I thought about that for a moment, calculating the hours in my head. “Around six?”
He nodded, “Great, me too. Let’s grab dinner somewhere. I need more friends around here and from the looks of it, you do too. Am I right?”
I sighed, “Is it that obvious?”
He shrugs, “Well you did get excited to see a big blue monster sit down with you.” We both laughed and then he stood up and put his giant head back on. Through the mask he mumbled, “I’ll meet you at the front gates around six.”
Well that seems promising, it’ll be the first time I’ve had dinner with someone other than Angel since I moved to Florida. Tonight was the perfect night too since Angel is doing an out of town training for her job this week. Tristan seems pretty cool and he isn’t bad to look at either. My phone dings with a text and it makes me smile. It’s Derrick ‘Hope you’re having a great day. I was sitting here thinking about you.’ I didn’t have time to respond with my lunch break being over so I decided I’d write back later with something equally sweet.
Six o’clock rolled around and I made my way to the front of the park to wait on Tristan. Six fifteen rolled around, no Tristan. I strolled to a nearby gift shop to give him a few more minutes. When six thirty came and he still hadn’t showed, I decided to go on home alone. I started through the exit gate when I hear someone calling out to me. “MJ!” Tristan was running down the main street of the park towards me, waving his arm in the air. Once he reached me, he bent to place his hands on his knees while he caught his breath. “Damn girl, I don’t usually run unless I’m being chased by a serial killer so you should feel honored, because seriously that never happens.”
I placed my hand over my heart, “I feel very honored, Sir.” Instead of going to the parking lot, he grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the monorail system. “I’m scared of heights. I’m not sure I want to ride that!”
Tristan squeezed my hand. “You can hold my hand the entire time if you need to. It’s really a cool ride.”
“Ok, where are we going?”
He smiled, “It’s a surprise, but I promise you one thing, you’re about to get laid.” When he said that, I panicked a bit thinking this was a date instead of a friendly dinner like I thought, especially when we got off at one of the resorts. My chest hurt with anxiety and I was afraid that I misunderstood so I didn’t want to make an idiot of myself and ask what he meant. All I could do was hope that I hadn’t misjudged this guy.
When we rounded the corner, I understood. A girl in a Hawaiian skirt and bikini top came up and placed a lei over my head. He snickered, “You should’ve seen your face earlier…priceless.”
I smacked him playfully and realized he was a lot like my friend Cameron from back home. “So what are we doing?”
He grinned, “We’re watching the luau and having dinner. The guy I covered for paid me by giving me tickets for tonight. I was going to sell the tickets because I wasn’t going to come by myself and then I met you so it worked out nicely.”
“Tell me about the guy.” Tristan said as he pulled out the seat for me. I gave him a quizzical look, “The guy who you’re so into. The look on your face earlier was a mixture of panic and guilt. So spill.”
Then I remembered something, “Derrick! Oh my gosh, I forgot to text him back!” I pulled my phone out and sent a quick message. Sorry I didn’t answer sooner, I was working. I’m at dinner with a friend now but I wanted to tell you that I’ve been thinking about you too. I hope you can come visit me soon. Miss you. Give Katie-cat a hug for me.”
Tristan was reading over my shoulder and smirked, “Very sweet. Who is Katie-cat?”
“His daughter.”
Tristan’s eyebrow rises with curiosity and he asks, “His daughter? Not your daughter together?”
I shook my head, “No, I wish she was my daughter. She’s an awesome kid. He was only sixteen when she was born and he’s raised her on his own, with the occasional help of his parents and two brothers.
Tristan nodded approvingly, “He sounds like a keeper.”
I responded, “He is, otherwise I wouldn’t even try this whole long distance thing.”
His eyebrows rise again, “Where does he live?”
“In Nashville, where I moved here from.”
Tristan nods and then we are interrupted by our waiter. She grins at Tristan, “Welcome U'i how are you?”
He blushes in response to her obvious flirting. “Great, you look well.” They go on chatting for a moment before she takes our drink orders and moves to the next table.
“Friend of yours?” I ask."And what did she call you?"
He pursed his lips as he chooses his words carefully, “Kind of an ex-girlfriend I guess. We ended on good terms though so I like to think of her as a friend. She called me U'i, it's Hawaiian for handsome.”
Glancing back at the waitress, I took in her appearance. Of course she was of Hawaiian descent for the ambience and was wearing a Hawaiian shirt with a straight khaki skirt. “She’s cute, definitely more your type than I would be.”
I’m not sure why I said that and Tristan gave me a funny look. “Why is that exactly?” I shrugged because I had no answer for it. “So you don’t think sweet, country, rockin’ hot blondes are my thing?”
I peer around the room in confusion, “Who are you talking about?”
He laughs, “You need a mirror, darling girl. You are hot.”
I rolled my eyes, “I hope you have a good vision plan, because you need glasses sir.”
He turns to grab a guy walking by who resembles the actor Ryan Gosling and asks, “Would you date my friend here?”
‘Ryan’ takes a lingering glance over my body, stopping a moment to view ‘the girls’ for a second time and replies, “Hell yeah.”
Tristan turns back to me, “See.”
The guy leans forward, “So do I get your number?”
Tristan waves his hands in a dismissing fashion. “No dude, you think a chick this hot is single? It was a rhetorical question, move on!” ‘Ryan’ moves on looking a bit annoyed at being troubled for an answer since he wasn’t getting anything in return. I couldn’t help laughing and feeling flattered at the same time.
The next couple of hours were filled with delicious Hawaiian foods and a fun-filled luau full of dancing and romance. It was an enjoyable night, but I would’ve enjoyed it more with Derrick beside me. Tristan is great, don’t get me wrong. The romantic ambience of the show made me want my boyfriend beside me.
After the luau, neither of us was tired so we set out to find a good spot to hang out. This resort was beside a lake so it had a beachfront feel to it complete with sandy edges. We took over a couple of lounge chairs and sipped on some frozen margaritas that Tristan talked his lady friend into letting us take with us, with the promise that we’d return the glasses. He’s a sweet talker, no doubt about it.
Throughout the night he would run his hands back and forth across his bald head, so I finally ask about his choice of hairstyle.
“Is that a new style for you?”
He glanced at his hand as if realizing what he was doing suddenly and laughed, “Yeah, it is. I usually keep it much longer, this is strange for me.”
I nodded in understanding, “So why the bold choice to shave it?”
Tristan pulled out his cell phone, then after a moment he handed it to me. On the screen was a young girl whose hair was starting to grow in and she had a small bow resting on top of her head that had to have been taped. “My little sister, Macy.”
I went for the most logical assumption, “She’s beautiful. Is it leukemia?”
His brow furrowed and he shook his head, “No, she doesn’t have cancer. She’s twelve and extremely smart. Smart enough that she’s a sophomore in high school now. I've been raising her for the last year. Our mom has early onset Alzheimer's and our dad left years ago after she started to deteriorate. Mom's in a home now and doesn't remember who we are most of the time.”
This didn’t explain a
nything to me thus far, but I waited to see if he went on. After a moment, he continued by saying, “Due to her age, she is bullied pretty regularly by the older kids. One day at school some girls cornered her in the bathroom and took a razor to her hair. They shaved it off in places, enough randomness that there was nothing else to do but shave it completely. She called me in a panic and I went to pick her up from school, not knowing what I was going to see when I got there. She cried all night about how ugly she was and that she’d never show her face in public again. I calmed her down and made her take a nap. While she was sleeping I shaved my head. She knew how much I loved my hair; yes I admit I’m like a girl in that aspect. When she woke up and saw my head, she cried and told me that I was the best brother in the world.”
His eyes were welling with tears. I reached out and took his hand in mine. “I’m keeping it shaved until hers grows back fully because mine will take no time to grow. Hers is slower. Sometimes she wears wigs but it’s still obvious.” His eyes met mine and he reached over to wipe the tears falling from my eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring you down.”
Letting go of his hand, I wiped my eyes. “It reminds me of my school days is all. My friends and I were all familiar with bullies. I was bullied for my weight, Angel was bullied for being Hispanic, Gracie was bullied for being friends with us, and Cameron was bullied because he’s gay. I despise bullies.”
Tristan stood up and moved his chair right next to mine and wrapped his arms around me. We cuddled on the beach for a few minutes after he said, “Me too.”
He drove me back to my car and said, “Well we officially bonded tonight, I’d say." Doing his best valley girl impression he said, "You know we'll have to be besties.”
I chuckled, “I’d say that’s an accurate description of the night. And I'd love to be your bestie. I’d like to meet your sister sometime. Maybe on a day off she and I could hang out at the park?”
His face lit up with excitement, “She’d love that MJ. Thank you! I’ll set it up. Maybe we can both have the day off.”
“Sounds great! Thanks for tonight, I really needed it.” As I got into my car, my phone rang; it was Derrick. Activating the blue tooth in my car for hands free usage, I answered.
Before I could say anything, I hear a sweet voice, “MJ, I wanted to call and tell you goodnight before Daddy talks to you. I'm really glad you two are still friends.”
My grin stretched from ear to ear as her words warmed my heart. My night with Tristan had been a lot of fun but talking to Katelyn and Derrick is my favorite thing to do. “Hey, Katie-cat! I miss you sweetie.”
She sighs dramatically, “Me too. Daddy says you work at Disney World. Can I come out there and ride rides with you?”
I giggled as I heard Derrick in the background say, “She doesn’t ride rides all day long, Katie.”
Katie scoffed, “I know, daddy. I meant she can do that on her day off with me.” She came back to the phone and said, “Men.”
The tone of voice she used when uttering that one word caused me to break into a small fit of laughter. “Who taught you that? Uncle Cameron?” Katie giggled letting me know that was indeed her teacher.
Derrick again pipes up, “You need to spend a little less time with Uncle Cam I think. Say goodnight Katelyn, you have school in the morning.”
Katie giggled again, “Goodnight Katelyn. And Goodnight MJ, I love you.”
Those words always made me smile when she said them. “I love you too, Katie-cat. Sweet dreams.”
Derrick takes the phone and sighs, “What am I gonna do with that girl?”
I respond, “What would you do without her?”
He chuckles, “Touché.” Then he added, “Where are my manners, Hello beautiful, how was your day?” This man could make my heart swell to the point of bursting with his sweet words. And to think I almost missed out on this due to a few hundred miles between us.
“It was good, it’s even better now that I'm talking to you.”
I could hear the smile in his voice as he asked, “So, what did you do?”
“I met someone.” His silence spoke volumes as to the assumption he made from that. “Oh wait, no, not like that. I mean it’s a guy, but he’s a friend.”
He must have been holding his breath because I heard a long outtake of breath before he said, “Don’t give a guy a heart attack like that MJ.”
It made me a little happy that he was worried about it, even daresay jealous. ”You have nothing to worry about, believe me. Though technically, a guy did ask for my number.”
Acting as though he’s frustrated he says, “That’s it, I’m on my way down there now.”
All I could do was laugh. “The guy that I hung out with tonight though, his name is Tristan. He’s really sweet, you’d like him.” I proceeded to tell him all about our evening.
When I filled him in on the little sister part, he sounded as though he had to hold back tears himself. It made sense to me when he said, “I worry about Katelyn being bullied. I’m not sure what I’d do in that situation.” It made me angry to think about it, so I could only imagine how he felt as her father. Derrick puts Katie above everyone in life, as it should be with a child.
“Well, you wouldn’t have to do anything because I’ll kick anyone’s butt that hurts that little girl. No matter what consequences I faced.”
He laughs softly, “I miss you, MJ.”
I choked back tears at those words, and then added, “I miss you too.”
We said our goodnights and I had arrived home at this point. Once inside, I changed into my pajamas and snuggled into my bed as I put a movie in to lull me to sleep. I was a bit jazzed from the great day I had and really wished I’d gotten Tristan’s number so I could call and talk to him some more.
Chapter Five
**Derrick**
Mary Jane and I had been talking back and forth for weeks now without anyone finding out. Then one day I called Cameron to talk to him about a business idea and he said he didn't have time to talk because he was packing for Florida.
"Wait, what? You're going to Florida? For what?" I asked.
"I'm headed down to spend time with my girl MJ. Ooh…sorry Derrick, I wasn’t thinking about who I'm talking to." Cameron's voice became awkward as he fumbled to change the subject.
"It's cool Cam. Um…can you keep a secret?" I wanted to send something to Mary Jane and this was the perfect opportunity. This probably wasn’t the best person to take care of keeping a secret but I had to hope that he'd come through for me.
"Does my ass look great in everything?" he responds.
"Is that a question or an answer?" I ask, confused.
"Both. So spill already!"
"Would you stop by before you leave town. I have something for MJ. We've kind of been seeing each other long distance. We don't want to tell anyone though in case it ends up not working out."
"Shut the front door! I knew it! I told everyone that I figured you two were bumping on the sides and leaving us out of the juicy details!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"There hasn't been any bumping. We've been Skyping and talking on the phone."
Cameron made a "pshh" sound, "No bumping? Derrick, baby, that is not a CamWow secret."
"CamWow?" I ask again perplexed.
"Yep, you gotta be able to Wow the Cam with your secrets and I'm not feeling the wow. I feel very disappointed. Do me a favor, once the bumping in secret starts, fill me in. But yes, I'll deliver your package." He snickers for a moment and says, "Although I'm sure she'd rather you deliver a different package in person."
"Thanks Cameron, I'll see you shortly." I hung up before the conversation took an even more awkward turn. Cameron is a bit over the top, but he means well. Though somehow he has a talent to turn anything you say into something sexual.
An hour later Cameron knocked on the door. I opened it to find him leaning against the frame. He lowers his sunglasses and winks. "Hey there hot stuff. I came to grab your package."
Shakin
g my head, I wave him inside. "Give me a sec and I'll grab it for you."
"Whew! Honey, I am a married man, you can't talk about stuff like that around me!" Cameron said, fanning himself.
Taking the steps two at a time I ran to my room to get the gift for Mary Jane. When I came back downstairs I handed it to Cameron who stared at it a moment before asking, "Can I look at it since I'm being the delivery boy?"
"Sure," I said, opening the box for him. Inside was a silver locket that had a photo of Katelyn on one side and a photo of me on the other. "I thought it would be a way for us to be with her. Is it cheesy?"
"Yeah, a little, but romantic gestures usually are cheesy. I love it and I know she will too. I'm rooting for you guys, Derrick. I really am." Cameron pulled me close for a hug, patting my back before letting me go again.
"Thanks man, I appreciate it. Remember, don't tell anyone about us, please. We really want to see how this works without any interference and without upsetting Katelyn."
He nods then takes his index finger and makes an x over his heart, "Cross my heart."
After Cameron left, I ran errands for the day. My first stop, my brother Ashton's house. Ashton and his wife Gracie have been married for a few months and they now have a baby on the way. They went through hell and back to be together and now live practically perfect lives. I envy the ease of their lives now but not the path they took to get there.
Before I could knock on the door, it swung open and Gracie jumped back with a squeak of surprise. "Derrick! You about gave me a heart attack."
Ashton came running around the corner, "Gracie!" Even though the threat of her stalker was gone, Ashton still jumped anytime Gracie sounded scared. "Shit, bro, why didn’t you call first?"
Instinctively I lifted my hand to cover my eyes, "Wow, I really wish I had now." When I said Ashton came running around the corner, well he was completely naked at the time.
Gracie shrugged, glancing over Ashton as he turned to go back to their room. "Couldn't have gotten a better view if you ask me." She laughed and waved me inside. "Take a seat. I was on my way out to run some errands for school supplies. It can wait though; I never get to visit with my favorite brother-in-law. You want something to drink?" Gracie is still in college, working to get her degree in psychology. She'd been undecided on what she wanted to do before her ordeal with an ex-boyfriend. With the help of her friends and therapy, she was able to overcome her fears and put her experience to good use in helping others.
Curves in the Road (The Southern Devotion Series Book 2) Page 3
