by Vicki Green
“So I thought we could go into town tomorrow. Maybe eat out and there’s a farmers market going on, some craft booths too. Thought you might like to get away from here for a spell.”
I look up at Memphis. We’ve been laying on the couch with our fingers threaded together, his arm around me making our hands hanging out in front of my face. “Well, that would be nice. Get away for a bit but would it be weird for you to be seen with me out in public?” I look down at our hands, our index fingers playing with each other’s. “I mean, I know we’re not officially a couple or anything but….”
My head moves back as his hand cups my chin. His eyes are loving, sincere, caring. “Do you? I don’t want to pressure you in any way but you have to know that I really like you. Like a lot.”
I smile, my heart increasing its speed. I think butterflies have taken residency in the pit of my stomach. “I don’t mind if people see us holding hands. I like you too, like a lot.” His mouth turns up into a grin, his head slowly descends. My eyes scan back and forth from his eyes to his mouth over and over until his mouth is covering mine. We lay there in each other’s arms, watching the fire burn. This is so much more than a night out of drinking, getting high, and being dangerous with a wild group of what I thought were friends. This is romantic, something I thought only happened in romance books or movies. Yes, I’ve read my fair share or even watched “chick flick” movies. I move my head and look at Memphis. He’s staring in to the flames. Okay, so I kind of miss TV but this is so much better having a hot and sexy guy to snuggle with, holding hands, and feeling that I’m special. I sigh and turn on my side, rubbing the side of my face against his chest. I watch him take the Afghan and lay it over us. I wonder if that was made by someone in his family. Maybe his mom or grandmother. Maybe Mable made it. He releases my hand then starts rubbing up and down my arm. Life has always sped by. I’ve not even been able to remember all the things that happened, at times. This life is slow, relaxed, and I can remember everything. I think I like this life the best. I close my eyes and snuggle into him.
“Uh, what?” I’m being jumbled. I try to open my eyes but only blink slowly. He’s carrying me upstairs. “I can…. Walk,” I mumble.
“I know, darlin’ but you’re so tired. I’ve got ya,” his low rough voice soothing me.
I feel my back hit the mattress as he lays me down. “Should just move over….here.” I mumble as I turn over, grabbing the pillow with both hands. I feel him moving behind me. His arm lays across my waist, and I can feel his breath against my hair. Warmth envelopes me when he moves even closer. We fit together perfectly. I close my eyes and dreams of warm brown eyes take over.
We’re riding in his truck, holding hands on the seat between us. I’m watching everything out the window fly by, loving the feeling of getting out. The countryside is truly beautiful, the colors of fall everywhere, the leaves of the trees, the grass color getting lighter and the mountains are breathtaking with snow covered peaks. I look over at Memphis and watch as he concentrates on the road.
His eyes shift to mine then back out the front. “What?” His mouth lifts into a grin.
“Nothin’. Just happy.” This is exactly what I needed.
His grin now turns into a full smile. He releases my hand and lays his on my leg, squeezing it gently. “I’m glad.”
It ends up being one of the best days of my life. We parked by the store but I didn’t particularly feel comfortable seeing Tilly so when he asked if I wanted to go in, I told him no. We walked all over, looking in shop windows, getting a hot apple cider from a stand next to where the farmers market is. I’d never had one before. I think it could be my next addiction. We held hands as we walked through the market. He wasn’t embarrassed when people said their hellos and I felt even more special, almost proud. When we walked by the craft booths, I found a beautiful handmade quilt and even though I told him it was too much money to spend on me, he bought it anyway and told them we’d pick it up on our way back. I used to be pretty good at crafts. Mom showed me how to knit and crochet. Maybe I’ll ask if I can get some supplies. I wish I had my own money. Well, I’ll be twenty one next month so Daddy should be giving me the money he promised. We’ll see. Like everything else in my life that could change.
As the sun starts to set, we sit at a picnic table. He brought over chili dogs and cheesy fries from another food vendor booth. “Oh, my God! These are amazing!” I don’t think I’ve ever eaten anything this great before. I’ve been missing out.
“So, isn’t your birthday next month?” I nod, taking a huge bite of my chili dog. “You’ll be twenty one, right?”
I wipe my chili smudge mouth with my napkin. “Yes, why?”
“Well, was just thinkin’. We could have a party of sorts, grill out, you could invite the few friends you’ve made here and maybe your best friend could come for a visit. It’ll be colder out by then, maybe even snow on the ground but my house is big enough.” Is he kidding?
My eyes widen and my brows raise high. “That would be awesome. I really only know Tilly, but I would love if Tina could come for a visit. I really want you to meet her but….” Suddenly, I feel like I’ve been on vacation and it’s almost over.
“What’s wrong, Sadie?”
“Well, how long am I supposed to stay here? I mean…. Did Daddy say how long?” Now, I feel like a child asking how long my punishment will last or even worse, feeling like my punishment will continue because I have to go back home.
He turns on the bench, looking at me fully. “He didn’t really put a time limit on it, darlin’. But I ain’t gonna lie. I don’t want you to leave. You can stay as long as you like, as far as I’m concerned.” I feel a little lighter but my smile doesn’t feel like a smile. “Sadie. You’ll be twenty one. And really, you’re an adult right now. Isn’t the only reason you’re here, minding what your pa wants you to do, is because of the money you’ll get then? You can do whatever you want, I won’t stand in your way. If you decide to stay, you’ll make me the happiest man alive, but ain’t gonna lie, if you leave my heart will break. Still, it’s your decision and one only you can make.”
“Well, that helps.” I laugh but it sounds fakey even to me. I shake my head. “Right now. Let’s just have a good time and plan later for next month. I’ve had the most wonderful day and I don’t want anything to ruin it. Okay?”
He reaches over and I close my eyes when he cups my face. “Anything for you, darlin’.”
I swear I haven’t had that much fun in so long. My feet were hurting by the time we walked back, stopping to pick up my new quilt, and we even stopped at the local craft store, and he bought me knitting needles and yarn so I can make my own things. In the truck, I beamed all the way back to his house. When we get inside he drops the bags with my things and takes my hand, turning me around to face him. “So, I was thinkin’.” The smile that has been plastered on my face just grew, if that’s even possible. “Why don’t we get your things and bring them over here. I mean, you’ve been staying here the last couple of days anyway and….”
“Okay!” I all but shout.
His low chuckles vibrate down deep inside me. “Well, that was easy.”
I lean up and kiss his lips. “So, are you thinkin’ I take a spare room or….”
He leans down so I don’t have to strain and kisses me back. “Darlin’, I’ll leave that up to you but I think you know what I want.”
“Yeah, I do. I’m just not sure I’m ready for that.” His face flashes sadness but just for a split second. I run my finger from his cheek down to his firm jaw. “How about we take one night at a time? I’ll put my stuff in a spare room but we can stay in your room tonight then see where it goes. Is that okay?” Now I see relief and that beautiful smile again.
“Like I said. It’s up to you darlin’. I’m willin’ to take it slow. You’re worth it.” He kisses me again and my heart swells with his tender touch and gentleness. I’m so lucky. I just hope nothing ruins it.
Chapter Thirte
en
Memphis
It was nice taking the day and doin’ something fun. Mac and Dallis ended up takin’ care of things, then played poker in their house and had some beers afterwards. Everyone got to do some relaxin’. Sadie and I cuddled and talked most of the night. She told me about growin’ up with her mom, how lovin’ she was, and then with her dad and how he pretty much just gave her money and left her alone. Sad way for a child to grow up that lost their ma. She decided to sleep in her new room. Kinda made me sad but I did tell her we’d go slow and I don’t go back on my word.
Today, is the service for Mable. Of course she’ll be buried in the area where Ma and Pa are layin’ at rest. I wouldn’t have it any other way. She was my family. There won’t be many people. A few townsfolk and my neighbor, Colby. Not sure I’m all that grateful that he’ll be there. I know he has a thing for Sadie. I can tell. Feel it.
“What are ya doin’?” I ask her as I walk into the kitchen, fresh from my shower.
She looks up from the breakfast bar where she has out a ton of vegetables and some other stuff. “I thought I’d make a vegetable tray with some dip for people to munch on after the service.” She smiles and then goes back to cutting up a carrot on the chopping block.
I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “That’s sweet of ya, darlin’, but you don’t need to do all that. I’m sure everyone will understand.” I kiss the side of her face and she moves her head as I kiss the soft skin on her neck.
“Oh, I know. I just wanna keep busy. I’m kind of a wreck today.” She stops, lays the knife down and turns in my arm, putting her arms around my neck. “I need to be strong for you. She was like a mother to you so I wanna be there for you.”
“God, I love…. I love that you want to be there for me, sweetheart. Really. But she was your friend too. Just because you didn’t know her for that long doesn’t mean you weren’t close. I know she loved you.” Shit! I almost told her I love her. Mable always told me I’d know when I found the one. I know I have very strong feelin’s for her but do I love her? I really think I do. I need to be sure. I don’t want to scare her off if she doesn’t feel the same about me. I told her we’d take it slow but that’s becomin’ harder and harder for me to do.
“I feel the same about her. I miss her. But….” She turns back around and picks up the knife and starts cuttin’ again. “It helps me to keep busy, keeps my mind off things.” I lean over her shoulder and she stops, bringing her mouth up to mine.
Damn, I could get used to his. Her bein’ in the kitchen, me workin’ the land. A knock sounds at the front door so I kiss her again and walk to the front hall. I open the door and Colby is standing there in nice black slacks and a button down black shirt, holdin’ a covered dish.
“Hi, Memphis.” I nod and take a step back. He walks passed me and when I turn to close the door I see others arrivin’. I guess it’s almost time. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve gone through this. Doesn’t get any easier. I stand there and let others walk in, pointing to the kitchen for those who brought food, the others to the living room tellin’ them to make themselves comfortable. I remember when Pa died. Mable didn’t have to cook for a week. So many people brought food. I guess it’s so you don’t have to cook for a while as you take time to grieve.
“Hey, Memphis. I’m so sorry for your loss.” I lean down when Tilly reaches up on her tiptoes, givin’ me a quick kiss on my cheek.
“Thanks, Tilly.” I hadn’t really talked to her since the night Sadie and Jag went over to the Spriggs place for that party. I had figured that out later, them always havin’ parties over there. In fact, Sadie and I haven’t even talked about it. Too much has happened too fast since then.
“Where’s Sadie?” She asks.
“Kitchen.” My answer short as more people arrive.
“Thanks.” She waves and walks towards the kitchen.
I guess I can’t hold that night against her. Sadie’s a woman after all, has her own mind to make right or wrong decisions. And then again, we all make mistakes. I know I’ve made my fair share in my life. I hear a car door slam and turn around. Emotions soar inside me as I see Dale walking around an SUV, openin’ the door and helpin’ Maggie out. I smile big when I notice her tummy is full with child and then laugh as Dale opens the back door. Tommy and Eli jump out and run towards me. I step out on the porch, squattin’ down, and they barrel into my arms. “Hey, guys! I’ve missed you. So glad you’re here.” They step back and then run inside. I stand up in time for Maggie to get to the stairs so I hold out my hand helpin’ her up to the porch. “Dang, Dale’s been holdin’ out on me.” I put my hand on her extremely large stomach and smile.
“Yeah, well, you need to knock some sense into him. God knows he’s knocked me up enough. We were supposed to stop at two and now look.” She smiles and then I bend so she can kiss my cheek. She puts her arms around my shoulders and gives me a hug. “Good to see ya, Memphis. I’m so sorry about Mable.” She pulls back and I can see tears forming in her eyes. “Such a sweet woman. She loved you so much, just like her own. I hope you have room for us. It was Dale’s idea. He didn’t think to ask ahead of time, wanted it to be a surprise. We can get a hotel room if….”
“No! No. It’s no trouble. I have plenty of room. Thanks, Maggie. I appreciate y’all comin’. I know Mable would too.” She smiles and walks inside.
I walk down the steps to Dale. “Hey, let me give you a hand.” He’s got the back end raised, pullin’ out suitcases. I grab a couple from the ground.
“Thanks, man. We took off as soon as Buck called me. Drove straight through. You really should get a damn phone.” He laughs. He’s right though. I should get a phone. I just didn’t want the extra bill. Pa never believed in havin’ one. Said if anyone needed him that bad they could ride over. I shake my head at the memory.
“Yeah, I guess I should.” He closes the door, picks up a suitcase and a smaller one then we start walking to the house. “You can take the first two rooms upstairs. How long you planning on stayin’?” He looks over at me and smiles.
“Oh, probably will have to leave in the mornin’ unless Maggie talks me into stayin’ one more day. She was pretty uncomfortable on the ride here. ‘Course I’m the one who drove for a day and a half with only small bathroom and food breaks.” He laughs, and I chuckle. “Lucky for me the boys have their handheld games, DVD player for movies, and slept a bunch too.” We laugh. Seems like old times. I just wish they were here for a different reason.
We walk in and take the luggage up to the rooms upstairs. I leave them so they can get settled and head back downstairs. I hear laughter in the kitchen and don’t see anyone else out front so I close the door and head there. I stop short when I see Tilly, Sadie and Colby standing around eatin’ on some of the vegetables and laughing.
“Yeah, but I remember when you got your hand stuck in the desk behind you. Served you right, Colby.” Tilly laughs.
“Aww. That was only because Sharon Morgan tried to hand me a note and lifted the top then set it down on my hand. It wasn’t my fault.” They all laugh again.
“Sounds like you got into a bit of trouble in junior high,” Sadie said still laughing.
“And man, you look so different now. What in the hell did they feed you at that private school. Muscle growth?” Tilly says while grabbin’ his big arm, squeezin’ it. She giggles.
I will give him credit, he acts like he doesn’t even see her but I know why. He can’t take his eyes off Sadie. No one notices me so I stand frozen, watching.
“Yeah, well, workin’ out does that to you but I have a feelin’ I’ll get a much bigger workout runnin’ the farm. If I remember what to do. I’m just slow on startin’ everythin’. At least the livestock has been kept fed, now I just need to get to exercisin’ the horses.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll do fine.” My anger builds or maybe it’s jealousy as he touches her lower arm. I watch how they both look into each other’s eyes. Is that how she loo
ks at me or is it different. I feel clouded by the emotions of the day and this isn’t helpin’.
The back door opens and Mac walks in. “Memphis, the preacher is here.” My eyes snap over to Sadie as hers find mine. The look of surprise is on her face or maybe even a look of being caught. Maybe I’m readin’ too much into everythin’. I look back at Mac and nod. Dale, Maggie and the kids walk up behind me and I start towards the back door. Sadie walks a little behind me and I reach back and take her hand. She doesn’t hesitate to squeeze mine as she walks up beside me.
We walk over to the area where the burial will take place. I can hear the quiet sniffling of some followin’ behind me. My eyes well up but I fight it. I need to be strong for Sadie. We all stand around in a half circle in front of an open grave. The casket containing Mable’s remains sits on a small box like frame. I remember watchin’ Ma and Pa’s caskets being lowered into the ground. It fascinated me how somethin’ could hold someone you love, takin’ them into a dark place then hidden by grass. I know they really don’t feel anythin’, nothin’ to be scared of. When I first went through this with Ma, I was so young, I bawled as it was lowered, thinkin’ she’d been scared of the dark as I was at the time. Then Pa explained to me that Ma wasn’t really there, that right when she passed her soul was lifted up to heaven. He told me all that was left was just the body her soul lived in. It seemed to help, some.
“Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Mable Cummings. She was not only a good friend to most everyone in town but part of the Johnson family. She loved them, took care of them and became a precious addition to their family so many years ago. Her life was filled with helpin’ to raise their son, Memphis, and being close friends of Jarrett and Evelyn. Some people grieve for those they’ve lost, but instead we should celebrate their life while on God’s earth. For God gave us greatness and happiness by lettin’ us be part of Mable’s life, being able to show her and feel her love. Some of you may not have known our sweet Mable as long as others but in the short time she still touched your life in some way.”
