“Bring it to the back of the store.” Rachel couldn’t believe the amount of furniture Evie was donating. Much of it was expensive and custom-made. “Are you sure you want to donate all of this?”
“I’m sure. I kept what I wanted, and since King and I are living in his house and I’m selling mine, there’s no need to keep it. It will make me feel better that it’s going to good use. I only used it a few months before King and I got married.”
Rachel directed Rider and Train where to put the couch. Not looking at Cash, who was holding the other end of the bed’s headboard, she directed Nickel to put it against the back wall. Razer and Viper were busy trying to maneuver the washer through the store.
Rachel kept herself busy, directing the men as the household of furniture was all placed at the back of the store. She ignored Cash as best she could, making small talk with Evie while the men finished and left the store.
“Pastor Merrick will appreciate the donation.”
Evie’s expression went curiously blank.
Rachel hadn’t pried Lily for information on why Evie no longer attended church, but she couldn’t help asking for herself. “Why did you switch churches, Evie?”
“I don’t exactly get along with his wife.”
Rachel didn’t care for Brooke Merrick, either. If she hadn’t attended the church since she was a little girl, she would have left, too. Truthfully, Rachel didn’t see Brooke staying long-term in Treepoint; she snubbed her nose at most of the women in the congregation. Rachel had never met a minister’s wife so totally unsuited for her husband’s profession.
“That’s it,” Viper declared.
“Next Friday, we’re having a birthday party for Mrs. Langley if any of your club wants to attend,” Rachel invited.
Her brothers hadn’t been happy about her intention to invite The Last Riders, but they helped the woman out whenever she needed them, and she had a close relationship to Beth, Razer, and Lily. There was no way out of inviting them other than outright snubbing them, and she wasn’t going to do that.
“We’ll be there,” Viper agreed, moving off with his men.
“I hope you and your husband can attend,” Rachel teased Evie. “If I couldn’t have King, it’s nice to see both of you so happy.”
“You’re lucky I’m not the jealous type, or I would whip your ass for that.”
“I think I’m the last woman in Treepoint you have to worry about stealing King from you.” Rachel’s cheerful voice sounded fake to her own ears. Her simple dress was no comparison to the tight jeans and blouse Evie was wearing.
“I don’t know about that. King still talks about your shooting. He asked me if I wanted to get a conceal-and-carry permit. I have no desire to shoot or carry a gun around with me.”
“You might change your mind. I think several women in town won’t mind he has a wedding ring,” Rachel quipped.
Evie laughed. “It might be a good thing Penni sent my gun back .”
“Ready, Evie?” Viper held the door open.
“Coming. See you Friday.”
“Bye.” Rachel watched them leave; glad she had avoided talking to Cash. She wondered how long it was going to take her to get over being embarrassed whenever she saw him. For once, she wished she could use her powers on herself.
Rachel straightened the things Evie had brought in, trying to organize the heavy furniture as best as she could. She didn’t want Lily trying to pull and tug it.
She helped several customers find things they needed before she was able to close for the day. Locking the door, she turned to her car to see Cash leaning against the door.
“What do you want, Cash?”
“I wanted to talk to you to set things straight.” Cash ran his hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable. “Rachel, I don’t want you feeling awkward around me.”
“I don’t feel anything about you at all.” Rachel clutched her purse in a tight fist, belying her words.
Cash’s jaw tautened.
“Now, if you don’t mind moving your ass away from my car, I need to get home and fix dinner.”
“Your brothers need to learn to fix their own dinner instead of having you do everything for them.”
Rachel wasn’t about to let Cash badmouth her brothers. “When was the last time you cooked your own dinner, Cash? Washed your own clothes? Or better yet, when was the last time you worked? As far as I can see, you spend more time being an errand boy for The Last Riders than making an honest living.”
“What do the Porters know about making an honest living? Your brothers sell weed and you con people out of money, selling fake medicine and hope.”
Rachel’s head jerked back at his insults. “I’ve never made promises to any of my clients, and no one has ever been left unsatisfied.”
“I can vouch for that,” Cash said crudely.
Rachel’s face blanched. “Move.”
“Rachel…” Regret showed in his eyes as he stepped away from her car, his hand reaching out to touch her arm.
“Go to Hell.” Rachel climbed into her car, slamming the door closed.