Strawberry Wine

by Darly Jamison

  Chapter Six

  Ruby and I made it back from swimsuit shopping in record time, and I had to admit, I was very pleased with my purchase. I settled on a pale blue bikini with a halter top and bottoms that tied on each side. It fit like a glove and I decided I would change into it at Ruby’s, just in case my mom wanted to see it. I had also found some amazing cowboy boots. They were made of red leather and were the sexiest things I had ever owned—besides the new bikini. They’d also cost me my entire savings.

  I made it to Mags’s in time for lunch and offered to tend to the chickens for her, hoping to run into Jake. And my devious plan worked.

  “Hey there, stranger,” I called out as I tossed the bird feed around me. The chickens clucked hungrily, but I only had eyes for Jake as he dazzled me with a lazy half smile. Slowly, he sauntered his way over to the coop.

  “Hey, Addison,” he said with a drawl. “I was just thinking about you.”

  Instantly I felt my face heat up, but I managed to smile sweetly. “What a coincidence. I was just thinking about you, too.” I stepped toward the fence that enclosed the coop and leaned against it, batting my eyes in a way I hoped was seductive.

  “Thinking about anything in particular?” he asked, his gaze heavy with delight.

  “Oh, you know, nothing specific. Just general thoughts, really.” I gave him a sly smile and lifted my hand, shielding my eyes from the bright afternoon sun.

  He watched me in amusement and I could tell he wasn’t buying my indifferent act. “Nothing specific, huh?” he asked.

  I stifled a giggle at the expression on his face, but continued on with the game, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly.

  “That’s too bad,” he responded. “I was hoping you were thinking about last night and how enamored you must feel toward me today.”

  I bit my lip hard, trying to hide my smile. “Well, you are pretty charming,” I admitted with a nod.

  “I knew it! These cowboy boots have never let me down.”

  I laughed at his joke and took a deep breath as I prepared to ask him out. On a date. With me. “Actually,” I began nervously, “I really was thinking about last night. I had a very nice time... You know, after the whole Brett incident,” I added, rolling my eyes. “I was wondering if you’d like to hang out again?”

  One corner of his mouth tipped up into a smirk, and I instinctively knew the answer would be “yes.”

  “I don’t know,” he slowly teased. “What did you have in mind?” Locks of dark hair fell across his forehead, and he removed his cowboy hat to brush them away. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as he lifted the hat back to his head in a way I found incredibly sexy. The way his muscles moved underneath his shirt had me thinking thoughts I had no business thinking. Not standing in my grandparents’ yard, anyway. It felt almost sacrilegious.

  “Well, um, my friend Ruby is having a bonfire tonight at her place. She has one every Friday,” I explained, trying to regain my composure. “Her pool is open, too. I missed last week’s party, so as her best friend I’m sort of obligated to go to this one. I was wondering if you’d want to come with me?” I rambled on nervously.

  “Will your friend Brett be there?”

  My smile faded. “He’s not my friend,” I reminded him. “And the answer is no.”

  “And you’ll be wearing a swimsuit?”

  I felt a blush color my cheeks, and I fought to look him in the eye and not down at the ground. “Of course,” I said. “How else would I go swimming?”

  His eyebrows shot up in amusement as he watched the embarrassment spread across my face. “I can think of other ways.” I swallowed hard and looked away, wondering if I was ready for a college man after all. What if going out with Jake turned into more than I could handle? What if he expected certain things from me? Admittedly, the idea had me terrified, and undeniably interested.

  “Relax, Addison,” Jake laughed. “I’m only teasing you. I’m not like Brett—I swear.” He took his right index finger and crossed his heart, signifying a promise. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. What I said was out of line and it won’t happen again.”

  Regarding him seriously, I considered what he had said. I sensed he was telling the truth and gave him a small smile. Grown-up boys with grown-up jokes, something I seriously was not used to.

  “I would love to go with you, and I promise to behave. Unless you ask me not to,” he added with an ironic smile. “Sorry, I’m not trying to be creepy, but I had to put it out there just so you know.”

  Grinning back at him, I decided to let the comment slide. “Would you be able to pick me up? My parents don’t allow me to drive yet.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Can you be ready by eight?” I asked, absentmindedly twirling my hair.

  “Eight o’clock it is. And, Addison?” he added, looking into my eyes.

  My heart began to flutter at his intense scrutiny and the butterflies in my stomach threatened to jump out of my mouth. “Yes?”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”

  Jake turned to walk away and I bit my lip. Slowly, I wandered back toward the house, debating whether or not I should tell Mags about the date. She was always full of good advice and had never steered me wrong before.

  What if she thinks he’s too old for me? I worried. But hadn’t it been her idea to introduce me to Jake in the first place? Curiosity won out and I decided to speak with her.

  “Hey, sunshine.” Mags grinned when I walked into the kitchen. “What’s up? You look perplexed.” She knew me so well.

  “Grandma,” I began, nervously tugging on the hem of my shorts.

  “Uh-oh. I know it’s serious when you address me formally,” she said, her lips twitching, trying not to smile. She pulled out a kitchen chair for me to sit in and sat down in one herself.

  I nodded and made myself comfortable at the large wooden table before speaking. I brushed at some nonexistent crumbs and my eyes wandered around the room, looking everywhere but at her. “What do you really think of Jake?”

  Mags inhaled deeply before answering. “Is this just about what I think of Jake, or what I think about you and Jake?” she asked knowingly.

  Shyly, I confessed, my eyes meeting hers. “Me and Jake.”

  “I see.” Slowly, she brought her hands up to the table and folded them in front of herself. “I think Jake is a lovely boy, and he’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.” She chuckled lightly and observed me over the rim of her glasses. “I’ve watched him around the farm. He has a strong work ethic—that says a lot about a person right there. Plus, he’s a good boy from a good family. It’s true, he is a little older, but older doesn’t have to mean bad. Your grandfather is older than me, and we’ve always gotten along famously.”

  I nodded in agreement, although I was a bit confused over what she was trying to say. Her speech so far wasn’t exactly satisfying my question. And I needed answers. Fast.

  “Your father would have a fit, bless his heart, but oftentimes men have a distorted way of looking at things. Especially when those things involve their teenage daughters.” She smiled ruefully. “Sometimes, in order to be with a really good man, you have to be courageous. You have to take risks. Every struggle is a step forward. Just remember in your heart what is good and moral, but never be afraid to stumble and fall. And be true to yourself, Addy. Your relationship with yourself is just as important as your relationship with others. Does this make any sense?” she asked, laying her hand affectionately on mine.

  I nodded and gave her a grateful smile. What Mags had said was starting to make more sense, but I also noticed she was still sidestepping what I really wanted to know. I wanted her to tell me what to do. I wanted her to lay out the plan I was supposed to follow, complete with notes in the margin and wise little tidbits she knew I’d find helpful along the way.

  As if reading my mind, she shrugged her shoulders and continued, “I can’t make decisions for you, but I can try to equip y
ou with what you need to make the right decisions for yourself. You’re a good girl, Addy,” she said, her eyes lighting up with love. “You’re bright, you’re beautiful, and you’re caring. You are going to make a wonderful wife and mother someday—not that you’re thinking of those things right now. Just promise to remember your worth. Spread your wings and fly—within reason, of course—and settle down after you’ve experienced everything your heart desires. One day you’ll want something more. And when that time comes, you need to choose wisely. Pick someone who loves you as much as your granddaddy loves you, someone who provides for you the way your father does, and someone who makes you laugh as if you’re with your best friend. In the meantime, experience life to the fullest, while remaining true to yourself. What’s meant to be will eventually be. Just make sure you enjoy life in the meantime.”

  Thick emotion made its way up my throat and I swallowed back a sob. Crying was not something I typically did, and I wasn’t about to start now. I threw my arms around Mags’s neck and gave her a squeeze. Finally, I understood what she was trying to tell me. Embrace new experiences, they’re a natural part of life; don’t let fear stop me from trying new things; and never compromise my beliefs or integrity—for anyone, no matter how gorgeous they might be.

  “I love you, Mags,” I said, as I tightly clutched her neck. “Thank you.”

  “Oh, Addy! You’re welcome.” She chuckled. “And I love you, too. So very much. Now, you’re gonna have to loosen your grip unless your intention is to choke me.”

  My heart felt lighter as I trudged my way home that afternoon. Admittedly, the idea of Jake was a little scary. But he was a good guy with a good head on his shoulders—he’d already proven that. I decided to move forward with wherever this was going, yet not burden myself with expectations. I was going to enjoy my summer and everything it had to offer.

  And that included the handsome cowboy.

  Chapter Seven

  I was ready by seven forty-five and sat in my bedroom watching the driveway, anxiously awaiting Jake’s arrival. I had chosen to wear my favorite burgundy dress with the spaghetti straps. It flattered my slim figure without making me look tacky. Plus, the rich color brought out the gray in my eyes.

  Yeah, like he’s going to be looking at my eyes. I snickered. Pulling my long hair up into a loose bun, I headed downstairs ready for the night to begin. I decided to wear my swimsuit under my dress after all, and just hoped Mom wouldn’t ask to see it.

  My parents were in the family room, relaxing in front of the television when I walked in. “Ruby’s bonfire tonight?” my dad asked, barely glancing up from the Friday-night lineup.

  “Yeah. I missed her last one, so I have to show up tonight or she’ll revoke her best friend status.”

  Dad chuckled and finally moved his eyes from the TV, noticing for the first time my choice of clothing for the evening. His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re kinda overdressed for a bonfire, wouldn’t you say?”

  I felt the familiar sting of blush rush over my cheeks, but before I could answer, my mom piped in with a question of her own. “What’s up with those boots? They’re a little too . . . red . . . doncha think?”

  I twisted my leg to the side and looked down, admiring the soft leather. “What, you don’t like them?”

  Mom stared at me warily and chose not to answer. “Is Ruby coming to pick you up?”

  Just then, I heard a horn honk, and I felt my stomach twist into a million intricate knots. A moment later there was a knock at the door, and my heart flip-flopped as I suddenly realized I couldn’t put off explaining who was chaperoning me any longer. “Uh—no, Ruby’s not picking me up tonight. I invited Jake.”

  My parents noticeably stilled and regarded me with identical shocked expressions. “Jake, as in college boy Jake?” Mom asked with trepidation while Dad sat like a statue on the sofa, eerily quiet. In the meantime, the doorbell rang out and I began to fidget nervously.

  “I thought it would be nice to introduce him to some people,” I explained quickly. “After all, he is new in town.” I gave them my best “duh” expression, and just before I left the room to answer the front door I noticed Mom give Dad “the look,” and my heart sank.

  What if they say no? I worried. Would they do that to me?

  Upon opening the door, I immediately decided that whatever amount of discomfort I had to go through with my parents concerning the evening ahead, it would all be worth it. Standing before me was what could only be described as a Texan god. Strong, tanned, and wearing the sexiest smile in all of Georgia—and quite possibly the Northern Hemisphere—was Jake.

  His eyes traveled leisurely up my body and I felt my breath catch in my throat. Annoyed by the obvious effect he had on me, I sighed inwardly and forced myself to greet him. “Hey, Jake.” I smiled sweetly before biting my lip. “Thank you for picking me up.”

  Wow.

  “You’re welcome, Addison. You look amazing,” Jake responded, looking sincere. “Those boots are incredible. And your dress . . . It really brings out the color of your eyes.” The impact of his words caught me off guard and I barely heard my parents come into the room.

  Breathe.

  “Jake,” my father stated, using his I-am-the-boss-and-you-should-be-scared voice. He walked over and grasped Jake’s hand in a firm shake.

  “Mr. Monroe. Thank you for allowing me to accompany Addison this evening. It was so nice of her to offer to introduce me to her friends. I really haven’t had the opportunity to meet anyone yet.” My jaw dropped in awe. Somehow, he had known the perfect thing to say without me having to coach him.

  My dad visibly relaxed and a friendly smile covered his face. “How many times do I have to tell you, Jake? Please, call me Carl. Have you met my wife, Renee?”

  Mom smiled politely and took the hand Jake offered her. “Not officially,” Jake replied with a charming grin. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am. I can see now where Addison gets her pretty gray eyes,” he drawled, his Texas accent just a touch more noticeable than normal.

  Mom absolutely beamed. “Well, thank you, Jake. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

  Is she seriously blushing right now?

  “Well, we’d better get going. Ruby’s going to have a conniption if I’m not there soon,” I said quickly, grabbing Jake by the elbow and guiding him toward the door.

  “You’ll be home at the usual time, right?” my mama called after us.

  “Yes, one o’clock,” I answered with a mischievous wink.

  She rewarded me with her all-knowing mom expression. “I think you mean twelve thirty.”

  “Oh yeah. Twelve thirty.” I at least had to try, right?

  “Don’t worry, Mrs. Monroe. I promise to have Addison back in one piece and on time.” Jake smiled at my parents and waved as he opened the truck door for me. I slid into the passenger seat and noticed that Mom and Dad looked suitably appeased, if not downright impressed, as they returned his wave.

  Jake came around and hopped into the driver’s seat. He turned the key and slid the truck smoothly into gear—as smooth as an old truck could slide, anyway. Giving me a sideways smirk, he asked, “Are you ready?”

  Smiling back, I couldn’t help but acknowledge his velvety interaction with my parents. “You think you’re pretty charming, don’t you?”

  “What do you mean?” he asked coyly as he pulled out onto the road.

  “You know exactly what I mean. You practically had them eating out of the palm of your hand!”

  “Maybe I’m just good with parents?”

  “Or maybe you’re just really cheesy?”

  “Cheesy? I’m offended you think so little of me, Addison,” he teased. He’d left his cowboy hat at home and his dark hair fell casually over his forehead in the most appealing way. The urge to reach out and brush it away from his eyes was intense, but I forced myself to stop thinking crazy. “You really do look great, by the way,” he said again, giving me a long look. “Those boots are . . . really somethi
ng else.”

  A jolt of electricity shot through me and I smiled shyly at his compliment. The pounding in my chest was at an all-time high and I vaguely wondered if Jake knew CPR. My heart could only take so much . . .

  A short while later, we pulled into Ruby’s winding driveway, and Jake surveyed the property with appreciation. “Wow, this is nice,” he commented as he took in the fantastic view.

  “Pretty impressive, huh? It’s great having a best friend whose parents are loaded.”

  “I bet,” he agreed. “What do they do for a living?” he asked, turning his eyes toward me.

  “They both sell real estate.”

  “They’re making this kind of money in Lakeside?” he questioned, completely bewildered.

  “Not just here. They own their own company in Atlanta.”

  He nodded his understanding and continued to take in the enormous plot of land overlooking the lake. Several familiar cars were already parked when he pulled his truck into an empty spot. Shutting off the engine, he turned to me with a grin and said, “Wait right there.” He hopped out of the old Ford and came around to my side, opening the door for me. I gave him a big smile as my stomach began a series of somersaults.

  As we made our way up the beige and gray stone walkway, I admired the creeping ivy climbing up the front of the stately older house. Ruby had been my best friend for years, yet I always felt like I was visiting a fancy beachside resort every time I came to her home. It was that beautiful. We walked onto the porch and I rang the doorbell, patiently waiting for someone to answer. Moments later, the knotty pine door opened, revealing a beaming Ruby, dressed in her new bikini and a long, flowing sarong.

  “You made it!” she screeched, enveloping me in a cloud of her mother’s Chanel No. 5. “God, I love those boots! They’re even more fantastic than I remember!”

  Laughing, I untangled myself from her arms. “I said I would be here.” We stood smiling at each other, relishing the close camaraderie we felt. “Ruby,” I began, taking a deep breath. “You remember Jake?” I knew very well that she did. No teenage girl in her right mind would be able to forget his dreamlike perfection.