Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  I take a deep breath as I move closer. As I reach him, my hand falls on his back but I don’t say anything.

  “Belle, you need to go. I can’t do this here.”

  “Can’t do what, Chase?” Tears begin to sting my eyes.

  Chase turns toward me with pain written all over his face. “Let you go. I can’t let you go. You’re everything to me and seeing you up there with him…singing our song together. I can’t watch that.”

  “Chase, we have always been just friends.”

  “‘Just friends’? I do believe there were two nights that we were anything but ‘just friends.’”

  “Don’t, Chase! Don’t go there.” Tears continue to roll down my cheeks, but why am I fighting this?

  “Why not? Bella Blu, that was our song, not y’all's. Tell me that it didn’t feel the same. I saw the way you looked at me when you sang that first verse. You were singing to me, but when you looked at him…I don’t even want to talk about it. Please tell me it didn’t feel like this.” Without having time to process, Chase stands, his firm hand grasps the back of my neck and he pulls me flesh to flesh with his perfectly chiseled body as his lips meet mine. They’re soft at first and then harder with every moment. My mind begins to spin as I try to resist him, but I can’t. I’ve denied us as long as I can remember, and even though Jake has given me so much over the past few days, he’s nothing but a small mark on my timeline of my life and a long gone memory when Chase touches me. That spark I extinguished the night on the trestle is alive and burning tonight, and I won’t put it out.

  When we finally pull ourselves apart, I know I have to talk to Jake, but before I can do that, I have something that I have to tell Chase.

  “Chase, you know things will never be the same.”

  “Bella Blu, I don’t want things to ever be the same.”

  “I need to talk to him, even though I’m pretty sure he just won the Jerk of the Year award up there. I’d never do anything to hurt you and that hurt us both. I'm so sorry, that was never my intention.”

  As I turn to make my way back inside, I’m met by Jake.

  “Well, it appears like I was right all along, but the truth is this. Chase, I’ve known since the first time I met ya that she’d always choose you. I wish I didn’t have to do that for both of you to realize it.”

  “Huh?” I look between them. “You did that on purpose? You weren’t trying to rub it in Chase’s face?”

  “Dang right, I did it on purpose. You can even give Laurel some credit on it as well.” My mouth falls open. She knew what was going to happen and didn't even warn me? “I’ve had the most fun in Lattimore, but the moment we stepped on that trestle, I knew I’d never win ya. Just thought I’d help y’all out. Now, if y’all don’t mind, I’m gonna go talk to Laurel at the bar,” he says with a wink.

  Anger no longer fills me; instead, the realization hits that he is an amazing guy, but not the one for me. “Jake Bryant, I just might have to drop that four-letter word again!”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” he says as he walks away.

  Turning to face Chase, I fall into his arms as happy tears quietly fall down my cheeks. “So, maybe he doesn’t take the Jerk of the Year award.”

  “No, he does, but you know that I’m never letting you go.” In this moment, I never want out of these arms. How could I have been so stupid all of these years?

  “I don’t plan on ever being out of your sight.”

  Chase looks at me quizzically. “What do you mean? You have to leave tomorrow. What are you up to, Bella Blu?”

  “I think I might need a bodyguard or someone to help on the stage crew. You wanna go on the road with me?”

  “As long as I get to stay on your bus and not Bryant’s.”

  I laugh and he wipes away the tears. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Chase.”

  Placing my head on his chest, we sway to the sound of a country love song inside. Never in my wildest dreams did I plan on falling for my best friend, and I sure didn’t plan on Jake Bryant playing matchmaker.

  Chase

  How in this world has my night gone from thinking I’ve lost the only girl that mattered in my life to having her as my own? Looking into Bella Blu’s beautiful eyes, we continue to dance to the music. God sure was looking down on me tonight.

  “Whatcha thinkin’?”

  “That Jake might have played matchmaker, but God sure was lookin’ down on me tonight.”

  Belle smiles up at me and I pull her closer when I hear someone clear their throat, Mark. “Hate to break up the party, but you’re on the clock, Chase.”

  Her laugh fills the night air and I know I must be grinning like an opossum. “Sorry, I’ll be in in just a second.”

  He turns and walks back inside. “I guess I should give him my notice?” Her arms wrap around my neck.

  “Oh yeah, that’s a must,” she presses up on her tip-toes and presses her lips to mine. “Now, get back to work. We’ve got the rest of our lives to spend like this, and this is your last night at Joe’s. Enjoy it.”

  Taking her hand in mine, we walk back through the doors and spy Jake talking to Laurel. She looks our direction with a half grin on her face. We head straight to them with a pit stop back to my location.

  “Looks like y’all finally got the memo,” she laughs.

  “Oh, I’ve always had the memo. Belle here was the one that missed it and been hanging around in right field for years,” she nudges my shoulder and looks up to me.

  “Hey, I am a blonde,” we all laugh at her attempt at a joke.

  “Laurel, you got her for a while? I’ve got to work.”

  “You know it,” she replies as I walk toward my location. Standing there, I look back to the bar and see the most beautiful girl in the world, and to think she’s finally mine.

  Chapter 32

  Belle

  As last call is announced, the band takes the stage for a few more songs. I help Laurel begin to clean up behind the bar and as I look toward Chase, he smiles my direction. Why in this world did it take me this long to finally see who makes me happiest? Pausing, I think about us and our friendship. He's always made me happy. It didn't matter if we were ten or twenty-five. He's always put me first.

  “Get that grin off your face,” Laurel says, tossing a cleaning rag my direction.

  “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to stop.”

  “Well, I tell you what. Why don’t you ride home with Chase? I know you’re heading out tomorrow and I can ride with Jake. Plus, Jake here said he’d like to hang out and keep me company.”

  Motioning her direction, I ask, “Are you serious?” and she nods. "Are y’all?”

  “Maybe?” Then it hits me. What happened last night and in the water today? Oh lord, if this was a plan then I look like a fool.

  “Let me see what he wants to do. Tossing the rag on the counter, I walk from behind the bar to Chase and as I approach, I see him talking to Mark. Maybe I should wait, but when his eyes meet mine, they both look my way.

  “Well, there’s the girl stealing one of my best bouncer,” Mark says with a laugh.

  I wrap my arms around Chase’s midsection, “What can I say? I want the best protection out there on the road.”

  “Don’t blame you there, but I’m hoping this doesn’t mean Laurel is next.”

  “What do you mean?” He motions toward the bar and that’s when I see her and Jake. She’s laughing the kind of laugh that I haven’t seen from her in years, but what makes me smile more is the look on Jake’s face. I know I thought I was falling for him, and I must seem to be one of the most indecisive people in history, but it’s obvious that I wasn’t who he was after all along. There is no doubt that something happened when they were at the trestle. “I’ve got nothing to do with that.”

  “Chase, it’s been a pleasure having you here, and it’s about time to shut her down. Feel free to head out of here early tonight. I know you’ll will be heading out tomorrow.”

  “
Thanks, Mark, for everything.”

  Chase

  The moment he moves across the room, I turn to Belle. “So what really brought you over here?”

  “Well, it looks as if those two want to be alone and I thought maybe we could do the same. Wanted to see if I could ride home with you instead of Jake.”

  “I think I like that idea.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Cowgirls and cowboys, it’s that time of night, but we’ve got one more for y’all. Jake, wanna help us out on this one?”

  He turns to leave Laurel at the bar and makes his way to the stage. When I hear the first beat, I know exactly what song it is, "In Case You Didn’t Know." Jake takes the microphone in his hand and begins to sing, but it’s the scene that surrounds it that makes me pause and take it all in. Laurel is continuing to clean as she sings all the words to the song, swaying to her own beat behind the counter, lost in her own little world, but when the most perfect girl take me by the hand, I follow her straight to the dance floor.

  Belle takes her arms and wraps them around my neck as we begin to dance to the music, but when the chorus begins to play, the most beautiful voice is singing, and I’m in awe. She looks into my eyes and it’s what’s behind them that reflects the truth. All of her doubts are gone.

  Pulling her in closer, I begin to sing along with her quietly in her ear and as the song ends, the house lights rise.

  “Bella Blu, thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Having my heart a long time ago.”

  “You’ve always had it, I was just too dumb to realize it.”

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  Jake

  Walking from the stage to Laurel at the bar, I’m stopped by several young girls that want pictures and autographs. I oblige before excusing myself to the stunning girl behind the bar.

  “Hey, Jake!” Belle calls toward me. Turning to her, it’s evident that I made the right decision. There were several points after I told Laurel my plan that I continued to push the buttons with Belle and me, but I had to. In order for her to realize, she had to think she was falling for me. However, the moment we jumped off that train trestle is the moment I knew she’d never be the one for me. When your life flashes before your eyes, you know what matters in life, but more importantly who matters. For me, Laurel was the face I saw and all I could think about was saving her. I didn't matter, only her.

  “Hey there, country music god,” she says with a half-smile.

  “Well, let’s don’t start that mess. I’ve got a little more time before I’m back in that limelight.”

  “Maybe so, but I saw you over there. You probably made their year.”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I take a seat as Chase and Belle approach.

  “Great song, Jake,” Belle says as she approaches.

  “Yeah, I’ve been wanting to cover that one for a while. Heck, who am I kiddin’, I’m pissed I didn’t come across that one first.”

  “You’re right there because those girls were all thinking you were talking about them,” Belle says with a laugh.

  “Doubtful,” I say as Laurel looks my direction. “What y’all up to? We saw Mark over there.”

  “He told me to head out early. I was going to see if you'd mind bringing Laurel home.”

  “Of course, guess that means you're stuck with me, Laurel.”

  She rolls her eyes and we all laugh. “Yeah, she’s totally against that,” Belle chimes in and it also makes me realize I want her to know a few things before she walks out the door.

  “Hey, Chase, can I borrow Belle for a moment?”

  He nods, and Belle and I walk to the side porch. “What’s up?” she asks.

  “I wanted to let you know I’m sorry I led you on like that, but Laurel and I knew that was the only way for you to completely get pissed off and realize who was in front of you.”

  “So you mean to tell me that the last time at the creek was a show?”

  Saying a silent prayer, I answer, “Yeah.”

  “You jerk! Here I was thinking you really liked me and all I was doing was acting a fool.”

  “No, it’s not like that. I mean, I did think we were going to be something, and that little show you put on was hot. But you can’t tell me the moment that you heard that train, you weren’t glad you were with Chase. For me, it was the moment I realized I had to protect Laurel. I already had a hunch what needed to go on, but that girl in there is amazing.” Belle pauses. “Laurel is the most caring and thoughtful girl I’ve ever met. Now don’t get me wrong, you’re special, but there is something about her willingness to put her friends first. Did I mention she’s stunning?”

  “Hey now!” Belle laughs, “No, Jake, I get it. She’s amazing, but what happens when you leave here tomorrow?”

  “I’m not sure, but I want to talk to her about it. Honestly, I’m thinking about giving up touring for a while.”

  “What?”

  “What if I slowed my life down for a while? What if I enjoyed the everyday things of working on a farm? Singing somewhere like this?”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Not at all. In fact, I think once we finish up in Vegas, I’m going to head back out here for a while. If Laurel doesn’t mind.”

  Belle stands there with her arms crossed and honestly, I’m not sure what four letter word I’m about to receive. “Think long and hard about that. You’ve worked hard to be where you are, but I get it. Now, let’s get back in there.”

  Walking back inside, Chase is helping Laurel at the bar, “Anything I can help you do?”

  Chase chimes in, “Yeah, help her back here. It’s time to get outta here.”

  Quickly, I catch the damp rag as Belle pauses and looks like she has a grand idea.

  “So we’ll see you in the morning? What time are we heading this way?” Belle questions.

  “We’ve got to be ready to roll by nine.”

  “I’ve got an idea,” she announces.

  “Here we go!” Laurel says with a giggle.

  “What if y’all head to the bus tonight? Jake, I’ll grab your things from my parents' house. Chase, we can drive Laurel’s car tomorrow and that way we’re all winners.” Laurel’s face is bright red. “Whatcha say, Laurel? I mean you always wanted to know what it was like on a country music hottie’s bus.”

  “Oh my gosh, did you really say that?”

  “I did and you can thank me later. We’ll be at the bus by eight-thirty with breakfast. How’s that sound?”

  I look to Laurel. “Perfect.”

  Chapter 33

  Belle

  That moment we walk out of Joe’s feels different than it ever has in my life. Chase takes me by the hand as we exit the back door. Approaching his truck, he opens the door and helps me inside, cranks it and drives toward the interstate.

  “Hey, Chase, I could really use some fries and a caramel frappé.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Why not?”

  He laughs, but takes the usual exit and doesn’t even ask for my order. As I go to grab my purse, he tells me to leave it alone because I’m no longer paying when I’m with him.

  Handing me the cold drink, I insert the straw and it’s amazing, then as I dip a fry in it, he turns up his nose like normal.

  Smiling, I take one, dip it and tell him to open up. He shakes his head no and as I move closer to him, he starts to laugh. Taking the dipped fry, I put it to his lips as he tries to shake me off.

  “Oh come on, Chase.” Not giving him an option, I press the fry to him and he finally gives in with a tiny bite. He swallows it whole and I sit there and wait. “Whatcha think?”

  “It’s not bad, but not what y’all make it out to be.”

  “Want another?”

  “Sure,” he says with a smile. Taking the fry, I dip it and this time he eats it with no arguing. “Okay. So maybe you’re right. It is really good.”

  “Told ya!”

  Arriving back in Lattimore,
I’m afraid of what is about to happen. I don’t want to go home, but I know we have to go our separate ways. Taking a turn at the stop sign, time is ticking.

  “Chase, I don’t want to go home.”

  “Me either, but after today we don’t have to worry about it. Plus, it’s three am. It’s not that long. Not to mention, I’ve got to call my parents at the crack of dawn to tell them what’s going on.”

  Pulling into the driveway, I notice that Beau’s truck is there. That little punk did it again, and I even pulled the Beau Bear card.

  As Chase puts the truck in park, he kills the ignition. “Stay right there.” He comes around and opens the truck door. Taking me by the hand, we start to walk toward the house when he pulls me toward the tire swing.

  “Whatcha say?”

  Without saying a word, a smile spreads across my lips as I pull him toward it. Taking a seat on the swing, he stands behind me and pushes me. We don’t say anything. Instead, I look up into the sky and thank God for my life, family and friends.

  Chase begins to slow his swing and I know my time is about up. As he stops, he leaves his hands on the metal chains.

  “Hey, Chase, I’m sorry about what happened the last time we were here.”

  “That’s water under the bridge, sugar.”

  Tilting my head back to look up to him, he leans over and kisses my lips gently. “Night, Bella Blu.”

  “Gosh, why do we even need to go to bed?”

  “Doubtful I will, but life’s changing again tomorrow.” Oh crap! I haven’t even thought this through. “What’s wrong?”

  “Um, can we tell my parents you're riding on Jake’s bus or with the crew?”

  He starts to laugh. “They aren’t dumb, Belle, but I get it.” Taking me by the hand, he pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head as we sway to our own heartbeats and the stillness of the farm. “I’ll be by around seven with Laurel’s car.”

  “Crap, we didn’t get her keys.”

  “I got them while you were out talking to Jake.”