Counting on Starlight Read online

  Counting on Starlight

  by

  Lynette Sowell

  Copyright 2016 by Lynette Sowell

  This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between actual people, living or dead, is incidental.

  Originally published by Heartson Presents.

  Cover Image: Adobe Images

  Design by: Lynette Sowell

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 1

  Chapter 2 5

  Chapter 3 10

  Chapter 4 14

  Chapter 5 19

  Chapter 6 24

  Chapter 7 30

  Chapter 8 36

  Chapter 9 42

  Chapter 10 45

  Chapter 11 50

  Chapter 12 54

  Chapter 13 58

  Chapter 14 63

  Chapter 15 67

  Chapter 16 70

  Epilogue 74

  In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.. ~ Proverbs 16:9

  Chapter 1

  Liann Rivers gathered up the silk flag, saber, and wooden rifle, then opened the door to the blast furnace outside the high school gymnasium. Late July in Texas never felt this hot when she visited Aunt Chin Mae and Uncle Bert way back when. However, during those days she'd done more wading in the Lampasas River and cruising around Belton Lake on Uncle Bert's boat than trudging across asphalt parking lots.

  “See you on Monday morning,” she called over her shoulder. Four days. That's all the time she had to listen to the CD in her purse and choreograph a routine for the Starlight High School marching band's flag team.

  She crossed the parking lot and squinted at the figures over at the football practice field. The Starlight Yellowjackets—varsity football hopefuls, the band director told her. Here she was, in football country. Ironic that the athletic department could afford a full staff working with the team, even though the Human Resources director had talked to her about the district's budget cutbacks. She gritted her teeth. But she'd walked into the job here, eyes completely open. Almost.

  Footsteps behind her on the asphalt made her turn around. It was Jessica, the band director, jogging in her direction and carrying a yellow lump of fabric.

  “I forgot—here's your Yellowjackets spirit shirt.” Jessica stopped and held up a shirt to Liann.

  “My spirit shirt?” She could unfold it, but then she'd drop her equipment. She managed to pinch it between her fingers. Yellow was not her color.

  “For Yellowjackets Spirit Day on Fridays.” Jessica nodded solemnly as she wiped her brow with the back of her hand. “Every Friday during football season, we wear our Yellowjackets shirts to support the team.”

  Oh yes, the team. As if football players' and coaches' egos needed the support. Texas high school football was part of the religion in every town during the fall. Mere teachers didn’t qualify for the sacred distinction.

  She put on a smile. “I'll remember that. Thanks.”

  Jessica smiled. “I'm glad you're with us. It's a blessing in disguise, really. The district was ready to pull the color guard program from band, but I couldn't let them do that. I begged them to give us one more year. You were the perfect applicant for the job. I know you'll be able to push the girls to a higher level, especially with your cheer and gymnastics experience.”

  How could she respond to Jessica without revealing her swirling emotions ? “I'm glad you think so. If anything, I’ve always been a fan of the underdog.”

  “Well, we have a whole slew of them for you, then.” Jessica glanced toward the gymnasium. “Plus, the band could compete in UIL marching competitions, but without our color guard, it’s not as visually dramatic or beautiful. So we’re counting on you. See you next week!” She turned and jogged back in the direction she came.

  No pressure, of course. Liann shook her head and continued. She had people counting on her to make something beautiful and graceful out of a lost cause. They had no idea what had brought her here, none at all. She could relate to lost causes.

  Liann stopped at Trixie, her little red 1965 T-bird that made it all the way from California to Texas with only a flat tire. Right now she wanted to kick one of those tires. Instead, she opened her trunk and dumped the gear she carried, along with the T-shirt. She did allow herself to slam the trunk shut. Trixie groaned at the gesture.

  “God, I knew this whole fiasco was a possibility, but I thought things would be better here.” Liann bit her lip as she rounded the bumper and opened the car door. Even with the windows partly open, a fresh wave of heat radiated from inside the vehicle. She’d only been in the gymnasium for an hour to see her office, meet Starlight’s band director, and discuss practice schedules, the fall football games, and marching competitions in October.

  Some office, too. While gushing an apology, Jessica had shown Liann a corner of the supply room next to her office. Liann should have run screaming to the Starlight Independent School District administration office and shredded her offered teaching contract right then and there. But it was too late. She was here for the school year and might as well tuck herself into the bed she'd made for herself.

  Ms. Rivers, I’m afraid we’re only able to offer you a half-time position for this school year. Budget cutbacks,but we would still love to have you at SISD, the director of Human Resources had said that morning. Half-time. She’d moved halfway across the country for a half-time position. Not as cheerleading coach either, for the Starlight squad. With her resumé, she figured she’d get the plum position.

  We can use you as our color guard coach, since we’re rebuilding the team. And she thought she’d left her color guard days behind her forever.

  Liann stuck the key in Trixie’s ignition. Staying in California was not an option. All doors had closed there, and she needed to put as much distance as she could between herself and Matt. It was better for everyone that way. She missed her parents. But Aunt Chin Mae and Uncle Bert had offered her their guest apartment over the garage when they learned she’d been offered a position in Starlight. Everything seemed like an answer to prayer. Until today, when all her plans came crashing down as soon as she’d arrived in Starlight’s main administration office.

  Liann turned the key and only heard clicking instead of the engine turning over. “No, no, no...” She turned the key again with the same response.

  Great. Now she would kick her car. Uncle Bert was fishing and probably had his phone turned off so he could have some peace and quiet. Or so he said. Aunt Chin Mae was at the nail salon working, so that left her...stranded for the moment. “Lord, I sure could use a hand.”

  #

  Jake Tucker squinted across the practice field and at the parking lot. The slim figure of a young woman popped the hood of a flaming red ancient T-bird. He dragged his attention back to the boys on the field, performing defensive drills. He and the coaching team had an entire defensive roster to sort through, and by the end of July, some guys would be elated while others would prepare to warm their hind ends on the bench.

  That was the way it went with football. Either you had it, or you didn’t. A few of the scrappier guys would grow as players from their freshman year onward, but four years wasn’t a long time to build on playing skills.

  He glanced at his watch. They’d been at it for thirty minutes now. Time for a break. Nobody needed heat exhaustion—or worse—from working on drills in these temperatures. He was just standing there and his golden yellow polo shirt clung to his chest and back. Coach Blann was inside at his desk going through his playbook. He’d been relying on Jake more during the summer practice season, it seemed. Jake wondered if the man had health issues. But Blann never volunteered, and Jake didn’t ask.

  “Take ten minutes, guys,” he
shouted through his cupped hands. “Get some water and get some shade.” He glanced across the parking lot again. Now the figure had her hands propped on her hips, still staring at the car’s engine.

  He might as well see if he could help. He knew something about cars. Not as much as he did about football, but enough. Heat shimmered from the parking lot.

  “Hi there,” he called out to the young lady at the red car. “What seems to be the trouble?”

  “Trixie.” She frowned at the vehicle and pulled her ink-black hair away from her neck, fanning herself. Her dark eyes had just a hint of an exotic tilt at the corners.

  “Does it turn over, Trixie?”

  “Oh, she’s Trixie.” The young woman pointed at the car. “No, she won’t turn over. I have no idea what’s wrong. I mean, she’s been making this rattling noise lately, but I figured it was because of the long road trip.” Her voice caught.

  “I see.... I’m Coach Tucker, by the way.”

  “It would be nice to meet you, under better circumstances.” She swallowed and placed her hand on her forehead. “I have no idea why she chose now to quit. Better than on the road or in the middle of nowhere, but this just caps off my day perfectly. Never mind...” She shook her head.

  “Let me see what I can do.” Jake stepped around the open driver’s side door and slid into the seat. He turned the key. Only a clicking noise in response. Battery or alternator? He wasn’t sure. Or maybe it was the starter.

  “Do you think it’s the battery?” She bit her lip. “That would be an easy fix.”

  “I don’t think so. Can your mom or dad give you a ride home?”

  She fixed a glare on him then softened her features. “My parents live in California. I think that would be a bit of a stretch for them to tote me home.”

  “Oh.” He studied her face a little more closely. “Sorry, you almost look young enough to be a student. I thought you might be here for late summer registration.”

  “Ha! So what grade do you think I’m in?” She blinked, showing him a sassy grin. When he first arrived, he thought she’d been ready to crumble and fall into a pool of tears. Thankfully, she hadn’t, although it was touch and go at first.

  “A senior, of course.” He cleared his throat. “So, you can’t be old enough to be a parent of a high schooler, either. You must be a teacher.”

  She nodded. “Just moved to Starlight. I’m coaching color guard.”

  “Good luck on that one.”

  “What’s wrong with the color guard?”

  “They have nowhere else to go but up. If they don’t improve this year, the school board is prepared to shut down the program.”

  “Is that right?” She propped her hands on her hips once again.

  “I’m just tellin’ you what I heard.” He had a feeling that when she heard challenges like that, she’d try to prove someone wrong. He liked that. She had a winner’s mentality. Plus a playful grin that even now melted into a scowl at her car.

  “Well, I’m not going to whip anyone into shape if I’m stuck here. My aunt’s at work and my uncle’s out fishing. I don’t know a soul in town.”

  “You know me.”

  “Ha. Hardly. But, do you know of a good towing service? I don’t have Triple-A anymore.” She shook her head. “I guess I should be thankful I didn’t break down like this during the move.”

  “I can call Herb Bush. He’s a good friend of your uncle. Retired Army, has a tow truck for hire and he’ll take Trixie anywhere you like. Even the junkyard.” He couldn’t resist teasing her, just to see the spark in her eyes.

  “Not hardly. She’s a '65 T-bird. But seriously, if you could give me his number, I’ll call him myself.” She gestured with her head toward the practice field. “I think your team is ready to get practicing again. Either that, or they’re trying really hard to hear what we’re talking about.”

  Jake glanced over his shoulder. The squad of varsity hopefuls lined up along the chain link fence that separated the practice field from the parking lot. Great. Now he’d hear the guys ribbing him when he returned. Just let ’em try it.

  He pulled out his cell phone and called Aunt Zalea. “Hey, Aunt Zalea...it’s Jake. Is Uncle Herb around? Someone at the high school is broken down, needs a tow.”

  “Hey, honey. He’s just sittin’ here, staring at the back of his eyeballs, letting the ice melt in his sweet tea.” Aunt Zalea’s drawl crossed the phone line. Jake could just make out mumbling in the background, something about not taking a nap, just reading a book. “Well, Herb, you’ve been on that same page for thirty minutes now. Okay, Jake. He’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

  Jake ended the call. “Herb’s on his way. If you take her anywhere, don’t go to Starlight Auto. Go to Biff’s.”

  “Biff’s?”

  “Yup. They’ll do right by you, and Trixie.” Biff Hutchins and Jake went way back, from their first days in a new high school after their fathers were both transferred to nearby Fort Hood at the same time. Jake had done the college thing, Biff had gone the trades route.

  “Wow, thanks for the tip. And for your help.” She smiled at him. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “Hey, Coach!” A voice drifted across the parking lot. Tim Rollins, who’d likely end up as starting quarterback if he kept up his passing and running.

  “I’ll be right there,” Jake hollered back. Oh yeah, he’d hear about it all right. “You take care. Do you need any water or anything? It gets really hot on this parking lot.”

  “I’ll be fine. And thanks, I appreciate it. Now go, before those boys really start harassing you.” She waved him off.

  Jake trotted back to the practice field. He stepped onto the curb and realized one thing. He didn’t know the young mystery woman’s name. One thing for sure, he was glad it wasn’t Trixie.

  Chapter 2

  “Me ’n Zalea and the Riverses have been friends for years, just so you know. Me ’n Bert were in Nam together, got out of the Army around ’85 or so, but Starlight just wouldn’t let any of us go. So, here we are,” Herb Bush said as they roared along out of town a mile or so to the Rivers farm. He’d towed Trixie right over to Biff’s then offered to drive Liann to her aunt and uncle’s.

  “I see. I used to visit here in the summer sometimes. My mom and Chin Mae are sisters.” Liann watched the barbed wire fences whip past, with gnarled live oak trees dotting the pasture land.

  “Oh, so you’re Nam Sun’s daughter. Chin told us they were gettin’ the spare room all set up.” He gave Liann a sideways look. “That Jake Tucker’s a fine young man. Glad he called me to help ya.”

  Yes, Jake Tucker was pretty fine, but she wasn’t looking. Way too soon for her to even search for the word romance in the dictionary. “I’m glad he did, too. So how much do I owe you for the tow?”

  Herb downshifted and turned into the driveway, where a sign proclaimed Rivers Honey with a graphic of a beehive. “Nothin’. You’re family. Your uncle’s like a brother to me. B’sides, nobody should break down on their first day in Starlight.”

  Breaking down, her first day in Starlight. Liann had to grin at his statement. Forget about Trixie. Herb Bush had no idea how close she’d come to crying a river of tears and watching them evaporate on the parking lot.

  Her aunt’s car, a tiny Smart Car in metallic gold, sparkled in the driveway, and Herb stopped behind it. “Well, thanks, Mr. Bush.”

  “Uncle Herb. I’m Uncle Herb to everyone in Starlight.”

  She nodded. “Okay. And be sure to thank Jake Tucker for me.”

  “Will do. Biff’ll do right by your little Trixie. You’ll see.”

  Liann climbed down from the truck’s cab and waved as Herb drove off. She could have called Aunt Chin Mae, although she couldn’t imagine herself stuffed into her aunt’s car, winding their way out of town back to the farm.

  She ambled along to the house, glancing to her left and out at the rippling fields with beehives tucked underneath the oak trees. Rivers Honey had
turned from a retirement hobby into a full-time venture. She’d stay away from the hives, thank you very much. The very thought of the tens of thousands of bees in each hive made Liann shiver as she took the first step to her apartment over the garage.

  As soon as she entered the cool one-room efficiency, she slapped her forehead. She’d left all the equipment and that hideous yellow shirt in Trixie’s trunk. Liann found a gallon of sweet tea in the small refrigerator, which Aunt Chin Mae had stocked with all kinds of beverages. She pushed it aside and instead reached for a bottle of tropical fruit juice.

  She sank onto the loveseat and watched the ceiling fan do its thing of circulating the cool air. What she really needed was some girlfriend chat. Beth, her best friend, still considered her move to Texas a crazy one. But Beth loved her enough to know Liann needed to go, given the circumstances. Liann looked at her phone. It was nearly one o’clock, which made it eleven in California. She dialed Beth’s number.

  “Hey you! I’m surprised to hear from you. I figured it would be at least a week until you got settled into your routine.” Beth’s voice reminded her of all the good things she’d left behind. Her parents, special friends, a great church, an excellent job—maybe Beth was right...

  “I just needed to hear a friendly voice.” Liann tried to control the quaver in her words.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Everything. I’m not coaching cheer. I’m coaching the color guard. It’s half-time position. I was sure I'd get the head cheer position. Maybe not 100 percent sure, but...you know I had to come...”

  “Oh, Hon. I'm so sorry. How did that end up happening?”

  Liann explained, and capped off her whole sorry morning by saying, “and Trixie broke down and she had to be towed. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to afford repairs. My savings are slim and I don’t get paid until August fifteenth.”

  “Oh, girl. I knew it was a bad idea to totally start over in such a drastic way.... Not a bad idea to dump Matt, though.”