Book Read Free

The Fire Went Wild (Home is a Fire Book 2)

Page 19

by Jordan Nasser


  “Yes, ma’am, I do,” I replied, standing still as the song changed and the tempo began to build.

  “Now you get over there and dance with your man, you hear me?” she said, fiercely. “You go do what I couldn’t. ‘Cause we fought for that, in our own way. It just took too long for Janey and me to benefit from that battle. But you go claim what’s yours. You got me? Now, go set me back down. But bring me a little plastic cup. I’m gonna need a little of my medicine to get through all this.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I smiled. “My pleasure.” I walked her back over to her chair, then retrieved a plastic cup from the refreshments table and placed it in her hand as she reached for the flask inside the coat pocket she had draped over her chair.

  “Go on. Git,” she said with a nod of her head, and I was dismissed as quickly as I had been welcomed.

  “Trying to make me jealous?” said Luke, as I sidled up beside him.

  “Did it work?” I asked.

  “Get over here,” he said, as he pulled me into his arms and kissed me softly. “We’re supposed to be monitoring the dance floor, remember?”

  “Lead the way, Mr. Walcott,” I demurred.

  He took my hand and pulled me gently through the crowd as we made our way to the center of the dance floor. It was an uptempo song, so we didn’t have to have that awkward discussion about who was leading. Jett and his date happened to be dancing just to our left, next to Chip Carter and his girlfriend. Jett looked over at Luke and me and nodded. “Hey, Pops!” he jeered. “Lookin’ good. You, too, Mr. Derek.” He and Chip exchanged high fives over their dates’ heads. That kid really was a piece of work, but maybe Bammy was right. He just needed a good role model. Perhaps Luke and I could step up, in some way, after all? I don’t know. I had my mentors over the years. Maybe that’s all he needed, too?

  It was amazing how quickly this had all escalated: the CCCP, the walkout, the turmoil. But just as soon as it was over, it was over. No one wanted to keep dredging up the past, and we were back to quietly ignoring our differences, pretending that they weren’t there to begin with. A few kids snickered at us, but overall, no one seemed to care much. Occasionally a wolf whistle would ring out through the air, directed our way. I always wondered, didn’t the straight guy who did that realize he was the one flirting with us? No, they just ignore that aspect of the equation. It’s uncomfortable. But I didn’t want to ignore everything. I wanted to be me, again, without the smoke and mirrors and self-awareness, especially after my conversation with Miss Mabel. Too many people fought too hard for too many years for us to accept a life in the shadows as second-class citizens. Activist me was starting to argue with pacifist me, but perhaps I should hold off on that? Right now I just wanted to dance.

  The DJ switched gears again and the opening strains of Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper started playing. Luke looked into my eyes and I could sense a change in his demeanor.

  “Babe?” I asked. “What’s up? Are you okay?”

  “Never better,” he answered, “but I have something to ask you.” He stepped back, holding both of my hands in his, then bent down on one knee. I froze. A circle of students formed around us, all of them slowing down to watch, some of them making faces, others just too shocked to believe it. Cell phones suddenly appeared all around us, snapping pictures and videos. I could see Jett and Chip smirking out of the corner of my eye. My heart started racing. Luke, no. No, no, no! We are definitely not ready for this. How can I stop him from…

  “Derek?” he spoke, looking up at me from his bent knee position. “Will you…”

  We woke up the very next morning and headed over to Red’s for the monthly Walcott Brunch, except today it was planned as a get together for our extended family and friends. Luke told me that Rosa usually liked taking care of everything by herself, but since the group was so large today, she brought in some help from Lloyd’s, the go-to caterer for Parkville’s elite. She was still in charge, there was no doubt about that, but now she had a small army of attractive ladies and strapping young men in crisp white tuxedo shirts and black trousers running back and forth from the kitchen, carrying silver trays arranged with fancy hors d’oeuvres. Rosa had decided on a Southern theme for the day, with just a hint of a Mexican twist. There were mini cheese biscuits with a slice of ham and jalapeño jam, fried shrimp on wooden skewers with a picante dipping sauce, and amazingly tasty mini crab cakes. A full buffet was set up not far from the gazebo, with a chef carving a roast beef. The bar was set up on the veranda, featuring an assortment of beers, spirits and, of course, micheladas and margaritas. Lloyd Barton stood at the edge of the crowd, surveying his handiwork, snapping his fingers and firing off commands to his staff as they passed him. He was getting on in years, but his services were still in high demand.

  “Very nice, Lloyd, as always,” I heard Red say, as Luke and I arrived on the veranda. “Rosa is very pleased.”

  “Well, thank you kindly, Red,” he responded. “I know Rosa has a firm command over this house, but it’s always a pleasure when she relinquishes it just a little bit to our team. We’ll get back to work, now. See you at the club, later this week? I hear Belle’s worked out a new number that’s sure to cause a ruckus. At least, from what she says!” They chuckled together, shook hands and parted. Well, Lloyd Barton, that wasn’t much of a surprise revelation. It seemed most of Parkville’s leading men were members of the Bears’ Club. I guess Luke and I were too young, and too out, to get invited to that party.

  “Welcome, gentleman,” said Red, as he turned to greet us. “Rosa is running around here somewhere, but most of your friends have already arrived. Can I interest you in a cocktail?”

  “Yes, sir,” said Luke. “I’ll get those.” He walked over to the bartender and ordered a michelada for himself and a Bloody Mary for me.

  “Things have settled down, I see,” said Red to me, while Luke was at the bar. “That is good. I was not too fond of all the attention, as you may have surmised.”

  “Yes, sir,” I nodded. “We’re pretty happy that it’s all over, too. And Michael seems to be settling in well, wouldn’t you say?” I spotted him down at the gazebo with Bammy, drink in hand, caught up in a lively conversation with Kit and Shawn. Tommy and Meredith were holding hands, taking a stroll around the garden. He was pointing towards the horizon at some unknown landmark off in the distance.

  “Michael is a fine boy,” said Red. “I made an error in judgment many years ago, and I am grateful that he has seen fit to forgive me. He and Rosa, both. Family ties are very important to me, as you well know.”

  “Well, he’s told us all that he’s really enjoying working with you,” I said. “Bammy said he’s never been happier.” Luke rejoined us, handed me my drink and placed one arm securely around my waist. Was he protecting me from Red? Old habits, I suppose, but I didn’t think it was necessary, anymore. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the feeling of security.

  “That was not the only error I have made in my lifetime,” he continued. “Luke, your mother may not have outwardly approved of your recent revelations, but there is one thing that is certain in my mind. She may not have been the best at expressing her emotions, however she did indeed love you and your sister, and her only goal was to see you two happy. I’m sure, with time, she would have come to respect your relationship, as Rosa and I have. You may not believe me, but she would have taken a liking to you, Derek. Posy connected well with those few in our midst who have a little something extra hidden behind their eyes, as you do. She did love her secrets.” He smiled, to himself.

  Before we could respond, Rosa opened the door from inside the house. “Mi amor? We have more guests.” Smiling, she held out her hand as Mom, Johnny and Barry stepped out onto the veranda.

  “Why, Audrey Walter! My stars, you do not seem to age,” said Red, as he took my mom’s hands and kissed her cheek.

  “Oh, Red, you sweet talker,” she responded. “Some things just improve with time. You remember my husband, Johnny?”

  “Ye
s, of course. A pleasure to see you, again,” he said, grasping his hand for a firm shake. “It has been some years. Luke and Derek did tell me you have returned from California. Welcome.”

  “I don’t age either, Red,” Barry interjected, “but my secret’s not so much of a secret. I’m just pickled. Vodka does wonders! But enough with our beauty secrets and social graces, join me for a cocktail? I know this is a social affair, but I have a few Bears’ Club items I’d like to bring up, if that’s all right? I’d like to discuss this ‘rezoning’ issue that Mayor Bellman is taking on as his big fight. I think our friend Belle hasn’t really thought this thing through. What say you and I put our heads together to put a kibosh on that, hmmm? Before some rather damaging information gets out, if you know what I mean?”

  “I’d say I agree with you wholeheartedly, my friend,” said Red, smiling. “No sense stirring up any more nonsense than we need to, right?” They wandered away together, making their plan to bring Belle back down to size. They were an odd pair, but I could see the affection they shared for one another. I’d have to fill Luke in on that story, one day. Maybe.

  “Why don’t you all grab a drink and join us down at the gazebo?” said Luke to my family, then took my hand as we walked down the steps and onto the well manicured lawn.

  “Did you ever in your life imagine a day like this?” I asked him, as we walked towards the gazebo. “Your family and mine, cocktails, Michael, all of our friends?”

  “It’s a lot to take in,” he said. “But, no, not really. It’s kind of crazy.”

  “Should we tell them?” I asked.

  “Of course,” he said, stopping in the grass. “It’s the perfect day. Everyone’s here. I want to scream it at the top of my lungs.”

  “You don’t think it’s too fast?”

  “Babe, Tarzan always gets his love, right?” he said, smiling.

  “And the greyhound keeps his eye on the prize,” I said as I kissed him.

  “And the sister always shows up to spoil the mood,” said Lana, just behind us. When did she get here? We turned to look at her walking towards us, just a few steps away. And boy, did she ever bring a mood spoiler, standing right behind her.

  “I like to keep y’all on your toes,” she said, as a way of excusing herself before reaching over to give Luke a kiss on the cheek, then, surprisingly, directing an air kiss towards me, several inches from the landing zone.

  “Before y’all freak out, let me say something,” she started. “We’ve all made mistakes, so let’s not pretend that we’re all perfect. Casting stones hasn’t worked out for any of us, in either direction. I think we all learned that. Beside, she’s been my best friend since we were kids, and that’s not changing, no matter what. Amber? Would you like to add anything?” she asked.

  Amber stepped out from behind Lana, a demure but defiant smile on her face. She looked perfectly put together, as always, the picture perfect Southern belle.

  “Luke,” was the only word she uttered.

  “Amber,” he said, holding my hand tighter, his jaw clenching.

  “Oh, Luke,” she purred, “let’s just put all this silly nonsense behind us, all right?” Even now she thought she could just smile and get away with everything. That may have worked in the past, but no longer.

  “Well, that’s not as easy as it sounds, Amber,” he said. “I get that you were pissed off, but… Jett? What the hell? That’s seriously messed up, Amber.”

  “Well, yes,” she said, casting her eyes down, then up, “I know. But what’s a girl to do, Luke? So I made up a little story. A colorful fib. I wouldn’t be the first woman who pulled a few tricks out of the bag to try and get a man, now would I? But defeat is defeat, and I accept it. I’m sorry for all the mess I caused. I am. Forgive me?” She batted her lashes and looked up at him. My god, she never does give up.

  Luke looked at me for approval and I just sighed and shook my head. Whatever. Let’s just move on. No more bodies, okay? He understood the look in my eyes.

  “Apology accepted. But it’ll be awhile before I can trust you, again,” he warned.

  Her smile beamed and she reached up and threw her arms around his neck, practically pushing me out of the way in the process.

  “And,” he added, “I expect you to be civil to Derek.”

  “Why, of course,” she gushed, without even looking at me. “Now, introduce me to that new brother of yours? What’s his name, again? Michael? Is he seeing anyone?” She grabbed his hand and practically pulled him up the gazebo steps. Watch out, Bammy. It seems Miss Amber has now set her sights on your man, instead. I guess she doesn’t know that Bammy has a mean right hook. Personally, I couldn’t wait for those fireworks.

  “He’s happy,” said Lana, watching Luke and Amber climb the stairs. “I suppose we have you to blame for that.” I knew she was teasing with her choice of words, and it made me smile. She was coming around.

  “Well,” I said, “if your mother and Rosa and you had not raised such an amazing Southern gentlemen, then he wouldn’t have been in such high demand. So I suppose I can partially blame you for that.”

  She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Come on,” she said. “We’d better jump on up there before they suspect we’re being too friendly with each other. No sense scaring everyone today.”

  “I agree.” I held my arm out and she slipped her hand through the crook of my elbow.

  We joined the Scooby Gang on the gazebo and began enjoying the glorious afternoon. Rosa, Red, Johnny, Mom and Barry joined us, and soon we were at maximum capacity. Rosa had the waiters refill our drinks and bring up platters of food, and the sounds of laughter and clinking ice cubes filled the air.

  The afternoon grew richer with new family and new friends. My handsome Southern gentleman, of course, found the perfect moment to share our news. Luke stood at the end of the long table, opposite his father, and tapped his spoon along the side of his glass. Clink, clink, clink. “May I have everyone’s attention?” he asked. The crowd grew quiet, and shifted their focus towards him. The wait staff had long since stepped to the side, obediently waiting for further instructions, their arms clasped behind their backs. Lloyd Barton had trained them well. The sun was starting to set on the horizon and the soft glow of the pink sky was upon us.

  “Father, Rosa,” he began, “thank you both so much for inviting all of us here today. It’s been so nice to be surrounded by all of our family, new and old, as well as our friends. And since we all have you here, Derek and I would like to make a little announcement.” Eyes shifted left to right and various hands placed their cocktails down in order to pay full attention.

  “It was just under a year ago that Derek and I met, again,” he began. “We knew each other in high school, but not really. It took a few years, and a few girlfriends,” he glanced at Amber, “for us to realize what we could mean to each other, and we’ve spent the last few months really enjoying our time together, even if that meant standing up to an entire town. But that brought us closer together. We even went to the prom last night and had the kind of experience we couldn’t have had in high school. Things change, and thankfully times do, as well, albeit slowly. We’re getting there, though. I can feel it. Throughout all of this, Derek has been spending a lot of time at my place, and, well, we’d just like to make it a bit more official. It’s really no big deal, but we just wanted to tell all y’all at once… We’re moving in together!”

  “Oh, my goodness!” exclaimed Bammy. “I’m so happy that cat’s out of the bag! I couldn’t that news in much longer, after we saw Luke get down on one knee at the dance last night. Whew!”

  “Does that mean I have the entire house to myself, now?” said Barry, practically squealing with glee. “Tommy! We need to revisit those plans. I’m gonna need much more than just a hot tub!”

  “Oh, sweetie,” said Mom, holding my dad’s hand. “We’re so happy for you. Really!”

  “Now, will you two be remaining in Luke’s house, or will you be moving on to somethin
g better?” asked Red, always the developer.

  “We haven’t decided that, yet,” I answered. “The only thing we’re sure of is that we need a little vacation, after the last few months we’ve had.”

  “It’s been quite a crazy year, hasn’t it, babe?” said Luke, a gleam in his eye.

  I smiled, happy knowing that I was about to move in with the man of my dreams. “Yes, Luke. It has definitely been wild.”

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  When I published my first novel, Home is a Fire, I was unsure of how it would be received. To say I was overwhelmed by the positive reaction is an understatement. The Fire Went Wild is in your hands today because of the support of you, the readers, and for that I remain extremely grateful.

  I have to thank my friend Jesse Summers for his help in editing the first draft. He reads without prejudice and is not afraid to tell me when I’ve gone too far, or not far enough.

  Many wonderful friends volunteered to help me proofread the final manuscript. Thank you Karyn Adams, Eunice Chang, Cynthia Tady, Bethany Wright Tillman, Angie Vicars and Cheryl Turner Walker for reading again and again, pointing out typographical mistakes, and making clear and helpful suggestions to improve the text and the story. Any errors that remain are my own.

  Thank you to Patrik Nerséus for collaborating on and producing the perfect cover art. Tack, min vän!

 

‹ Prev