Desert Star Page 3

  Gina looked alarmed as she saw Eve’s eyes well up. “You okay, Ms. Carrow?”

  “I will be. Thank you, Gina. It’s no secret anymore that my father killed my boyfriend in high school. I will live with that for the rest of my life. And now that my father is gone, I will never know what turned him into an evil monster.”

  River looked uneasy. “Maybe his ghost will come back and tell you.”

  “I don’t think so, River. My father is burning in hell. His eternal home. They don’t give out day passes for homecomings.”

  Larsen looked thoughtfully at his teacher. “Do you believe there is a hell, Ms. Carrow?”

  “Honestly, Larsen, I have no idea. But on most days, when I think about my father, I’d like to think there is. How about you? Do you think there’s a hell?”

  “I don’t know, either. Some days I’m pretty sure there’s a hell on earth, though.”

  Everyone, including Antonio, turned to look at Jax, but he’d long gone quiet.

  `*`*`*`

  Gina’s timing was perfect. River was just opening his locker when she walked by. “Hey, Riv.”

  River looked up. “Oh, hi, Gina. How’s it going?”

  “I’m so glad it’s Friday. I live for weekends.” She grunted and let her backpack fall to the floor. “I swear this thing gets heavier every day.”

  River grinned. “Must be those rocks I keep slipping in there.”

  Gina laughed. “Things got a little heated in Ms. Carrow’s class today, huh? I feel so bad for her, having to live forever with the horrible things her dad did.”

  River corrected her. “He was her father, not her dad. He was never a dad to her, you know? Any dick can be a father.”

  Gina looked embarrassed. “Yeah. You’re right. The wrong word just slipped out.”

  River laughed. “Don’t look so upset. No biggie. I’m not going to send you to vocabulary jail.”

  “But that might be fun. Would you lock me up and throw away the key?”

  Larsen, who had just approached, saw Gina flirting with River and tried to keep his distance so as not to interrupt.

  “There are no keys in vocabulary jail. You just have to say the right words to get out.”

  Gina smiled coyly, trying not to let her infatuation show. “Like what, Riv?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe something like, ‘Let me out of this hellhole! I’m sick of eating alphabet soup!’ ”

  Gina giggled as she picked up her backpack and put it over her shoulder. “You’re so funny. And different. Good different. So, what are you doing this weekend?”

  “Just stuff.”

  “You know, since they reopened the movie theater, there are at least three movies there all the time. There’s one I’m really dying to see.”

  River, taking some books out of his backpack and putting others in, nodded. “Yeah, this town has come a long way in two years since Ms. Carrow and the Jinxster took ownership. New housing development, motel, shopping center, and a facelift for this old-assed school. We’ve got thirty percent more kids now. Oh, and my mom’s the project manager for the Desert Theater renovation and expansion. She’s going to run the place when it’s finished.”

  “Mystekal’s getting another movie theater?”

  “No, this isn’t a movie theater. It’s the kind of theater that has a stage for flesh-and-blood actors to flub or forget their lines on. That kind of theater.”

  “Sounds fabulous. I’d love to see what she’s doing with it!”

  Noticing Larsen, River shut his locker door and rested his backpack on the floor. “Hey, dude. How are you doing? My mom called earlier and wanted to know if you’d have dinner with us again tonight.”

  Larsen brightened while Gina simultaneously looked jealous.

  “Yeah, I’d love to, Riv. That’s really nice of your mother to ask.”

  “Well, don’t get too much of a swelled head. It was really Muggins who wants to see you again.”

  “That is the coolest dog, Riv. I’d love to have one, but you know that’s impossible. At least for now.”

  River looked over at Gina. “Have a really good weekend, okay? I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Sure, River. See you Monday.”

  As Gina hurried off, Larsen turned to River. “I know you’re a really smart guy, so please tell me that you’re not as dumb as you appear to be right now.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Man, that girl has got it bad for you. She’s so hot for you, she’s burning up. Whew, I can still feel the heat!”

  River looked embarrassed and picked up his backpack. “Get out of here.”

  The two boys walked down the hall toward the front door and outside into the afternoon sun.

  “Man, Riv, she tried like crazy to ask you to the movies with her. And when you didn’t bite, she told you she’d love to see the theater your mom’s working on. And you’re just like ‘Duh, whatever.’ And then go on about everything that’s new in Mystekal. I’m not so sure you didn’t do that on purpose. Anyway, that’s your business. All I know is that she’s a really cute girl who digs you. You should ask her out.”

  “I don’t know, Lars …”

  Larsen rolled his eyes. “You’re the only guy I know who’s fearless when it comes to facing the school’s biggest bullies and scared to death of a pretty girl.”

  Chapter 3

  Larsen was stunned to see his science teacher, Henry Sledge, walk into the Dalworths’ house, at precisely six-thirty, with a woman.

  Noticing his surprise, River burst out laughing. “Ha ha ha! You should see your face, dude. I guess I forget to tell you that Mr. Sledge is now Uncle Henry. He married Aunt Stella.”

  Stella gave River a big hug. “You thought you’d never get rid of me, boy, but aside from missing your faces every day, I’m finally a happy woman.”

  “Hi, Aunt Stella!”

  “Jessie, my beautiful niece. How are the classes going?”

  “Fine. Still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.”

  “How about something in the science field?”

  “I don’t think so, Mr. … I mean, Uncle Henry. I’m not wired for math or science. I’m really enjoying photography a lot. I took the class just to fill my schedule, but it’s opening up a whole new world for me. I’m loving it.”

  “Any samples of your work for Henry and me to see?”

  Jessie sat down as Henry and Stella took their seats. “Well, actually, I have a few photos of numbnuts and Muggins I took last weekend. They’re covered in awesome sauce … if I do say so myself.”

  Larsen looked at River. “Numbnuts? Is that you?”

  “My sister is delusional. I didn’t see you take any photos, Jess.”

  “You were too busy playing with Muggs in the side yard. I captured you candidly. Actually, Aunt Stella, I’m thinking about becoming a photojournalist. But I want to be one of those photographers who capture the seedier side of life, the gritty underbelly of the world that few people understand but many fear. The world is filled with bizarre specimens of the human species. That’s why Riv makes the perfect subject.”

  Larsen laughed. “C’mon, Riv. Your sister’s funny. Laugh.”

  “No worries, Larsen. Riv doesn’t like tasting his own medicine. He spits it out like a little boy.” Jessie still enjoyed teasing her brother. “Got a girl on your mind, maybe?”

  The corners of Larsen’s mouth turned upward, and River shot him a look to keep quiet.

  Swiftly picking up on the exchange, Jessie smiled. “OMG. Is there a lover girl, Riv?”

  “No, there is not!”

  Stella laughed. “I’m betting there is. So, Riv, where are your parents? And the dog, for that matter?”

  “They went out to pick up stuff for dinner. Mom and Dad are like swooning lovebirds since they got back together. Can’t even go to the supermarket without each other. ‘Love you, baby.’ ‘Love you more, baby.’ Kiss. Kiss. Kiss. Ha ha.”

  Jessi
e rolled her eyes. “Dad’s still working two jobs, and Mom’s spending every day at the Desert Theater, so they don’t really get that much time together, especially since Dad has to work some weekends. And Muggs went with them because he loves Mom more than anyone. He’s her son. The normal one with four legs and a tail.”

  Everyone laughed, and River noticed Larsen trying to mask the sadness that washed over his face. He knew exactly what his friend was thinking; he wanted to have a family just like River’s.

  `*`*`*`

  “Hey, Mrs. D. Can I help you with the dishes?”

  Arielle took her hands out of the soapy sink and turned to Larsen. “You’re a sweetheart, Larsen. But, no, please go join the others in the living room. I’m actually having fun being domestic. I didn’t think I had it in me.”

  “All right, but I wanted to thank you for inviting me over again. I feel like a different person when I’m here. Well, maybe not a different person, but a much happier one.”

  Arielle dried her hands on a dish towel. “Come here, Larsen. Let me give you a hug.”

  As he felt the warmth of Arielle’s embrace, Larsen tried desperately not to get too emotional. “Thank you. I didn’t think there was anyone left to care about me.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry that your dad is gone and the situation with your mother is so bad. I wasn’t always the best mother to my children. It’s something I profoundly regret, but if it weren’t for all that I’ve gone through, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Maybe your mom needs some time to come around. Even though she’s your mother, she’s got a lot of growing up to do. Just like I did. Just like many of us do.”

  “But you would have never been happy that your kids were being bullied at school because you agreed with the bullies.”

  Arielle made a sad face. “Riv told me. No, I wouldn’t have done that. But I did say a lot of pretty stupid things. I used to think Jessie’s life would be better if she dolled herself up with makeup and wore designer clothes. It gives me chills to think about how shallow and out of touch I had become.”

  “You’re a really good person, Mrs. D. I know you must be thinking some pretty bad things about my mother that you wouldn’t admit to me. And I’m down with that. Because they’re true.”

  “I can’t speak for your mom, Larsen, so I won’t. But you’re always welcome here, and you can always talk to me.” Arielle paused. “Oh, excuse me, I’ve got a call coming in.”

  She grabbed her cell out of her pocket, and Larsen nodded politely and went into the living room to join the rest.

  Leaning against the sink, Arielle smiled as she saw the call was coming from her best friend, Lisa Finlay. “Hey, girl. What’s cookin’?”

  “Oh, all kinds of things. I’ve got pots on every burner. I miss you being here in LA, but I’ve never heard you happier than you sound now. Phil really sucked the life out of you.”

  “He did way more than that, Lis. I don’t know if he has a woman in his pathetic life now, but if he does, I pity her. Is he still in LA?”

  “Uh, yeah. He is. I guess I should tell you. He’s taken an office just down the hall from mine.”

  “Are you effing serious? An office for what? What’s he doing now?”

  “My assistant, Petra, is a bit hot to trot for Phil’s assistant. From what I’ve been able to suss out from her, your scar-faced ex is producing something for another cable network. Thankfully, not the same one I work with. The house in Bel Air is history, and he’s downgraded to a two-bedroom condo in Hollywood. Word has it from other sources that he’s been seen around town with some blonde nobody knows. Probably picked her up in a bar on the Strip. He’s drinking a lot. That’s about all I’ve heard through the grapevine.”

  “Hmm. Well, thanks. That’s about all I can stomach to hear right now, anyway. So, how are things with you?”

  “Doing great. Ross is in preproduction for the new film, and I’m doing something kind of fun here that I’d like you to be involved with.”

  “Really? You know that I’d love to help, and saying no will probably kill me, but my life is here now, and—”

  “Nothing like that, sweetie. I’m your bestie, remember. I’m the last person who would ever want to lure you back to LA. Hear me out. One of the documentaries I’m working on is about building restoration, the preservation of local and national landmarks, and on and on. We’ll be filming all over the country. I’m not sure exactly how we’re going to structure it, but I want to include your theater in it. And I don’t want to wait any longer, because if I do, I won’t be able to get footage of the renovation in progress. Sooooooooo, I’d like to come down to Mystekal, with Josh, my favorite cameraman, shoot the work in progress, and interview you about everything you’re doing. How does that sound?”

  “Like perfection, Lis. Not only will I love being part of your documentary, but it will be great publicity for the theater. We’re still in the process of carefully getting rid of the old, so it would be perfect timing to shoot before we put in the new. And I took photos and footage of the place before any work was done, so that should be helpful as well.”

  “You’re prophetic and a genius! So, you’re going to be the director once the building is finished, yes?”

  “You’d better believe it. The whole thing has been a dream. I’ve never felt more fulfilled. I want this theater to put Mystekal on the map!”

  “Phantasmagorical. I’ve got to run, Ari, but I will be in touch, and we’ll arrange a time to do this. I believe in you. I know you can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. Oh, and one last thing: don’t glam yourself up for the cameras so much that nobody will believe you’re working in an abandoned theater.”

  Arielle laughed. “You know me too well. That’s scary. But I’ve evolved since those days. Trust me.”

  `*`*`*`

  “That sounds wonderful, baby!” Mick Dalworth got up and put his arms around his wife. “I’m so proud of you and everything you’re doing. Things are really falling into place.”

  Mick gave Arielle a big kiss, and River nudged Larsen. “Lovebirds. Just like I said.”

  “Mom, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. Look, even Muggins is wagging his tail. He’s proud of you, too.”

  “Thanks, Jess. I’m eager to share with Eve and Jinxsy. Will Jinxsy be around this weekend?”

  “No, she’s going to Big Bear with some friends from college. She’ll be around next weekend. But I can tell her about it.”

  “I’d appreciate that, honey.”

  “Congrats, Mrs. D. You’re going to be a documentary star!”

  “Thank you, Larsen. But I’m really hoping this opportunity will do more for the theater than for me personally.”

  Stella rose and hugged her sister-in-law. “I never thought I’d like you this much, Arielle. But you have turned into one damn fine woman.”

  River laughed, then turned to Larsen. “Aunt Stella used to hate Mom.”

  Mick gave his son the mock evil eye. “Zip it, Riv.”

  “Ha ha. You used to say that to me all the time.”

  Mick smiled. “I sure did. And if your filter continues to malfunction, you’re going to be hearing it a lot more.”

  “Okay, Dad. I’ll get my filter fixed.”

  Mick laughed. “That’s gonna be a pretty expensive repair job. I’m wondering if a repair is even possible. Well, nothing a good roll of duct tape can’t fix.”

  “Ha ha. You’re funny, Dad.”

  Larsen’s laughing face turned sad. “I’ve had a great time here tonight with all of you. But if you don’t mind, Mr. D, I’m going to have to take you up on that ride home again. I need to be there before my mom gets home.”

  `*`*`*`

  Larsen popped in a DVD of West Side Story, sat on the couch, then began to watch the movie he’d seen many times before. He was worried about Raylene and silence only made it worse. He grabbed the remote and turned up the volume to try to drown out his bad thoughts, but it didn’t help. It was already after one-t
hirty, and his mother wasn’t home yet nor had she called or texted. Unlike the first night he had dinner with the Dalworths, this time he had texted Raylene to tell her where he’d be, but she never responded. When he tried calling, he was only able to leave a message on her voicemail. Now he was really starting to fear the worst.

  For a moment, all of the problems he had with his mother vanished and were replaced by frightening scenarios of what might have happened to her. Two minutes into the most frightening “what if” of all, he heard loud voices outside the front door, followed by the sound of a key struggling to turn a lock. Just as he was going to get up and open the door, Raylene and Reggie came staggering into the living room, reeking of whiskey and barely able to keep from falling.

  Reggie, not even noticing Larsen or the television, was grinning like a Cheshire cat and chasing Raylene. “Here kitty, kitty, kitty! C’mon, you’re going to give me some of that—”

  Larsen stood up. “Whoa! That’s my mother you’re talking to!”

  Reeling back in surprise, Reggie wasn’t about to let Larsen stop him. “Well, look who’s here. You go to your room, boy. Your mama’s got some poontang to deliver to Reggie Lee.”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Gay boys don’t even know what poontang is.”

  Larsen felt his heart racing. “This one does!”

  Raylene stumbled as she tried to keep her balance, then fell lopsided into the armchair, narrowly missing a collision with the dining room table. “You don’t tell me or my man, um, my man, Reggie, um, what to do in the house that I pay for. And what the hellllllllll would you know about what men and women do together, anyway?”

  “Don’t bring my sexuality into this, Mom.”

  Raylene pointed to the television. “And what the fuck is that you’re watching?”

  “West Side Story, Mom. You know what it is. It’s a musical. Takes place in the 1950s in New York. Remember?”