Nate (A Texas Jacks Novel)

by Unknown

  “Oh geez, already. I’ll give you her number if you two stop gagging me with your flirting.” Naomi jumps into the conversation, cracking us all up.

  “Well, who knew you had it in you all of this time, you little firecracker!” Tucker flirts with Naomi, giving her one of the cheesy grins he uses to pick up women with.

  “Oh, it’s always there, just lying in wait to go boom.” Charlie says through a chuckle.

  “That’s right, and don’t you all forget it.” Naomi quips back with a smirk on her face. The exchange reminds me of the cliché line, it’s always the quiet ones…But that can’t be true, because Charlie is much quieter than Naomi. However, you can tell there’s a fire burning behind those green eyes of hers, just waiting to blow up into a full-on inferno. I bet she’s one of those people who are slow to anger; however, once she hits her mark, she combusts. Tuck better watch out with this one.

  Rolling her eyes, Halley looks at Holt. “Fair warning, you’d better not add my number to your black book either, mister! So far, I like you, and I would like to keep it that way.”

  He snatches her phone out of the back pocket of her jeans and starts typing in his contact information.

  “So, Miss July, can I have your number, too?” Tucker flirts with Naomi, and surprisingly, she blushes over at him. Even more surprisingly, she actually fishes through her small purse, finding her phone, and hands it over. Okay, I sure as heck didn’t see that coming when we spent time together back at the dance club. Interesting.

  Leaning down, I whisper in Charlie’s ear, “Let’s ditch the crazies and head to your truck.” She smiles up at me and we head off towards the girls’ truck without a glance back to the beeping phones behind us.

  I lean up against the truck that Charlie stops in front of and pull her over next to me. I want to hug her so bad, but I just let her lean up slightly against me and the tailgate. I’ve already crossed so many physical lines tonight with embracing her on the dance floor, holding her hand practically all night, resting my hand on her thigh, and at the end, wrapping my arm around her. I think I’ve hit the limit on the touchy-feely meter. I really don’t want to scare her away. Though, I must admit, I’m surprised she let me touch her so much for being so shy.

  “So, what were you all talking about earlier, when you mentioned tomorrow?” she asks me, though it seems like she’s not sure it’s her place to ask.

  “The guys and I like to ride out on the dirt track. We all have dirt bikes. We spend a lot of time out there, or here at Texas Jacks on the weekends, if we aren’t doing other things. Although, I’m harder to catch on Sundays, since that’s the one day I make sure to ride.”

  “Why Sundays? What’s so special about that day?”

  “Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s just the one day I live for, and I make sure I’m there religiously. What about you? Is there one thing you do out of habit that you never break?”

  “Yes. Twice a month, also on Sundays, I drive up to Sacramento and spend time with my family. We have family dinners, and I never break the tradition, if I can help it.”

  Hearing the love in her voice makes me melancholy where my own family is concerned. I can’t recall the last time we’ve had a family meal of any kind together. Maybe I need to be the one to break the barrier, and check in with my sister and dad.

  “Nathan, are you okay?” Charlie asks, reaching up to touch my arm. “You looked a little sad.”

  “I’m fine, sweetheart. Just thinking about my family, is all. We don’t get together very often, so I was thinking that I should probably check in with them. That’s all. No big deal.” I play it off as best as I can. No need to delve into places I don’t want to, or ruin one of the best nights I’ve had in a really long time, outside of the track.

  “By the way, Charlie, you can call me Nate. It’s what my friends call me.”

  “I like calling you Nathan, to be honest. But, maybe—” she trails off.

  “Maybe—as in, the next time you see me, you’ll give Nate a try?” I tease her.

  “Maybe.” She says back, resting her head on my arm.

  “How about we follow the lead of our friends and exchange numbers?” I hopefully ask her. I hope that didn’t come out too pushy.

  “I don’t like to give my number out, especially to someone I just met.”

  “You know, I usually don’t ask the women I meet here for their numbers, nor do I give mine out. So, how about the next time I see you here, I ask you again?” I knew I had pushed my luck with the touching, and I was surprised she allowed it with her shyness. However, I can respect the girl for not handing out her number. I’ve already pushed her as far as she could handle, apparently.

  “Oh. Okay. Yeah, I think that would be a good idea.” She gives me a shy but hopeful look.

  The gang shows up at the truck just then, and I let it go. I’m not going to push for it, but I won’t lie that it sucks I didn’t get her number tonight.

  “Nate, didn’t you see my sticker?” Halley asks.

  I turn around to see her window sticker, as Tucker reads out loud,

  “Q: What is the difference between a Ford and a porcupine? A: Porcupines have pricks on the outside.”

  “Oh, you’re a funny one, aren’t you, woman?” Holt says, shaking his head. I know he finds it funny, but he won’t let a Chevy owner get the best of him and his Ford.

  “Time to say goodnight to the ladies. We can’t let Charlie ruin a good pair of boots by letting them turn into a pumpkin now, can we? What would that say about us as gentleman?” I say to the guys.

  “Ha! No one’s ever accused me of being a gentleman.” Holt winks over at Halley, who just laughs at him and rolls her eyes.

  On that note, Halley and Naomi head to the front of the truck, as Halley clicks her remote to unlock it. They climb in as I walk Charlie over to the passenger side, and because I can’t help it, I wrap my arms around her, lifting her off the ground. I reach out to open the door, and then set her in the backseat.

  Leaning in, I place a light kiss on her cheek, whispering in her ear, “Goodnight, Charlie. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.” Then I close her door and walk away.

  On the drive home, I can’t stop thinking of Nathan. Nate. The way he kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear before he left. The way he held my hand most of the night, and when we danced. When was the last time I let my guard down that much when it came to a man?

  “Charlie.” Halley calls my name, pulling me out of my happy trance. Looking up, I see that we’re outside of my complex, and both of my friends are staring at me.

  “Why didn’t you give Nathan your phone number?” Halley wants to know.

  They’re looking at me like I’ve lost my marbles in crazy-town.

  “Really? Do you not remember which friend you’re talking to? You know I don’t give out my number, nor do I ask for a guy for his. The real question is, why are you looking at me like I’m nuts?”

  “He was really into you, and I know for a fact you were feeling it, too. I can’t recall the last time you let a guy get close to you.” Halley gives me a pointed look. “He seemed like a really sweet guy, and his friends may be goofballs, but they were a fun group to be around. When have you ever let a man dote all over you that way? Why can’t you just try this one time to let Nathan in? I would hate for you to lose out on a great dating opportunity here.”

  “Charlie, we understand that you’re shy when it comes to men, but its okay to try once in a while. Even Dave said he was cool. We don’t want to push you— we just thought this could be a guy you could afford to get to know better. Really, we want you to be happy, and to stop being the girl on the sidelines.” Naomi gently tells me. Apparently, she’s taking a different approach than Halley is on this.

  Before I can get a word in, Halley has more to say on my inability to let men in. “You have to take chances, Charlotte. How are you supposed to ever settle down when you won’t even give up a thing as small as a phone numb
er?”

  “Look,” I say, cutting them both off before they can get any deeper into my issues. “First of all, why are you marrying me off before I even have a date with this guy? Second, I like Nathan, and I would like to see him again. However, I think it’s okay to know him through Texas Jacks first, before handing out my number. If you’d both waited to hear me out, I would have told you sooner. He’s asking me again for my number the next time we meet. When the night is over, and we’ve had more time together, I’ll give it to him then.” Blowing air deeply out of my lungs, I continue. “I already decided to take a chance and not let life pass me by anymore. I know I’m young, but I feel like I’m holding back too much, and I want to step outside of my comfort zone. However, I don’t need anyone pushing me. Let’s just take this nice and slow, and let the chips land where they may, shall we?”

  Now they’re both staring at me with mixed emotions washing over their faces. Finally, raising her left eyebrow and giving me a big, lopsided grin, Halley asks, “When were you going to let us in on the big secret, you sneaky woman? And—what prompted you to finally cross over to the dark side?” she laughs.

  “Honestly? I’m not one hundred-percent positive, but I think it stems from my siblings and parents. Going to family dinners and watching them with their partners, it makes me feel left out. They’re happy and in love, and naturally I want that, too. Then there’s you two, always having fun and meeting new guys. You have a life, and I feel like I’m on a boring car ride, enjoying the pretty scenery from the confines of the inside, but never getting out and truly experiencing it. For once, I wanted to know what it was like to take a leap of faith. Nathan seemed like the right guy to jump with.”

  “Well I, for one, am excited to add some men to our circle of friends. I’m seeing exciting times ahead for this group, and I can’t wait for the good times to roll,” Halley happily states. “But more importantly, Charlie, we are happy for you in taking this giant step. Remember, we will always be here to hold your hand. We’re your sisters from other misters, and we don’t let sisters fall,” she reminds me with a wink. We’ve always been there for each other, through life’s many ups and downs.

  “By the way, thanks for the surprise intervention,” I shake my head at them. “I know you mean well. However, I’ve got this.” I smile saucily at them, then turn the handle on the door and push out of the truck.

  They wait, watching to make sure I’ve gotten inside my apartment before pulling out of the lot to head to their own place.

  Making sure the apartment is secure for the night, I head to my room to change into pajamas before going to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I return to my room, flipping the light switch off as I make my way to the bed and climb in. After pulling the covers up to my neck, I snuggle deeper into them, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Turning onto my right side, curling up in an S-shape, I rest my hands under my cheek as my heavy eyes finally start to close, allowing visions of Nathan to play through my thoughts. Before sleep finally claims me, I think of how I hope Nathan stars in my dreams tonight.

  The guys and I make it uneventfully back to our house, ready to crash for the night.

  I’m heading down the hall to my room when Holt stops me. “What’s up with you and Charlie? Did you get her number?” he asks, stifling a yawn.

  Sighing, I rub a hand through my hair. “No,” I tell him honestly. “She didn’t give it to me, as much as I wanted it. She didn’t ask for mine, either.”

  Tucker’s now standing in the doorway of his room, overhearing our conversation. Raising his eyebrows in shock, he asks, “Seriously? After she practically let you in her lap, she didn’t throw you a lifeline with her number? That’s messed up, dude.” Tucker lets out a chuckle, but I know he feels bad for me, too.

  “You were different with her tonight. The last time you were really into someone like that, would’ve been back when you dated Heather Morgan. Right around the time your mom —” Holt trails off, making for an awkward moment.

  Deciding to let it go, I’m determined to push past his words. “Yes, she turned me down, and yes—it sucked, but she did promise I could have it the next time we saw each other. And, if I recall right, you both were able to get her friends’ numbers. Which means you now have the access to make it happen,” I remind them with a grin.

  A smile plays at the corners of Holt’s lips, at the idea, as he high-fives me. “Darn straight I got that saucy woman’s number. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing them again. If you want, I can get Charlie’s number for you. All you have to do is say the word, and I’m on it. Besides, I wouldn’t put it past Halley to freely give it out. I get the impression she’s already planning your wedding,” he says, cracking himself up along with Tucker.

  “You’re laughing now, but with Halley’s speech, I’m pretty sure she’s not a ship passing in the night. So, you better not screw this one up.”

  “Chill out. If you really plan on getting serious with Charlie,” Tucker says seriously. “Then we won’t screw it up.”

  “I really don’t know what I’m doing. She’s different, and I want to get to know her better. That, I know for sure. Otherwise, I can’t promise anything — and yet, I can’t get her out of my head, either. So I’m taking a chance, and seeing what happens. That’s my plan for now.”

  The guys share a look between them, but I let that go, too. I don’t want to think too deeply about what this could mean, and it doesn’t matter, anyway. We barely know each other, so for now, their point is moot. At least that’s what I tell myself. And with that thought, I’m ready to put my mind to rest, content with the possibility of Charlie dancing through my dreams.

  “Let’s not get too serious or carried away here. I’m heading to bed. Just make sure you set a plan in motion with the girls, and let me know where to be,” I tell Holt. “By the way, thanks. I appreciate it.”

  “Goodnight, John-boy.” Holt calls over his shoulder as he walks away to his room.

  “Goodnight, Jim Bob.” I toss at Tucker, continuing down the hall to mine.

  “Goodnight Ben,” he says to Holt. “Wait a minute,” he continues, stopping us both for a moment. “Why do I always get stuck with Jim Bob? That makes me sound like a freaking hillbilly.” He sounds peeved, and we just laugh at him, closing our doors behind us.

  Sometimes we really are childish. Case in point: our Walton’s bedtime routine.

  THE WEEK PASSES BY AT a snail’s pace, and the only thing on my brain is Nathan. Somehow, I’m able to function normally at work and interact with my friends, but my nights are spent dreaming of Nathan.

  Thursday starts off decently enough, but I wish the hands of time would speed up so I can see him again.

  I’m sitting at the reception desk that I’m in charge of when my cell phone alerts me to a text message. I probably shouldn’t have my phone out and lying on the desk, even if it is on silent or vibrate. Luckily, I don’t usually get in trouble.

  Picking it up, I see that it’s just my mom, wishing me a beautiful day and telling me she loves me. She also reminds me about the family dinner coming up again soon — like I would forget. I reply with the same sentiments and get back to work, silently regretting not giving Nathan my number. I’ve contemplated the reasons I never gave it to him in the first place, and my only conclusion is that, basically, I was a big chicken. No other ways around it. I hate that I didn’t jump at the chance; however, I can’t just change in a blink of an eye. After only a few short hours of knowing him, I had already pushed the limits on my comfort zone. Maybe if he hadn’t been so touchy-feely that night and had asked for my number instead, I would have given it to him. Then again, I wouldn’t take back those moments over the exchange of a few numbers. So back to work I go, trudging along, as there’s no point in going over it more. It is what it is.

  I work for a family medical practice here in town, as Dr. Blankenship’s medical receptionist. We tend to see a lot of elderly patients and children, predominan
tly. The patients are really sweet and friendly, and the staff is like a second family to me, so I can’t complain. Sometimes, the older women bring in homemade food for Dr. B as a thank you for his medical care. Truly, this is a great place to work. The staff is upbeat and positive, and that makes a difference in the patients’ overall wellness and care.

  By lunchtime, I’m ready to ditch this place — as much as I love working for Dr. Blankenship, I’m ready to call it a day and sleep until it’s Friday night. I really can’t wait to see Nathan again, but I need to pull myself together. I’m sure he’s not sitting at his job — whatever it is — pining over me. I need to get a grip. Maybe I’ll work on that after lunch.

  I’m usually the last to go to lunch, as I finish checking patients out and scheduling future appointments. When it’s time to head out, I turn the phones over to an answering service during our lunch hour. If there’s an emergency, the staff can give Dr. B a call right away without the patient waiting for us to get back.

  I’m starving, and need food pronto. As I’m walking to my car, my phone buzzes in my hand. Looking down, I see the text is from Halley.

  Halley: Are you off to lunch yet?

  Charlie: Yes. Just left the office and heading to my car.

  Halley: Want to meet up?

  Charlie: Sure. Mexican sound good?

  Halley: Yep! Meet me at Freebirds World Burrito. I’m headed out there now.

  Charlie: Sounds good, see you shortly.

  I get into my blue Honda and pull out of the lot, headed towards Freebirds and Halley.

  It’s Thursday afternoon, nearing lunch hour, and the guys and I will be knocking off soon to go eat. I have no idea what their plans are, but as for me, I’ve decided to check in with my family. I’m long overdue for a visit. Today seems as good a day as any to stop by and show my face.

  Holt, Tucker, and I all work at the same construction company, where we mainly build houses. We’ve been working for Jim Cates, at B&B Builders, for three years now. Jim is a cool guy, a longtime friend of Holt’s dad, and he knows our vision for the near future. He’s genuinely interested in helping us make our dreams a reality, and goes about doing so by showing us all sides of the business.