Serendipity

by Bentley, Stacey

  I immediately find Bo, and have a heart to heart. Having Bo around is all the therapy I need.

  I lean my hip against the stall and stroke his mane. “Hey, buddy, I need some advice. I don’t know what to do about Barbie. I want her so fucking bad but I know that I can’t have her. I’m not what she needs, or deserves.”

  I let it all out, everything that’s happened in the past few days. When I’m finished, Bo nods his head as if he knows what I’m saying and then, an idea strikes me and I know exactly what I need to do.

  The rest of the day I work as normal. It’s nearly eleven when I step into the quiet house and I send a quick text to Devon.

  Me: Need to talk.

  She quickly responds.

  Devon: When and where?

  Me: Monday. My place.

  I keep it short and sweet. When she agrees, I set my phone down, close my eyes and drift off to sleep.

  Today Emily and I go and pick out furniture. It isn’t a hard task considering there is only one furniture shop in the area. Most of the things are what you would find in a typical country home—lots of weathered furniture, with red and white accents.

  I settle on a set that is similar to the one in my mom’s apartment. I choose a black leather sofa and love seat for the spare room, and I get my mom a king-size mattress with a simple bed frame. I schedule the delivery for a week from today to ensure that I will have the keys, be getting settled and boxes will be cleared before the new furniture arrives.

  I haven’t seen Dean all day and that’s probably best. Emily said he’s been working to catch up on work since everything that has happened over the last week has thrown him off schedule.

  When we get back to the house, I call to get insurance prices for my new car, deciding to combine it with home owners insurance to get a discount. This is something I’ve never had to worry about so you can imagine my face when they quoted me the price over the phone.

  Shit! Being an adult sucks!

  At dinner, I tell Keith all about the new furniture and even draw up a layout of the condo and place the furniture accordingly. He seems thrilled for me and tells me how proud he is. I feel a slight tug on my heart when he says that.

  I have two days left until I get my stitches out and they have to x-ray my wrist to see if it’s healing. When I was in the hospital a week ago and made the decision to go home with the Montgomery’s, I never thought they would grow on me the way they have. If it weren’t for Dean being here all of the time, I would probably opt to stay with them. The tension is too strong between us and at the rate things have been going thus far, we wouldn’t be able to keep our hands off of each other. Things have already been messed up since I arrived, I need to focus on getting my head back in the game and get back to work. Dean would be too much of a distraction if I stayed here.

  I’m sitting in church during Sunday service and I can’t help but to steal glances at Phoebe. Yes, I called her Phoebe and it’s about time. It sounds much prettier than Barbie and I love how it sounds. My dad sits in between us and it’s a good thing because if I was any closer, I wouldn’t be able to keep from touching her.

  After church, we head home to change and have a late breakfast. I hurry to clear my plate so that I can go look at trucks with my dad. I’m not buying anything today but it never hurts to look. We stop by two different dealerships and browse the selection.

  “Dean, somethin’s goin’ on with you. Are you and Devon havin’ trouble?” My dad asks as we weave our way through the rows of cars.

  “Dad, I told you, I’m fine. There isn’t enough going on with me and Devon for there to be any trouble. She and I both work a lot so we don’t see each other that often.”

  “Well, there is somethin’ going on with you. I know when somethin’s botherin’ you.”

  I stop in my tracks, and he turns when he realizes I’m not following him. “Look, there are things going on that I just don’t want to talk about right now.” My dad knows something is going on but I’m not about to tell him. He’s never been this interested in my business before so I don’t know why he’s starting now.

  He nods his head and grunts. “Okay but if you want to talk, you can come to me.” He says before turning away. I walk slowly, looking at each truck I pass by.

  “Dean, come and look at this truck,” he shouts from two rows over. I find him peeking into the windows of a used, red, 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. Hell, I’ll take this over the Neon any day! She’s a beauty, and the interior looks like it’s in good condition. She only has 30,000 miles on the clock and for as much as I’d drive, she should last years.

  “Dad, I think the price is a little high,” I say, pointing at the sticker on the window. I know how much we’re getting from the insurance company and it’s not nearly enough to cover the price of the truck.

  “Let me worry bout that,” he says as he bends down and checks out the tires. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re brand new. Standing back up, he dusts off his jeans. “What do you say we trade in that old beater of yours?”

  My eyebrows shoot up. “Seriously?”

  He nods his head. “Seriously.”

  Aw, hell, things are going way too good. I know something bad is bound to happen—it’s always the way.

  “Wow. That would be great. Thanks Dad.” I don’t know what else to say, I’m still kind of in shock at his generosity.

  We pick up lunch on the way home but I’m not hungry… at least not for food. I stop in the house to grab a bottle of water and watch as everyone sits to eat. Phoebe smiles at me and winks before sitting down. I dive right into work to take my mind off of how good Phoebe’s lips felt on mine, how amazing she felt when her body was clung to mine, and how responsive she was to each touch.

  My dad gave me the go-ahead on hiring some help for the summer. I make a list of everything that needs to be done and narrow the list down to things that I know need more time than I can give them.

  As much as I try to focus, it seems next to impossible to get her off my mind. I set the list aside and take a seat in an old, dusty wooden chair and think about how I’m going to break the news to Devon that we can’t see each other anymore.

  I went to church for the first time in… a very long time. My mom was always too tired from her shift at the restaurant to go with me and it never crossed my mind to go by myself. I never really believed in God, and after my dad died, so did any beliefs that I had.

  I sit between Keith and Emily, playing with the silver locket around my neck. It’s been years since I’ve thought about my dad, I move here and it’s like opening Pandora’s Box. I sometimes wonder what it would be like if he were still alive. Would we still be living in my childhood home? Would my parents still be happily married? Would I be where I am today?

  I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but why my dad was taken away from me so soon and before I got to know him is beyond me. I’m happy with where I am in life. I love my job and truth be told, I love the Montgomery’s. Aside from my mom, I’ve never had anyone care about me the way that they do.

  I look out the corner of my eye and watch Dean as he listens to the Pastor. I tune out what the pastor is saying and watch Dean’s every move. I can’t stop thinking about him, or what we did yesterday.

  He scratches at the slight stubble that’s formed around his jaw. I’ve never seen him with facial hair but it kind of suits him, adding to the whole ‘rugged cowboy’ look he has going on. He’s actually dressed up today, wearing a pair of khaki’s and a blue button down shirt with the sleeves rolled and pushed up to his elbows.

  Ever since yesterday, things have been kind of weird between us and I can’t get him off my mind. I close my eyes and I see him, I turn around and there he is…he’s invading my every thought.

  When the service ends, Dean and Keith leave to look for a truck while Emily and I spend time in the garden, plucking the ripest vegetables to make a salsa. It’s difficult to pick the vegetable off the vines one-handed but it’s w
orth it to be out in the sunshine with Emily.

  “Phoebe, do you think we have enough tomatoes yet,” Emily asks, carrying two large baskets full of tomatoes.

  I giggle. “I hope so. I think I have enough in my basket so we should be all set for now,” I hold up my basket of peppers and other vegetables.

  I’ve never been a fan of salsa, but Emily told me how she makes it and it sounds good. That is one thing I’ll never get used to—Emily makes everything from scratch. I haven’t had home-cooked meals in a very long time and it’ll be difficult to go back to boxed meals and take out after being spoiled.

  “Okay, let’s go make salsa,” Emily says and starts to wiggle her hips as if she’s doing an exotic dance.

  I can’t help but laugh. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a long time. I tug her by the arm. “Let’s go, Baby.” I giggle.

  “Baby?” she asks, confused. I’m in complete shock that she doesn’t recognize the Dirty Dancing reference.

  “Yeah, you know, Dirty Dancing?” She still looks puzzled. “80s movie? Jennifer Grey? Patrick Swayze?” I ask in disbelief.

  “It sounds familiar…” she pauses to think but I can tell she’s coming up blank.

  “Oh my God, Emily, you’ve never seen the movie Dirty Dancing?” I can’t hide the shock in my tone. This is a first—I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone who hasn’t seen that movie. My mom and I have spent hours watching it—it’s a classic.

  “No, I guess I must have missed that one,” she shrugs.

  “Well then I guess we just determined what we’re doing tonight after we make salsa,” I wink, as we head back into the house. “Do you have a video store around here?” I ask.

  “Sure, a couple actually.” She sets her baskets down on the kitchen counter and then takes mine from my sore hand. As if she’s reading my mind, she grabs the keys from the hook and tosses them my way. “I think the salsa can wait, I have a date with Patrick Swayze tonight.” She smiles.

  I step into the empty kitchen. Baskets fill the counter space and boxes of empty mason jars are scattered around the floor. I call out but nobody answers. I look up just in time to see Phoebe’s car pulling in.

  I can’t help but to smile as I watch Phoebe get out, carrying a pizza box, smiling.

  My mind drifts back to yesterday at the lake. Never would I have imagined that happening, but I’m so glad that it did. Nothing has ever seemed so perfect—so right.

  “Hey, what’s so funny?” I ask, but that seems to be the wrong question, they look at each other and giggle. “Okay.” I say with a dramatic eye roll.

  “Oh, it’s nothing,” my mom says and winks at Phoebe. “We got a pizza for dinner and then we are watching a movie. I figured we’d have a family night.” She says as she reaches for some plates from the cabinet.

  I grab the plastic bag from the counter and pull out the DVD’s. “Silver Linings Playbook, This Is 40, and Dirty Dancing?” I question, tossing the movies back into the bag. Really? Of all the movies out there this is what they pick up?

  “Hell yes.” I stare at my mom in shock, I don’t think I’ve ever heard her swear before.

  “I’m forcing your mom to watch Dirty Dancing, she’s never seen it before.” She takes the bag from my hand and struts off in to the living room.

  Phoebe is making my parents break all of their rules. Not only have we been eating out far more than usual, but tonight my mom picked up a pizza and we’re eating in the living room while watching movies. Phoebe and I went back and forth about watching Dirty Dancing, but luckily my dad agreed with me, and Phoebe caved. My mom told her that they could watch it tomorrow when it was just the two of them, and Phoebe seemed satisfied with that answer.

  My parents opted to watch Silver Linings Playbook. I’m not usually a fan of that type of movie but it was pretty decent. Phoebe sat between my parents, and I sat back in the recliner and kicked up my feet.

  When the end credits begin to roll, I glance out the corner of my eye to see my parents passed out and Phoebe wiping the corners of her eyes. I push the footrest down, walk across the room and crouch down to wrap her in a hug. I don’t know what possessed me to do it but she just looked like she needed a hug.

  I pull back and wipe away the single tear that she missed. “It looks like my parents missed a perfectly good film. I’m going to help them to their room. Do you want to go to bed too?” I ask.

  “No, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a nice relaxing evening with company. If you don’t mind, I’ll help you take them upstairs and then we can watch another movie?” I nod, moving away so she can stand. I reach for my dad and she reaches for my mom. My dad pushes me away and his eyes pop open as if he wasn’t asleep just a minute ago.

  “Don’t, Dean. I’ll take your mom up, you two don’t stay up too late,” he says as he wraps an arm around my mom’s waist and helps her to her feet. Phoebe and I watch as they support one another and make their way upstairs. I hope one day to have a marriage like that, they rarely fight but when they do, it doesn’t last long and the love that they have for one another is a pretty beautiful thing.

  We’re both quiet and I can’t help but to wonder if she’s thinking the same thing. The glimmer in her eye as she watches them tells me that I’m close. When they make their way to their room, I turn towards Phoebe. “Please not Dirty Dancing,” I plead, holding my hands up—palms together as if I’m praying.

  She laughs and turns for the stairs. “I thought we were watching another movie?” I ask.

  “I’m getting ready for bed and then I’ll be back down,” she says, yawning as she makes her way up the stairs.

  While Phoebe gets ready, I slip on a pair of sweat pants and grab a beer from the fridge. When I walk back into the room, Phoebe is crouched in front of the TV and putting the movie in. She sits down on the couch and, making sure to pull her nightgown down, she brings her knees up and wraps her arms around them.

  “Is the movie ready?” I ask and plop down on the couch next to her.

  “Just about.” She turns to face me and eyes my beer.

  “Do you want one too?” Before she can answer, I’m up from the couch, on my way to grab her one.

  When I return, Phoebe is in hysterics, laughing at the opening scene of the movie. I must have missed something really good because she just snorted. Now it’s my turn to laugh—never would I have thought that Phoebe was a snorter.

  I hand her the beer and sit back down. When the movie is half over, Phoebe starts yawning and her eyes drift close. I catch her before she falls over, and her body rests against me, her head buried in my chest. Her warm steady breathing goes right through my thin, white shirt and makes me shiver. I wonder what it would be like to have her sleep on my chest all night long? Her sleeping peacefully while I stroke her long, blonde hair… it would be heaven.

  I set my empty beer bottle down on the oak coffee table and wrap an arm around her waist and one under her legs. Lifting her to me, I cradle her against my chest and stand.

  Does this girl not own any pajama pants? Not that I’m complaining, but she’s making it hard for me to maintain appropriate thoughts.

  I grip her tighter against me and pause when she stirs, making sure she doesn’t wake up. I can’t push the limits tonight—for one, I’m too tired and two, I need to prove to her that I can be a gentleman.

  I take my time carrying her up the stairs, savoring every second. I lay her on the bed, and the wavy blonde locks from her earlier braid splay across my pillow. I want nothing more than to crawl into bed with her and hold her all night. But—being a gentleman—I bite my bottom lip and resist temptation. Tucking her in, I lean down and kiss her forehead, tasting the sweet taste on my lips that only she can provide. I’ll never get sick of her taste or scent.

  I awoke feeling refreshed and… happy. This is it—today is the day that I get these awful stitches out of my head. I walk into the kitchen expecting to find Keith in his usual spot, and Emily making breakfast but
the kitchen is silent. The whole house is silent.

  I pull back the curtain in the kitchen window and notice my car is the only one in the driveway. Shrugging, I make myself a pot of coffee. This is the first time since I’ve known them that their schedule is off. Sitting at the table, I enjoy my coffee and read Keith’s morning paper. When I glance at the clock, I notice it’s almost time for my appointment. I dress and wash my face, deciding to leave the showering and makeup for after I get the stitches out.

  I grab my purse and keys and head downstairs. I pause by the den when I see the door open and Dean sitting on the couch deep in thought.

  “Hi.” I say, twisting the key ring between my fingers.

  His head snaps up. “Hey.”

  “Are we cool?”

  Things haven’t been okay with us since the moment we met. We go from despising each other, to practically having sex. We crossed over that thin line and neither of us wants to address it. I know I told him that nothing has changed since the day at the lake, but I’m kidding myself. Everything changed. I don’t think he’s talked to Devon yet but I like him and a part of me wants to explore this ‘thing’ between us but the other part wants to run away and not look back. I don’t do relationships and I don’t plan to start.

  “Sure,” he nods.

  I smile and nod in acceptance, and walk out to my truck with my head down. My mind drifting off into thought, I don’t even hear Keith’s truck pull up until I hear the slam of the door.

  “Are you ready to go?” I look up to see Emily holding the truck door open for me.

  “I can go by myself.” I wave her off.

  “Nonsense. We were there with you after it happened and we’d like to be there for you now. You know, in case you need a hand to hold.” She winks.

  I can’t help but to laugh. “Sure,” I slip my keys into my purse and hop in the back seat.