I rubbed the sleep from the corners of my eyes. “Wow. What is it with you guys? You scrog any girl that opens her legs but then one asks you to and you don’t?”
The nerf ball hit me in the face after it left his hands. “Excuse me. She’s fifteen and I’m eighteen and somewhere along the line, Dad taught us that was a noble thing to do.”
“Noble? Big word for you and you scrogged Estelle before we left. What was it…four girls in Cannon?” He smiled as I recounted. “Claire when we got back and whoever else before Ali. Show me the nobility. Please tell me you use condoms, you man whore.”
This time he kicked me. “That’s a stupid question, Runt. I’m not going to get some girl knocked up before college. Do you and Zach use protection?”
I retaliated by throwing the nerf ball back at him. “Dude—we haven’t done it. I already told you that. ”
“You’re shitting me.” I could read in his eyes he thought I was lying. “You’ve been together for like seven or eight months. What about at Shasta?”
I shook my head. “Nope. And it isn’t for a lack of me trying. He wants to wait till he’s off probation. I thought I told you that already.”
“Why are you girls so ready to give it up? Ali was ready too.”
Ryan had a great point and I didn’t have a good answer. Zach and I had managed to date eight months without doing it and still had it to look forward to. “I don’t know. I feel like he’s the one.”
“Emma, he may be the one. But what happens when we leave for Cannon or worse yet…he heads back south?”
I stood up and stretched my arms high in the air. “I’m getting in the shower.”
“Hard to face?”
I ignored him. “I need to call Ali. What do you want me to say?”
He leaned off the bed and picked up the ball to resume his basketball playing. “Tell her the truth. She’s got to knock this shit off and enjoy life a little and not always be looking at the dark side.”
I smiled and pulled the door closed.
My chest was tight with anxiety as spring break, graduation and summer stared me in the face. Each of them…one at time…leading to our downfall. Time was running out for us and no matter what I did, he was leaving me. Ali must have conceded and adjusted herself accordingly because she and Ryan seemed back on track at least for the time being. I wasn’t sure if he’d told her that he and his buddies were headed down to Puerto Vallarta for spring break. Mom and Dad were going for a couple of days too. I remembered when they gave him the trip at Christmas. He was so excited until they broke the news to him. I laughed just thinking about his face. His trip was five days and theirs three. I begged to stay home because at the time, I was broken hearted without Zach and surprisingly, they caved; especially after finding out that Zach was headed to Cancun. But now, three months later, I wished I was going.
Zach and the San Francisco crew were also headed to Cancun for five days, and I secretly hoped that he couldn’t go because of his probation. I knew it wasn’t fair and tremendously selfish, but I wished he’d stay. His court date was scheduled for March 9th and I, with the approval of my parents and Zach, tagged along. This drive to Medford was much different than the last—with a sense of enthusiasm filling the car.
Once inside the courthouse, we headed to the courtroom. The hallway was full and Zach held my hand as we found an empty bench where we all sat together. His attorney was waiting and pulled Zach aside to talk. Pictures of two of the judges hung in the hallway in thick gold ornate frames.
Apparently, the court docket was running behind, but given that his parents had hired private counsel, he thought we’d get right in. I was certain that would upset the other families in the hallway. Outside of an occasional hand squeeze, we didn’t talk much.
“When are you leaving for Cancun,” I whispered.
“I’m driving to Sacramento on Wednesday around noon and flying to San Francisco that night. Then Thursday we all fly out…stay Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday then fly back on Monday. Then staying in the city for a couple of nights.” He shrugged.
“So you’re leaving before school is out?” I didn’t know that.
“Yeah. The place mom reserved was taken that next week starting on Tuesday so we’re takin off early. Why?”
“Just wondering.” I wouldn’t have let him see the internal reaction firing off in my body.
The three days my folks were gone were Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday…two days of which he could be back. I wouldn’t sway him. After all he’d been through, he needed this. As much as I hated it…hated being away from him.
“Are you worried?” he asked nudging me with his shoulder.
“Please. Hot sandy beach. Four gorgeous guys. Beautiful, tall, skinny girls flaunting half naked on the hot sandy beach in front of four gorgeous guys. Mix in a little alcohol.” My stomach twisted just thinking about it. “Not at all.”
His perfect smile eased me. “You’re always so cute when you’re jealous.”
I elbowed him in the ribs hitting his tie. “Maybe you shouldn’t drink.”
His brows rose high on his forehead. “I won’t drink much. You can trust that.”
I found little comfort in his words.
He lifted my chin till our eyes met. “You drank with Grant.”
I swallowed as he said the words. “I know.”
“That was a rotten night for me,” he confided.
“That was over a month ago. I thought about you the entire time.” I kept my voice low.
He narrowed his gaze. “Even when you kissed him?” His eyes searched my face for a reaction. “Did you know I knew that?”
I shamefully shook my head. “Did he tell you?”
He laughed half-heartedly. “You told me. That night, we were both in your room. You were so exhausted and I don’t think you had a clue who was there. You asked him if you still kissed like a fish. At first he said nothing and wouldn’t look at me. Then you asked again.” He closed his eyes and chuckled under his breath. “He finally said no and stared at me when he said it. You have no idea how that felt.”
The side of my cheek hurt from where I was gnawing. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t like a kiss that…”
He placed two fingers to my lips to stop me from talking. “Em. You’re with me, not him and I know that. If you did it…you had a reason and…”
“Zach. We’re up.” The attorney pointed at him and he stood taking a deep breath and pressed his slacks with his hands. His dad patted his back and he held the door for his mom.
“Come on.” He said looking at me.
My brows rose on my forehead. I never dreamed he’d want me inside. “Are you sure?”
“This is one you can be a part of.” He smiled.
I quickly went to his side and we walked in together. The judge already sat behind the bench. This was my first time in a courtroom. It was small and outside of a clock, the walls were bare. Zach sat next to his attorney at a table and we sat behind a small partition.
“Which case?” the judge asked looking at a small table across from where we sat.
“Owens JV4744.” She spoke swiftly picking a folder from a stack.
“The court will call the case of Zachary Owens. Case # JV4744—transfer of venue from the county of San Francisco, California. This is a courtesy supervision, correct?
The lady stood again. “Yes, your honor. Our court took jurisdiction in April of last year.”
“Fine. Appearances.”
The woman stood again. “May it please the court, Midge Harris, appearing on behalf of the state.” She sat.
Zach’s attorney stood buttoning his suit jacket and Zach stood beside him. “May it please the court; Zach Owens appears in person and with counsel, Jeff Hess.” They sat.
“The Court is in receipt of a memo dated today’s date from Mr. Owens probation officer. Have all parties had a chance to review the memo?” That must have been what his attorney showed him in the hall.
“Yes
Judge.” They both answered.
“Any objection to it being placed in evidence?” the judge inquired.
“No.” In unison again.
“Ms. Harris?”
“Thanks, Your Honor. The state would respectfully request that Mr. Owens be released of his probation. The memo reflects that he did everything as directed in his original probation agreement and the state would commend him on his efforts.” She found her chair again.
“Mr. Hess?”
“Thank you Judge. Ms. Harris is correct. My client has gone above and beyond what he has needed to do to complete his probation. He has certainly learned his lesson and I feel confident, Your Honor will never see him before this Court again. We would ask that the court follow the state’s recommendation and terminate probation. Thank you.”
The judge lowered his glasses on his nose and looked at Zach. My heart beat hard.
“Young man, would you like to address this court?”
Zach’s nervous eyes jetted toward his attorney who nodded at him then back to the judge. Zach stood. “I just want the court to know that I did learn my lesson, and I guarantee—you won’t see me back here.” He nervously chuckled at the end. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Owens.” The judge said and paused, writing on something. “The court finds that Mr. Owens has successfully completed his probation and will terminate the case. Is there anything further to come before the court?”
“No, Judge.” Both parties answered.
“If there’s nothing further, the court is in recess.”
Zach’s attorney stood and gave him a solid pat on the back. The smile and relief on Zach’s face was infectious and I smiled too. He turned to us and shook his dad’s hand, then gripped his mom in a hug.
“We are so proud of you.” Typical mom. He released her and walked around the partition.
“The best for last,” he whispered, then hugged and lifted at the same time so my feet dangled in the air. I giggled.
“Congratulations.” I whispered.
“No, don’t. Don’t congratulate me on this. That should come at graduation or a college acceptance but not at this.” He kissed my lips quickly before placing my feet back on solid ground.
“You two ready to get out of here?” His dad had one had on Zach’s back and one on mine.
Zach sighed and rolled his eyes. “Are we ever.” The court room door closed behind us.
FORTY-FOUR
Mom hustled around the house making sure I had numbers to call, food to eat and gas in the car, which was odd because I wasn’t allowed to drive anywhere. She’d made arrangements for our neighbors, Bob and MaryLou to check on me daily. I was scared and nervous with them leaving. I’d never spent much time alone and three days was huge. Mom and Dad seemed as nervous as I was. They’d spoken with Ali’s folks and Ali was staying with me. I knew daytime wouldn’t be an issue but struggled with the thought of sleeping in the house alone or with Ali.
They were packed and ready to go and still had to pick up Grant, Brett and Conner.
“Are you sure about this?” My dad asked with both his hands firmly gripping my shoulders.
“Yes, sir.” I saluted him and smiled.
“This is weird, leaving my fifteen year old home alone.”
“Dad. I’ll be fine. It’s three days. AND, I’m almost sixteen.”
He hugged me and kissed the top of my head. “I know you will be, sweetheart. I love you. Remember do not text us because it costs a fortune down there. OK?”
“I remember. You’ll have your PC so I can e-mail.”
“Good girl. Katie….Ryan….let’s go.” As they moved out the door and waved, a loneliness like I’d never known settled over me.
I had rented five movies and decided to start with The Breakfast Club. John Hughes was my mother’s favorite filmmaker and director. I heard a lot about these movies growing up and decided it was time to watch. It was well into Pretty in Pink a few hours later when my phone buzzed. It was Zach!
.
Hey baby. Back n SF! Ill call u later. Love.
I actually hugged the phone.
Miss you so much! Love to you too. Send
Huge pet peeve when people didn’t just spell right on a text. It doesn’t take that long to type you over u. Or see over c.
My phone buzzed again. This time it was Ali.
Doing OK?
Fine. You? Send
I miss him.
I knew how she felt because I hadn’t seen Zach in almost five days.
I know. It’ll go fast. Send
Call me later.
OK send
A few hours later, I took a long bath with candles and music. As much as I tried to relax, I felt paranoia creep into my mind about the upcoming night. With every minute my body soaked in the hot water, the house creaked and moaned and I suddenly wished we had a dog. I’d told Ali the first night I’d do fine on my own. I wasn’t so sure.
When the water turned colder, I blew out the candles and pulled the plug. Never having the time to lotion, I slathered my body and stood in the bathroom naked allowing it to dry. The reflection in the mirror brought a smile to my face. The person standing before me was becoming a young woman. I embarrassed myself and grabbed my fluffy robe.
The phone rang and, of course, the phone for upstairs was down. I ran hoping to catch it before it went to voicemail. The caller ID read, Matt Hendricks.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey sweetie. How’s it going?”
“Fine. Just got out of the bath. Where are you guys?” I plopped down on the sofa.
“Well. We’re in Portland getting ready to take off. We’ve boarded. Just wanted to let you know. Is the alarm set?” There was a lot of noise in the background.
I smiled. “Yes, Dad.”
“OK. Well sleep tight and we love…” the phone went dead.
“Dad?” Nothing. I hung up.
My hair was wet and I headed back upstairs to blow dry it. The phone in my hand rang again. I laughed when I answered. “I know…you love me right?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Zach?” I asked.
“Hey, baby.”
“Zach!” My voice was shrill even to me.
“You sound surprised. Who else loves you?” He laughed.
“My dad. What are you doing?” I sat down midway up the stairs.
“Oh. We’re at Travon’s house hanging out.”
“When are you coming back?”
He hesitated. “A couple of days. Travon and I are going to hit some old hot spots down here tonight. I’ll touch base tomorrow.”
HOT SPOTS? I felt sick. I didn’t want him going out down there. “OK. Be good.” Disappointment settled over me. I hoped he didn’t hear it in my voice.
“You all right?”
“Yeah. Have fun.”
“I did have fun and I miss you.”
I was quiet. I couldn’t help it. “I miss you too.”
“Em. Do you want me to drive home tonight? Because I will.”
YES. I wanted to shout. “No. Just be good.” That’s twice I’d said that.
The doorbell chimed. “Crap. Someone’s at the door.”
“Well. Answer it.” He said.
“No. It’s dark.”
“Get your dad to answer it.”
“They’re gone. I’m by myself.” My heart beat frantically in my chest.
He cleared his throat. “Where are they?”
“I’ll explain later. What should I do?”
“Let me call my dad.” I liked this suggestion.
“OK. But, wait. Maybe it’s MaryLou from next door. Let me try and peek.”
“Em. Be careful.”
I inched down the stairs and lifted my finger to slowly pull the material back.
“Em?”
“Just a minute,” I whispered, trying to make out the figure in the light. Suddenly, I saw his face through the window. He smiled. The phone fell from my hand. I unlocked the dead b
olt, turned the knob and threw open the door.
“ZACH!” My scream was muffled by the alarm echoing in the night. Crap. I entered the code as quick as possible and disarmed it. “Oh my God! What are you doing? You lied to me.” I threw myself into his arms which wrapped tightly around me.
“I tricked…not lied,” he corrected stepping inside with me in his arms and shut the door behind him.
I tightened the ties on my robe. “You said you were in San Francisco.”
His smile was big and proud. “I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t want you to know I got off the plane and drove straight here. In fact, if you give me a second, I’ll be asleep.”
“Come sit.” I motioned to the sofa. His skin was tan from the Mexican sun and he looked unbelievably beautiful. A small shell necklace hung around his neck. His knees cracked as he sat. “Nice necklace.”
He fingered it. “Mercy purchase.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh my God. There were tons of little Mexican kids selling stuff on the beach. It’s sad. Guilt won over several times.” He laid his head back against the pillow. His eyes were tired and white circles surrounded them where his sunglasses protected his eyes. His arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me to his chest. “Man. It feels good to be home.” He sighed. “You said your folks were gone, where?”
I closed my eyes as his fingers pulled through my wet hair. “They went with Ryan for three days.” I smiled to myself waiting for his reaction. He was home and I wouldn’t be alone after all. My parents would be pissed. They knew Zach was gone too or I’d be on a plane to Mexico right now.
“When did they leave?”
“Today.” I chewed on my thumbnail.
“So, I have three days to spend with you?” His voice perked up a bit.
I nodded, my head still on his chest. He was warm. I had a feeling our thoughts were in the same place. “I hope it’s more than three days.”
“You know what I mean.”
I giggled. “Your parents may not be OK with you being MIA for a couple of days,” I whispered.
“They don’t know I’m back.” His voice was low and full of insinuations and my body tingled as he spoke. “I have something for you in the Jeep. Let me run out and get it.” He lifted my head and slid out from under me.
Old Enough to Love... (Just One of the Guys) Page 28
