Finding Charley (Full Circle) (14 page)

“Y’all, this is totally worth the wait.  It’s ah-maz-ing!  Plus, we are actually driving on the track of the Coca-Cola 600,” I say.

“Too bad we can’t put the pedal to the metal.  I’d love to see how fast she’d go,” Dylan says as he glides his hand over the dashboard.

“There’s a thing called the Richard Petty Driving Experience.  That’s how you can do that, ya know?”  Tessa smarts back.

I look out the window, cover my mouth with my hand and try to hide my giggle, but it’s totally not working. 

“What? Is something funny, Charley?”  Dylan questions.

I shake my head no, and Tessa adds her two cents.

“Oh, it’s funny all right.  It’s a cryin’ shame a car with this much power has to go ten miles an hour when most drivers are
hitting well above a hundred.”

“Tess, take it easy on my brother.  It’s not his fault that he’s helping me live out my dream, but at a snail's pace.”  He begins to laugh as well.

“Well, I’m glad ya’ll find this funny.  I didn’t realize this was going to be a pick on Dylan kinda night, but whatever.”  There is an ounce of what sounds like hurt in Dylan’s voice, but most of it is irritation.

“Hey, Dylan, you know we’re just kiddin’,” I say as I slide a little closer to him.  That seems to take his
mind off his previous thought.

After making a lap around the track, we park and enjoy the nativity scene, live petting zoo, and Tessa and I even have our picture made with Santa.

It’s getting cold out, and I’m about worn out from this game I’m playing.  We make our way back to the Mustang and return to Grassy Pond.

“So, are we still planning on hitting up Turtle’s?”  Tessa asks.

As I yawn a yes, everyone looks at me for reassurance

“Charley, that doesn’t sound like you’re up to it.  You sure you don’t want to call it a night?”  Tessa asks.

“Nah, I’m good.  Just been a long day with practice and all.  I’ll be aight.”

Throughout the remainder of the way to Turtle’s Pool Hall, Dylan continues to keep his eyes on me.  It’s almost as if he wants to get into my head and know exactly what I’m thinking.  Well, I’m thinking one thing and one thing only.  I sure hope Cash isn’t here, because for him to hear
me talk about what is going on is one thing, but to see it firsthand isn’t fair.

Once we hit the county line, we make our way to the crossroads and pull into the parking lot at Turtle’s.  Nothing has changed since my last visit.  However, I hope tonight doesn’t end like the last time.

Dylan opens the door, and I see Sammy working the bar.  He throws up a hand to welcome us, but there is a slight hesitation when he sees who’s with me.

We make our way to the bar.

“Glad you’re back, Charley,” Sammy says as he hands me a Choice Cherry Gold.

“Now, how’d you know that’s what I’d want?  I might have changed it up,” I say with a little flirtation in my voice.

“Hun, you’ve been drinkin’ the same beverage since you stepped foot in here.  Honestly, I can’t wait until you turn twenty-one because I wanna know what you’re gonna add to it.”

I blush at that idea because I already know.  As soon as Dylan sees my reaction, he moves in closer, puts his arm around me and stakes his claim.   He even seals the deal by kissing my cheek.  His lips are like ice on my warm skin, and I can’t wait for them to break away from my body.  Instead, I lean closer in and make him believe that I am all about Dylan Sloan.

There are two open pool tables near the back of Turtle’s.  We grab our drinks, a pool stick, and a table.

“So, how are we teaming up tonight?”  I ask.

“I think we should play guys against girls,” Tessa says.

“I’m game with that. What about you, Bro?”

“Sounds good to me.  Let’s show these ladies not to mess with the Sloan brothers.  Ladies, you go first.”

Tessa racks the balls, and we prepare for a game that’s sisters against brothers.  Tessa breaks and, of course, has to get solids.  We high
five, and it’s game on.  Each time it’s our turn, we make sure we lean a little farther across the table, show off the girls, and make the boys drool.  They try their best to gain our attention, but they are no match for the Rice sisters.

We finish the first game and win with no problem.  That’s when I hear the sweetest voice in the distance. 
Do not turn around.  Do not react. 
Cash Money is here and I have to act like I hate him.  This isn’t going to be fun.

“Y’all ready for round two?”  I ask as I ignore Cash talking to Sammy.

“Sure,” Dylan says as he walks up beside me, slides his hand into my back pocket, and pulls me in to show his ownership.

Round two isn’t as nice for us, but I’m sure it has to do with the fact that Cash is watching.  I’ve tried my best not to look his way, bu
t that’s damn near impossible.

“Aight, we’re tied up.  One more game and we are calling it quits.  I’m exhausted,” I tell Dylan.

The last game goes in our favor, but only because I know the night is coming to an end.  Tessa and I continue to employ our assets to help us win.  We use a little hip bump as our winning move.

Dustin walks up behind Tessa, takes the pool stick from her, places it onto the table, and pulls her in for one of the hottest kisses I’ve ever seen.  My dad would die!  I’m about to blush when I hear Cash yell at her.  “How ‘bout y’all get a room!”  I laugh and look at Cash.  Dylan looks at me with curiosity, but then he does some
thing I hadn’t expected today.

Dylan takes my pool stick, returns it to the wall where it belongs, walks back to me, and slides his hand to my cheek as he stares into my eyes.  He eyes are full of hunger, and before I can think about how I will react, he places his lips onto mine.  He starts slow and tender and then becomes more feverous.   I want to break away, to tell him to stop, but if I do, this game is over.  I can’t afford that, but I also don’t want to hurt the man of my dreams who has to watch it first- hand.

I begin to slow the kisses and pull away.  When our lips part, I notice that Dylan looks over my shoulder and smiles.  My heart breaks because he did that to show Cash he had me, and now everyone in Grassy Pond will know that Dylan and I are a couple… again.

I turn around and see Cash throw his drink into the trash, but not before he looks my way.  Never in my life have I seen that much hurt on his face, and as much as I want to run after him, I can’t.  Instead, I move myself closer to Dylan, wrap my arms around his waist and snuggle into his chest.  The tension in the air is thick, but exactly what is expected.

Tessa and Dustin finally come up for air and realize what has gone down.  “Hey, I think it’s time to call it a night.  Y’all ready?”  Dustin asks. As we make our way out of Turtle’s, every eye is on us, and I know that everyone is asking themselves the same question.  Dylan opens the door for me again and then makes his way around to the driver’s side. While he is walking around, I feel my cellphone buzz, and I know without a doubt it’s Cash. The ride back to the farm is quiet, and I play it off as being tired.  Tessa follows suit by resting her head on Dustin’s shoulder.

Once back at the farm, we get out of the car.  Dustin and Tessa walk toward the house, and I start to follow when Dylan grabs my hand and holds me back.

“Char, hold up a minute.” I turn and face him. “Thanks for tonight. I had a good time, and I’m sorry if things moved faster than you planned.”

Placing my hands into my front pockets and raising one hip higher than th
e other, I gather my thoughts.

“You know me too well.  I’ve always been about taking things slowly, but tonight, that was genius with Cash.” I walk toward Dylan and wrap my arms around his neck, leaving him with a kiss and wanting more.  When I know I’ve given him just enough, I pull away and walk myself to the house, passing Dustin on the way.  I t
urn and wave as I walk inside.

Mama and Dad are asleep in their usual locations in the living room.  I make a mad dash for the bathroom because everything I ate tonight is about to come
up, and there isn’t enough mouthwash in this house to kill the germs I have in my mouth!

After I sanitize myself the best I can, I look into the mirror and see myself for what I truly am.  I am no better than Dylan.  I’m a liar, and I’ve hurt the most important person in my life.  It’s time to fa
ce this reality and call Cash.

Removing my prepaid phone from my purse, I look at the text.

Cash $: Charley meet me at the club a.s.a.p.!

Tears stream down my face, my hands begin to shake, and I reply with one letter.

Me: K

Wiping my eyes, I open the door and Tessa is standing there ready to say something, but as soon as she sees my face, she says nothing.  She just pulls me into a tight embrace and tells me that everything will be okay.  I pull away from her and let her
know that I have to meet Cash.

I change into more comfortable attire before I make my way to my four-wheeler.  Once I’m out of range of my parents’ ears, I punch
the gas and hurry to the club.

I can see the light in the distance, and my heart begins to beat faster the closer I get.  I jump off and hurry up the ladder.  Cash is standing by the window, gazing at the pond.  He turns and looks at me as I re
ach the doorway of the club.

“Cash, I’m…” Cash stops me mid-sentence by crashing his lips unto mine.  The waterworks start and continue until he pulls away from me.

“Char-coal, I’m so sorry.  If I’d have known he was going to do that in front of everyone, I would have stayed home.”

“You’re sorry?  Cash, what I did was cold-hearted, unfair, and makes me no better than Dylan.”

Taking his hand, Cash cups my face. “You are nothing like him, and I know the real you.  But, that did hurt like hell, and I don’t think it’s gonna get any easier.  He doesn’t know you’re here, does he?”  I shake my head no.  “Good. Because you are staying here until we have to go home.  I love you, Char-coal, and no one will change that.”

“I love you, too, and you have no idea how relieved I am to be with you right now.  I honestly don’t know if I can do this.  I mean, play two different people.  Tonight wore me out!”

“I have faith in you, and it will work out.  Just know that no matter what, I know where your heart belongs and no one can take that away from me.”

There aren’t any more words exchanged; instead, Cash holds me in his arms.  We cherish the night and each other until the sun beings to rise.

Chapter 16

Hurrying back home, I know that I’m cutting it close.  Dad is liable to be out and about on the farm already, and if he spots me leaving from the club, this game is over before it’s even started.   I park the four-wheeler and hear the screen door open on the porch. 
Shit!
  I hide behind the shed, and once Dad is out of sight, I run to the house.

Once inside, I realize the remainder of the house is quiet. 
Yes!
  I tiptoe upstairs and crawl back into bed, but before I do, I text Cash.

Me: TY Cash $ I <3 u 4ever!

Cash: Char-coal u will always b my 4ever!

I roll over, close my eyes, and drift off to sleep until the smell of bacon hits my nostrils.  Stopping by the bathroom, I check myself in the mirror.  I don’t look too bad, but Mama is likely to ask questions.  I decide to request backup, and I
make my way into Tessa’s room.

“Tess, wake up.  It’s time for breakfast.”  She pulls her covers over her head, “Char, leave me alone.”

“Tess, really.  I need you.  Mama’s gonna ask twenty questions, and I need a backup.”  Taking a deep breath, she throws her comforter off and rolls out of bed.  Pointing her finger at me, she tells me, “You owe me, and this list just keeps getting longer. Oh, and how did it go last night?”

“Actually, better than I expected.
  Tessa, I thought he was going to be furious, but instead, he melted away the poison Dylan put on my lips last night.”

“Okay, stop right there.  I don’t need to hear anymore.  So, are you ready to face the woman that knows all?”

“I guess.”

We slowly make our way downstairs.  Mama glances over her shoulder when we enter the kitchen, then she returns to the stove.

“Mornin’, girls.  Breakfast is almost ready.  Y’all have fun last night?  I noticed y’all didn’t wake us when you got home.  I woke up this morning with the biggest crick in my neck.”

“Sorry, Mama, but y’all were out,” I say.

Tessa chimes in, “Yeah, we tried, but y’all didn’t budge.”

About that time, my phone chirps.

Piper:  Have fun last night?  I heard it was explosive! I’m getting ready and then on my way.

Me: Kinda,
Yup, Sounds good.

As I place my phone back onto the table, I realize that I have got to get in my workout. Now, I’m off schedule, and I better text Piper back.

Me: Totally slept in, gotta swim, meet me at 12.

Piper: Hurry it up! I need details!

I scarf down breakfast and jump up like I’m late for school.

“
Charley, how was last night?” Mama asks as I’m putting my plate into the sink.

“Good actually.
  Wasn’t it, Tess?  We went to see the lights at the Speedway.  They were amazing!  Mama, I felt like I was in a snow globe.”

“That’s good, Char, but I feel like something’s not right.  I know that it’s none of my business, and you don’t have to tell me, but I feel like you’re not telling me something.  Just know you can talk to me.”  Mama picks up her coffee and continues like it’s nothing, but I know better. She wants answers.

“Mama, things didn’t go well with Dylan before, but I’m trying to give him a second chance.  Cash really pissed me off.  He can’t tell me what I can and can’t do.  I’m just enjoying life and taking it one day at a time.  And, yes, I know I can talk to you.  I gotta go.  I can’t believe I slept in.”

“Sweet girl, don’t you know
it’s okay to rest sometimes?  Now, go kick some butt in the water, and let me know your plans for the day.”

“Okay.”  I hurry back upstairs, grab my swim bag, hurry down the stairs, and put the Honda in the wind.

As I pull into the GPAC, I spot Dylan’s Mustang first.  
Shit!
  Pull it together, Charley.  It’s time to put that game face back on.  I grab my bag, toss it over my shoulder, and enter the GPAC with my head held high and enough confidence to stop anyone that crosses my path.

Heading into the locker room, I see Dylan already in the water.  He notices me and smiles before starting his next set.  I change and make my way on deck.

I take an extra few minutes to stretch, making sure that Dylan notices before I begin my workout.  Today, my workout is more therapeutic than anything.  It’s exactly what I need in order to deal with the stress that is in the water with me.  After I finish my sets, I hear Dylan holler at me.

“You looked great out there, Char.”

“Thanks.”

We both make our way to the locker room, and I hurry and shower.  I pull my hair up into a messy bun, knowing I can fix it once I get home.  I toss my towel, suit, cap, and goggles into my bag and push open the door, only to be attacked by Dylan Sloan.  My first instinct is to scream, but th
en I recall a previous memory.

I start to laugh as his lips faintly touch mine, but then he pauses.

“What?”  I question.  “Haven’t we been here before?”

He smiles, and then tries to conquer my lips again.  I let him get a feel for about two seconds, and then I totally replay that scene.  I push away from him, leaving my hands on his chest.

“You know Coach will kill us.  Plus, I gotta meet Piper.  She’s got big plans for us or something.”  I give him a brief peck on the lips and then hurry to my car.

Once I’m inside the car, I pull my towel from my bag and wipe my lips.  I think I’m gonna have to carry mouthwash and sanitizer at all times.  Those items are definitely on our to-do list today.

At home, I hurry upstairs to get ready for the day.  I quickly dry my hair and then hurry outside to see if Dad needs any help before Piper and I head out for the day.  He needs someone to check on the horses in the barn.  I make my way to the barn, feed them, and make it back with time to spare before Piper arrives.

“Hey, Pipe.  What are we up to today?”

“I was thinking a little Christmas shopping is in order.  Plus, I need the scoop on last night.  From what I heard, Cash was pissed when he left Turtle’s.”

“That would be an understatement, but I made up for it later.”

Mama comes around the corner, and Pipers mouths, “O-M-G!”

“Mama, we’re going shopping and then just hang out.  We might g
o to the movies or something.”

“Sounds good.
  Be careful and stay out of trouble.”

Piper insists on driving, so I can spill my details from last night.  I tell her everything from supper, the Speedway, and Turtle’s to my late night with Cash.

“Char, how long do you think this is going to have to continue?”

“I’m not sure, but at least I know I can trust Joe.”  Piper whips her
car off the road and parks it.

“What do you mean, Charley?”

“Oh, I left out that detail, didn’t I?”  I say with a smirk.  “Dylan informed me that he would have been at Whiskey River that night.  Joe was protecting me.  That’s why he confessed.”

Piper takes her hands and beats on the steering wheel with excitement.  “We have got to call him!  I knew it!”

Piper takes out her phone, hits Joe in the contacts, and then passes the phone to me.

“Hey, Piper,” Joe says sweetly.

“Um, hey, Jackalope Joe.”  I pause and wait for his reaction.

“Squirrel?
  Is that you?”

“Yup, I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you.”

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you actually called.  What changed your mind?”

“Well, I know why you told me that night.  You were protecting me.  I know Dylan was going to be at Whiskey River, and you didn’t want whatever his plan was to take place.”

“Squirrel, I just couldn’t let anything happen to you.  I didn’t care what you thought of me.  I just couldn’t let you go there.”  He stops for a second and begins to speak again, “How did you find out?”

Taking a deep breath, I look at Piper, swallow hard, and then explain.  “I’m kinda acting like I want to be with him again.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?”

“I want him to pay, and I’m going to get proof of what a scumbag he really is, and then I’m taking him down.  Piper, Tessa, and Cash are helping me.”

“I don’t like that at all!  He’s dangerous.  Don’t put yourself in a bad position.”

“I’m not.  Tessa and Dustin went on a double date with us last night.  Oh, and I’m happy for you and Piper, even if I gave her hell to start.”

“Thanks, but you are our priority.  How long do we have to go along with this game?”

“If all goes as planned, it will be by Southern States, if not sooner.”

“Squirrel, that’s like two months away.”

“I know.  Well, here’s Piper.”  I decide to cut him off because I don’t want to discuss it anymore.  Piper and Joe finish their conversation, and before we know it, we are at Northlake for some much needed retail therapy.

We spend the remainder of the afternoon in and out of stores.  As we make our way to the car, we each have our hands full and are struggling.  Piper drops her bag of shoes about fifteen feet from the car.  I start laughing, and then I lose one as well.  We look like a bunch of crazies.  We grab our bags and finally make it to the car.

“Ohmygawsh, Piper.  That wore my ass out!  The only thing I need now is a bed, and I’d be out like a light!”

“I’m just glad all this Christmas shopping is finished.”

“Me too.
  So, what are we doing tonight?”

“I’m thinking a pizza and movie at my house.  Whatcha think, Piper?”

“I’m game.”

We sing every song on the Christmas station, and I laugh so hard that I almost pee my pants during Piper’s rendition of “Santa Baby”.  Before we know it, we are back in Grassy Pond
and I’m no longer tired.  We decide that a movie night is still in order.  We stop at Piper’s house to grab her clothes and her makeup because she can’t do without it.

At the Chevron, we grab a Hunt Brother’s pizza fully loaded with all the meat, cheese and triple bacon.  The aroma is making my stomach growl as I steal a bite of topping.  Piper slaps the box lid when she catches me.

Once we are at the farm, we stop in the kitchen to grab drinks, plates, napkins, and dessert.  Then, we make our way to the living room, sprawl out on the couch and turn on
ABC Family
for whatever movie is on tonight and pig out.

By piece number three, I’m stuffed and that makes me sleepy.  Mama, Tessa, and Dad hang out with us, and this reminds me of so many nights before I left for Southern.  I sure do miss when things were simple.

Once the movie ends, we make our way upstairs.  We watch another movie on Netflix, but this time it’s just a good ol’ chick flick.  Halfway through the movie, my phone rings. It’s Dylan.

“Hey.”

“Hey, what are you and Piper up to tonight?”

“We’re watching a chick flick.  What about you?”

“Oh, Trent and I were just out riding around and thought we might stop by.”

“You can if you want to, but you know we’ll have to hang out downstairs.”

He laughs, “The rents are still pissed at me, huh?”

“Yeah, they are, but
it’s okay.  Let me see if Piper cares.”  I look at Piper whose eyes are huge, but knows we have to go along with it.  “She doesn’t care.  We’ll meet you downstairs.”

“Okay, we’ll see y’all in ten.”

I hit
End
and Piper lays into me.

“I know, Piper.  I know, but we have to make it look real.”

“You know your parents are going to be pissed.  It’s getting late.”

“As long as we stay downstairs or hang out on the porch, we’ll be good.”  Piper is unsure, and sends Cash a text to let him know what’s going on.

We both take a minute to freshen up before going to meet them downstairs.  I stop by Tessa’s room to let her know what’s going on, and she’s game.  Once we see the headlights coming down the gravel, we make our way to the front door only to be stopped by my mama.

“Girls, where are you going?”

“Dylan and Trent are just stopping by for a few minutes.  We are just going to hang out on the porch or in the living room, if that’s okay?”

“Your dad and I are going to bed, but I’d feel better if you were inside.  Make sure they are gone by midnight.”

“Thanks, Mama.”  I give her a hug goodnight, but she pauses and waits for a greeting with Dylan.

Dylan knocks on the door, and I open it.  Dylan and Trent are standing there in jeans, boots, thermal long sleeves, and toboggans.  If this were two years ago, I would have had to pick my mouth off the floor.  I smile and tell them to come in.

“Hey, Mrs. Rice.  Thanks for letting us stop by.  I didn’t get to talk to Charley much today at the pool.”

“You’re welcome, Dylan.   Just make sure you are gone by midnight.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they say in unison.

Mama goes into the kitchen to fix her coffee for in the morning, and then she excuses herself upstairs to go to bed.
Dad is already asleep by now.

I ask the guys if they want something to drink or any of the leftover pizza, and of course, they do.  We walk into the living room and watch another movie on Netflix.  This time it’s not a chick flick, but rather an action one.

I snuggle into Dylan’s arm on the loveseat while Piper and Trent sit at opposite sides of the couch.  I catch myself dozing off, but am awakened when I hear the clock strike midnight.

“I guess that’s our cue,” Trent says.

Piper and I walk them to the door, and Trent makes his way outside, allowing Dylan to stay behind.  Piper walks into the kitchen, and I could kill her about now, but it’s part of the act.

“Thanks for stopping by tonight,” I say as Dylan pulls me in for a tight hug and then brushes his lips on mine.  Piper helps keep it short by interrupting. 
That’s my girl!
   Then, he distances himself from me and our hands are the last thing to separate.  He turns as he walks down the steps, and I close the door.  Once he is in the car, I lock the door, turn off the porch light, and make a mad dash for the bathroom again. Sanitize, mouthwash, and repeat.