AS SOON AS THE plane touches ground my heart pumps excessively. I don’t even know why I’m nervous. It’s just a weekend visit. A visit where I’ll seal my fate. This weekend will mark a new beginning for a lot of things. New home, new job, new relationship.
I can’t even deny it. Hunter and I have been talking every day, multiple times a day, for two weeks. When he left Los Angeles, I knew we had reached a shift in our relationship. He talked, I yelled, we cried. By the time he flew back to Nashville, we hashed out a lot and learned so much more about the people we had become separately.
It was freeing, healing, and hurtful. I was wrapped in a blanket of contradicting emotions. We had missed so much, but I couldn’t blame him. I needed time. How much time? I wasn’t sure until he came back, showed up at my place in the middle of a fight with Justin and reminded me of everything I’ve been missing. He reminded me of the bullshit I was putting up with because I thought I didn’t deserve better. How could I when I couldn’t even keep a baby alive when I was supposed to be its safest place?
Hunter reminded me of that the most. He reminded me of the pain it felt to lose that baby before I had the chance to tell him he was going to be a father. He reminded me of the ease he projected when he learned I was no longer pregnant. It may have been a snap comment before he could process, but that was his gut reaction. I couldn’t deal with that on top of the loss I was swallowing.
He wasn’t gentle in bringing back those memories, either, when he showed up dead set on taking my time so I could hear him out.
Now, I walk through the airport, wondering how this weekend is going to play out. I know he’ll be in Springville this weekend. He’s probably already there, if I know him.
He’s the only one besides Chelle and my principal who knows I’m moving back. Just like in the old days—my confidant, the keeper of my secrets.
The humid air greets me when I step outside, wondering where my parents are. I check my phone in case I missed a call.
“Hi.” A soft, deep voice calls out a couple feet in front of me. I look up to find the warm, chocolate eyes I tend to get lost in.
“What are you doing here?” I tilt my head as my eyebrows pull into each other.
“I came to pick ya up.” He takes a few steps closer.
“My parents are coming.”
Hunter shakes his head. “Change of plans.” Just like that, he reaches for my carry-on luggage and holds my hand, guiding us to the parking lot where his truck is.
I can’t even say it surprises me to see him show up instead.
“How are you already here? It’s still early Friday morning,” I ask as Hunter opens the door. I had asked for the day off, so I could fly in earlier, but I know he works.
“You’re not the only one who can play hooky,” he smiles. “Besides, I can work from anywhere. All I have to do is e-mail Cash any lyrics, but they’ve got most of what I had already written for this week. It also helps they’re cheering for us,” he winks, his smirk now lopsided.
I groan in response and get into his truck. Never did I think a huge country music band would be privy of my love life. I rub my eyes while Hunter places my bag in the backseat and sits in the driver’s side.
His smile is permanent on his face as he pulls away from the airport and gets on the highway.
“How was your flight?” He sneaks a peek at me.
“It was good. I got to sleep some, which is nice.”
“Good to hear, because I’ve got some stuff planned and don’t want ya fallin’ asleep.”
“What? I just wanna go home,” I complain to cover up my nerves, throwing my head back against the headrest.
“Sorry to disappoint.” He winks at me and I lean back on the seat, relaxing for the rest of the drive. He won’t give up.
Half way through our drive, Hunter raises the volume on the radio. His face is expressionless as he drives, but his hand reaches for mine.
“I co-wrote this song with this artist. He’s up-and-coming. It was one of the first gigs I got in Nashville.”
I still my thoughts and focus on the song, absorbing the words. The chorus hits me the hardest and I turn to stare at Hunter’s profile. His jaw ticks as he feels my eyes on him, his hand heavy in mine.
You set down roots
That wrapped my soul
And never took them with you
when you left,
So I’ve been living in misery
And drinking away
’til I find the day
I’ll see you again
I clear my throat. “It’s a great song,” I say when it ends. “That’s really cool, Hunter. I’m proud of you.” Hearing his achievements fills me with a different kind of pride.
He shrugs. “It was somethin’ to do.”
I shake my head. “I don’t believe that. You love what you do, so don’t downplay it.”
“It’s true, though. It gave me somethin’ to do while I missed you.” He pulls my hand up to his lips and kisses the top of it before bringing it to his chest. My heart flutters as his stubble tickles my skin and the warmth of his body spreads to me.
When Hunter exits the highway and takes the familiar road, I sit straighter. “We’re going to the watermill?”
“I hate the way we left this place the last time we were here. This was always our place, and I want to remedy the memory.”
The watermill always did hold good memories. It’s why I went there when I was visiting during spring break. I could always relax and be honest with myself in this place.
Hunter parks the car and I jump out before he can make his way over to my door. I inhale the fresh scent of cypress and oak and stretch my arms over my head.
“I brought us a snack,” Hunter holds up a bag.
My eyes widen when I see familiar logo from Margie’s Bakery. A slow smile creeps on my face. “Pecan pie?”
“Is there anything better?” Hunter grins.
“Nope.”
He walks closer to me, reaching his free hand out for me to take. I look up at him and then at his hand for a beat. When my fingers graze his, my heart speeds up. I close my eyes for a second, everything we’ve lived together rushing back to me. With a deep inhale, I open my eyes to find him looking at me with intensity that says everything our mouths don’t. Our fingers lace, and he guides the way that leads to the abandoned watermill.
We take a seat on one of the steps, and I take a moment to feel this space. Anyone who knows me would be surprised I moved to a big city. I was always a walking billboard for Springville, proud of where I grew up. Leaving this beauty wasn’t easy, especially for an overcrowded and polluted place, but I had to go and learn. It helped me grow and see more of the world. It gave me a different appreciation for home.
The crunching of plastic draws my eyes to the left where Hunter is sitting. He pulls out two containers from the bag and plastic spoons. I greedily grab the container he hands me, a glint in his eyes.
“You don’t find pie like this anywhere else in the world,” I say.
“That’s the truth.” His face is relaxed, such a difference from when we first saw each other after three years. I can only imagine that mine is also more peaceful. “Dig in,” Hunter says with a smirk.
I dip my spoon into the gooey and crunchy pie, scooping up the perfect bite. I savor the combination of flavors, remembering the pie he delivered to my apartment. I devoured that whole thing in a week. It tastes so much better fresh, though.
“This is so good,” I say between bites.
We sit in silence, enjoying our sweet snack under the shaded trees that cover the watermill. Just like old days. We’re different now, but in this moment, nothing has changed. We’re still Hunter and Mackenzie, sitting in our favorite spot, eating our favorite food.
“Call me later,” Hunter puts the ball in my court when he drops me off. Tiffany sent so many text messages while we were at the watermill, we finally packed up and left. It was nice to spend some quiet time like that
before I gave them the news. I know my family will be ecstatic when they find out I’m moving back. Now that I’m here, I feel more secure with my decision. Any change is difficult, though.
“Finally,” Tiffany’s exasperated voice reaches my ears. I roll my eyes and turn around. She was always the more dramatic sister. I blame it on being the younger child.
“You shouldn’t have let him pick me up,” I shrug and point to Hunter.
“I wouldn’t have, but Daddy had already told him it was okay.” Tiffany glares at Hunter.
“Nice to see you, too, Tiff.” He hugs her, knowing how much she hates it when he smothers her.
“You’re so annoying,” she teases and gives me a hug. “It’s about time you arrived. Tell me you’re moving. You are, right?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Are you ever going to stop asking?” I joke because I know she’ll be the most excited to have me back. Her, and maybe the man next to me, watching our interaction.
“I’ll stop when you tell me you’re moving back to Springville.”
“Brat.” I go to grab my bag, but Hunter already has it and is carrying it inside.
“Is this normal?” I whisper to Tiffany, motioning to Hunter’s ease as he walks to my house.
“Yup.” She shrugs and links her arm with mine, dragging me into my childhood home.
My parents hug me immediately, their happiness pouring from them. “So happy you’re here,” my mom whispers.
“I’m happy, too.” I pull back and look at them.
“Thanks for droppin’ her off, son. You wanna stay for lunch?” My dad asks Hunter.
“No thanks, sir. I’m gonna head home and help my pops. You know how it is.”
“Sure do. How’re those plants clearin’ up?”
“Almost all gone, thanks to your fertilizer. We appreciate it.” Hunter nods at my dad. I hadn’t realized my dad was helping them, though it shouldn’t surprise me. We’re a community down here, through the good and bad.
“It’s all we can do, help each other out when we’re in trouble.”
“You’re right,” he shakes my dad’s hand and smiles at me. After he says bye to my mom and Tiffany, I walk him out.
“Thanks for the ride and the pie,” I smile, no longer willing to use hatred and anger as a front. It won’t do either of us any good.
“Anytime, Kenzie. You know where I stand. Don’t forget to call me.” He leans down and kisses my cheek.
I nod and watch him go before returning into the house.
“How was your flight?”
“Are you ready for summer?”
“Are you and Hunter…”
I get bombarded with questions as soon as the three of them see me. My eyes widen and I lean back. “My flight was good. I am ready for summer. I don’t know,” I give Tiffany a pointed look for asking about Hunter in front of my parents. Although they know what’s going on with us, and I know Hunter has spoken to my dad, I don’t want to talk about him with them at the moment.
“I actually wanted to tell y’all somethin’.”
“You’re movin’ back!” Tiffany jumps.
I roll my eyes. “Yes. Why do you always have to ruin the surprise?”
“Oh my God!” she squeals and hugs me. She’s been asking for this for three years.
“I’m so happy you are.” My mom dabs the corners of her eyes and gives me a hug. “We’ve missed you so much.”
“It’s about damn time,” my dad adds. I smile at him, knowing it was his idea to send Hunter to Los Angeles. I never thought my dad would play matchmaker.
After I eat lunch, I take a quick shower and borrow my mom’s car. I say a quick prayer as I drive to the elementary school. Last night I decided I would bite the bullet and go see the principal and drop off my resume, in case they have an opening.
It doesn’t take me long to get there and find a parking spot. School will be dismissing any minute, but I’m hoping Mrs. Carroll will be able to see me either before or after. I don’t mind waiting.
When I told my family what I was up to, it reassured them of my choice. I didn't tell Hunter of this decision. For some reason, I needed to keep this to myself. I know what he expected to happen, but I also want to establish my own path.
“Hi, Mrs. Jones.”
“Mackenzie, hi, how are you?” Mrs. Jones, the receptionist, smiles.
“I’m good, how are you?” She’s been working here for years.
“I’m great. TGIF and all that,” she chuckles. “How can I help you? I didn’t know you were in town.”
“I just got in today. I was actually hoping to see Mrs. Carroll.”
Mrs. Jones eyes the paper in my hand and smiles. “Let me see if she’s free. If not, would you mind waiting?”
“Not at all. Thank you.” I take a seat on one of the chairs they have in the reception area and wait, taking a few deep breaths. All I’m doing is asking for a job. I’m confident of my experience and skills.
“She’ll be out in a few minutes,” Mrs. Jones smiles.
We chat for a few while I tell her about California and my life there. It helps to put me at ease. It feels like a chance to practice before I meet the principal. She always did like me when I was a student here, so I’m hoping that helps. However, being a small town, I know how far and few between a job in this school is. Teachers either retire or move before they give up a position here.
“Hi Mackenzie, how are you?” I stand when I see Mrs. Carroll’s smiling face.
“Hi. I’m good and you?”
“I’m great. Come in. I’m so happy to see you.” I follow her to her office and take a seat. “How can I help you?”
“I’m actually moving back to Springville this summer, and I wanted to ask if you had any openings available I can apply for.” Straight to the point.
“That’s great news. As of right now, I don’t have anything, but teachers are just starting to decide what they’ll be doing. We have end-of-year meetings starting next week, so I will have a better idea after that. I’d love to take your resume.”
I hand over my resume and watch as she scans it, a proud smile on her face. “Teach with Heart is a great program. Tell me about that.”
I smile and get lost in conversation, telling her all about my responsibilities working with lower income children, my role in the school, and my experience leading a classroom.
“That sounds so wonderful. I’ll tell you what, if I have an opening, I will give you a call.”
My body releases some of the tension. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Good luck with your move. I’m happy to hear you’ll be moving back.”
“Thanks.” I stand and shake her hand.
After saying goodbye, I sit in the car for a bit. Where to go? I roll the windows down and take a drive around town, waving at some locals while I’m stopped at red lights. I follow the street that leads to the backroads. I take time rolling up and down the hills as the sun peeks through clouds, my left hand stretched out of the window.
I’m driving aimlessly, no direction, simply getting reacquainted with the place that brought me so much joy. I’m not sure what I’ll do if the school doesn’t have an opening. I could try the high school, but I love elementary. Right now, all I can do is pray that something pops up and stay open to any opportunities. Packing will be a pain, but Tiffany is already looking for flights, so she can help me. She’ll be on summer break from college already, so it will be nice to have her with me for a week while I close out this chapter of my life.
I head back to the house, ready to get changed and ride Macey for a bit. It’s been way too long.
I WIPE MY FOREHEAD with the back of my hand and continue to clean up Addie’s stall. After I dropped Mackenzie off at home, I drove to my parents’ house and went straight to work. Hours later, I’m exhausted, hot, and wondering why I haven’t heard from Mackenzie. I told her to call me. I figured she would after she settled in and spoke to her parents about her move.
Hunter: you were supposed to call me
I walk over to the fence that creates a pen for the horses and climb, taking a seat. I use the notes app on my phone and begin typing.
We went from sixty to zero
In the speed of light,
Leaving what we once had
And moving on
I’m back to get ya, girl
I’m back to win your heart
And press play on our love
‘Cause our story is just startin’
I stare up at the sky, clouds covering the sun. With Mackenzie moving back, I’ll have more time to rebuild what we once had. In a month she’ll be back. We can get through this last month without a problem. I’ve had three years without her, a month won’t kill me. I do want her to come to Nashville. I want her to see where I live and the life I’ve worked to have while I waited to get her in my arms again.
Inspired, I keep typing on my phone.
The ghost of your touch
Was dull in comparison
To having you in my arms,
Feeling you,
Holding you,
Kissing you
We ain’t gonna mess this up
And tear apart this chance
At pressing play on our love
Because I’m back to get ya
And I ain’t gonna let ya go
The screen displays Mackenzie’s name, interrupting my writing.
“Hey,” I answer, a winning smile on my face.
“Hi.”
“Glad you called.” I hold on to the railing with my free hand.
“You sent me a text,” she tries to sound annoyed. I smile. She can’t fool me.
“Well, I hadn’t heard from you. How did your parents take the news?”
“They’re happy. Tiffany already made plans to fly out to LA and help me pack.”
Memories of Us Page 15
