Georgia On My Mind (A Magnolias and Moonshine novella Book 7) Read online

  Jake was quiet a moment, then spoke. “Listen, clearly there’s been a lot of misunderstanding going on. First, let’s get something straight. We’re talking Mac. The guy’s been though a nightmare of a divorce—which doesn’t excuse anything, I admit.” He held up his hand. “I swear, I think he likes to make up stuff just to create some excitement in his life. Did you see how he jumped at the chance to take Jolie home?”

  Justin nodded, though it didn’t lessen his annoyance with Mac “Yeah, now there’s just one more thing I need to get cleared up.” As long as they were getting things out in the open, Justin decided to lay it all out to his brother. “Explain telling Dad about me and Georgia,” Justin asked.

  Jake lowered his head, then met Justin’s gaze “That’s not a time in my life I’m proud of. It’s true, I went to Dad and told him about you two, when you told me that you were thinking of not going to college because you thought she might be pregnant. It was a selfish thing to do, I admit. I was jealous. But I didn’t want to see you give up your future that way.”

  “That was my choice to make, Jake.”

  Jake sighed and looked away. “I know, I know. And I did apologize to Georgia that night of my bachelor party. That’s the only reason I went over to talk to her. She told me then that she’d told you the same thing. That she wouldn’t be able to live with herself if you’d given up going to college for her. Mac and the guys perceived my talking to her as something else entirely. Mac just put two and two together and created a story.”

  The bitterness that had taken root inside him began to weaken in light of the truth.

  “I’m guessing you confronted her about this rumor business tonight and it didn’t go over well. Am I right?” Jake asked.

  All of the frustration he’d been carrying around for so long came out in a heavy sigh. He nodded. “She was pissed. After she told me what happened, she asked me to leave.” He hung his head, clasping his hands over his knees. “I was angry with everyone after the funeral.”

  “Angry with Georgia?” Jake asked. “I had a feeling that you’d taken off after the service to follow her. I saw her too, that day.”

  “I’m afraid, yeah, that I screwed that up then. And I may have done the same again tonight.” Justin raked a hand through his hair and leaned back, looking up at the night sky. Things seemed so much simpler back on his ranch. He blew out another sigh and sat up. “What do you know about this son that Jolie was asking about?”

  Jake shrugged. “I heard at one time that she’d been involved with a guy a few years back—country singer that was playing at her dad’s bar. I don’t know much more than that. Maybe you should ask her.”

  “Yeah,” Justin said. “Except I’m pretty sure if I step within ten feet of the bar, Tank will have my head on a platter.”

  Jake shrugged. “Seems to me you’ve been sitting up there in nowhere land stewing about this woman for a damn long time. You’ve been too stubborn to admit that you still have feelings for her.”

  Justin looked at his brother. “I’ve been such a jerk. I’m sorry I didn’t ask you about this sooner, instead of taking Mac’s word.”

  “Yeah, Mac can be a pain at times, but don’t be too hard on the guy. He’s been through enough crap, too. The guy’s last divorce was ugly. I mean, really ugly,” Jake said.

  “I can’t believe how much energy I’ve wasted being bitter over this.”

  Jake grinned. “You do tend to have a few asshole-type tendencies.”

  “And…we are twins.” Justin smiled in return. “Maybe we should get Mac signed up with some kind of dating service or something.”

  Jake’s unbridled laughter lifted Justin’s heart. It felt right to have things settled between them again.

  “Little brother—and I say that because technically, I came first—you have a much bigger issue than Mac to deal with. There’s a lady out there who you’d have lassoed the moon for at one time. If you still feel something for her, you need to do something about it. Let her know.”

  “And why all of a sudden are you being so supportive of my possibly having any relationship with Georgia Langley?” Justin narrowed his gaze on his brother.

  “Because, I realize what an ass I’d been back then--”

  “Back then?” Justin grinned and Jake flipped him the finger.

  “I was jealous of what you two had. It was that simple. And I knew that it wouldn’t take much to plant a seed of doubt in Dad’s head about how it would appear to the community and to his beloved social circles if his son was dating the rebellious daughter of a honkytonk bar’s owner.”

  “You were jealous of me?” Justin chuckled. His brother had always been first in everything—sports, girls, grades—and especially in business sense.

  “It was high school. Few of us get through without being an ass at least fifty percent of the time.” Jake stood then and held out his arms. “Come here, you jerk.” He pulled Justin into a warm embrace and slapped him on the back.

  “Hey.” Jake stepped back. “Are you going to go golfing with us in the morning? A few of the guys are meeting over at the club.”

  Justin followed his brother into the house, waiting as he locked up and set the alarm system. “I’m not much of a golfer. A club might slip and bean Mac on the head.” He grinned. “Besides, I’ve got some stuff I need to do.”

  Jake chuckled “It might happen, anyway. Okay.” He shrugged. “Good luck with that stuff you have to do.”

  ***

  Justin woke at the sound of the alarm he’d set for five thirty. He pulled on his old T-shirt and a pair of sweats that he usually wore for runs before school. He’d laid awake a good part of the night thinking about Georgia, about how he’d screwed things up and what he could possibly do to make them right—or whether she’d even give him a chance to do so. It was, he had to consider, possible that she wanted nothing more to do with him. But when he’d looked into her eyes, he thought he saw something—a spark of interest. He’d definitely felt something. Maybe he was delusional, but he thought she felt it, too.

  The slap of his tennis shoes in the early-morning silence of the gated community filled him with a sense of nostalgia. Back in school, he used to get up early and run before school—sometimes with Jake, most days alone. He found that he enjoyed the solitude, the ability to think about things. It was no surprise, then, that the great outdoors of Montana would appeal to him.

  “Well, hey there, stranger.”

  Justin glanced to his side and spied Jolie’s smiling face as she slowed her red BMW convertible to keep pace with him. He was mildly surprised that she’d be awake at this hour. “Morning, Jolie.”

  He continued, keeping his stride slow and steady, secretly hoping she might get bored and get on with her day. “You’re up early,” he commented, keeping his eyes on the road ahead.

  “Oh, I needed to run out early and pick up my dress at the dry cleaners before I head to my day at the spa. I just can’t believe that this reunion is finally going to happen.”

  “Doesn’t hardly seem like that long, does it?” He kept the conversation short as benign as possible.

  “You know, it almost didn’t happen at all. Maddie was pregnant again at the time of our five-year reunion.”

  “Is that right?” In all fairness, he hadn’t been paying attention. Once he’d gotten his mom settled in eastern Montana a few short months after his Dad’s funeral, he’d put everyone and everything in Atlanta out of his mind. Everyone…except Georgia.

  “Well, it’s absolutely true that if I hadn’t lit a fire under our illustrious class officers we might have had to wait until…God knows when!” She drove a moment in silence. “Actually, I think that it’s all worked out perfectly, if I do say so myself.”

  “Well, I’d say our class is lucky to have you living right here so you can keep everyone in line.” He glanced at her and she responded with a beaming grin.

  “Why, thank you kindly, sir. At least there’s one person who sees my worth.” She chuc
kled. “You know, though, in all my planning I did manage to forget one tiny little detail. I was hoping you might be able to help me with that.”

  Justin felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Any other day, he’d probably ignore it. His gut cautioned it might save his life just now. “Excuse me, Jolie. I need to get this.” He tapped his phone and grinned, seeing who it was. This might be a very good sign. He cleared his throat, turned on his heel, and jogged off in the other direction. “See you tomorrow night,” he called over his shoulder as he pressed the callback number and silently thanked his lucky stars.

  “Hey, sorry, I was out for a run. Couldn’t get to my phone fast enough.” He stopped at the corner of the block and rested against a tall brick wall surrounding one of the stately homes that were once considered the mansions of Buckhead.

  “I was hoping that I hadn’t woken you.” Georgia’s voice was soft, a little groggy still, as though she’d picked up the phone and called him just after waking. He pictured her sitting up in bed, her covers tucked around her, her hair mussed from sleeping…her silky skin still warm.

  He turned and leaned against the wall and exerted some of his pent-up sexual energy by doing a few one-armed push-ups. The activity, he realized, wasn’t doing much to ease his libido.

  “Listen, I felt badly about how we left things last night. Any chance we could meet for a cup of coffee and talk some more?”

  “I’m glad you called,” he said and straightened. So glad. “I’d like that. Let me pick you up. What’s your address?”

  “How’d you know I wasn’t living in the old house?” she asked. There was a smile in her voice.

  Busted.

  “I happened to be in the neighborhood.” It was a sloppy lie.

  If she noticed, she didn’t point it out. “I just couldn’t stay there,” she said quietly. “It needed too much renovation and there wasn’t enough room for us at the apartment. Besides, I grew up in that bar. I didn’t want that for my son.”

  “Right.” The son she’d expressly told him was none of his business.

  “So, where are you living?” he asked, curious to know why she seemed guarded on the subject of her son.

  “With my aunt. It’s over a block from the old place—a big yellow three-story clapboard.” She hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “It’ll be great to have some time with you, Georgie.” He automatically used the pet name he’d given her when they were dating. “I need a shower. How about I pick you up in an hour?”

  “Sounds good,” she said.

  “Does to me, too,” he responded. “See you soon.”

  Fifteen minutes later he was whistling in the shower. Good lord, he hadn’t felt this good in months. Things had gotten cleared up between him and Jake, though his brother still had some drinking issues that concerned Justin. And now, fate had provided him with a chance to make things right between him and Georgia. He’d lost her once. He wasn’t about to let her slip through his fingers again.

  Rejuvenated, Justin set to the task of rummaging through the refrigerator to put together a picnic lunch. He had a very special place in mind to take Georgia.

  “Goodness, look at you.” Faith dropped her tote on the floor and leaned against the kitchen island, its surface spread with an array of veggies, cheeses, and condiments for making sandwiches. “Looks like you’re either very hungry, or you’re planning a”—she looked at him—“picnic?” She eyed him. “Does this have to do with Jolie?”

  Justin darted a look at her. “Hell, no. I mean, no, it doesn’t. I’m meeting an old friend for coffee.”

  “Would that be Georgia?” she asked with a knowing smile.

  “Good to know my brother does communicate on occasion.” He glanced at her as he continued making the sandwiches.

  She raised a brow.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. Georgia and I dated once way back in high school.” He brushed the information aside, hoping not to get into why they’d broken up. “By the way, do you have a thermos?”

  Faith grinned. “I do, and an insulated basket you can put those in.” She proceeded to help by making coffee and filling the thermos. She added a small bag of cookies to the lunch. “I have to say, Justin, this Georgia is one lucky girl.” A sad smile crossed her lips. “I can’t remember the last time Jake did something so romantic.”

  Justin chuckled. “Not sure it’s going to make a difference. Our track record isn’t exemplary.”

  Faith studied him. “Well, I believe in second chances.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Maybe I’ll surprise Jake at work with a picnic lunch today.”

  A few moments later, he dropped the basket in the back of the cab and climbed in behind the wheel. Admonishing himself mentally for doing so, he checked for the ancient condom he carried in his wallet. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself,” he muttered, stuffing the billfold in his back pocket.

  It didn’t take long to spot the house. It stood out among the others with its mustard yellow color and white trim. It sat at the edge of the Inman Park district, one of Atlanta’s first suburbs built primarily for those who owned businesses downtown. The neighborhood was now an eclectic blend of Victorian and modern housing, one-story bungalows bumping up to the yards of some of the grand old homes complete with gingerbread trim and wrap-around porches.

  He swallowed, surprised by what felt like first date jitters as he walked up to the front door. Delicate white lace curtains adorned the tall windows. A grouping of white wicker furniture sat clustered at one end of the porch, making an inviting gathering place to visit on a summer night. Scattered across an old braided rug was a plastic Hot Wheels track and a handful of cars left by their owner after play.

  He knocked twice before the door opened and a little boy--his head wrapped with a red bandana, and one eye covered with a patch--stood staring up at him. The patch didn’t impede the thick-lensed glasses he wore.

  “You must be Kolby?” Justin held out his hand in greeting.

  “Who wants to know?” the boy asked with a rasp in his bird-like voice.

  “Kolby.” Georgia appeared at the door. “That’s no way to speak to someone you’re meeting.” She clamped her hands down over his bony little shoulders. “Kolby, this is an old friend of mine, Justin Reed. We used to be classmates in school.”

  Kolby gave him a once over, lingering on his boots. “Are you a cowboy?”

  Justin grinned. “Not like John Wayne, but I do have horses on my ranch. Does that count?”

  The boy tipped his head and shrugged. “Kinda, I guess.” He tentatively accepted Justin’s hand and gave it a quick shake. “Are you taking my mom out on a date?”

  “Kolby,” Georgia admonished. “We’re just going for coffee.”

  The young boy frowned, giving his mom a puzzled look. “But you were a long time getting ready. Jeez, you’re even wearing that fancy perfume that Aunt Mae and I got you for your birthday.”

  Georgia’s cheeks blushed a pretty shade of pink. She offered Justin an embarrassed look.

  “You do look great,” he said. Her simple sundress topped with a faded jean jacket and those flirty cowboy boots made his Montana heart flutter.

  She picked up the little boy amid squeals and giggles, squeezing him until he pleaded to be let go.

  “I’m not a baby anymore, Mom.” He skirted around her and went straight to the woman who stood at the kitchen door, a dishtowel in her hands. She reached out and patted his shoulder.

  “You behave yourself, young man, and don’t go talking to your mama that way or there’ll be no bedtime story for you tonight.” The woman with silvery long hair braided to one side nodded, acknowledging Justin. “I’m Georgia’s aunt. Her Daddy was my brother.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am. It’s good that Georgia and Kolby have the love and support of family.” Justin met her steady gaze, fairly certain she was assessing his worth. She cocked her head and gave Georgia a quiet smile.

  “You ready?
” he asked Georgia. “I’ve got my truck outside.” He stepped aside so she could walk ahead of him and caught the look of concern in Aunt Mae’s parting glance. “I’ll be careful,” he said with a smile.

  “See that you are, Mr. Reed,” she said firmly.

  Once on the road, he headed in the direction of the equine ranch he’d once worked at on weekends. It was not far from the spot back in the woods where high school kids used to meet for bonfires and parties. It’s where they’d first met. He hoped she’d remember the place. “Hey, do you know if the old Stoneville place is still standing?” His heart tilted at the sound of her laughter.

  “I haven’t heard about that place in years. I would guess it’s been torn down to make room for all the developments going on out this way,” she said.

  “What do you say we find out?” He grinned and turned down a familiar road that twisted through a forest of trees. “Didn’t this used to be an old dirt road?”

  “Welcome to progress,” Georgia said, her gaze on a number of larger homes built far off the main road, purposely camouflaged, it appeared, by the trees.

  They followed another curve or two where the asphalt came to an abrupt stop, turning to gravel. Deep ruts threaded the road where four-wheelers and trucks had driven through the mud and rock. A “no passing” sign hung lopsided on a post listing precariously to one side. “Does this look familiar?” he asked.

  She sat forward, peering through the window. Tall Georgia pine and ancient oaks surrounded them. Pine straw blanketed most of the ground. At the edge of the road stood a dogwood tree in bloom, its fragrant flowers adding splendor to the woods. Georgia shook her head. “It doesn’t, no. But it’s beautiful, wherever we are.” She glanced at him with a smile, then quickly looked away.

  “From the look of that busted chain, it appears somebody was checking out something back in those woods.” He glanced at her and grinned. “You game?”

  “If you are.” She shrugged, followed by a soft laugh.

  That was the Georgia he’d fallen in love with. Fearless, ready for adventure. He eased around the post and drove over the chain half-buried in the mud. The truck jostled over the ruts, and though she braced one hand above her head for balance, her laughter prompted memories of carefree days when they’d taken his old truck out mudding.