Unexpected Changes: Feldspar Small Town Romance, #1

By Jo Carey

Welcome to Feldspar—a rock solid place to call home.

When Melody Stone gets an invitation to her 15 year high school reunion, she's too busy with her job and almost-fiancé to make the trip back to her hometown, but a series of Unexpected Changes leads her back to Feldspar.

Belynda Akers is a jewelry designer who's working as an accountant to pay the bills. When the opportunity of a lifetime falls into her lap. Taking a chance on herself was scary enough but taking a chance on love—maybe she wasn't ready for that despite Dante's efforts to convince her otherwise.

Unexpected Changes is the first book in the Feldspar small-town romance series.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Carey
• Release date: Jun 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201660673

Jo Carey

Jo Carey grew up in the Midwest but her curiosity and gypsy-spirit has kept her on the move. She's lived in eight US states and spent three years living in Ireland. She has always loved creature movies, so creatures and bugs often show up in her books. Jo, a former information security compliance guru, writes fast-paced, character-driven stories in a variety of genres from medical thrillers to space operas and cozy mysteries. Her novels are filled with humor, romance, and sometimes creatures or aliens, or maybe even all of the above. She often builds her stories around a strong female lead character surrounded by plenty of hunky male heroes. Jo's been under fire on a golf course and climbed out the roof of an elevator in the Netherlands. Life hasn't been boring. Now residing in Texas, setting often plays a huge role in her stories. Jo was intrigued by the League of Planetary Systems, a world her husband, Frank, created for his science fiction books, and she now writes mysteries and other types of tales sets in that world. Jo was bitten by a cat, a fire ant, and a snake, before succumbing to the bite of the writing bug.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Belynda stopped just inside the door of the coffee shop to look for her friend. It was busy on Saturday, and Lyn had to stand on her tiptoes to look past those waiting in line for caffeination. Spotting Mel she slid through the line and sighed with relief when she saw two coffees already sitting on the table.

I figured I'd beat you here this morning. Didn't expect it to be so crowded on a Saturday, Lyn said as she perched on the chair across from Melody. I'm sure you had a late and fun night. Her grin was endless. Did you not get any sleep because your head was filled with wedding plans?

Mel sipped her coffee but didn't say anything.

So tell me all about it. Oh wait. Let me see the ring. Mel's left hand was in her lap. Show me. Withholding jewelry from your wanna be jewelry designer bestie is just cruel.

Melody pulled her naked hand out and laid it on the table beside her cup.

Belynda looked at her friend's hand before raising her eyes to meet Mel's for the first time since sitting down. She laid her hand on top of Mel's. Tell me what happened.

Mel took another sip of her drink. A lot. None of it good, she said.

Start at the beginning. She sipped her coffee and listened as Mel relayed the curve balls that had been lobbed at her since they last spoke during lunch the previous day.

Janelle fired you? Lyn was truly shocked. You had the three most successful campaigns of anyone at the agency this year. How could she justify firing you?

Wait. Don't say anything. The line was pretty short at that moment. I'm going to need more coffee for this. Lyn was back a few minutes later with more coffee for both of them. She sat down and took a sip while circling her hand in the air to signal Melody to continue with her story.

Turns out she doesn't need to justify it since it's her agency. She said I had done good work, but they wanted to go in a different direction.

That's just... just... Well, it's just wrong. You worked hard and did good things for the company and they just toss you out? Lyn asked. I know they can, but it just isn't right. I hope Blake let you cry on his well-muscled shoulder. Did he at least try to be supportive?

Melody waved her naked ring finger in front of Belynda. That didn't go so well either.

He probably just didn't want your perfect proposal memory marred by the work stuff.

Yeah. I don't think that was it.

After Melody explained about her dinner with Blake, Lyn was so angry she didn't know where to direct her anger. I knew the guy was an ass, but he took you out to dinner at the most romantic restaurant in the city to tell you he was taking a new position in LA?

He said he hoped I had a nice life and if I ever decided to make the move to LA I should get in touch, Melody said.

Lyn got on a roll trashing Blake and Janelle and the company Mel worked for, but Melody remained silent through her friend's tirade.

We need a plan. I know it doesn't feel like it now, but you're better off without Blake. He wanted to turn you into someone he liked better. That's not how love should work.

Mel didn't bother trying to defend the guy or pointing out that this relationship wisdom was coming from someone whose last date was almost a year ago. Her phone buzzed with an alert reminding her it was time to go.

Remember I told you about that invitation I got for my 15-year high school reunion?

Yeah.

I wasn't planning to go, but since I find myself with a lot of free time, I figured why not head back to Feldspar. I can visit with Gramps, catch up with some old friends, and maybe figure out how to get my life back on track.

That's probably a good idea. I know you weren't all that excited about the reunion, but it'll be good to take a break from your routine and figure out your next steps, Lyn said Just remember I'm here if you need to talk.

Lyn gathered up their trash and tossed it in the trash can near the door.

Outside on the sidewalk, the two women embraced. Mel was trying not to let the tears flow.

I should get on the road. I didn't get much sleep, but I'm anxious to get to Feldspar.

Be careful, Lyn said. Text or call to let me know you're doing OK.

After another quick hug, Lyn turned and headed in the opposite direction from Mel. She only made it a few steps before she turned back. She rushed to catch up with her friend. Mel, wait. I'll go with you. I can help you drive. We can talk, and I'll get to see Feldspar. I can fly home Monday.

You're sure? That would be great, Mel said.

It only took a few minutes for Lyn to pack an overnight bag while Mel raided her friend's pantry for snacks.

Promise me you won't get sucked back into small town life once you're in Feldspar, Lyn said

Job hunting in Feldspar would be an exercise in futility. The town is dying.

Well, maybe that billionaire guy you graduated with will be at the reunion and offer you a job.

I promise not to hold my breath, Mel said as she took the entrance ramp to the highway.

Chapter 2

Hyde, are you sure about this? Evan asked. This place literally isn't on the map. The closest three-star hotel is two hours away. Three stars, Hyde.

We're staying at the ranch. I took care of the arrangements. It'll be fun, Hyde said.

Make sure you get pics of Evan wearing jeans, Kelly said as she handed a folder across Hyde's desk to him. She'd been his administrative assistant for a couple of years and was always dressed fashionably. He doubted she owned a pair jeans that weren't made by a designer. When she first started working for him he got a vibe from her that she was hoping for more than a professional relationship between them. He told her honestly that he wasn't interested, and she backed off. Since deciding to concentrate on her job, they'd developed a great working relationship. No one here will believe it if they can't see it for themselves.

Come on, guys. Be nice. I grew up in Feldspar. I want you to see how great it is.

And all this talk about staying in something called the bunkhouse is just to torture me, right? Evan asked.

After going over some final plans for the trip, Hyde slipped his tablet into his briefcase and added the folders from his desk. This is going to be great. I can't wait to get everyone involved.

Promise that you'll give this careful consideration, Evan said. Some things shouldn't be saved.

Hyde Corbett grew up in the small southwestern town of Feldspar. In his mind, his childhood was idyllic. He launched rockets in the desert, dug gems from the tailings piles of the old mines in the area, and had all sorts of space to explore and experiment—two things Hyde never grew tired of.

XXX

Hyde went home to finish packing for the trip. Though his staff was hesitant, Hyde was committed to his plan. Now all he had to do was get his high school classmates and the town of Feldspar behind him.

Hyde had the music blaring as he moved around his penthouse apartment packing for the trip. The walk-in closet in his master bedroom was the size of another bedroom. It was ridiculous really, but he had managed to fill most of the space even though he would happily live in jeans and tee-shirts if it was up to him. He didn't hear the door to his walk-in closet close behind him as he grabbed a few items and headed back to the bedroom where his suitcase lay open on the bed. He was lost in his thoughts and walked right into the closed closet door. Ouch. What the heck?

He stepped back and dropped the clothes in his arms onto a bench so he could rub his forehead. With his hands free, he turned the knob, but the door didn't open. He reached for his phone and realized he'd left it lying on the bed beside his suitcase. Great. Just great.

He wasn't scheduled to leave for Feldspar until morning. Veronica had wanted to go out to dinner, but he weaseled out of the invitation. He could pound on the wall, but it connected to his dining room. There would be no one there to hear him. Being in the penthouse, there was no one above him, but there could be people in the apartments beneath his. Of course, he'd never met them and had no idea if they worked normal business hours or were away on a month-long trek in the Andes. He tried doing a little tap dance but doubted it would bring any help his way. He had been assured the unit was soundproof. It had been a selling point.

After searching the closet for tools that might help, he tried to open the door, but was unsuccessful. He laughed aloud when the question how many Stanford Engineers does it take to get out of a closet crossed his mind. He sat down in the chair and tried to relax. There had to be something he could do.

He spent a few brain cycles wondering what could have caused the door to close on its own.

Almost an hour later, the closet door opened and Reed Adams, Hyde’s Security Director walked in and found Hyde sitting in the upholstered chair in the dressing area. Why are you just sitting there?

I was weighing my options to get out of here without causing unnecessary damage or pulling emergency responders away from actual emergencies.

This was to teach you a lesson. Always have your phone with you. I can get you a panic button to wear around your neck.

Reed never felt like Hyde took security seriously enough. Hyde understood that being well-known and wealthy could make him a target, but he never felt threatened, particularly in his own home. He lived in the penthouse apartment of a building with 24-hour security downstairs.

I'm perfectly safe here, Reed. I don't know what anyone would have to gain by shutting me in my closet, but they couldn't do that unless they had access to the apartment like you do.

Reed explained all the ways this scenario could have gone badly and precautions they could implement to make sure the threat was neutralized.

Are you ready for our trip? Hyde asked as he tired of Reed's security lecture.

I'm always ready.

Did Evan put you up to this to try to convince me to give up my plans for Feldspar?

No. I'm all for your grand plan, Reed said.

I figured you would be since security will be even less of an issue there, Hyde said. That's one of the great things about a small town. Anyone new stands out.

Looking forward to standing out, sir Reed said.

Chapter 3

Lincoln Branch walked into the dimly lit pub and promptly removed his cowboy hat before running his hand through his hair. He looked behind the bar but didn't see Kayleigh.

Hi, Lincoln, Connor said. Did you want to sit at the bar or a table?

Bar's fine. I was in town getting some supplies and figured I may as well stop by for a burger before heading back to the ranch.

Sit wherever you like, Connor said. I'll put your order in and bring you a drink.

It was a little past lunch time for a lot of people, but Lincoln realized he was the only customer in the pub. He wondered how much longer the O'Shea's could hang onto the family business.

I heard you've got Hyde and some of his corporate types staying up at the ranch this weekend, Connor said as he set an iced tea in front of Lincoln.

They're staying in the bunkhouse, he said. I got the impression Hyde's a lot more excited about that than his assistant and some of the others.

They talked about how long it had been since they'd seen Hyde and most of their other high school classmates.

"Sounds like he's got a whole mess of things planned for the