Southern Perfection

by Casey Peeler

  While trying to keep down my voice, I feel the excitement build within me. I have a real date tonight, and it’s not with Jace! Hallelujah!

  “Me, too. See ya tonight.” I touch the End key and break out into a happy dance and a squeal in the laundry room. Once I compose myself, I walk back out toward Grandaddy, pick up my things, and continue to help him.

  “That went well,” he says.

  As my cheeks turn about fifty shades of red, I shake my head yes. We sit on the back porch, relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Grandaddy hums his favorite hymns, and I fall in sync with the words.

  “Sunshine, your voice is bright as a canary.”

  “Well, I think I get it from you,” I say.

  “I know for sure it didn’t come from your daddy. He couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.” We both laugh.

  As the afternoon rolls around, so do the chores on the farm. Grandaddy bushhogs the field while I clean out the stalls. About halfway through, I take a short break and grab a glass of water when I see Cole’s truck pulling up. I wonder what he’s doin’ here. I place my glass into the sink and make my way outside to meet him.

  “Cole, whatcha doin’ here? You do know you’re off today, right?” I ask.

  “Yeah, silly girl, I do. I left my fishin’ rod here last week, and I think we’re going down to the pond to see if we can catch a bite for supper.”

  “Oh, okay. Have fun and catch a bigun for me!”

  “I will. What’s Uncle Dover got ya doin’ now?”

  “Just cleanin’ out the stalls. Nothing special.”

  “Do you want some help?” he asks. I can tell Cole is up to something, but what, I’m not sure.

  “Um, aren’t you goin’ fishin’?”

  “In a little while. I don’t mind to help you first,” he states like he doesn’t care about the fishing excursion.

  “How ’bout you just spit out what you wanna say and mosey on?” I ask with a little attitude.

  “How ’bout I work and talk at the same time?” he counters right back.

  “I guess, but who wants to shovel shit on their day off? You must be crazy,” I say as we make our way to the barn.

  Cole removes his shirt to where his undershirt is all that remains to cover his hard as a brick body. I can’t grasp why he hasn’t found a girl yet. I mean, it’s not like he’s old, but it’s almost like he couldn’t care less. I push away that thought, and we get to business. After a minute or two of silence, he finally starts to talk.

  “Rae, I’m just gonna lay it out there for ya.”

  “A’ight. You know, you’re kinda scarin’ me,” I say with a little nervousness in my voice.

  “No need to be scared, but I just want you to know. I know what’s going on.”

  “Okay… so, you know I have a date tonight with your stepbrother, no biggie.” I figured he knew that already, so I have no idea why he had to come here and say it, unless there’s something I don’t know about Em.

  He stops what he is doing, puts down the shovel, wipes his hands on his jeans, and then walks toward me with both fear and compassion in his eyes.

  “I know, Rae. I know something’s wrong with Uncle Dover.” With those words, I drop my shovel and fall into Cole’s arms. He doesn’t say a word. He just lets me cry.

  I finally pull myself together and away from him. “How’d you know?” I ask as I wipe my tears with the hem of my shirt. Really ladylike, I know.

  “He had me go to the doctor with him.” I begin to speak, but he stops me. “Stop, Rae. He wasn’t gonna let me, but he just said he needed someone else to know that could take care of you if something happened to him.”

  “Why didn’t he tell me you knew?” I question.

  “I’m not sure. I think he just wants to act like everything’s okay, and the doctor said a few pills might fix it. He knows you, Rae, and he knows you don’t talk to many people. He also knows I’ve been around you as long as he has, so I am his best bet in case something goes wrong.”

  Wrong. That word hits me like a knife in the heart. “Nothin’ is gonna go wrong, Cole! Grandaddy’s gonna be fine. He said so. The doctor said so. We just have to keep the farm goin’ and keep it to ourselves. We’ve already been the pity of this town when I was five, and I’m sure as hell not gonna let that happen again!” I yell at him.

  As if he knows exactly what to do, he pulls me in again. “Rae, I’m not sayin’ I’m gonna announce it to the world. I just wanted you to know you have someone to talk to. I love ya. I always have. You’re my sister, and I’m here for ya, okay?” he says as he lifts my chin toward him. Now, let’s hurry up with this shit toss we have right here, so you can get ready for your date with Emmett,” he says in his most girlie voice.

  I push off him and fling one shovel of shit right at him, but I play nice because it lands a couple of feet away from him.

  “Girl, you better be glad that didn’t land on me. I’m tryin’ to help ya, for cryin’ out loud.”

  I smirk and keep working. When we finish, I give Cole a glass of water. He gets his fishing rod, stops by to talk to Grandaddy, and then leaves. There is something about that boy that always makes me smile. I guess he is like the brother I’ve never had, and I am relieved the secret isn’t only kept with me.

  Once Cole is gone, I check to make sure Grandaddy doesn’t need anything else done around the farm. He just has to give the animals some fresh water, and he will be done, so I go inside to get ready.

  Looking in my closet, I try to figure out what I’m going to wear. When nothing strikes my fancy, I decide to shower first and then find something later. I grab my iPod, turn on iTunes Radio, and crank up some good ol’ country music. I spend the next hour singing, showering, dancing like a fool, and making my legs silky smooth. Then, it’s time to decide what to wear. This would be so much easier if I had a clue where we were going. I don’t want to dress too laid back, but I don’t want to overdo it, either. I mean, we’re in Pleasant Hill for goodness sake. It’s not like there’s much to do here.

  As I begin to rummage through my closet, I find my cream colored, long-sleeved, lace top. From the front, it appears pretty plain, but when I look at the back, I know it’s the one to wear. The back looks like an upside-down triangle is missing, and it shows off my back perfectly. Knowing I want to try to keep my look casual chic, I match it with my dark denim cutoffs and a pair of crocheted slouch boots. Now that this decision is made, I make my way back to the bathroom to finish my makeup and hair.

  As I pause to look in the mirror at my reflection, I stand silently as I see a girl who is the spitting image of her mother. I vaguely remember my mother’s chocolate locks that flowed halfway down her back and how she pulled it up into a messy bun when it got hot. I’d ask her to do the same to mine, and she would. My heart hurts for her. How I wish she were here to talk to me about boys, life, and what she wants for my future. Sometimes a girl just needs her mama. I smile and speak out loud to her, “Mama, I hope I make you proud. I miss you.”

  I don’t know if it’s my subconscious or just wishful thinking, but I can hear her saying, “You bet I am, sweet girl. Now, knock ’em dead out there.” And, just like that, I feel her around me, and I know I’m going to be okay, regardless of what the future holds.

  Looking at my watch, I realize it’s almost time for Emmett to arrive. I take a little product and run it through my hair to help with the fizziness that will happen later from the Carolina humidity. I grab my accessories, change my purse to match, and make my way down the hallway to talk with Grandaddy until Emmett gets here.

  Grandaddy is sitting in the kitchen, reading the newest Our State magazine as I enter. He looks up, and I know words are coming. I brace myself.

  “Sunshine, you look beautiful. Emmett is one lucky boy, but I got my shotgun ready to scare him a little.”

  “Grandaddy!” I exclaim.

  “Hey, you got to let those boys know we mean business, even if he is a good guy. They are only out
for one thing, no matter what they tell ya. I was young once, too, ya know?”

  “Whatcha talkin’ ’bout? You’re still young,” I say as I give him a hug.

  “That’s my girl. Makin’ your old man feel good,” he says with a laugh. “But, listen to me, Rae. I know you’re excited, and you look like a million bucks, but be careful. I’d hate to have to whoop that poor boy’s ass over you.”

  Gasping, I say, “Such language.”

  “Hey, I’m just tryin’ to get my point across. Really, be careful, have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he says, as there is a light knock on the door. “Oh, let me,” he suggests with a shrewd grin. Grandaddy stands from the table, grabs his shotgun from the corner, and heads for the front door. Oh, gawsh! I wanna die from embarrassment! I put on a smile and wait for Emmett’s reaction. Grandaddy opens the door with the gun in his hand.

  “Good evening, Mr. Lowery,” Emmett says calmly, but the expression on his face looks like he’s ready to about-face and run as I peek around the kitchen corner.

  “Emmett, come in,” Grandaddy says flatly, and I try to resist the urge to giggle. They make their way into the foyer. “Rae will be out in just a minute, but I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “Yes, sir,” Emmett replies.

  “I expect you to take care of her, Emmett Bridges. She’s a good girl, and I love her more than life itself. If you hurt her, by God, I’ll make you wish you never stepped foot back into Pleasant Hill. Got it?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “A’ight. Now, have her home by eleven.”

  “Will do, Mr. Lowery.”

  “Sunshine!” Grandaddy hollers. “Emmett’s here.”

  On that cue, I walk into the foyer to meet him. When I round the corner, I see him standing there in a pair of jeans and a fitted polo, holding a bouquet of daisies. I feel as if the world stops spinning when I see him. A smile spreads across his face, but I can see he’s trying to refrain from a real reaction with Grandaddy standing there.

  “You look gorgeous, Raegan,” Emmett states as his smile continues to grow.

  “Thanks,” I respond as he hands me the flowers. “They’re beautiful; let me put them in some water real quick.”

  As I start to make my way toward the kitchen, Grandaddy intercepts me. “I’ll take ’em. You two go on.”

  “Thanks, Grandaddy. I love you,” I say as I give him the flowers and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Love you, too.”

  With that, Emmett and I make our way out the door toward his truck.

  Emmett

  After hanging up the phone, I throw it onto the bed. Now, what to do to kill time until our date? I go to see what Cole is up to and find him outside in the shed looking for something.

  “Whatcha lookin’ for?” I ask him.

  “My fishin’ rod.”

  “When ya goin’? I gotta kill some time,” I reply.

  “I take it she said yeah?” he asks as he continues to search through items.

  “Yeah, and if I don’t find something fun to do, Mom’s gonna start to expect things from me.”

  “We wouldn’t want that to happen,” Cole adds, snapping his fingers. “I know where it is!”

  I look at him funny. “Where?”

  “Uncle Dover’s. I’m going fishin’ later tonight when the sun goes down.”

  “Never mind then. I don’t guess I need to go over there with ya.”

  I turn and make my way back to the house. I just might take a ride to see exactly what we can do tonight. I’m thinking she’s more than a dinner and movie kinda girl, but what?

  I walk into my room and grab my phone, keys, and ball cap as Mom yells for me. “Yeah?” I answer.

  “Did you talk to her yet?” she asks.

  “Yes, ma’am, I’m pickin’ her up at six, but I have no clue where to take her.”

  Mom ponders a moment, and then her face lights up. “I heard there’s a band playing at The Shed tonight. That might be fun, and maybe take her somewhere nice to eat, like Smoke?”

  “Thanks, Mom, I actually kinda like those ideas.”

  “You’re welcome. Just be home by midnight.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I scratch the idea of a ride and decide to hang around the house. I walk back to the barn and pull the cover off the four-wheeler and make my way to the woods out back.

  After riding around for an hour or so, I return to the house to get ready for the night. Not that it will take long, but the sooner six o’clock gets here, the better.

  Cole’s truck is gone when I get back to the house. I wonder if he got to see her, and a hint of jealously races through my veins. I shake it from my head and go inside. I hurry upstairs to shower and get dressed.

  Once I’m ready, I turn on ESPN and relax for a little while. That’s when the idea hits me. Flowers! I need flowers! Looking at the clock, I have more than enough time to go and buy her some at the farmers’ market. Grabbing my keys, wallet, and phone, I let Mom know I’m leaving and make my way there.

  As I pull into the farmers’ market, the crowds are leaving and the vendors are packing up for the day. I hope I’m not too late. Glancing around, I see a guy loading up flowers onto a truck to head back home. I make my way toward him.

  “Excuse me, sir. Do you have time to sell one more set?” I say.

  “I just might. Who’s the lucky lady?” he asks.

  “Her name’s Raegan.”

  He smiles a little wider. “As in Raegan Lowery?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “She’s one of the sweetest girls I know. You take your pick. They’re on me,” he says as he continues to load baskets.

  “Thanks,” I respond as I begin to look through the baskets. It doesn’t take long for me to decide on a bouquet of daisies. They are beautiful, simple, and remind me of Raegan. “I’ll take these. Are you sure I don’t owe ya anything?”

  “Nope,” he replies, and I try to give him some money, but he refuses.

  “Thank you, sir,” I say and make my way back to my truck. I make one stop for gas and then head to the Lowery farm. As I pull down the driveway, I try to push my nerves to the side.

  Once I arrive at the farm, I walk to the front porch, take a deep breath, and knock on the door. Then, I wait for what feels like an eternity until I come face-to-face with Mr. Lowery and his shotgun. Oh, hell! Pull yourself together.

  “Good evening, Mr. Lowery,” I attempt to say calmly, but this method of scaring the shit out of a guy at the door does work, and I’m now living proof.

  “Emmett, come in,” he says as a grin escapes his lips like he knows he’s won.

  “Yes, sir.” I carefully make my way into the foyer and wait for whatever he is about to tell me.

  “I expect you to take care of her, Emmett Bridges. She’s a good girl, and I love her more than life itself. If you hurt her, by God, I’ll make you wish you never stepped foot back into Pleasant Hill. Got it?”

  “Yes, sir,” I say because I know I will move every mountain to keep her safe.

  “A’ight. Now, have her home by eleven.”

  “Will do, Mr. Lowery,” I answer, and he turns to call for Raegan.

  “Sunshine!” Mr. Lowery hollers. “Emmett’s here.” Dang right, I’ll have her home by ten-thirty.

  As she makes her way from the kitchen, I’m at a loss of words when those long, tanned legs walk toward me. I try to pull my eyes from her, but it’s no use. I’m a lost cause.

  “You look gorgeous, Raegan.” A smile grows on my face.

  “Thanks,” she replies as I hand her the flowers. “They’re beautiful; let me put them in some water real quick.”

  She turns to go toward the kitchen, and that’s when my other head begins to talk. Her shirt has no back. How in the hell am I going to keep both my hands and mind off that perfectly exposed skin?

  Just then, Mr. Lowery grounds my thoughts. “I’ll take ’em. You two go on.”

  “Thanks, Grandaddy. I love you,” she repli
es and tells him goodbye. As we turn to leave, I place my hand on the small of her back, letting my fingers graze her skin, and we make our way to my truck.

  Chapter 9

  Raegan

  As we make our way to his truck, Emmett’s hand skims my back and chill bumps rise all over my body. I try my best not to react the way I’d really like to. He opens the door and helps me inside before making his way to the driver’s side.

  He places the key into the ignition, turns to me, and smiles as we make our way from the farm. The truck is quiet while Emmett drives, as if neither of us knows what to say.

  “So, Em, you gonna let me in on our plans tonight?” I ask.

  His eyes meet mine in a glance. “I guess I could. I was thinkin’ ’bout goin’ to eat at Smoke and then maybe checkin’ out the band at The Shed.”

  I ponder the idea for a moment, and all I can think about is the way our bodies moved together the last time we danced, so I’m definitely in on this idea of a date. “I think I like that idea, especially the last part,” I say as a wide grin escapes my lips.

  “Oh, do ya now?” he questions.

  “Yup,” I answer as he takes my hand in his and laces our fingers together.

  Within minutes, we are at Smoke. For our quaint, little town, Smoke is the place to go for something Southern yet classy. As we enter the restaurant, the smells of Southern fried foods tickle my nose, and I can’t wait to dig into those fried pickles.

  The hostess takes us to a table near the middle of the restaurant. Emmett pulls out my chair for me before taking a seat, and the hostess gives us a rundown on the specials for the evening.

  After the waitress introduces herself and gets our drink order, we scan the menu.

  “Raegan, do you want an appetizer?” Emmett asks.

  “Fried pickles?” I scrunch up my nose and request with a little hesitation.

  He takes his hand and throws it over his heart. “Oh gosh, I think you just stole it.” I burst out laughing. “Please, tell me you’re not ordering fried mac-n-cheese? If so, go ahead and call the morgue!”

  “You ain’t right! No, I’m not ordering fried mac-n-cheese, so I think you’re safe,” I say with a wink.