by Arow Jones
I’m already on my phone before walking into my office. “Yeah, I’ll send you the specs. Have it delivered before this weekend.” When I hang up I see Chase leaning against the door jam. “Hey.”
“Hey.” He scratches his head. “I’m taking off soon.” I get up, shake his hand with one hand and pull him into a hug with the other.
“Take care man. Everything will be okay. We’ll see you next weekend.”
“Yup, see yeah.”
The week passes by quickly. I wish I could see the look on the Lily’s face when her brand new dually truck arrives. It’s similar to mine but a newer model with a computerized touch screen panel, navigation system, and satellite radio, fully loaded with features that aren’t even out yet.
The dealership called me this morning to let me know the truck has been delivered. By the end of the day I haven’t heard from her so I call her. It goes to voicemail. I leave a message to let her know I’m thinking of her. About an hour later she sends me back a text.
Lily: Sorry, field trip
JT: Where?
Lily: In town
JT: Oh yeah?
Lily: paint, grain, wood
JT: For what?
Lily: so many questions
It suddenly dawns on me that she hasn’t mentioned how she got those supplies. It could only have been the truck but she hasn’t mentioned getting the truck either. I feel a little hurt but it’s not like I gave her a choice.
JT: in what?
Lily: a truck
JT: what truck?
Lily: geez, gotta go
What the hell? I call her but she doesn’t answer. Fine. If she doesn’t want to answer her phone I’ll just have to talk to her in person. I walk over to her place ready to rip into her for playing games with me but she’s not there.
I knock on the door. “Hello?” Maybe she didn’t get the truck after all. There is no answer. I sit on the porch swing and wait.
Ten minutes later I hear music blaring. Lily drives the red truck up the driveway. I can see her and Kenny singing to the music. Watching the huge grin on her face melts my anger away. I want this look on her face all the time.
She park and gets out, doing a little spin, still singing to herself. She so beautiful and completely oblivious to me standing right in front of her. When she sees me she stops and drops the bag she’s holding. Her mouth hangs open in embarrassment. I pick up the bag.
“You dropped something Sugar.” I know she loves it when I call her Sugar. This is exactly why. She’s the sweetest thing in my life and I can’t live without her. The realization is like lightening in my chest. It’s electrifying me, giving me the giddy up to make her mine. I take her hand and pull her back to the truck. “Show me your new truck.”
“Um, okay.” She bends towards me and kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you JT. I know I should be mad but I can’t. You’ve always been there for Gramps and me, even if I didn’t know it, so thank you.”
I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and lean down to kiss her lips. “Anything for you.”
Twenty One
Before dawn breaks, I drive to JT’s. When I get there I honk my horn. It’s the day of the Rodeo. He tried to talk me into staying the whole weekend but I refused. I didn’t want to spend the money on a hotel room. Kenny has to stay behind. We agree to go for the day and come back late tonight.
He walks down the fronts steps holding two travel mugs. I’m glad someone was thinking. My head is a little foggy. “Ugh! Thank you, thank you! I can’t function without this.”
“We didn’t have to leave so early Sugar. Do you want me to drive?”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all. You just sit back and enjoy the ride.” Mmm, riding with JT. I like the sound of that. Wow. I knew I’d be in trouble when Kenny said she couldn’t come with us. Alone with JT. Thank goodness his hands are busy. I might combust if he starts touching me right now. “How’s Kenny?”
“Oh, she’s good. There is a horse Kenny is training that needs some extra attention. The owner asked if she could come watch on the weekends since she can’t get over during the weekdays. Just until her horse is ready.”
“Why does she have a horse if she can only get away on the weekends?”
“You know how it is, she’s been around horses all her life but is busy with work. She just wants to get on and go but wanted a younger, spirited horse. No time to train but plenty of money for the training.”
“Ah. Are those the kinds of clients you’re looking for?”
“Mostly. Some. I don’t know. Originally, I wanted to expand The Lucky Five to provide more boarding, lessons, and bring in some trainers but repairs need to be done. There is so much work to do and not enough money to make it all happen. I’m just trying to survive, you know?” She laughs. “What am I saying? You wouldn’t know. Anyways. It is what it is. I’ve been around the Rodeo circuit. Kenny is well known for working with young horses. We want to mentor too so we’ll see what we run into.”
“You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve always had a safety net. I have a good head on my shoulders Sugar. I’d be happy to help you. I was already helping Gramps.”
“I know. Thank you. I just want to feel like I’m doing things on my own. Earning my keep, so to speak.”
We arrived around mid-morning. I fell asleep at some point but now I was wide awake and starving. When my stomach growled I was never so glad to be standing in front of hot dog vendor. I wasn’t much for junk food but I always gave myself a break when I went to a Rodeo. Half the fun is eating food you wouldn’t normally eat so I reserve these times to indulge. JT followed the scent of BBQ. After my hot dog I wanted to get a little sugar in me. Okay, a lot of sugar. In the form of sweet gooey dough.
“Wow, need sugar?” JT came to stand beside me in line with his pulled pork sandwich.
“Yeah. That looks good.” He licked BBQ sauce off his finger. A warmth filled me. It was cute and oh so hot. I wanted to be that finger. Better yet. I wanted to be the mouth. I turned my head to the man standing between me and sugary goodness.
“Deep fried Oreo’s please.” I handing him a ten dollar bill.
“Holy shit! You weren’t kidding about wanting sugar.”
“Shush. You’re going to spoil my Rodeo appetite. This is the only time I get to eat them so I have no intention of passing up the opportunity.” The vendor passed the paper bowl over to me. I went straight for the powdered sugar and sprinkled to my heart’s content. “Mmm, smell that? Smells like hot sin.”
“More like fat ass.” My sugary bubble was burst when I heard the high pitched voice. “You know what they say, it all goes to the hips.”
“You would know.” I retorted. Behind her were Nick and another woman dressed in an expensive sun dress and shiny cowboy boots. Her perfectly coiffed hair was adorned with a jewel encrusted hair pin. I looked down at my own outfit. A less expensive sun dress, worn cowboy boots. A jean jacket tied around my waist. My hair was in a loose braid over one shoulder. Her outfit reeked of money and social status. Blanche caught me eying the woman. I wanted to slap that evil smirk off her face.
“Leave her be Blanche. Hello darlin’.” Before I could take a step back Nick grabbed my free hand and brought it to my lips. “It’s lovely to see you again.” If I was his date I would be furious. Instead, the woman behind him looked bored. Her gaze drifting off towards the arena. “JT, pleasure, as always.” When I tried to pull my hand free his grip tightened. “Lily, I was wonderin’ if I may have a word with you. Alone.” He was already pulling me aside before I could answer. Does this man not know how to ask questions? The got same icky feeling I had the first time I saw him arguing with Blanche. “Samantha, excuse me for a bit. Blanche, you two ought to go visit your daddy in the booth.” So that was Sam.
“Whatever.” She barely bats an eyelash. We all left JT standing by himself. I could see the tick in his jaw and his hands were clenched in fists. His ire was palpabl
e. I tried to turn back to him but Nick grabbed my elbow and steered me away. When he tried to pull me out of JT’s line of sight I dug in my heels.
“What do you want Nick.” Gone was the gentleman of earlier. The person that replaced him had cold hard eyes, like a snake luring his prey.
“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I shrugged out of his hold which only made him angrier. He pushed me up against the back of a vendor’s cart. My body hit it with a thud.
“You’re little seduction game to get JT to marry you so that I won’t get what’s rightfully mine! He doesn’t need that land and he doesn’t need you.” One of his arms went up above side of my head as he lowered his voice. I could feel his breath blowing strands of my stray hairs. “If you’re looking for a sugar daddy Sugar I’d be more than happy to oblige.” I put my hands on his chest and shoved him as hard as I could. It was enough to make him stumble backwards and leave me with enough space to escape.
I stomped back over to JT. “What did that snake say to you?”
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s just go.” Go? No matter where I go I can’t seem to escape my fate. I started walking towards the bleachers but JT steered me towards the indoor arena. I was thankful for the shade and the lemonade he bought before we walked in and took a seat. He rubbed a hand down my back while I drank sweet and tangy liquid. Then I remembered I hadn’t even had a bite of my Oreo’s. I don’t even know what happened to them.
“My parents are here.” I looked over at him. He continues to text on his phone. “Chase is going to meet us there. We should head over in a few minutes. I want to introduce you to some people.”
“Okay.”
The booth was situated at the top of the outdoor stadium. The front flap gave a perfect view of the main outdoor stadium. The rear flap offered a view of the rest of the grounds. This booth was on the corner. I could tell the side flap opened too but they had it closed for shade. Outside, spectators lingered at tables with umbrellas. Inside were cushy chairs and a buffet table filled with a selection of meats, veggies, and fruits. Women and men in black and white uniforms were pouring champagne and passing out drink orders to the men and women occupying those cushy chairs. There were only a handful of booths set up here and no expense was spared.
I could feel a line of sweat trickle down my lower back. Thank goodness no one could see. I was so nervous. If JT noticed he didn’t say anything. His arm snaked around the backside of my waist. He pulled me to his side as we walked to a very well dressed couple I instantly recognized. The man in the blazer and cowboy hat laughed at something his wife said. Her ends of her shoulder length gray hair swung care free beneath her sun hat. I instantly felt at ease.
I remembered the stories I had heard from Skye. Grayson tells her everything. This couple is full of love. I still felt intimidated but I knew JT’s relationship with his parents wasn’t a bad one.
“Oh dear!” Eleanor jumped up and gave JT a hug. “Sweetheart, I was hoping we’d see you. Chase and Grayson are lurking around here, somewhere. Probably flirting with the pretty girls next door.” She turned and winked at me. “Lily. You are the spitting image of your parents.” I was surprised as she gave me a hug as affectionate as the one she gave JT. “You remember Justin Sr., you can call him Pops.”
I held out my hand to him. “Uh, hi… Pops.” He took my hand then pulled me into a hug.
“Hiya darlin’. I can see JT’s been takin’ good care of you. Did you get the truck he sent over?”
“Pops.” JT just hung his head and smiled.
“Back in my day you would have gotten that a lot sooner. Seems here my boy is taking his sweet time wooing you over to the Tanner side. Don’t worry nothin’ ‘bout it thought.” He put his hand on JT’s shoulder. “This boys been pining over you all his life and it ain’t because of the land. Hell, he’s got more money ‘an any of us in this here booth. Combined.” He waved his free hand in the air. Clearly he’d had quite a few drinks before we arrived. “His ‘vestments, an all that.” He winked at me and held his glass up in the air. “Refill!”
“Yes sir.” I waitress came over to replace his glass with a fresh whisky on the rocks. What should have taken a very short moment took longer than I preferred. She let her gaze linger on JT, licking her lips, trying to get his attention. Out possessiveness I took a step closer to JT. He didn’t even blink at her. His arm went back around my waist pulling me to him so our sides were flushed. His nose rubbed against my cheek. I didn’t dare close my eyes so I could see that little wench’s reaction. She huffed and turned away. The little vixen in my smiled in triumph.
Being around JT brings out the best and worst of me. I loved how this man made my body meld into his. Loved? I really do love JT but I can’t let him know that. He’ll think it’s a ploy like Nick said. Like I’m trying to get JT to marry me for the land. My confidence cracks.
“You want something to drink?” JT kissed my cheek. “You look a little flushed. I’ll be right back.” He sat me next to his mom.
The conversation between was so comfortable. She was so easy to talk to. The knowing gleam in her eyes was the only thing that made me nervous. Could she tell? It had been so long since I’d had a mother figure in my life. I wasn’t sure the scrutiny in her eyes were directed at me or because of me. “Have you met Jayne Dower? She’s my best friend in the whole world.” A woman with short gray hair sits down next to Eleanor.
“Please to meet you, I’m Lily.”
“Oh my. Isn’t she a catch? Nice to meet you to dear. I’m Jayne.” She holds out her hand for me to shake. I take it, smiling as she places her other hand on top of our shaking hands. “Eleanor tells me you might have cold feet?” I tilt my head in question. I’m not sure what she’s referring to. “You know, I’m a justice of the peace. We could get it done first thing tomorrow. How about that?”
“You know, dear, a Tanner always gets what a Tanner wants.” She patted my knee. I have so many questions. Eleanor knew my parents. I’m not sure how well but my mom used to talk about funny Eleanor was at poker nights. Huh, now that I think about it they spent a lot of time together.
“Eleanor? Were you and my mom close.” Her sad smile tells me everything I need to know.
“Yes dear, Jayne and I used to sneak her away for spa days. We would laugh and cry. Those were good times.”
“Did my father know? He used to tell me to ‘stay away from those Tanner boys’ because of the rival.” She laughs and slaps her knee.
“Your father? What a hoot! Of course he knew. Child, he exaggerated that story to keep you away from my boys and Chase. What father wouldn’t want to keep their only daughter safe from a bunch of hormonal teenage boys?”
“Oh. I always thought… I guess I just didn’t understand.”
“Your mother and I always dreamed of you and JT together. It was what she wanted. Even if you didn’t she just wanted to see you happy and well taken care of. Now’s your chance.” She nods over my shoulder as JT approaches me.
He sits a glass in front of me, ice cold water with a lemon slice floated amongst the ice cubes. Next to it he places a plate of food in front of me as well. It was full. I mean chock full of food.
“I didn’t know what you liked so I thought we could share.” My heart fluttered. It was such a couple’s thing to do, sharing a plate.
Twenty Two
Seeing Lily with my parents only confirmed the reality of my feelings for Lily. She belonged with us. With me. Pops knowing about the truck only made me smile. The dealer is one of his high school buddies. He probably called him the minute he found out it was for Lily. Pops and his friends are like a gaggle of old ladies gossiping over cigars and whiskey.
My mom’s warmth immediately put Lily to ease. Even though she’s my step-mom I don’t ever think of her like that. Grayson and I bonded over our lost parents when we were younger. Him losing his dad and me losing my mom. We took to each oth
er right away, making a blood bond uniting us when our parents married. Right then and there we decided titles didn’t matter. We were family and that’s all that mattered.
Eleanor was crushed when I told her I wanted to go to continue attending boarding school. At first she thought it was me rejecting her but later she realized it was just my preference to get out of under Pop’s overprotective wings. My mother died when I was too young to remember but I was in the house at the time. A wanderer. Some guy with a mental illness made his way out to the house. He broke in, stole some money. What he didn’t realize was that my mom was just as overprotective as Pops. She tried to confront him but he shoved her. She tripped and fell. Her head hit the edge of the coffee table and she never woke up. It was a tragic accident. Pops was so in love with her. He purchased a condo in Boulder shortly after, whisking us away. The memories were too much for him.
He would never let go of The Double Diamond and he knew I wanted to keep what little memories of her I had. That same summer I found out about Lily’s parent’s death and the arrangement Pops made with Gramps, he told me he had put The Double Diamond in trust for me when I was younger. “It was like fate knew,” he said to me. I started rebelling after that. Trying to run from a future I knew I would later embrace whether Lily wanted it or not. She was my responsibility but she was also my love. Love? Yeah, love. I loved her. I love her, with all my being. I want to protect her and take care of her. If she thought I loved her she might take it the wrong way and think I was just trying to manipulate her into marrying me.
When Pops started in about money I wanted to pull Lily away. If she hadn’t already known she would have found out sooner than later anyways. The man has loose lips when he’s drinking. I laugh out loud. “My parents really know how to party.”
“Oh really, darling. We’re just having a bit of fun. You know how stressful things can get with your father.” Eleanor put her hand on my cheek. I smiled at her, taking her hand and pressing a kiss on top.
