Athica Lane: The Carpino Series (24 page)

“There’s a small guest house, but my mom likes us to stay with them.  Hope that’s okay,” Cam says and I realize he’s watching me take in my surroundings. 

“I certainly didn’t expect a guest house, so I’m good with wherever she wants us.  I get that she wants you close, it doesn’t sound like she sees you often,” I say.

Cam nods and pulls up to the front where a rounded older woman with dark blonde hair is moving, as quickly as she can move which isn’t very quick, out the front door.  I know this is Cam’s mother because I see from here he has her eyes.  She’s waving her arms up in the air and it sounds like she’s still screaming with excitement.  Following her out the door is a grey haired man who’s as big as Cam, but also rounding a bit at the belly. 

“You ready?” Cam asks.

“They don’t look scary at all,” I throw at him.  At the same time, I really hope I’m ready for Kipp and Hattie Montgomery.

The second I step down from the SUV, Cam’s mother comes down the wide stone steps from the front porch and keeps screaming, “Well, buttah my butt and call me a biscuit, you’re a tiny little thing!  You’d have to stand up twice to cast a shadow.  Don’t you worry, my cookin’ll thicken you up.”

And before I know it, I’m wrapped up in Cam’s mother, my arms squished to my body and she’s swaying me back and forth. 

“Mom, let her go,” I hear Cam call from behind me.

She lets go of me, but puts her hands to my upper arms and pushes me back to smile big, “I’m so happy you’re here!”

“I’m happy to be here,” I smile back, a bit overwhelmed by Hattie and I’m rarely overwhelmed by anyone. 

“Mom, let her go,” Cam repeats in a more firm voice.

Both Hattie and I look over and he’s glaring at his mom.

“Don’t make eyes at me, Campbell Montgomery,” she says in a mom voice.

“Grammy!” I hear the kids yell.  Hattie finally releases me, only for Cam to grab my hand and pull me to his side. 

“There’re my babies!” she goes on, Jordy and Cara flinging themselves at her.

“Son,” I hear a big, gruff voice coming from our side and I look over at Cam’s dad.  He might be calling out for his son, but his eyes are on me. 

Kipp Montgomery has a kind face with lines coming out of his eyes, probably from too much sun or too much smiling.  And he’s aiming a big smile right at me. 

“Come ‘ere, darlin’,” he calls, pulling me away from Cam and I find myself in another Montgomery bear hug. 

Not only does he sound like his son when he calls me “darlin’,” but I realize the whole family is touchy-feely and now I know where Cam gets it. 

“Dad, you guys are gonna scare her,” Cam complains but I can tell he’s smiling even though I can’t see him because my face is smushed in Kipp’s chest.

“You’d better keep hold of her, boy.  She’ll blow away in the wind,” he chuckles before letting me go.  He extends a hand to Cam and pulls him in for a man hug. 

Cam pulls me into him again and announces, “These are my parents.  I apologize now for everything they say and do while we’re here.”

“I’m gonna have to knock your Daddy caddywompas,” Hattie smiles big at her grandkids making them giggle.  She looks back to us, “Come on, I told your sisters to stay in the house.  I didn’t want them to pounce on your new sweetie.”

I felt my eyes go big.  If I wasn’t just pounced upon, I’d like to know what being pounced on is like.  Cam pulls me into the house while Kipp moves to the back of Cam’s car.  He swings Cara up in his arms and gives Jordy a one armed hug.

We walk through the front door and there’s no other way to describe the Montgomery Ranch home as anything less than Texas Chic.  If you took any of the decorative artwork or furniture out of this house and put them somewhere else, they would be utterly ridiculous.  But all together, it’s really cool. 

In the entry way stands a floor to ceiling piece of modern art on canvas of a horse, all done in blacks, creams and greys.  The bookshelves are dotted with bronze sculptures of cowboys, bucking broncos and long horns.  The furniture is all huge and heavy in leathers, tweeds and even a chair with the back lined in a cowhide.  Antler pieces are everywhere—lamps, lights, candle holders and even a mess of them holding up a glass end table. 

We move through a huge great room and into the kitchen that’s more of the same.  But I quit taking in the décor when I see two women, probably around my age, sitting on bar stools.  They’re sort of Montgomery-like, both taller than me, but most people are,  The older one has warm brown hair, the younger is a bright blonde and bouncing a baby. 

“These are my sisters,” Cam says.  “Jen’s the brunette, Ellie’s got the baby.  I’ll apologize for them, too.”

“Shut up, Cam,” Jen says smiling.  She moves off her stool to give her brother a hug before extending a hand to greet me, “You’re brave.”

“Nice to meet you, too,” I offer.  Looking over I say, “Hey, Ellie.”

“Hi,” she says.  Turning her baby boy around, “This is Griffin.”

Cam lets me go and reaches for his nephew who looks to be about four months old and holds him high before settling him in his arm.  Griffin is chubby and has a feathering of blond fuzz on his head.  He reaches out, fisting Cam’s goatee and screams with baby delight. 

“He’s happy,” Cam states and looks at his sister.  “He must take after you.”

Ellie rolls her eyes at her brother, “Whatever, Robert’s just busy with work is all.  He’s outside on a call,” she says before looking at me.  “You guys hungry?  I don’t know why Cam always wants to make that trip in the car.  Mom and dad always offer to fly them down but he insists on driving.  We’ve got some snacks and I can get you a drink while Cam gets your stuff.”

Jen grabs my hand and starts dragging me toward what looks to be a patio door as she looks to her sister, “Get her a beer and give Griffin to mom.  Cam, you go put your stuff away with dad.  She’s ours.”

I hear Hattie laugh as she comes into the room and Cam reaches out for me while holding the baby with the other.  He pulls me in and leans down, “You gonna be okay with the Terrible Two?”

I try not to fidget, but seriously, Cam with his own kids is bad enough.  Watching him with a baby is too much.  I’ve creamed my panties again and I don’t know if I want to melt or throw myself at him in front of his mother and sisters. 

I try to get it together and decide against acting like a love sick girl, simply offering, “I’m fine.”

He leans down to kiss me and I hear one of the Terrible Two yell, “OMG, my brother has a girlfriend!  Y’all are
too
cute.  C’mon, let’s go talk about what you’re gonna wear when he takes you to Homecoming.”

I turn and see it’s Jen who’s teasing her brother because Ellie’s laughing while Cam sighs and shakes his head.  If this is a sample of what he grew up with, I bet he’s been shaking his head most of his life.  I grin and follow Jen out the back door and Ellie follows us with beer. 

This could be an interesting weekend.

*****

Brian – the next night…

I slam her fridge shut.  Nothing.

Nothing but condiments.  There always used to be food here.  Her creations.  Her work.  But not anymore.

She’s been there too long.  With him.  And now I don’t even know where the fuck they are.  His house and this apartment have been quiet for days.  No lights and no activity.  I haven’t even seen his SUV at that Shed place.  Where in the fuck could they have gone? 

I move through the dark apartment to her bedroom, I need more.  I took a few things the last time I was here.  But shit, she’s got so many clothes, surely she won’t miss much.  It’s the only way I can be close to her right now, and I need to be close to her.  I haven’t seen her since I followed her to her fucking doctor appointment and decided to confront her at the drugstore.  This is the only way I can have her right now until I figure out how to get her away from him.  And I can’t get it out of my head that she’s with him all the time.  All day and fucking night, she consumes me.  I need more of her until I can have her.  Really
have her
. 

Turning on the lamp by her bed, I want nothing more than to bury myself in it.  Maybe I’d be able to sleep if I were in her bed.  Maybe that would help.  But I can’t tip her off that I’ve been here.  There’s no way I’d be able to fix her bed back the way she does.  She’d know.

Instead, I go to her dresser and search through her things, picking carefully.  I take what I need, but not too much.  Doing my best to leave her clothes folded as perfectly as they were, I take my stash and do what I can to not leave a trail. 

The sun will be up in an hour and I need to get to work.  I take the key I nabbed from her kitchen drawer months ago and lock up behind me.  I’ll watch again tonight, see if they come back from wherever they went.  If I don’t see her soon, I don’t know what I’ll do. 

Time on the ranch has been fun.  We started out horseback riding and I learned that Jordy has his own horse here, and Cara a pony.  Cam said she still doesn’t like to be on a horse by herself, so she rode in front of Cam while Jordy and I followed along.  I was able to see most of the Montgomery Ranch.  It’s massive and goes on forever.  The cows are stinky, and oh my, are there a lot of them.  That part was exactly what I was expecting a ranch to be like.  Cam explained that even though his dad now focuses on oil, he still dabbles in the cattle business because that’s what his dad and granddad did.  Obviously he doesn’t do this on his own—he has a slew of cowboys working for him. 

We’ve eaten, we’ve swam, we’ve eaten, I watched Cam and his dad shoot skeet, we’ve eaten, we swam some more and we ate again.  Hattie was not kidding when she said she was going to thicken me up.  There has been no healthy eating for me since I arrived at the ranch. 

She’s served all kinds of food drenched in “buttah.”  She’s fried everything under the sun.  We’ve consumed about every form of beef known to man, but this would be expected as we’re on a ranch.  We’ve even had salads that aren’t really salads, Gabby would have a fit.  One was stirred together with Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, cottage cheese and canned crushed pineapple.  I know the ingredients of this dish well since I was bossed to stir it together myself and it’s something Hattie described as a Montgomery favorite.  They call it Polar Bear Curds.  I threw up a little in my mouth and renamed it Polar Bear Turds in my head, because that’s what it looked like.  I won’t even get into the sweets and desserts.

Other than the Polar Bear Turds, it’s all been good, but I really feel the need for something green.  Green isn’t a color Hattie embraces in the kitchen.

Church with the Montgomery’s was something I will not soon forget.  I go to church (well, some of the time), but my church is big and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, which is nice when you decide to skip and sleep in.  No one really misses you and it makes you feel less guilty.  But the Montgomery church couldn’t be more different. 

The church Cam grew up in is a small country church where everyone knows everyone.  And Hattie did wear a hat, although it was demure.  It sat high on her head and almost angled down over one eye.  It was baby blue and she wore shoes to match, but her dress was the color of bone.  I was really glad I decided to pack a couple choices, because I decided on the dressier of my dresses.  It’s pale pink with short capped sleeves and form fitting to my knees, but conservative enough for church.  I wore my strappy silver heels so I was taller than normal. 

On the way, Cam for some reason seemed a little edgy and kept trying to explain to me what was going to happen.  The kids rode with his parents in his mom’s shiny Cadillac, which she referred to as her “Sunday Car,” while Cam and I followed.

“Why are you being so weird?” I ask into the vanity mirror as I apply my lip gloss.  “It’s church.  As long as they don’t sacrifice a small animal or anything, it’ll be fine.  All churches have their own flavor. I don’t know why you keep feeling the need to warn me about everything.”

“Everyone’s old and the choir’s made up of old people who can’t sing.  They’re only in the choir because they want to stand at the front and see who’s not in church so they can talk about them the rest of the week.  And there’ll probably be a soloist using a karaoke machine,” he explains.  “My grandparents helped start this church.  This is a small town, it’s going to be different than what you’re used to.”

“Can I sing on the karaoke machine?” I grin.

“Baby, I’m serious.”

“How do you know what I’m used to?  You’ve never been to church with me.  I’ve survived the Montgomery’s so far, although I am surprised I can still zip my dress after all I’ve eaten.  You’re blowing this way out of proportion,” I say, exasperated with him.

“All right,” he sighs.  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He pulls into a little country church that looks like something you’d see on a Christmas card if we weren’t in the sweltering, summer Texas heat.  It’s white with the perfect old fashioned steeple and the most beautiful dark stained arched doors.  He parks his dirty Expedition next to all the clean old people cars that they probably save for Sundays, just like Hattie.  I look over and for the millionth time this morning since he got dressed, I feel the need to melt, but not from the Texas heat. 

“Cam?” I call before he reaches for his door.

“We’ve got to get going.  If my mother’s late, Margot Herrington takes her pew just to piss her off.  They’ve hated each other since I was in second grade,” he explains.

I look at him in his dark grey suit with his light blue crisp shirt and silver tie, together making his eyes shine bright in the Texas morning sun.  I know I’ve already told him, but I have to say it again, “Okay, I know I said this earlier, but I can’t get over it because you’re always in athletic clothes.  You look really good in a suit.  And I’ve never had a thing for men in suits, I usually appreciate men in more casual attire, and now obviously, athletic wear.  But you look really,” I pause and lean into the console to lower my voice, “
really
good this morning.”

The side of his mouth tips and he leans to me, “Baby, I have to warn you.  If you squirm in church telling me your wet—like I know you are when you squirm for me—while wearing that dress that hugs your ass the way it does, I won’t be able to focus.  I’ll be sent straight to hell for dragging you to the car and fucking you in the church parking lot.”

I feel my eyes go wide, “Cam.”

“I’m serious,” his eyes showing me how serious he is.  “I wanted to yank your dress up and take you in the bathroom, but you took too long to dry your hair.”

“Sorry,” I smile.  “But I couldn’t come to church with wet hair when your mom’s wearing a hat.”

He leans in to kiss me, but not fast.  It’s a kiss that tells me he really does want to fuck me in the church parking lot.

I jump against his mouth when I hear a rap on my window.  I turn quickly and see a baby blue hat standing there and Hattie yells through the glass, “Quit kissin’ and c’mon!  I want my pew and you know that woman will steal it.”

“We’d better go,” I hear and turn around to see Cam grinning.

When we walk into the church with Cam holding my hand, every old woman in the place descends upon us.  Cam has to stoop to hug and kiss every single one of them as they crowd him like he’s a rock star.  He does his best using his mother as an excuse and pulls us through the crowd of old ladies. 

When we finally get to Cam’s parents, his mother looks out of breath, probably from scurrying in her low heels.  She looks over her shoulder and exclaims, “There she is, we really cut it close this mornin’.”

We’re squished in “our” pew.  I’m guessing there aren’t normally this many people sitting here.  Ellie is on the aisle with her unhappy husband and has two huge bags of baby paraphernalia stuffed at her feet.  Jen is on the opposite end by Kipp and Hattie.  We’re in the middle of them all and Cara has to sit on Cam’s lap because of the lack of space.  I’m sandwiched in between Cam and Jordy.  It’s already hot—I hope this little old church keeps the air conditioning up to snuff. 

The robed choir walks in as the recorded music plays.  When I do go to church, I like the service with contemporary music, but I’m not surprised the choir sings old and traditional hymns.  No one participates except Hattie, who belts them at the top of her lungs from memory.

The pastor finally makes his entrance to address his flock with welcomes and announcements.  After learning about the summer bake sale, upcoming fried chicken dinner and an ice cream social, the pastor’s eyes come straight to me.  Or us.  But really, it feels like me.

“Brothers and sisters, we are blessed on this beautiful Texas day.  Our congregation’s founding members’ namesake is home visiting his family.  That’s right—Lyle and Agatha Campbell’s grandson is here,” I have to fight back a smile as I hear Cam quietly groan from my side and Jordy turns to hide his face in my other.  The old pastor smiles big and holds out his arms dramatically to finish, “Campbell Montgomery, please stand with your family and let the congregation greet you properly.”

I feel Jordy grab on to my arm and Cam sighs before heaving his big body to stand with Cara in his arms.  Jordy doesn’t move, but burrows further into me mumbling, “I’m not gonna do it.”

“Oh, you too, little lady,” I hear and look toward the front.  The pastor is smiling straight at me.  I don’t have to fight back my smile now.  I feel my face fall right before it heats like a branding iron when he goes on to finish, “Wasn’t that you with Campbell in the parking lot before church?”

I gasp and I’m pretty sure it’s Jen who doesn’t do a good job at choking back her response.  I look up and Cam is holding a hand out for me, but the look on his face is purely smug.  I feel like I know him pretty well by now and I have a feeling this is what he was trying to warn me about in the car when I brushed him off. 

“That
was
your mouth I had my tongue in, right?” he whispers.

“Shut up,” I whisper back. 

He grins bigger and grabs my upper arm, yanking me up. 

Well, fuck it. 

I mean, forget it (I am in church, even if it is a little odd).  I can handle this.  I just need to own it, even if I do make a fool out of myself. 

I plaster a big smile on my face as I stand and thank my lucky stars I’m wearing some of my highest heels.  I need all the height I can get at the moment.  Cam puts his hand to the small of my back as I own my moment. 

I decide to use the princess wave and make eye contact with as many people as I can.  I even turn around to visually greet the members sitting behind us, making exaggerated facial expressions to communicate my fake happiness. 

You’d think I was just crowned Miss America, I so owned the moment.  I’m pretty sure I could rock a float and be the highlight of a parade if I was given the opportunity. 

Once I feel I’ve played my part to its fullest, making eye contact with as many old people as I can, I slide an arm around Cam’s waist and lean into him.  He looks at me and he’s got his lips pursed, trying not to react at my spectacle.  I give him my fake smile before turning to face the pastor with raised eyebrows and tip my head, awaiting further instruction. 

“Well, then,” he says, clearing his throat.  “Thank you for worshiping with us today.”

Assuming that’s our cue that we’re allowed to sit and get on with it, I give him one more little wave before turning to pick up my purse so we can settle in.  Jordy is beaming as I wiggle my booty back in between him and Cam, Cam stretching his arm around me to make more room for us. 

I look over and whisper, “Does that always happen?”

He grins, “Not
that
.  You just gave these old codgers something to talk about ‘til they hit their grave.”

“Probably,” I mutter, before taking a deep breath and anticipate the rest of the service.  I ask with attitude, “Is there anything else you’d like to warn me about?”

“Other than the receiving line at the end of the service?  No.  Hold your breath, the pastor wears so much cologne you might pass out.  And if you get pulled into a hug, you’ll reek of it the rest of the day,” he whispers into my ear.  I turn and give him a screwed up face that conveys my “grossed out” look.  He leans in closer and says, “That’s okay, when we get home I’ll throw you in the pool.  Although now I can’t fuck you in the parking lot, the old people will be watching.” 

I roll my eyes, I know he wouldn’t fuck me in the church parking lot, but I can’t help it.  The thought makes me fidget.  Of course Cam catches it and his gaze turns heated.  I try and get it under control, opening my purse to pull a twenty out of my wallet.  Handing it to Jordy, I whisper, “You’re a chicken.”

He smiles big like he doesn’t care and scoots to the edge of the pew anxiously awaiting the collection plate. 

If this is the worst that’s thrown at me during our time in Texas, I think I’ll live.

*****

The visit has been entertaining for sure, but seeing Cam with his family has been the highlight.  It’s clear their love for him is abundant.  Even his sisters adore and miss him.  After graduating from college, he decided to stay in Nebraska to start his career.  His family doesn’t mince words when it comes to their dissatisfaction with this choice because of its proximity, but they’re proud of him all the same. 

I’ve also learned that Cam doesn’t like Ellie’s husband, Robert.  They live in a suburb north of Dallas and he’s got some big finance job.  It sounds like they live quite comfortably, but Robert basically ignores Ellie and Cam thinks he’s on his way to becoming a “shit dad.”  I’ve only been around him for two days, but haven’t found many redeeming qualities in him so far.  Ellie’s sweet, though.  Maybe too sweet, because it looks like her husband could have the tendency to walk all over her.  Cam doesn’t say anything to his baby sister about her husband, but Jen sure does.  She’s made it clear over the past two days how much she dislikes her brother-in-law. 

Jen is single and almost thirty.  She works for the Montgomery family business, managing sales with refineries.  She says she’s dating someone, but nothing serious and added, “I’m not crazy enough to bring anyone home to meet my family.”