Redneck Debutante

by Jenny Hammerle

  “Then we’ll just have to do our best,” Rachael commented.

  “Come on, girls. This will be fun! Travis is like our own personal guy dress-up doll!” Maysie loved shopping.

  “Yippee,” Shannah muttered unenthusiastically. “I should have stayed home. This shopping thing is not my gig.”

  The girls walked through the mall. They went into every guy store they could find. One store in particular had fitted V-neck T-shirts with really cool designs. They decided they needed at least two of these, in different colors.

  Maysie wanted pale lavender and sea-foam-green ones.

  “Definitely not,” Rachael and Shannah said in unison.

  Rachael walked over and held up the navy blue and maroon T-shirts on the other wall. They were also fitted and had cool designs but were more masculine in color.

  “You think?” Maysie asked. “I thought the sea-foam green would really accentuate his eyes.”

  “Yeah. Maybe not.” Shannah sighed. “It can’t accentuate his eyes if he refuses to wear it. Rachael’s right. The navy and maroon are the right choices here.”

  “Okay. See, that’s why I brought you two. We don’t want to end up back here next weekend returning things again.”

  They bought the T-shirts and headed to yet another store, where Maysie spied some totally cool button-up shirts that were tailored, had short sleeves and pockets on the front. There were some in plaid—blues and browns mostly—and others with pin stripes in nearly every color.

  “Do you think he would wear these?” Maysie sounded doubtful.

  “I don’t know,” Shannah said. “They are really hot—and masculine—but maybe too finished for his style. What do you think, Rachael?”

  “I think he’ll like them. Let’s get that one in the white with the thin brown pinstripes and killer design on the pockets. Maybe the green one too.”

  “These shirts are fitted. This could be tricky trying to gauge his size.” Maysie stared at the shirts.

  “I’ll go find a guy around the same size and build.” Shannah walked out of the store and soon returned with some random guy saying, “Luke here has volunteered to help us.”

  “Ladies,” Luke said by way of greeting.

  “Perfect.” Maysie smiled.

  Luke was more than willing to help the girls out. He put on the green shirt first in a small…no way too small. Next he tried a medium.

  “Hmm.” Maysie tapped a finger on her cheek. “Ladies, what do you think?”

  “It’s perfect,” Shannah said more in response to the guy than the shirt.

  “Rachael?”

  “Yep. The medium will work. Let’s get them both.”

  “Thanks, Luke.” Maysie eyed him carefully. “What size jeans do you wear?”

  “32 x 34,” Luke replied with a grin.

  “Bummer. I need a guy who wears a 33 x 36. Do you have any friends out in the mall that wear that size?” Maysie asked.

  “Nope. Sorry, ladies. Wish I could help.” Something in Luke’s eyes when he glanced at Rachael told her he really meant it. He seemed more than willing to model clothes for them all afternoon.

  “Thanks anyway,” Maysie chimed. “You’ve been a huge help.”

  Luke was gone, and the girls now made their way to a huge department store with an enormous jean selection.

  “Okay ladies, we’re looking for 33 x 36.” When they both just stared at her, she said, “33-inch waist. 36-inch length. Not loose and baggy, but not skin tight either. Just regular fit. Low at the waist and somewhat fitted through the thigh and butt. Not boot cut. Not slim. Just regular.”

  Then from behind them Rachael heard a familiar voice.

  “Excuse me, ladies. Can I help you with your purchase?”

  It was Travis. He had Jason with him.

  “Oh, good. We won’t have to pay rent and stay here all night.” Shannah sighed.

  “So how’s the shopping going?” Travis asked.

  “Super!” Maysie responded excitedly. “We bought some shirts so far. Rachael picked most of them. Wanna see?”

  Travis glanced at Rachael. “Sure. If Rachael picked them, they’re probably not half bad.” After examining the bags, he added, “The T-shirts are really cool. The button-up shirts look pretty good too.”

  “We had a male model.” Maysie smiled, very happy with their progress.

  “A male model?” Travis laughed.

  “Yep. Shannah found this guy who seemed really eager to try on anything we threw at him. And he also seemed interested in Rachael too.”

  Rachael could feel herself blush. Travis grinned, exchanged a knowing glance with Jason, then cut his eyes at Rachael. “I’ll bet he was.”

  “But he wore different-sized jeans than you do. I’m so glad you’re here. You can model jeans for us yourself.”

  “Sure. And Jason needs a pair too.” Travis laughed.

  “Why not?” Jason replied.

  “What do we do?” Travis asked.

  “I’ll help Jason pick some styles. Maybe Rachael and Shannah can help you.”

  Maysie proceeded to pick out some really flashy jeans for Jason. The majority had designs and studs, even some leather patches. Out of the corner of Rachael’s eye she could see Jason shaking his head as if to say, “I don’t think so…hmm…maybe not.” But all in all he was handling it pretty well.

  “She’s a mess,” Travis said softly to himself.

  “We know.” Shannah sounded exhausted from the all-day shopping experience. “You should have seen the lavender shirt she picked earlier for you.”

  “Lavender?” was all Travis could choke out.

  “Yeah. Rachael saved you from that one and the sea-foam green as well.”

  “Thanks, RD. Much appreciated,” Travis said sweetly.

  “RD?” Rachael asked.

  “Redneck Debutante,” Travis joked.

  Rachael just laughed. The three picked out a huge stack of jeans for Travis to try on in a variety of colors, including black, indigo, acid-washed, light blue and navy. Travis was a good sport and agreed to try on everything except for the white jeans Maysie eventually thrust at him.

  He went into the changing rooms with Jason—in separate stalls, of course. They were guys, after all. They modeled all of the jeans. In the end the girls decided they each needed a pair of the indigo jeans with the tears in them, a pair of the acid-washed, and Maysie spent about ten minutes trying to convince Jason the pair of low-waist, skinny jeans was perfect.

  “Those are really nice, Jason. They make you look so petite and thin. I think they do wonders for your butt,” Travis teased.

  “I know,” Jason teased back. “All the girls will love these. Maybe with a pair of heels and a crew neck T-shirt.”

  “Sure. Joke you two, but trust me. I am a girl, and they look good!” Maysie sounded annoyed.

  “They actually do,” Rachael interjected. “I think they are hot.”

  “I hate to admit it, but Maysie is right this time, guys. They are a definite buy.” Shannah added her two cents too.

  “So the vote is in. Three to two the skinny jeans win!” Maysie cheered.

  “Better you than me.” Travis added. “I don’t have the slender thighs for it.”

  Jason reached over and punched Travis in the arm. But in the end, Jason gave in and bought the skinny jeans. What guy wouldn’t have? Three cute girls told him they were hot.

  Shannah announced she was starving, so everyone headed to the food court for pizza and sodas. After their late afternoon lunch Maysie suggested the shop-a-thon continue, but both Jason and Shannah said they needed to head home.

  Rachael could see by the look in Maysie’s eyes she didn’t want to miss this opportunity to run Jason home, but Travis still needed shoes and some shorts.

  “Travis,” Maysie suggested, “why don’t you and Rachael stay and finish shopping? You still need some more shorts and a few more shirts. I can run Jason and Shannah home.”

  “Do you have anywhere you
need to be?” Travis asked Rachael.

  “Nope.”

  Maysie. What are you doing? You think your brother likes me, and you are leaving the two of us alone? I know you like Jason but don’t leave me in an uncomfortable situation here.

  As if sensing Rachael’s trepidation, Travis said, “We should all head home. Sophie is coming over this evening to hang out. I need to get back.”

  Rachael was both instantly relieved and a little annoyed. Sophie? Hmmm.

  Everyone said their good-byes. Maysie, Shannah, and Rachael headed home while Travis ran Jason home.

  When Rachael got home, she showed her aunt and mom the new clothes she’d exchanged for the others. They loved her choices. Then she went into her closet and hung them up. She was still annoyed and couldn’t figure out why.

  Then, several hours later, while lying in bed—nervous about her first day at a new high school—Rachael put her finger on it. I like Travis! What do I do? I have a boyfriend back home! Colten…and I love Colten! Travis is cute and sweet. So is Colten. But Colten is back home, and Travis is here. Is it possible to like two guys at once? I was actually jealous when Travis chose to go home and meet Sophie instead of staying at the mall with me! What’s wrong with me? Dad. That’s it. I’ll call Dad.

  Rachael’s father answered his phone immediately. “Something wrong, baby girl?”

  “Not really. Sorry to call so late. I couldn’t sleep.”

  “That’s understandable. Tomorrow is a big day. Starting high school and everything.”

  “I wish that was all that was bothering me,” Rachael said glumly.

  “What is it?”

  “Guy troubles. Dad, I think I’m in love with Colten, but I like Travis.”

  “That’s only natural. Colten is your boyfriend, and he’s way over here in Palm Beach. Travis is a friend, and you and he have been spending a lot of time together. Right?”

  “Not just the two of us. More like in groups of friends,” Rachael clarified.

  “Still, even in groups, if the two of you are compatible and you find him attractive, which I assume you do, then feelings can develop where you didn’t expect them to.”

  “So what do I do?”

  “If you want to stay with Colten, you need to distance yourself from Travis. With school starting it shouldn’t be so hard,” her father advised.

  “You think?” Rachael asked.

  “I know, honey. You’ll be busy with classes and afterschool activities. Your focus will change, and then you’ll see. Now try to get some sleep. You have school in the morning.”

  “Thanks, Dad. ’Night. Love you.”

  “’Night, honey. Love you too.”

  Good. At least I’m normal. Some distance and space will fix everything. Less time with Travis is what I need. I can do that.

  Rachael picked up her picture frame and read.

  Do you remember that day on the yacht?

  Rachael finally breathed a sigh of relief and sank into sleep.

  12

  RACHAEL ROLLED OUT OF BED AT 5:00 A.M. and put on her boots to go out to the barn to feed Taffy her bottle, feed and hay.

  This part of the school day was new—feeding a calf before dawn every morning before getting ready for school. Back on the Island Rachael’s biggest concern was getting her hair and makeup perfect. Taffy would change her entire schoolday routine. Rachael went through the schedule in her head while Taffy sucked down the last of her bottle.

  Feed Taffy. Check.

  Get a shower and do hair and makeup.

  Eat breakfast.

  Be ready to go by six-thirty!

  A glance at her watch told Rachael she really needed to get moving if she wanted to have time for all of that. She practically sprinted back to the house, where she showered and changed in record time.

  No time to shave this morning. Jeans would have to suffice.

  Hair…curly and wild today with scrunching mousse would be easiest and fastest.

  Makeup...not too much. Lip gloss, blush, mascara, shadow, and liner. No time for base and powder.

  Breakfast. Is it really six-thirty? Maybe something to eat on the run.

  Just then Rachael heard the doorbell.

  That would be Maysie and Shannah. Okay, scratch the whole breakfast thing. There isn’t time.

  When Rachael hurried down the hall, she was relieved to see her mother holding a bagel with cream cheese in a napkin and a coffee in an insulated mug.

  “Just the way you like it. Lightly toasted. Extra cream cheese. Coffee with two sugars and extra cream. Have a great first day!” her mother said.

  A quick hug and a kiss good-bye, and Rachael was out the door, on her way to public high school.

  “Wow, Rachael! You look fantastic. Love the wild hair. It gives you a dangerous, bad-girl kind of look. It’s hot!” Maysie said in greeting.

  “Thanks.” She got into Maysie’s convertible. “You guys look great too.”

  Rachael looked around and noticed Travis was missing.

  “He’s driving Sophie to school,” Shannah said as if she had read Rachael’s mind. “She’s only a freshman.”

  “That’s terrific,” Rachael said a little too enthusiastically. If either friend caught the slip-up, she didn’t make a big deal over it.

  “Are you nervous?” Shannah asked.

  “No. Excited, really. How many kids are at this school anyway?”

  “About 2,500,” Shannah answered. “Our chances of having any classes together are pretty slim.”

  “What math are you both taking?” Rachael asked.

  “We’re both in Geometry. You?” Maysie asked.

  “Algebra II. I took Geometry freshman year.” Rachael had hoped they would at least have a math class in common.

  “What about language classes?” Shannah asked.

  “French II,” Maysie answered.

  “Spanish III,” Rachael added.

  “Spanish I. I’m not much for the foreign languages.” Shannah giggled.

  “What about science?”

  “Chem II,” Rachael answered.

  “Chem I,” Maysie and Shannah said in unison.

  “It doesn’t look like we’ll have any classes together. Maybe PE.” Rachael was hopeful for that. One class with her friends would be good.

  “Well, if you weren’t such a brainiac,” Shannah huffed in jest.

  “It was that prep school. They really pushed us,” Rachael responded.

  “With that schedule and those classes I’ll bet you’ll have some junior and senior guys in your classes. I know you don’t care because you have Colten and all, but we do. We’ll want to hear all of the details this afternoon.”

  Rachael grinned. “I’ll make sure to scope out all of the hotties in both Algebra II and Chem II.”

  When the girls got to school, they parked in the student lot and headed to their first period classes. That’s where they parted ways. A quick review of their schedules showed them they only had lunch together.

  At least we have that. I won’t have to sit alone.

  Rachael was off to Algebra II. She liked the professor and thought he was super nice. This class would be challenging but fun.

  Next was Spanish II. Then English.

  Why were the foreign language and English teachers always so out there? Her Spanish teacher was wearing a huge sombrero with an orange T-shirt and red tights. She was very flighty and a little off.

  Her English Honors II teacher jumped right into Greek literature and the island of Lesbos. She had on clogs! Really? Yes, those were indeed clogs. Not in the fashionable sense like Candies. No, she was wearing dancing clogs. Maybe she likes to dance around the room or something. She had on a long, flowing skirt with a floral, smock-shaped shirt. She looked like a total hippie.

  Okay, so the last two classes…hmm. Not sure what to make of those.

  Finally it was lunchtime.

  Rachael got a slice of pizza and chocolate milk. She took a seat and waited for Maysie
and Shannah. Here they come. Rachael spied them in conversation with another girl and the three slowly made their way to the table.

  “Hey, Rachael. This is our friend Amber. She is a sophomore too.”

  “Hey, Amber. Nice to meet you.”

  “Rachael is in a lot of smart classes with upperclassman. We’re hoping she will have some hottie in there to report to us.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you, ladies. None yet. Maybe this afternoon in Chem II.”

  “I certainly hope so.” Shannah said.

  “Amber is now dating Clay. He plays football with Gabe, Jason, and Travis. Do you remember him from the river?” Maysie asked.

  “Yep. A real nice guy,” Rachael said flatteringly.

  Amber glowed. “I sure like him. We’ve been going out for three months.”

  “Amber is a dancer here for the high school,” Maysie stated.

  “Hey, Maysie, our dance captain said we’re holding auditions next week,” Amber said. “We need to replace four girls who didn’t make grades at the end of last year. Thought you might be interested.”

  “Thanks! I’m definitely interested. I’m taking a break from my dance studio for this year.” Maysie sighed. “Getting a little burned out. I need a change.”

  “Dance auditions?” Rachael asked.

  “Yep.” Amber continued, “Do you dance too?”

  “Yes, and I miss my studio back home. Maybe we can try out together? I’ve always wanted to dance for a real high school with football games and everything. At my school back home there isn’t a football team, so there isn’t much need for a dance team.” Rachael looked hopefully to Maysie.

  “Hooray!” Maysie was always so upbeat. “How about you, Shannah?”

  “No dance for me,” Shannah stated blandly. “Don’t get me wrong. I can dance. I just don’t like to.”

  “Come on,” Maysie tried to convince her, “it would be fun. We can help you get ready for the try-out next week. Pleeeaaasssee! For us?”

  Rachael added, “It would give us something to do together.”

  “Okay. But I am only saying okay because I will never make it and then I can watch you both from the bleachers at the games.”

  “You never know. You might make it,” Rachael warned.