Alonzo hesitated. “I’m afraid of what she might say.”
“You have to talk with her.” Jackson’s broad shoulders rose and fell with his deep sigh. “Audra taught me the importance of speaking from the heart. It’s hard. It’s scary. Believe me, I know. But it’s worth it. If you don’t make the effort, the people you love won’t know how you feel or how to help you.”
Jackson spoke from experience. Three years ago, the rental cabin owner had been emotionally devastated by the death of his young daughter. Jackson had shut out the town and exiled himself to the cabins. He was like Beast in the French fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Then, like Beauty, Audra arrived at the then-isolated Harmony Cabins. She helped Jackson heal his broken heart and returned him to civilization.
“That’s sound advice.” But Alonzo still feared the risk was too great.
“Remember Doreen loves you.”
But if she learned the truth about him, would he lose her love?
CHAPTER 8
Late Saturday morning, Benita climbed out of her Audi and let her senses drink in the peace and beauty of Harmony Cabins. Pink and white blossoms dotted the nearby trees, ringing the cabin’s lawn and bordering the path. A faint breeze, carrying the promise of spring, teased her hair and rustled through the branches. A river rushed in the distance. She set her hands on the hips of her dark blue jeans and drew a deep breath of the fresh, fragrant air. No wonder Audra and Jackson continued to live at the cabins even after Audra had helped him reconnect with the Trinity Falls community. It was lovely here.
Benita dropped her arms. She crunched her way across the path from the attached garage to the front door of Audra and Jackson’s cabin.
Audra met her on the porch. “I know you’re a workaholic, but meeting on a Saturday to discuss my new contract offer is a bit much even for you.”
Benita mounted the steps. “I didn’t have anything better to do.”
“Maybe I did.” Audra crossed her arms.
“Don’t worry. I won’t keep you long.” Benita stopped in front of her songwriting client. “You and Jackson can crawl back into bed within the hour.”
Just then Jackson walked through the open front door carrying a tool box and one of the biggest water bottles she’d ever seen. “Thanks.”
Benita fought a sudden, hot blush. “Hi, Jack.”
“Benita.” He turned to Audra, his lips still twitching with humor. “I’ll see you within the hour.”
Audra grinned around his kiss. “Promise?” She watched her lover descend the stairs and disappear down the path.
“Sorry.” Benita shoved her hands into her front pockets.
“It’s who you are, Benita.” Audra led her into the cabin.
“Cabin” seemed an understatement for the large two-story structure. The decor was a near-perfect blend of stark masculine simplicity and complex feminine touches. The honey wood walls were decorated with original artwork. Benita recognized several of her great-aunt’s pieces. The matching wood mantel above the stone fireplace balanced scented candles, knickknacks, and photos of both Jackson’s and Audra’s families.
The crimson throw pillows on the dark plaid sofa and armchair coordinated with the curtains that framed the windows and the area rug that spanned the flooring. The large flat-screen television set reminded her that the professional basketball were around the corner.
“Why are you really here?” Audra gestured Benita to the sofa and lowered herself onto the armchair.
“I told you, to discuss your contract.” Benita pulled the throw pillow onto her lap.
Audra arched a disbelieving eyebrow. “The contract language is the same as it’s always been. They’ve offered me more money, though, which is a pleasant surprise.”
“You
’re a multi-Grammy-winning artist. You command more money.”
Audra gave her an amused smile. “It also helps to have a bully for a business manager.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was meant as one.” Audra crossed her legs, leaning toward Benita. “Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind? Or are we still pretending you want to discuss my contract?”
Benita hesitated. “Vaughn’s dating someone else.”