bit leery about it all. They sat in silence for a moment. Annie knew her face was puffy and tears stung her already raw eyes.
Marti seemed to take the cue, and looked around, changing the subject. “So, what are you going to do with the old place?”
Annie followed her gaze around the large room. The ranch house was nice enough, but it had definitely seen better days. The creaky old house with its cracking paint and peeling wallpaper needed some work, but even in this state, it comforted her, bringing back sweet memories of her childhood and the lazy days of summer. She felt good when she was here. Although, the ranch and the orchards outside really worried her. She had absolutely no idea how to take care of the cows. Or the peaches for that matter. Thank God for ranch hands.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t even want to think about it right now. This place is a mess. Grandpa left me a little bit of money so I don’t need to decide right away. Maybe I’ll go back to L.A., maybe stay here, I don’t know.” She smiled, thinking about the arrogant Vic Rossen who double-crossed her and how she got her sweet revenge, ruining his reputation. And Daveed, who turned out to be her best friend back in Hollywood. “It’s not like I have anything going on back in L.A.”
Marti reached over to give Annie a hug. “Hey, girl, you did your best. You’re young, you’re beautiful, and not to sound selfish, but, I’m really glad you came home where you belong.”
Annie smiled gratefully at her friend. She was glad to be home, and she didn’t have to return to L.A. and her shattered dreams of being a movie star. That was a big joke. Hollywood was a big joke.
She looked around the big old house, smiling to herself a little. “Anyway, it’s nice to be home. I swear, this itty bitty town hasn’t changed at all.”
Marti grinned. “Oh yes, it has! They finally built us a Mickey D’s. Woo-flippin hoo! No more driving into the city for a heart attack!” She wiggled her head and fingers, pretending to be excited.
Annie rolled her eyes, leaning back. “Oh wow. Mickey D’s.”
Marti continued to ramble on about all of the drama and gossip that had taken place while Annie was away, keeping everything light. As the night grew dark, the two girls quieted, switching their iced teas to a few glasses of wine.
Annie felt a bit nervous about spending the night alone in the big old house. At first, the sounds of the crickets had been soothing, compared to the busy rush of traffic and the hustle and bustle she was used to in L.A. The strange sounds and yips in the darkness were pretty scary to her.
Even with the warmth of the wine and Marti’s company, she was still nervous. Marti had to work the next day and was getting ready to go home. She worked at the high school as a guidance counselor—a job she was perfect for. She made the best cheerleader in the world and could convince anyone they could do anything. Unfortunately, it meant that Marti worked very early in the morning and couldn’t stay up so late on weeknights anymore.
Marti stifled a yawn just as a loud howl echoed in the darkness around the house. Annie jumped, her hands gripping the table. Marti laughed. “Hey, scaredy cat, it’s just the coyotes, relax! You do live in the country!”
Annie nodded, but she was still on edge. She forced herself to let go of the table, and wiped her sweaty hands on the legs of her pants. “I know, I just—” She shrugged. “I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve been home. I’m just not used to all these animal sounds.”
Marti nodded. “You want to come over to my house tonight? It’s not as big and rambly. You might feel a bit safer.”
“No.” Annie shook her head. “I need to get used to this old house if I’m going to stay here.” She looked at Marti. “How about you stay the night over here? I know you have to leave early, but—”
Marti smiled. “Of course, hon. it’ll be just like the good ol’ days, when we had slumber parties.”
Annie sighed. She didn’t feel like talking any more. It had been a long, emotional day. The two girls made their way up the rickety old stairs to Annie’s room.