Jeremy looked at Naomi curiously. Anything wrong?
Crap! He heard.
No. Nothing. Everythings fine, she said, her eyes wide with innocence.
Good grief. Who knew angels could feel things like anger and jealousy? That was something shed never heard of. Shed always thought they were perfect. Meeting Lash had of course changed that theory and tossed it out the window. And now that she was an angel, she didnt feel any different.
She turned her attention back to Megan, who was leaning into the truck holding her arms out. A little girl, no more than four years old, climbed into them.
Megan, can you open this for me? The girl waved what looked like a candy bar in her hand.
Not now, Emma, said a woman who was the spitting image of the little girl. She grabbed her mass of fiery hair and pulled it up into a ponytail. Youll get chocolate all over your dress.
I wont, Emmas pink lips pouted. Im a big girl.
Megan smoothed back Emmas unruly ginger curls. Yes, you are, and youre growing up so fast. But your mommas right. We dont want you to accidentally get candy all over your pretty face before we get your picture taken, do we?
Oh, all right, Emma said as Megan placed her on the ground. Can Teddy be in the picture?
Of course. Megan poked her head back into the truck and took out a stuffed bear. Aunt Verna, where do you want us to sit?
Naomi sighed as Megans aunt gave directions on where to sit in the sea of bluebonnets. She remembered the springtime Texas tradition of taking family photos with the pretty blue wildflowers. When she and Chuy were small, Welita and her parents would drive them out to a meadow not too different from this one and have them pose in their church clothes. At the time, she had hated it: having to put on a scratchy dress and then having to deal with Chuy, who teased her. For some reason, Welita thought that wearing a velvet dress in the Texas heat was a good thing.
She always got back at Chuy though. Shed show his friends the photos of him in his little suit and tie. She even threatened to show his friends a photo Welita had taken when he was a baby. It was one that showed his bare bottom. That seemed to shut him up.
As much as she had hated taking those family photos at the time, shed give anything to have it all back again.
Now, Emma, sit on Megans lap and tilt your head a little bit, Aunt Verna instructed.
Momma, when is Daddy coming to visit? She asked.
Hes on the road working. Hell come when he feels like it. Verna cursed under her breath.
Emmas lip trembled. Hes not coming cause of the vorse.
Dont worry, Emma. Megan gave her a squeeze. Divorce or not, he loves you. Hes just busy working. Hes in his big truck traveling through Colorado, remember? Hell come to visit soon.
She bobbed her head and then turned her attention to the bear in her arms.
Megan, can you read to Teddy later? Emma clutched her toy close to her chest. Teddy wants to know what happens to the princess.
Megan has to work tonight, Aunt Verna said as she looked through the camera lens, snapping photos. Ill read to you.
I want Megan. She does all the voices. Emma looked up at Megan. And Teddy thinks shes pretty.
Megan kissed the top of Emmas head. I think I can squeeze in a few minutes for my favorite little cousin, and Teddy too.
Emma, put your head down so I can see ya. Look over this way. Aunt Verna pointed in the direction where she and Jeremy were standing.
Emmas big brown eyes widened as she looked directly at Jeremy. Then she flashed a big smile. Do you want to be in the picture too?
Naomi gasped and then she turned to Jeremy, who grinned back at Emma, his dimples flashing. Is she talking to you?
I believe so, he said, waving his fingers hello at Emma.
If she could see Jeremy, then that could only mean one thing. She turned back to the petite red-haired girl.
No!
Please dont tell me that shes your next assignment.
His smile disappeared, and he looked at her sadly. You know I cant tell you.
Can you give me a hint?
He studied her for a moment, blue eyes searching her face. He was so close to her that she could see thick dark lashes that any woman would die for, and a smattering of blond stubble on his strong jaw. His eyes held hers, and for a moment, she felt a strange pull towards him.
He blinked and then looked away, releasing her from the strange spell that held her captive. She let out a breath. What was that?
She inched herself away from him carefully, trying to keep her distance and at the same time not wanting to hurt his feelings. Was Lash right about him? Did he have feelings for her?
We each have our assignments. Lets just focus on those, okay?
Sure. She watched him as he turned his attention to Megan and Emma. She was being silly. Obviously, Jeremy didnt want to upset her about the little girl.
Who are you talking to, Hon? Megan asked.
The man with the boots. She lifted the bears arm and waved it at Jeremy.
Stop that nonsense, Emma, Aunt Verna said. I told you bout your imaginary friends. You cant have them if ya want to go to school with the other big girls. Dag nabbit! Im runnin out of battery. Hold on, girls, while I get another one. Dont move.
Emma sniffled, and tears formed in her eyes.
Megan gave her a squeeze and whispered in her ear. I see him, too. She waved to the left.
Not there. Hes over there, Emma said, pointing in the opposite direction.
Jeremy chuckled. Sweet girl.
Who? Megan? Naomi asked.
Yeah. Not that many people like to pretend they can actually see me.
Naomi looked at Megan as she waved in the direction Jeremy was standing, making Emma smile again. Okay, so Megan wasnt that bad. Maybe she even was starting to like her a little. Megan seemed like a natural mom the way she was taking care of Emma. Someone who cared for children couldnt be that bad.
The thought made her feel a little bit bettermore angelic.
I guess you could say
Naomi was cut off as squawking birds fled from the nearby trees and took off into the sky. Then a strange feeling hit her, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
She glanced at Jeremy. He was on full alert. His thick arms tensed, ready for action, as if he sensed danger nearby.
Okay, Im ready now. What da hell? Verna lost her footing as the ground shook, and she fell.
Mommy! Emma shrieked, jumping out of Megans lap. Whats happening?
No, Emma. Megan gripped her arm and pulled her down. She looked up at the swaying utility poles that lined the road. Stay here with me.
The ground continued to rumble. Emma clutched Megans neck and cried into her chest.
Whats happening? Naomi asked Jeremy.
Earthquake.
Earthquake! Texas doesnt have earthquakes.
Not normally, but over the past few years, theyve been increasing in frequency. Jeremy looked at her with a surprised look. Dont you watch the news?
Not lately. Ive been busy being chased by fallen angels and demons, you know, little things like that, she snapped.
She watched the electrical wires whip around as the poles swayed. Was this it? Was this the danger that she had to protect Megan from? She bit her lip as she looked worriedly at Emma. She didnt want to see the little girl die.
Please dont let her be Jeremys assignment.
The shaking finally stopped, and she let out a breath of relief. They were safefor now.
Aunt Verna! Are you all right? Megan leapt to her feet and ran to her.
Lord, have mercy. That sure was somethin. She took a hold of Megans arm as she helped her to stand. Dag nabbit! I broke the lens.
Megan sighed and went back to Emma as Verna fiddled with her broken lens. Its okay, Hon. Your mommas not hurt, just her camera.
I heard bout earthquakes happenin over in East Texas out in Timpson. Neva thought wed get one here, Verna said, tugging out a pack of cigarettes from the front of her jean pocket. Her hands shook as she took one out and lit it.
Uh, Emma. Megans lips thinned as she eyed the smoke that wafted near her and Emma. Go wait in the truck.
Okay. Come on, Teddy. Dont be scared. Ill take care of you. She squeezed the bear to her chest.
Oh, wait! Megan unwrapped the candy bar and handed it to her. Share it with Teddy. Itll calm him down.
Emma beamed. She then glanced over at Jeremy and looked down at her candy. She curled her tiny finger motioning Megan to lean in.
Megan raised an eyebrow and then bent down.
Do you think I should give some to the pretty man? Emma whispered.
She has good taste. Jeremy grinned, throwing Naomi a glance.
Megan looked over in the direction that Emma was looking. I dont know. I think he wants you to keep it for you and Teddy.
Emma looked to Jeremy with wide eyes.
Megans right, he said to Emma. You and Teddy should keep it.
Emma gasped at the sound of his voice. She was about to say something when she gave a quick look at her mom and shut her mouth closed. She gave Jeremy a simple nod and turned back to Megan. Okay!
Megan kissed her forehead, and Emma ran to the truck with Teddy in one hand and the chocolate bar in the other.
Megan got a hold of Verna and led her away from the truck. When did the other earthquake happen?
I think it was a few months ago. Word is that maybe it has to do with all the drillin thats been goin on over there.
Weve got just as much drilling here, too. Megan furrowed her brow with worry. Was it bad over there?
4.8. Thats what they said in the news. No one got hurt, though.
Not yet, Megan muttered.
Verna took a final puff on her cigarette and let the smoke out slowly. Nothin we can do bout it. Best thing thats ever happened to this town is the drillin. Id have lost the house if it wasnt for Prescott Oil buyin some of my land. They even gave me a job. Theyre good people.
I dont know about that.
You tell her, Megan, Naomi said. Yep, she was starting to really like her now.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow at her.
What? Cant an angel have an opinion on environmental politics?
He shook his head and chuckled. Youre one of a kind, Naomi.
No guessing bout it. Verna said loudly. She walked to the road and flicked the cigarette, putting it out with her shoe. Its what puts food on the table and a house over our heads. Its gettin late, and you need to get ready for your shift at the Dixie Bar tonight.
Jeremy turned to Naomi, his eyes dancing with amusement. Dixie Bar?
Welcome to Texas, she said.
* * *
How long do you think we need to stay? Naomi said as she watched Megan in a tight-fitting white T-shirt and jean shorts that barely covered her assets, serving customers at the Dixie Bar.
Why? Im having fun. His eyes looked appreciatively at Megan.
Naomi rolled her eyes. Just when she was beginning to like Megan, thinking that she had a good head on her shoulders, she acted like...like a blond bimbo.
She gritted her teeth, hating to even think such negative thoughts about the girl she was supposed to be protecting. She couldnt help it. All she could remember was the way her body had rubbed up against Lashs.
Megan moved toward the bar with a tray full of empty beer bottles. Eyes were glued on her as she passed each table. Some whistled at her; others gave her a friendly hello. She smiled and talked to each one.
Whats with the scowl? Jeremy nudged her.
Im not scowling.
He slid his finger down the front of her forehead. Youre telling me this line here is permanent?
Not funny, Jeremy. He chuckled as she batted his hand away. Weve been here for hours. I dont think anything is going to happen. Shell continue to be eye candy for all the guys here.
Its probably best to wait until shes safe in her home, Jeremy said.
Megan was headed in their direction with a tray of burgers. She stopped at a table with a couple of guys, both wearing their Stetsons, typical Texas cowboys. One of them looked like he was stuck in the 70s, with a huge mustache and polyester shirt exposing a hairy chest. She set the tray down and flashed one of her teen-model smiles. When she turned, mustache-man slapped her butt.
Megans nostrils flared, and her eyes tensed with anger, catching Naomi by surprise.
Quickly smoothing her face, she turned to mustache-man and giggled.
Now, now. She wiggled her finger at him. Dont handle the merchandise. She then went to the bar, laid her tray on the counter, and headed straight for the Ladies room.
Shes acting, Naomi thought. She didnt like the way she was being treated, but she put up with it anyway. Why would she do that?
A few minutes later, Megan came out of the ladies room, brushing her fingers under red-rimmed eyes. She took a deep breath and picked up another tray of drinks from the bar.
Naomi finally understood and was actually starting to respect Megan and all she was putting up with in the bar. If it were her, shed have chewed out mustache-man and slapped him. Megan had to put up with it. It was a job.
Im an idiot, she mumbled under a breath. All Megan was doing was trying to earn a living, and here she was judging her. Some angel she was.
Aw, Naomi, youre not an idiot, Jeremy said. Youre just a little...misled by the green-eyed monster.
Her eyes shot up at him. You can read minds, too?
He smiled. No. But Im really good at reading pretty faces... like yours. You have absolutely nothing to be jealous about.
She felt herself grow warm as Jeremy continued to stare at her. This was not good. Not good at all. She needed to get some space between them.
Well, if we cant leave, can we at least wait outside? She was headed toward the door when her eyes suddenly grew wide, and she froze.
Jeremy was immediately by her side. Whats wrong?
She swallowed thickly as she stared at the familiar face that stood at the bars entrance.
Chuy, she breathed.
10
Lash watched the white and pink petals dancing in the air as he sat beneath one of the cherry trees. Any other day, he wouldve found the scene enchantingnot today. All he could think about was Naomi. It had been only minutes since she left with Jeremy, but each second that passed felt like an eternity. He was being melodramatic, and he knew it. But he couldnt help himself. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was the hurt on her face. And then, when she left, she couldnt even look at him long enough to say good-bye.
Lash, a soft voice woke him from his thoughts.
He blinked until his eyes focused on Rachel, who stood in front of him with sad eyes. Oh, hey, Rachel.
Mind if I join you?
He shook his head. Im not really in the mood for talking.
Sometimes talking helps, she said, sitting beside him, tucking her legs beneath her. Raphael told me what happened...about you telling Naomi.
Who else knows? The last thing he needed was other angels talking about him. He didnt like the thought of his life being a soap opera for them.
No, just me...and Michaelshe looked down, fiddling with a blade of grassand Gabrielle.
Thats just great. Now everyone knows!
Not everyone.
Brown eyes glanced up at him, and he narrowed his eyes. He knew her too well. And...
She swallowed. Well, I may have told Uri.
He groaned. So all the archangels know I was dumped.
You were not dumped. Naomi just needs time to think this through.
He let out a loud breath in frustration. He wished he could be patient. It was so hard, especially with her goneand with Jeremy!
He groaned as he tilted his head back, leaning it against the tree. White blossoms fluttered on a breeze going through the gardens. Some tore off from the branches and sailed to the ground, so delicate, so beautiful, just like Naomi.
She couldnt even look at me, Rachel. She went on assignment with Jeremy for who knows how long, and she didnt say a word. Its like she gave up on me.
Dont think like that! She loves you so much. Anyone can see that.
Lash watched a cloud between the branches as it drifted across the sky, covering the sun for a moment and leaving them in a shadow. Thats how he felt at that momenta shadow of himself, empty without Naomis love.
I dont know. Maybe there was a reason why we were prevented from being together the first time around. Maybe shes meant to be with someone else. Naomi placing her hand in Jeremys right before she left was seared in his mind.
Lash, stop it! She shook his shoulders, hard. Snap out of it, and stop talking nonsense.
She moved directly in front of him and reached over, curling her hand behind his neck. Look at me.
He slowly tilted his head down and looked into determined brown eyes. I know you dont remember the first time you were with Naomi, and someday I hope you will. But I was there. I know. The love between the two of you was so pure, so beautiful, it broke my heart to see you two being torn apart.
Youre just saying that to make me feel better.
Argh! I am not. How can I make you believe me?
Its okay, Rachel. Youve always been a good friend. He took her hand, kissed it, and stood. If anyone is looking for me, Ill be in the Room of Judgment. It was nice and dark there. At least there, hed be left alone.
She let out a growl of frustration and jumped to her feet. Before he knew what was happening, her petite hands jerked his head down and she placed a palm on his temple.
Hizaher, she whispered the Hebrew command to remember in his ear.
A memory flashed through Lashs mind. He found himself on a familiar hill next to Naomi. She turned to him, her eyes filled with tears as she reached out to cup his face. I care not if my father has promised me in marriage to Jeremiel. My love for you will never die.
My sweet Naomi. Your love gives me strength. Lash placed his hands over hers, turned his head, and kissed her palms. I will plead with my father to allow me to have your hand in marriage. I care not what he does with me so long as I can be with you.
And if he says no?
Then we shall leave this place. Will you go with me? Can you leave your sisters, your family, and join me?
Yes. I cannot bear to be without you.
Then I shall fight for you. Ill never stop fighting for you.
Nor I you.
Lash gasped as Rachel pulled her hands away. He blinked down at her. Was that a memory?
She glanced around the garden with a worried look. Please dont tell anyone I did that.
Of all the memories hed been shown of his past, this one was the most vivid. He could feel it to the core of his soul as he if were actually there. He could feel the strength of Naomis love. She was willing to sacrifice everything to be with him. Not Jeremy. Him!
He scooped Rachel into his arms, lifting her off her feet, and swung her around. Thank you, Rachel! That was the best gift anyone has ever given me. He set her on the ground and held her tightly against his chest in a bear hug.
Yohwocom.
What? He laughed at the muffled sound she was making and let go of her.
She brushed back her hair and let out a breath. I said youre welcome. Sometimes, you dont know your own strength. Youre pretty strong for a seraph, you know.
Sorry. He grinned.
Feeling better now?
A little. I mean, it helps to know how much she loved me.
Loves. Present tense, Lash.
Okay, loves. But shes still mad at me. I hate leaving things like this.
Shell be back. In the meantime, you just need to keep yourself distracted while shes gone.
She furrowed her brow in thought and then her face lit up. I know! Im going to send Uri to you. She slapped a hand on his shoulder. Get ready for a poker nightUri style.
* * *
A pair of clear blue eyes gazed intently at Lash. I dont think you have it, Uri said with a thick Russian accent.
Maybe I do, and maybe I dont. Lash reached for the bottle of vodka, a smuggled gift from Uri, and poured himself a drink. Keeping his eyes on him, he downed it and placed the glass down on the table. Care to make this interesting?
Uris clean-shaven face lit up. Now youre talking, my friend. Whats your price?
Cuban cigars. Lash poured himself another drink and brought the glass up to his lips.
Dont you already have a stash?
Raphael found them when he was helping us move, he grumbled.
Uri chuckled.
Lash threw him a glare.
Say no more. Uri stared down at his cards, his lip twitching.
He shook his head, taking another sip. Whats your price?
Uri looked up and thought for a moment. Umm. Okay, Mr. Mister.
Lash choked on his drink and coughed, laughing. Why are you calling me mister?
Im not calling you mister. I said I want Mr. Mister.
Uh, okay, so you want a mister? He furrowed his brow. What about Rachel?
Uri looked at him wide-eyed. Its for Rachel.
For Rachel? Maybe he didnt know Rachel as well as he thought he did.
Mr. Mister is an 80s pop rock band. Dont you remember?
Lash shook his head. There was a lot about the 80s he didnt want to remember.
She loves their Broken Wings song, he continued. Its our song. When she was on assignment with me in 86, she played it over and over on an old record player.
Oh! A record. He was relieved. For a moment there, he thought he was going to be responsible for getting Rachel kicked out. Well, that might be a little tough to get now-a-days, but I think I can manage.
Uri tilted his head. What did you think I was talking about?
Nothing. His eyes darted to his cards. Okay, what do you have?
Royal flush.
Shit!
Uri howled as he leaned over the table and poured himself a drink. Dont tell Rachel. I want to surprise her.
No problem there. I dont know when Ill be able to get it for you though. It doesnt look like Im going down anytime soon. Lash pushed himself away from the table, and taking the bottle with him, he went to the large window that overlooked the valley below.
Care for another game?
Lash pressed his forehead against the glass. It was no use. Even the wisecracking Uri couldnt keep his heart from aching over Naomi. Hed been so happy when Rachel showed him that memory of Naomi giving up everything just for him, proof of her love for him. He wished he could just hold on to it. Instead, every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was the hurt on her face. Eyes that once looked at him with tender love were glazed over in pain and betrayal, eyes that wouldnt even look at him when she left. Had he gone too far? Had he lost her love?
Its no good, Uri. Thanks for trying. Its just...I cant get her out of my mind.
He heard the sound of cards shuffling as he looked at the bridge, wondering if he would be able to find her if he looked. Maybe he could sneak over there in the morning.
You dont remember this, but long ago, I was a royal ass-hole.
Lash spun around, taken off guard. Did you say ass-hole?
Uri stared out into space as he shuffled the cards deftly in his fingers. I didnt deserve the love Rachel gave to me. I knew she cared, and I took advantage. I didnt know what a gift she was until she came after me, and then it was too late. When I returned centuries later as a human, she was there again. Of course, I didnt know her at first. I kept having these strange feelings whenever she was around. What do you call it?
He paused for a moment then snapped his fingers. Déjà vu. It was like I knew her before in another life. Then, I fell in love with her. I couldnt help myself. By then, the tables were turned, and she kept her heart away from me. Oh, she watched over me; that was her job, but never would she let me in. I know now it was because of how I treated her in the past.
Lash stayed silent. This was the first time hed ever seen Uri so serious. Rachel never talked about their past. In his mind, they were the perfect couple, forever loyal to each other and deeply in love.
Uri placed the cards on the table and looked at him with determination in his eyes. I had to fight to win back Rachels trust. That is what you must do, my friend. Fight for your woman.
You think I dont want to do that? Im stuck here waiting for her.
Uri pushed himself away from the table and went to him, slapping a hand down on his shoulder. Then you will go to her. Im giving you permission to go down and find her.
What about Gabrielle and Michael?
Ill handle that. If youre brief, we may not have to deal with them.
When can I go?
When the moment is right, Ill find you. Be ready.
11
Is it over? Naomi mumbled from behind hands that she kept over her face. She didnt dare take a peek at what Chuy was doing and risk another wave of nausea like the first time when she saw him flirting with Megan. Who knew angels could get nauseous?
Jeremy chuckled. Dont you think youre being overdramatic?
Okay, maybe she was overreacting just a tad bit. When Chuy, closely followed by Lalo, had walked into the bar, shed been overjoyed. In that moment, shed completely forgotten she was an angel and not visible to anyone. Shed been so happy, shed even wanted to hug Lalo. Jeremy had to stop her from running to them, reminding her that she was not human anymore.
Although she was sad that she couldnt talk with Chuy and Lalo, she stood back with Jeremy, happy with the thought that if they were here, then Welita was sure to be nearby. She listened in while they talked about their work at Prescott Oil, hoping to get a clue of where Welita was located.
Then Megan showed up and asked for their order.
I cant bear to watch this, she said with her hands still over her eyes. She knew she was acting like a dippy teenager, but she couldnt help herself. Its just so, ugh, so gross. I mean, Chuy making his moves on Megan. Its bad enough I have to hear it.
Jeremy tugged on her hands and pulled them from her face. Hes not that bad.
She dropped her hands and glanced up at him, noting the amused expression on his face. Seriously?
The mans holding his own. Hes got some smooth moves. He winked.
She looked over to Chuy, and groaned. He was flexing his bicep for Megan and showing her a tattoo that he had on his right shoulder.
Chuy got a tattoo! When did this happen? He must be nuts doing something like that. If Welita found out, shed flip out. Probably find a way to remove it herself.
Ooh, I love it! Megan said as her fingers brushed over his tanned muscles. I wish I could get one. Where did you get yours?
I got it down in Houston before we moved up here, Chuy said.
You guys are from Houston? Ive never been there.
Chuy leaned in close to her, his voice husky. Maybe we can take you for a visit sometime. I was planning on going back to get another one next week.