“I let you in on a little secret. It gets old fast, and we’re done with that. I guess with age things do change,” he snorted, taking the next display. “Now I sound like an old foggy.”

  “How old are you? Maybe you’re too old for me,” she teased, glancing at him.

  He laughed. “I’m not that old. Thirty, what about you?” he asked.

  “Twenty-two and I was raised by my Nana. My father was killed over seas and my mother passed when I was small of the big C. Anyway, that is a little bit about me. Do you have another job? Other than your band?” she asked, closing the one door before going around the car to the other side of the car.

  “I’m sorry about your parents. Both of my parents are amazing.” He laughed. “My mother is a saint. There are seven of us, plus she also took in my friend at the age of twelve. So, in a lot of ways he is another brother. We did everything together and we knew in high school we would also share the same woman, make her ours.” His gaze met hers and she turned away quickly, but he had seen the interest in her gaze.

  She said nothing again as they finished loading the displays and once more started to head back to the town square. But when they rounded the corner what he saw had him furious.

  The strange man from earlier, Daniel was down on the ground handcuffed, surrounded by pieces of different colored stones.

  “Sherriff?” Crystal questioned.

  “We ran over here as fast as we could as soon as he started to rip apart your box. He only got one. I’m sorry Crystal I knew he was trouble. He won’t be bothering you today at least,” one of the officers informed her.

  “You know this isn’t going to help. It will only add fuel to the fire. I’ve told you and his father he needs help,” Crystal snapped, and turned to glare at Daniel as he was lifted up. “Get help Daniel and do not come near me again.”

  The man rushed past the cops just as Crystal bent down to start to pick up her stones. Trent stepped in front of her knocking the asshole down.

  “You heard the lady stay the fuck away from her,” Trent snarled. “And Sherriff charges better be pressed against this man. If you have trouble doing this, here contact my father. I’m sure he’ll help your department,” Trent said, pulling out his father’s card.

  The cop stared at the card then at him. “Your father is Judge Waters, the County judge?”

  Trent smiled. “I’m very proud of my father, he has worked hard to help those that need it. I’m sure he’d be happy to help you with his case also.”

  “It won’t help, his father is just as crazy as he is,” she grumbled placing the stones she had picked up onto the table.

  “I’m not crazy. You’re mine!” Daniel shouted trying to get away from the officer as the cop dragged him away.

  “You don’t know my father,” Trent pulled out his phone calling his father. Five minutes later his father had a new project to help with and maybe, just maybe it might be his future daughter-in-law if these feelings inside him kept increasing. The only question was would Oliver feel the same as he did.

  “What’s going on?” Oliver said, coming up to his side as if he knew something was wrong.

  “Seems this beautiful lady has a stalker, just put dad on the case since the local sheriffs are leery to press charges against the man.”

  Oliver’s head snapped up and he grew tense. If it was one thing, Oliver hated to see any woman hurt. His sisters still mumble about his over protectiveness of them.

  “He’s not really a stalker, just a weird one,” Crystal said, crawling under the table gabbing a few of her rocks.

  “Damn,” Oliver whispered, looking at her backend wiggle back out from the table.

  Crystal laughed and jumped up. “Were you staring at my ass?” She frowned then tilted her head to the side. “You’re the one, don’t move.” She spun around and looked around on the table till she found what she was looking for, her purse.

  Oliver glanced at him, and he smiled. “Wait.” Trent said, reaching in his pocket feeling the crystal there remembering the song that had she had told him.

  “We have the stage at six tonight for thirty minutes. Already informed Drake and Rusty.” Oliver said, as he watched, Crystal turn around with a big smile on her face. I usually don’t give these aways, but when they are for a certain person, I know they must have them.” She handed him the crystal.

  “I don’t have its song written song down yet since it just came to me today, but if you and Trent stop by later, I’ll have the papers all ready for you.” She handed him the gem that reminded her of the night sky. “Moonstar is what I call this one. It’s song. Sumer nights full of stars and unknow worlds my song for you, attuned to visions will spiritually guide and amplify your knowledge of the inner soul of who you are.” She stepped back smiling and again hitting the back of her table.

  Trent shook his head and smiled. “Are you going to be okay here?” he asked, noticing one of the police officers coming back over to them.

  “Crystal, I wanted to let you know Daniel is on his way to the station. I don’t think we can keep him over night, but he will be locked up most of the afternoon and sir, thank you for this. I will keep it if this gets out of hand. Daniel and his father come in from the next town over trying to push their weight around, but a lot of us are tired of it. It’s time we take care of this ourselves.”

  “That’s fine, but in the meantime, nothing better happen to Crystal. Keep that man away from her. I still don’t like the idea of you being here by yourself,” Trent said, scanning the area.

  “Not to worry, we have informed everyone at our booth to keep an eye out and we’ve also informed the state patrol who have a booth on the other side of the square. So, she is cover, but Crystal, I don’t want you to leave by yourself tonight just in case. Someone will come and make sure you are loaded up and, in your car, tonight.”

  “If the lady does not mind, Trent and I could help with that tonight. If you would like to join us for something to eat after? We have practice till seven and we can meet you back here to help you pack up for the night?”

  Chapter Five

  It was hot, and Crystal was totally surprised at the turn out for the first day. But what she wasn’t expecting was her Nana showing up and frowning at her.

  “What happened? I got a call from Dorothy that someone trashed part of your stuff?” she asked, coming around and sitting in the extra chair she had set up at her booth.

  She leaned over and hugged her. “It was nothing. That creep Daniel just has this thing for me I guess and does not like the word no, but it’s been taken care of.” Crystal sat back. “But I do have some weird, but exciting news. I have a date tonight.”

  “What? With who?” Nana asked, but kept looking around.

  “Relax Nana, Daniel is locked up for the day at least and the who, well they are here for the festival. Trent kind of helped me. You know how clumsy I can get when I’m nervous,” she said, stretching her feet out in front of her, remembering the two men.

  Crystal forget she had a small table and her clog hopper feet were sticking out when one of the said men came over to her booth almost falling on his face tripping over her feet.

  “Oh my god, Oliver are you okay?” she said, getting up and moving around the table to him as he laughed brushing off his knees.

  “Now little lady, I don’t get down on my knees for anyone, unless of course that woman is going to ours,” he said, his gaze traveling down her body, heating her up totally forgetting about her Nana until she felt Nana’s arm around her waist.

  “Are you going to introduce me to this man?” she whispered in her ear. “Or you going to stare at him all day.”

  “What?” she jumped and glared at her Nana. “I wasn’t staring,” she grumbled.

  “You were staring, but rest assured so was I and I don’t mind at all if you stare. My name is Oliver Tandon. I’m one of the two men that are hoping your daughter will have dinner with us tonight. We never did get a straight yes from you,” he asked before leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek. “Love the pink cheeks.”

  “Two?” her grandmother squeaked, and she smiled.

  “Hello again beautiful lady,” Trent said coming up behind them. “So, did you give Oliver an answer to dinner tonight?” He asked, also placing a kiss on her cheek.

  Once more a rush of heat seemed to rush over her skin. “Yes, I close up at 8. If you’re still up to it? I would love to grab something to eat before heading home. I’m afraid the sound of cooking after today does not sound good and I love to cook. Oh, Trent Waters, this is my Nana.”

  Her Nana stepped up to her side and looked over at both men. “You’re here for the band contest? Do you do anything else other than play in a band and what are your intensions for my granddaughter? Both of you want to date her at the same time?”

  “Oh my god, let the earth open up now,” she mumbled totally embarrassed by what her grandmother had said.

  “Hush, if you think I’m going to allow you to go out with these two you just met without finding out something then you haven’t been paying attention to the things I’ve taught you girl,” her Nana gave her the look and she busted out laughing.

  “Now I remember where mom used to get that look,” she sighed and swallowed the lump in her throat.

  Her Nana reached over and squeezed her arm. “Of course, my daughter would learn it from her momma, and I think it’s time we pay a visit to her and your papa. It’s been a while since we both went and visited them.”

  Trent reached over and squeezed her hand. “I am a stockbroker, even though my father keeps trying to push me into law. A family thing I guess you could say. The band thing is a hobby for us all. Something to help release the stress off our day jobs. As for the two of this and your fine granddaughter, well Oliver and I have been friends-brothers since we were small. Always knew we’d be one family with the woman we chose our queen.”

  “I am an officer with the state patrol, matter of fact was just saying hi to a few of my friends over at the booth. Didn’t know they were here so it was a surprise and what my friend isn’t telling you is his family took me in when my mother passed of cancer at a young age. Ever since then, we both knew our bond wouldn’t go away. Are we gay no, but the thought of him leaving moving on hurts to much. Guess that is also part of losing my mother at a young age. Too afraid to have him leave.” Oliver shrugged.

  “Um, Nana can we do this some other time please, you are drawing a crowd here,” she grumbled and tried to move around to her booth when Trent pulled her to his side.

  “We will be here right after practice. Have you eaten lunch? Do you need something we can get you before we leave?” he asked.

  “Thank you, but I brought some sandwich’s and I have water and iced tea to last me. Plus, if I’m not mistaken my Nana brought some of her cookies too?” Crystal asked and her Nana laughed shaking her head.

  “Afraid not. Maybe these boys will run and pick you up some of those cookies of the day from Thankful Cafe. Wait, doesn’t Renee have three husbands?”

  Crystal nodded. “If you haven’t noticed a few people here have a few husbands.”

  “Hmm, interesting. Now, I need to get to your store and help out. Gentlemen it was good meeting you. I’m still not sure of this two men thing, but it is up to my granddaughter. However, I will be checking in with her tonight so make sure she is home at a decent hour please, since she was so determined to have a damn small farm.”

  “Hey, you don’t complain when you come to visit. I’ve seen you talking to Henry and Sally. You know you haven’t been out in a while you should come out this weekend,” she said. “Let me get you some money Trent. The cookies of the day are always so good now that Nana mentioned it.”

  Oliver snarled. “I don’t want your money. I’ll pick up the cookies. You going to stay here?” he asked, turning to head towards the store.

  “Yea, see if they have some kind of sandwiches too. Might as well enjoy lunch with Crystal while were here then we can explore.”

  “Well, I can see you are in good hands. You still going to stop by the store and do the deposit tonight?” Nana asked and she shook her head.

  “No, I’ll do one big deposit on Sunday. I’ll be too tired tonight, just put everything in safe.” She hugged her grandmother. “And relax I have a good feeling about these guys, don’t know why,” she said.

  “Do I have to remind you about Oscar?” her grandmother said, stepping back giving her a look.

  “No,” she sighed now all depressed thinking of her ex who had just used the shit out of her.

  “I’m sorry baby girl, but sometimes you are just too gullible.” Nana turned to look at Trent. “I will be watching and if you hurt my girl watch out.” With that threat or promise her Nana took off in the direction of her store.

  “I’m so, so sorry about that. If you two don’t want to go eat somewhere later, we don’t have to.” Crystal said, sitting back down and nodding to the chair next to her. “I can go to the drive through and grab a salad or something.”

  “Oh no you don’t, but I have a feeling we will be having company too. I’m sure Drake and Rusty will be joining us. So, if you are worried about being alone with us…” Trent said, sitting down next to her.

  “Four men?” she squeaked. “I’m sorry I can’t do that are you out of your mind?”

  Trent threw his head back and laughed. “No pretty lady. You have Oliver and me. Rusty and Drake will find their woman somewhere else,” he said leaning over and nipping her bottom lip. “I do say I like your Nana. She does have spunk. Kind of reminds me of my grandmother.”

  Crystal smiled, reaching over and grabbing the papers for Trent’s stone she had completed. “This is yours and yea, my grandma is everything. I wanted her to come and live with me at the farm, but she is a city girl at heart and loves her little apartment. But I do worry about her. If something were to happen…” she shook her head. “Won’t think of that now.”

  Chapter Six

  Trent sat back and watched Crystal talking with a few customers. Her hair was pulled up on top of her head, the heat was on now that it was midafternoon, but she was still cool as ever. Her belief in the crystals and passion for her work shown through.

  Yes, there was something more with this woman than any other he had been around. She was down to earth, not someone who wore tons of make-up, and wasn’t fake or trying to impress anyone, which was a relief. He smiled remembering the phone call he had gotten earlier from his father.

  Crystal sat down and glanced at him. “What are you smiling at now? Is my hair sticking up or something?”

  He laughed and shook his head. “No, you look fine. I was just thinking of the conversation I had with my father earlier. He called when I went back to the hotel. Needless to say his experience as an attorney came through asking how I knew you and what you were to me.”

  “Well, that is kind of easy. You just met me so there isn’t much to say, right?” she asked, reaching down grabbing her tuna sandwich taking a bite.

  “Oh, there is something pretty lady,” Oliver said, coming over and handing her a small box, then handing him a bag.

  “Thank you, and how can there be something we just met, and you don’t know shit about me and I don’t know crap about you. Sorry guys love at first sight thing is not for me. I refuse to run headfirst into any relationship…again,” she said, stuffing her mouth full of her tuna sandwich.

  “One day you’ll tell us what you’re talking about?” Oliver asked. “Who hurt you?”

  “If you’re still around when this weekend is over, we’ll see, but I have a feeling as soon as you and your band goes on stage you will have fans lined up waiting for your attention. Who knows, maybe you’ll find that love at first sight.”

  “Trent leaned over as Oliver reached over and pulled another chair out sitting next to them. “Wait, I didn’t have…” She laughed. “You had another chair brought over?”

  “Of course, we will be spending time with you in-between our practice and gigs, although I’m hoping you will come to one of our…” Oliver looked up and laughed. “Well, I guess we don’t have to worry, you’ll be able to see us great from here. Didn’t even realize the gazebo was right over there.”

  Trent glanced to his left and nodded. “It’s not too big, but we can put some of the speakers outside of the enclosure. When were done eating we need to check out the electrical inputs over there also.” Trent turned his attention back on her taking a bite of his sandwich moaning. “Damn this is good.”

  Crystal nodded. “Renee is one of the best cooks around here. Her husband’s bring in the best meat, fruit and produce for her.”

  “I’ve been seeing quite a few trios here in town. This might be the perfect place to settle down. How long have you been here?” Oliver asked.

  “I moved here about a few years ago. The property is what drew me here, but once I was here and visited the town, I knew it was perfect. It’s small, but slowly they are updating everything. With the college, these little festivals, and their local townhall that offers a lot of free things for the seniors and little ones it’s a perfect place to raise a family.”

  Sadness seemed to enter her expression for a minute before she turned to greet another customer. “I have a feeling our little Crystal here has been hurt bad,” Oliver said, leaning over whispering to him.

  “Agreed and the more time I spend with her, she’s inching her way into my heart. It’s weird, like I’ve known her for a while, not just today,” he said, glancing at his friend.

  “The same, but I have a feeling if she’s our heart, she’s not going to want to leave here,” Oliver said.

  “Well, the cabin isn’t far away, and we could use it as a getaway or sell it to Rusty and Drake. You know they love the place, but that is something we’ll discuss later,” Trent said as Crystal turned to the left frowning.

 

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