by Stone, M. T.
“At home. Why?” He shoots me a curious look.
“Well, Trey said you brought an extra vehicle for us to run errands with,” I reply, glancing back at Trey.
“Yeah, but I figured you’d rather have a car than my old truck,” he replies, nodding his head toward the hangar. “I dropped it off last night, so they let me park it inside.”
While the guys stop at the limo to load the bags, I continue on into the hangar. My jaw nearly hits the floor when I turn the corner and see a shiny black sixty-five Mustang GT convertible. It is absolutely perfect with flawless black paint, shiny chrome and sparkling chrome wheels. Walking around the car, I can see that it’s just like Mom’s but this one literally looks like new.
“Where did this come from?” I ask Trey as he strolls into the building. “It’s just like the one Mom had, I think it’s even a K-code.”
“It is the one your Mom had,” he replies with a grin. “I bought it from your sister the day after we went back to the city.”
“But this one looks like new and there is no dent in the fender.” I run my hand along the perfectly polished front right fender. I turn to him nearly speechless, looking for an explanation.
“I had your dad drop it off at the body shop for a couple days. It looks like they did a great job on it,” he replies, walking around the car. “It’s amazing what a good buffing and a some clear coat will do for an old car.”
“Darla let you have it?” I ask, my mind still reeling in shock.
“She and Bill just needed the money, they weren’t all that interested in the actual car,” he explains. “I talked to a classic car dealer in New York and he thought it would be worth about fifty grand, so that’s what I offered. She took it on the spot.”
“Fifty grand? I wouldn’t have paid a nickel over thirty-five,” I tell him. “No wonder she let you have it without a fight. How much more did you put into it?”
“Only five,” he says, sliding his hand behind my head and pulling me in for a kiss. “It’s no big deal, I just wanted you to have the car. Now lets go for a ride.”
Trey
Seeing the look on Mandy’s face when she realized that it was actually her Mom’s old Mustang was worth every penny I spent on it. I know how much she loves driving it, so I was determined to get it back for her. I’m glad Darla and Bill didn’t really want the car after all.
“Thank you, sweetie,” she says, turning the key and starting the engine. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to drive this old thing.” She slips it in gear and drops the clutch causing the tires squawk just a bit.
“You drive careful now,” Ray tells her as we glide to a stop next to him. “Your mother’s urn is in the trunk, so you can spread her ashes if you want.”
“You don’t want to do it with me?” she asks with a disconcerted look.
“No. You and her shared a love for that place, so you go ahead,” he replies giving her a pat on the arm. “Come back to the house afterwards and we’ll have some dinner.”
“Okay, Daddy,” she replies with a pensive smile as she slowly lets out the clutch and we begin to roll smoothly down the road toward the highway.
“I’m glad to see you know how to properly let out a clutch,” I tease her in an attempt to lighten the moment.
“Hmm,” is her only response as she turns onto the highway and hammers through the first three gears. “You have to admit, that’s a lot more fun!” She winks and flashes me her beautiful smile.
“Hopefully that urn isn’t flying around back there,” I laugh, reminding her to be a little careful.
“Oh, Mom would probably like to have a little of her riding around in this thing too,” she replies with a reflective smile. “After all, she’s the one who taught me to drive like that.” I can picture the two of them flying down the highway with their hair blowing in the wind.
We both fall silent as we wind down the highway with the warm breeze swirling around us. Being out here among the trees and driving along the creek is so relaxing compared to anywhere you can go in the city. People who believe a walk through Central Park is relaxing have never been somewhere like this. The trees begin to open up as we come to a long bridge that crosses a river, so I know we are getting close to her favorite spot. After crossing the bridge she slows down and turns off onto a gravel road. With each turn I can see the anxiety building on her face with each passing mile. If she only knew what was waiting for her around the next corner.
Mandy
I had romantic aspirations earlier today. The thought of throwing a blanket down and making love in the warm sunshine was teasing my brain. That thought evaporated once Dad mentioned spreading Mom’s ashes. Those two things just don’t mesh in my mind. It’s too bad; it would’ve been the perfect day to do something a little crazy. Instead, I have a feeling of dread as I turn the final corner and head up the tree-lined driveway. This will probably be all developed by the next time I’m out here.
“I actually feel sick to my stomach,” I tell Trey as we drive toward the big oak tree in the center of the space. “Someone has already put up some kind of a marker,” I add, seeing triangle-shaped rock structure standing next to the tree.
“Does it say something on the base of it?” he asks, as we pull up next to it.
“Yeah,” I lean out the window to get a closer look. “It says, Maggie’s Acres.” I turn back to see a smile on Trey’s face. “What did you do?”
“Your Dad had that made,” he says with a smirk. “This way you can leave her in the urn and take her for a ride like you said.”
“But it says Maggie’s Acres and all those little flags are gone,” I reply as the fact that they are gone suddenly occurs to me.
“I thought it was such a beautiful little spot, that I hated to see it split up and developed,” he says with a glimmer in his eyes.
“So you bought it?”
“I did,” he replies with a shrug. “I was feeling so good after buying the Mustang from your sister, that I thought what the hell. They were happy as hell to sell the whole thing to one buyer. I told them I would take it as is, so they didn’t have to turn a wheel.”
“So it’s going to stay just like this?” I ask, feeling a weight suddenly lift off of me.
“Until we decide to build something out here.” He flutters his eyebrows and looks around. “It would be a nice spot to build a cabin someday.”
“Are you trying to melt my heart?” I ask in disbelief. “You would actually consider spending time out here in the boondocks?”
“I’ll be the first to admit that I wouldn’t want to live here,” he says with a chuckle. “But, yes, I would definitely like to spend some time out here. It’s so quiet and so beautiful; a perfect place to get away from everything.”
“Yeah, no one is ever going to bother you out here. Especially if you shut off your phone,” I tell him opening the car door and pulling the keys from the ignition. “I’m glad I don’t have to spread her ashes and then watch a bunch of strangers take over this place. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Actually, I do know,” Trey replies, coming around the back of the car to meet me as I insert the key to pop the trunk. “Remember I told you not to worry that day we were out here.”
“Yes, you did, but I’m still struggling with my trust issues,” I admit, reaching into the trunk and pulling out a blanket. “Here, you hang onto this while I put Mom in her new home.” I pull a beautiful gold colored urn from a cardboard box and take it over to the sturdy rock structure. “Where does it go?”
“It should be one of these big square rocks in the center,” Trey replies, wedging his fingers between several of rocks trying to pry one loose. “Maybe it’s on the other side.”
We walk around to the other side of the monument and it becomes obvious which one to pull out. “Cool, she’ll be facing the creek,” I think out loud, as he wiggles the only red-colored rock from its resting place. “I could handle this view for all eternity.” Trey smiles
warmly while holding the large rock and allowing me to give the urn a kiss before slipping it inside. “Go ahead and slide it back in,” I tell him, seeing how his biceps are straining under its weight. “We have already said our goodbyes.”
Even though it’s rather anti-climactic and I feel like there is something more I should do or say, there really isn’t anything that needs to be said. I reach down and pick up the blanket that is lying at our feet. “Come here, I want to show you my favorite spot in the world.”
“Do I have to get in the water again?” he asks, giving me a scowl.
“Only if you can’t stay on the rocks,” I reply, pulling him by the hand. “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“It sounds like a challenge,” is all he says in return.
Chapter 22
Trey
Mandy doesn’t shed a tear as we turn and make our way down to the creek. In fact, it seems as if today has given her the sense of closure that she was lacking. This place will belong to her for as long as she wants it, so she will be able to spend time out here whenever she needs it.
“You might want to get rid of your shoes and socks,” she says, flipping hers off into the grass. “Just in case you slip.” She then steps onto a rock that’s about two feet from the shoreline and begins to zigzag her way across the shallow creek. Within seconds she is standing on the other bank. “It’s pretty easy, I haven’t fallen in since I was little.”
I simply nod, not wanting to say anything that might jinx me. Once barefoot, I jump onto the first rock and wobble fiercely before deciding just to go for it. “I don’t care if I get wet,” I declare as I jump from rock to rock until I reach the other side.
“That was really good. I’ve done that a million times, so I had an unfair advantage,” she says with a mischievous look.
“Yeah, I could tell that wasn’t your first time.” I glance back at the rocky little path, amazed that it held up under my weight.
We make our way up a small hill and after going over the top we come to a small landing on the other side. “Isn’t it gorgeous up here?” she asks, taking my hand and leading me to the flattest spot. “We’ll spread out the blanket here.”
“Yeah, this is great,” I reply, looking across at the trees that stand just beyond the sparkling clear stream. “It feels like we are the only ones around for miles,” I add, just as my phone begins to buzz.
“Please don’t pick up,” she says with pleading eyes. “I’ve been waiting all day to get you out here alone.” She reaches inside the lapel of my shirt and gives it a light tug.
“Its just Mom, checking in.” I toss the phone to the corner of the blanket. “I’ll call her back in a little while.” I slip a finger inside the waistband of her shorts and pull her closer. “You’re not the only one who has been waiting for this. Those gorgeous legs of yours were driving me nuts the whole flight here.”
“Well, you were pretty much ignoring me, so I retaliated with my short shorts.” She snickers, shooting me another devious smile.
“Oh, I knew exactly why you changed into those.” I slip another finger into the other side of her waistband and slide them down her legs. “No underwear either? You were thinking naughty thoughts weren’t you.”
“I told you I’ve been waiting all day,” she coos, grabbing the bottom of her tank top and pulling it over her head. “You need to get rid of these though,” she adds, grabbing hold of my belt while I quickly unbutton my shirt.
“I like this side of you,” I tell her as she quickly sheds my pants and briefs. “Nothing like being one with nature, huh? Have you ever done this out here before?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to.” She turns away, allowing me to unhook her bra and ease it down her arms. “I’ve been thinking about being alone out here with you ever since the first time we were here. I can’t tell you how much this place means to me.”
“I’m just glad that it makes you so happy,” I assure her. We both stand there for a moment soaking in the beauty. The sun is streaming through the trees at just the right angle to make the creek shimmer and sparkle. “The beauty of this place is so unique, I didn’t want to see it ruined by a development. Places like this are becoming so rare.”
Mandy
Listening to Trey express his appreciation for my little slice of heaven has me feeling things that I’ve never felt in my entire life. For any man to truly steal my heart, he needs to have an appreciation for the simple beauty in life. I can’t help but think about how much his attitude has changed in the past weeks. That first day in Geneva, he seemed to have little appreciation for all the dramatic beauty that surrounded him. Maybe all of the drama has left him with a greater appreciation for the little things. He turns to me and leans in, kissing me passionately while we lower ourselves to the blanket.
“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this out here.” Feeling a burst of exhilaration I roll on top of him, taking control for the moment. “Please, don’t ever change,” I beg, looking down into his deep brown eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t quit doing thoughtful things, don’t stop appreciating simple beauty… don’t stop loving me.” I feel tears well up in my eyes just at the thought of my life changing back to the way it used to be.
He reaches up, placing a hand on each side of my face and locks his eyes with mine. “Some people will think we’re moving way too fast. Others, like Anthony, think we’re just acting like a couple of sex crazed teenagers. But honestly, since getting to know you I’ve come to realize what I truly want in my life. My heart aches at the thought of going through life without you. No one else could fill the void.” He lifts his head from the blanket to give me a kiss. “For the first time in my life, I don’t have an empty space inside. I feel content and at peace. Without you, all the Xanax in the world wouldn’t have gotten me through all that has happened.”
Tears stream from the corners of my eyes, rolling off my cheeks and landing on his. I too have found all that was lacking in my life. It’s not the money, his good looks or his perfectly sculpted body. It’s much deeper than that. “I always thought that knocking your family down would make me happy, but I see now that nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing makes me happier than simply being with you.”
Trey
Mandy pushes back against me, so I move my hips just slightly giving her the proper angle. It feels amazing to make love to her in the sunshine beneath the trees with nothing but nature all around us. Even though not enough time has passed for most people to agree, I know without a doubt that I love her with every bit of my heart. She is witty, beautiful, sassy and fun, but most of all… she has a heart of gold. And that is something that I know will never change.
We continue to kiss passionately while she moves in an easy and relaxed motion. My heart is full and she is the only thing on my mind. There should be a dozen other things demanding my attention, but none of them matter. The years of longing, the endless stream of hurt feelings, the unfulfilling one night stands and all the conflicts with my father have all faded into the distance.
Rolling her over, I feel the sun beating down on my back and a gentle breeze teasing at my skin. My mind is completely clear, focused only on this woman who I have grown to love more deeply than I could have ever imagined. Each stroke that I deliver is a pure expression of all that I am feeling deep inside. It’s unlike anything I have ever felt before and it’s forcing its way out of me, not only in thoughts and words but also in physical intensity.
“God, I love how you do that,” Mandy whispers, her breath growing more jagged and choppy.
Without a word, I continue to slowly thrust myself as deeply as possible within her. I can feel her muscles contracting each time I move. “God, that feels incredible,” I whisper, breaking my silence while continuing the rhythmic motions.
“You are driving me crazy,” she murmurs as she once again shows signs of losing control.
Since driving her crazy is my goal, I take h
er hands and pin them to the blanket while continuing to make love to her with long, firm, deep strokes. I tap into all of my strength and every bit of my will to last long enough to send her into an utter state of bliss. Once we both reach that frenzied peak, I once again bury myself deep within her and kiss her more passionately than I ever imagined possible. I then release her hands and take her into my arms; holding her close as the birds chirp and all the sound of the rushing creek and the surrounding forest come back into my consciousness.
“That was pure heaven,” she whispers softly. “I never want this feeling to end. I love you, Trey,” she adds, looking at me with utter sincerity.
“I was just thinking about how much I love you too. It’s more than I could’ve ever imagined,” I reply, squeezing her tightly in my arms. “Thank you for making this day incredible.”
My phone begins to buzz again, interrupting the most magical of moments. I begrudgingly reach over to pick it up and glance at the screen. “It’s Anthony this time.”
“You better answer,” she says, giving me a shrug. “It must be something important, otherwise he would’ve waited until we got back.”
“What’s up Anthony?” I answer, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
“I’m sorry to bother you two, but it appears that Tommy is fleeing the country just like you thought he might,” Anthony informs me. “Since you didn’t have the tracker, I thought I better let you know.”
“Okay, thanks Anthony.” I give Mandy a wink. “We just put Maggie in her resting spot, so we’ll be coming back to the farm in a bit.”
“Sounds good, we’ll figure out a plan once you get here.” The phone goes dead, so I look at the screen and realize he simply hung up on me.
“Tommy is on the run,” I tell Mandy. “That son of a bitch isn’t going to offer to pay back any of it. I guess deep down I knew it would turn out this way.”
“Anthony and I were discussing the fact that he has no conscience.” She rolls her eyes and reaches out to retrieve her shorts. “So, I guess now we get to track him down?”
