by Pinki Parks
“So, now you’re taking his side?”
“No, I’m not. I can’t believe you did that!” She was beginning to believe Sheryl’s stories to be true.
Deacon punched the dashboard hard. It scared Brook. “Stop it!” She cried out. You can’t control yourself, can you? I heard about you and your wife. Did you hit her too, Deacon?” She yelled out without expecting to hear the answer, she had already made up her mind.
“What?” Deacon got confused and even angrier over the accusation. “I never —”
“You know what, just take me home.” She meant the motel.
Deacon drove in a fury towards the motel. He parked the truck and Brook jumped out.
“Brook!” he cried out. And got out to go after her.
“I can’t believe you just got into a fist fight!”
“Because you screamed and he was grabbing you! Why are you mad at me?” Now, Deacon was getting loud.
Brook wanted to end the conversation and said through her teeth “Because you just couldn’t stop yourself.”
She turned and walked away, angry and nearly in tears. She held them in until she got inside her room. Deacon watched, speechless, as she walked away from him. It hurt to see her so angry at him. It seemed like nothing he did was right.
He walked himself home that night, falling into a deep sleep the moment he hit the mattress. He’d woken once in the night, sweating, the dream still vivid in his mind. He was in the lake up at the ranch, naked. The water was cold, frigid in the mountain air but as he trod water, the surface of the lake was roiling around him. Something below the surface gripped his ankle and was slowly pulling him down into the murky depths.
He glimpsed somebody standing by the edge of the lake watching. It looked like Annabelle but before he could see in any detail, the dream figure stepped forward into a space where the leaves and branches of the surrounding trees thinned to allow the sun to shine through. It was Brook. She was holding out her hand toward him, but she was just out of reach, their fingertips barely an inch apart. He tried with all his might to stretch out to her but the thing around his leg gripped tighter and pulled harder, then with a final sharp tug he was yanked into the blackness.
Sleep was difficult after that. He lay on top of the bed in just his shorts, hands behind his head, sweating in the humid night air. He knew what the dream meant. Either he could stretch and try harder to work things out with Brook or he was in danger of sliding back into his own version of the depths, somewhere he might not be able to get back out from a third time.
When sleep did come for him he still hadn’t made up his mind what he was going to do but after the last night he knew he had to get his drinking under control as part of the deal even though it was what blotted out the pain the best.
Maybe with Brook he wouldn’t feel the pain.
He closed his eyes and dreamless sleep had covered him until morning. He picked up his truck outside the motel early the next morning without even approaching Brook’s door. He only stared at it from his truck, then drove off.
Chapter Twelve
Brook had slept well the night before after the long day she spent with Deacon. She woke early to the sound of the loud truck on the road with music blaring out the windows.
She slipped out of bed and threw a sweater on over her pyjamas before heading to the bathroom. She stared in the mirror at herself, remembering the night before that ended what was going to be a perfect day.
Disappointed at herself for making things worse in the truck. She never yelled. The way she was brought up, her mother had taught her to keep composure at all times, especially in awkward or intense situations. Only Brook had never experienced this kind of intensity before. She hated seeing Deacon fight. Watching him get punched and pushed around was an image she could not bear. She stayed in bed a while longer, not knowing what to do with herself. So, she turned on the television and watched an old movie that was playing. She caught half of it and fell back asleep. She later woke and sadly made her way to the common area to get a bite. She didn’t feel like going into town at risk of see anyone. She didn’t know what to say to Deacon at this point. She lingered around the kitchen waiting for her toast.
Carole and her daughter, Kelly walk in to the room, in the middle of an argument.
“Mom, you need to come with me.”
“I’m not going, and you can’t make me.”
“Mom, you need new hearing aids! She said it louder so her mom could hear her.”
“I heard you just fine before.”
“Okay, just let-” She stopped in her track, realizing they were not alone. “Oh, hello.”
“Hi.”
“This is Brook. Brook’s the sweet girl that’s been renting room 5.”
“Oh! It’s nice to meet you.” She put out her hand to shake Brook’s. “I’m her daughter Kelly.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“What’s the matter, sweetheart? You seem down?” Carole heard their argument last night in the parking lot. “I guess it’s none of my beeswax.” Trying not to pry. But knew Brook needed some cheering up. “Kelly, honey, I guess you are right, I do need to see doctor James.”
Kelly was surprised “Why suddenly change your mind like that?”
“It’s not sudden. I’m just finally made up my mind, that all.” She shouted.
“Mom, you don’t have to shout.”
“Brook, we are going to the next town over. You know that mall, I told you about? Would you like a ride there? You know, in case you wanted to do some shopping.”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s not a problem. We are leaving soon, though. Would you like a ride?” Kelly extended the gesture.
“Sure.” It would be nice to get out, she thought. Back home, she would go shopping to cheer herself up.
“Okay, we’ll meet you out front.”
“I’ll just go grab my purse.” Brook threw on some shorts and a t-shirt, grabbed her purse and met the ladies out front.
***
They took Kelly’s minivan. The next town over was only a thirty-minute drive away. Brook was staring out the window, watching the cows and the farmland, remaining quiet and lacklustre. Carole took the opportunity to have some girl talk. She turned to Kelly, “I packed them nice picnic yesterday.”
“Who?”
“Brook and Deacon. They went up to Clearview for a ride.”
“Deacon?”
“That’s right. Brook, did you like the salad, honey?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, Carole, I forgot to thank you for the lovely basket. Everything was delicious.”
“Thank you dear. How was the ride?”
“It was beautiful.” Brook got a little excited talking about it. “The mountains air, and the trees. Oh, it was just breath-taking. And it was nice to get back on a horse again.”
From the way she talked, Carole sensed that they didn’t fight in the mountains. She guessed they fought after they got back. “So, what’s the problem, dear? Why aren’t you with Deacon today.”
“Mom!” Kelly stopped her mom from being a busybody. But at the same time, she kept looking into the rear-view mirror to see Brook’s expression, curious to hear her answer.
“It’s okay. We had a big fight last night. Well, actually, he did, with Chester at the bar. So, I got upset.”
“Oh.” Carole paused. “Chester, that’s Sheryl’s husband, the one who works over at the factory?” She asked Kelly seeing as though, they were her age, she would know them.
“Yes, that’s him.” Kelly looked back at Brook again while keeping an eye on the road. She kept quiet. She had just met this girl.
“Isn’t he the one always getting drunk over at that bar?”
“Yes, that’s him, mom.”
“Well, Brook, you know, Chester is a bit of a drunk. And boys will be boys. I just don’t know why Deacon keeps going to that bar if he knows Chester is going to
show up.”
“I don’t know, mom.”
“Brook, I hope you give that Deacon a second chance. He was a bit of a bad one when he was younger. I remember. Right, Kelly?”
“Yes. So, what’s your point, mom?” She was on the edge, not knowing if Carole was going to tell Brook about Deacon’s dark past or not. It wasn’t their place to say anything. But she knew her mom had a thing for meddling, in a sweet kind of way.
“My point is. It’s not easy to change who you are or where you come from, or how you were brought up. Roots grow deep.”
Kelly was proud that she had such a wise mother. She looked up at the rear-view to Brook. “Well, we are here.”
Brook didn’t have a chance to process everything. She wondered if all that was true. It all made sense.
Carole got out of the van and started walking to the entrance at a slow pace. Kelly walked behind with Brook. “You know, it’s none of my business. But Deacon’s a good guy. I’ve known him a long time. And it isn’t fair to be so hard on others when they are struggling, and especially if you care about them.”
Kelly sounded like she got some of her wisdom from her mother, thought Brook. Kelly was a mother of three soon-to-be teenage boys. She knew how rough boys can get. She didn’t take bull from anyone and didn’t have time for girl talk. She got straight to the point.
They reached the entrance. Brook thanked Kelly and Carole for the ride. “If you guys don’t mind, I’m going to go off on my own now. Thanks for the ride. I’ll catch a bus or a taxi on the way back.”
“You’re sure?” Carole said.
“She’s a grown woman, mom. She’s sure.”
“Bye Brook. Nice meeting you.”
“Bye Kelly. And thanks for the advice.”
Kelly nodded and followed her mother. Brook watched them walk away. “Mom, the audiologist is this way.”
“I’m not going there.”
“But you agreed.”
“I tricked you into driving me and Brook here. Ha!”
Their voices faded away as they walked further down the length of the mall. Brook laughed to see the two together. She wished her and her mother were that close.
“Mom. Since we are here, we might as well get your ears checked.”
“I don’t like going there! He’s always looking at my private parts.”
“He checks your ears, mom.” She quickly replies.
“My ears ARE my private parts.” She shouted. “Dear, I’m 57. I don’t want anyone anywhere near any of my holes.”
Kelly chuckled and released a sigh. “We are going. Come on.” Knowing her mom was just taking her for a ride.
“Let get a Cinnabon!” Carole made a turn for the food court as Kelly followed.
***
Brook looked around and found a nail salon. She thought she would treat herself to a manicure and pedicure. It was Monday, she should be on the phone calling up the insurance company about the car. But Brad always said, if you can take care of it yourself and leave the insurance companies out of it, then your premiums won’t go up. She didn’t quite know how much she her premiums would go up compared to how much she would have to spend on the new engine, and normally, she would find out. But she didn’t care. She simply wanted it to be hassle-free and did not want to spend the day on the phone with the insurance company.
As they finished up drying her nails, she thought about what she wanted to do next. There was a dress shop that she could make out from where she was sitting. As she made her way over there, she could see the display, on sale for $29.99, $39,99 and $49,99. She thought, wow, amazing. She had never been in a place like this before.
Back in Orlando, whenever she had a hard day, she would go shopping and get a completely new outfit from top to bottom. She thought, why not? Today was a good day for a makeover. She picked out some shorts, tank tops and a pretty top to wear with jeans. She was feeling pretty good; the shopping was a good distraction.
She saw a pretty white summer dress on display in one of the shops. Brook tried it on, and it look even better on her than it did on the mannequin. It was a white cotton summer dress that had a low corset style neckline that tied up with a string at the bust, it showed just enough cleavage, synched in at the waist and flared out from the waist to her knees. It was elegant and casual.
She then went over to the shoe store to buy a pair of wedge sandals, tan in colour. Brook was ready to go until she stopped in front of the lingerie store. The bikini on display would be nice to have for the pool that Carole had told her about. The sales girls started chatting with her and she had somehow been talked into buying a push-up bra with matching panties to wear underneath her white dress. It made her feel like her normal self again. Something she would have done back home with her friends.
She ran into Kelly and Carole on her way to the food court for a drink. It was a small shopping mall. “Wow, looks like you bought the whole store!” Carole said. “Hope you feel better dear.
“Would you like a ride back with us. Looks like you have a lot to carry.” Kelly offered.
“That would be great. Thanks. Oh! And here. I got you two a gift certificate at that message place over there.”
“A massage!” Kelly had never received a gift for a message before. She didn’t quite know what to say. “That’s very nice of you, Brook. Isn’t that nice, mom.”
Carole looked inside the envelop. “And a manicure!” She laughed. “Oh, my! I’ve never had a manicure before.”
“Really, you will love it!”
“Thank you dear, but you shouldn’t have.” Carole said.
“Oh, it was my pleasure. I really mean it.”
“Well, thank you!”
“Are you going to use it?” She asked Kelly.
“Honey, I have three boys, 11, 12, and 13. They are going to die when then see me with my nails done. I can’t wait to use this thing. Thank you. It’s the nicest gift anyone could give me.”
“You’re welcome.” Brook brimming with delight.
“Come on, let’s head back.”
***
Back at the motel, Brook spent the rest of the afternoon hanging around the pool. The place was empty so she had the entire pool to herself. I was quiet. The sun was beaming down and flecks of it sunshine hit the water and projected a beautiful waving light show onto the wall next to her. Brook dosed off for a few minutes, she felt so relaxed. Then her mind wandered off to the waterfall with Deacon. She woke. Her big green eyes squinted at the light reflecting off the pool, even from behind her sunglasses. Her long eyelashes flickered a few times to try to adjust to the brightness.
She got up and decided to go for a dip. She dove into the pool and her mind went back to Deacon in the lake. It was a moment she would have love to relive.
There she was floating on the pool, listening to the water, feeling the hot sun drying off the drops of water off her shoulders, and the only thing on her mind was Deacon.
That sexy man was just trying to save you and you freaked out on him, she thought to herself. What a mess I’ve made of everything, she concluded then dunked her head under water and swam to the other end of the pool. She spent the rest of the evening at the motel, ordered pizza and watched several movies in her room.
Chapter Thirteen
Deacon made his way to the shop the next day, work always eased any anxiety he had. To him, there was something about fixing cars that made him feel good for having fixed something. It was a tough day, nonetheless. His mind kept going back to Brook. Joey and Frank knew something was up but they let him be. They never told the boss what to do. Deacon took off early and took his bike out for a long ride. He went home that evening, had a beer and feel asleep, hoping he would see Brook in his dreams again.
***
Brook spent the next day mopping around the motel and pool. She had nothing to do but wait for her car and didn’t feel like going into town. Although, that evening, she decided to walk into
town to get some dinner. She ran into Sheryl on the street just outside the diner. “Hi Sheryl.”
“Oh, hi, hon, you comin’ in?”
“Not tonight.” She didn’t want to risk running into Deacon and make things uncomfortable for him at his own little diner.
“You feelin’ okay? You seem kinda down.”
“I’m not great, but I’ll get over it.” Brook knew she could move on. Besides, she had to face the fact that, they were from two different worlds and lived in different cities.
“Oh, hon, I hate to see a gal like this. You sure you don’t want to come in and talk?”
“Are you sure you’re not mad at me or something?”
“Honey, what are you talking about? Why would I be mad at you?”
“Because Deacon and Chester got into a fight the other night and it was because of me.”
“Oh, ya!” Sheryl was surprised to hear this but not concerned.
“Yes.” Brook was surprised that Sheryl didn’t know about it.
“Well, those two have been at it for years. It’s not the first time they have fought.”
“Really?” Brook was surprised at their history.
“Uh-huh. Did you know they used to be friends?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“Oh sure. Deacon used to date Chester’s little sister in high school. So, me and Chester and the two of them used to hang out all the time.”
“Oh!”
“Listen, they’ve got history together. Let them work it out on their own. Besides, if I have to hear about every single one of Chester’s fight, my whole head of hair would turn grey. I love Chester but I can’t control him. You sure you don’t want to come in for a bit?”
“I’m sure. I don’t want to see Deacon tonight.”
“Oh, I see. Well where are you headed?”
“Probably to that restaurant up there, the one with the tomato on the sign.”
“The Italian place! It’s got great pasta. And by the way, the owner is not bad lookin’ either.” She winked at Brook.
