Under the Oak Tree

by Victoria Ashlee

  “Yes, Sir. I’m very well prepared, and excited for this next step.”

  “And the next one is wedding bells.” Claire’s Mom sang, as she took Claire's hand.

  “Yep, I’m excited.” Claire forced herself to say. She didn’t understand why she wasn’t ecstatic like normal brides. She wanted to be. Maybe it was just the change that was making her feel this way? She pushed her thoughts to the side. “Mom thinks we should get married at the Country Club.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Jason agreed.

  “I think so too.” Her father added. “You two have spent most of your summers there already. What a perfect place to solidify it.”

  Claire cringed. Her father made their wedding seem like a transaction. “I was thinking next year.” Claire added.

  “Next year?” Her mother gasped. Everyone’s eyes shot straight to her.

  “Yes.”

  “Why so long?” Jason asked.

  She looked into his pleading eyes, “I want to get through next school year. You both know how hard law school is.” She said, looking at both her father and Jason.

  “I agree.” Jason replied.

  Her Mom’s head shot to Jason so fast, you’d think it fell off, “You do?”

  “Yeah. School is tough, especially Law School. The nights that turned into mornings from studying still give me nightmares. We’ve been together five years, what’s waiting one more year?”

  “Oh.” Her Mom was clearly defeated.

  “Thanks.” Claire smiled at Jason.

  Her father set his fork down, “I think I agree to. Claire needs to focus on school. The longer the engagement, the more time to plan, so she won’t be stressed.” He looked at her Mom. “I remember how stressed you were, and you weren’t even in school when we got married.”

  Her Mom gave him a longing look, “How you ever married me after that time still baffles me.”

  Her parents were clearly having a moment, so Claire spoke up, “May we be excused?”

  Her Mom snapped out of her daze, “Sure, Honey.”

  Jason stood; picking up his plate and Claire’s and walked into the kitchen. Claire followed behind with their glasses. “That was weird.”

  He laughed as he set the dishes in the sink, “Your parents have always been weird.”

  “Tell me about it.” Claire smirked. “Do you want to come up to my room before you leave?”

  “Anything to get me away from questions about the firm.” Jason kissed her on the cheek. “We’ll be living together soon, and we can do whatever we want in our own house.”

  Claire started for the stairs, “I’m just looking forward to being far away from my parents.”

  “There’s a house on the other side of town that I’ve been eyeing.”

  Claire looked back at him, “Really?”

  “Yep. It’s a three bedroom with a wraparound porch. It’s in Middle Brook.”

  Claire gasped, “That’s the really nice neighborhood.”

  Jason took her by the waist when they reached her room, “Anything for my girl.”

  She smiled up at him, “After dinner with our parents Friday, we’re going out.”

  “Are we?” He pushed her back toward the bed.

  “Yep.” She knew where he was going with how he was acting. So, she gave him a quick peck on the lips, and walked over to her dressed to retrieve her pajamas, “Jenny invited us. It should be fun.”

  Jason sighed, plopping down on her bed, “Jenny Tate is going to be the death of me.”

  She turned leaning on her dresser, “Why do you hate her so much? You used to love her. She was your favorite friend of mine.”

  He picked at her blanket that had started pulling, “People change. We grow up. She hasn’t.”

  She clutched her clothes to her chest, “You know I can’t stop being friends with her.”

  “I know.” He looked up at her. “But that doesn’t stop our parents from pestering me about convincing you that she’s a bad idea.”

  “You listen to them too much.”

  He held his hand out, “Will you come here?”

  She set her clothes on her dresser, and walked over to sit down next to him. He reached up, and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss didn’t set her on fire, he was familiar. To Claire it felt as if he lost passion, or maybe he was bored? She couldn’t pinpoint it, but she felt it.

  He stopped and looked into her eyes, “You know I love you right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Just know that everything I do is for you, including the Jenny thing.”

  Claire forced a smile, “I know.”

  “I’m going to let you sleep.” He gave her another quick kiss. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

  *

  Claire woke up bright and early. She knew Clay was coming to finish the fence today. For some reason she was nervous. She was supposed to meet Jenny at the river to go swimming. Jenny’s version of swimming was day drinking, and sunbathing. Still she would see Clay for a split second when she left, and she wanted to impress him. She liked the way she felt when he looked at her. She convinced herself it was harmless.

  She plucked her light blue bikini from her drawer, and slipped into it. She applied a little mascara, and straightened her hair. She put on the same jean shorts from yesterday, and grabbed her towel. White Converse weren’t really river attire, but they were her favorite, so she decided to wear them. Her father would kill her not wearing a top over her bikini. She was slowly starting to care less about what her father thought, so she opted to not bring one.

  “Bye Mamma! I’m going to the river with Jenny.” Claire called from the bottom of the stairs.

  “Ok, have fun.” Her Mom called back.

  When Claire stepped out the front door, the heat made her skin instantly sticky. She saw Clay’s truck out front, but not him. She looked up and down the fence, but he was nowhere in sight.

  “Looking for something?” His velvet voice came from behind her.

  She jumped, “You scared me.”

  He laughed, “You need to be more aware of your surroundings.” He picked up a hammer that was lying on the ground.

  “I’m aware.”

  “Hardly.” He gave her a side smile, showing his right dimple. “What were you looking for?”

  “I just didn’t see you out here, but your truck was.”

  He looked down at her attire, “You going swimming?”

  His gaze sent a warm feeling between her legs. “The river.” She said quickly, trying to subdue what was happening inside of her.

  “Ah,” He moved the hammer from one hand to the other, “Must be nice.”

  “Let me guess? You don’t get out much to go to the river.”

  “Actually, yes. I typically work 6 days a week.”

  “That must be tiring.”

  He shrugged, “Pays the bills.”

  “You should come to the river one day.”

  He stepped closer, with a small smile, “We need to keep our distance, Claire. I’m going to get to work.”

  She let go of the breath that she was involuntarily holding, “Aren’t rules just guidelines?” She called out, surprising even herself that she said it.

  He looked back at her, “Not when it comes to you. Bye, Claire.” He said it bluntly, like what she said had made him mad.

  She furrowed her eyebrows, and with one lingering look she stormed off to her SUV. She was surprised by his attitude at the end. To be honest it hurt her a little. She was living a flirtatious fantasy, and he was the main character. She took a breath when she started her car; who was she kidding? She’s engaged, and he’s Clay Williams.

  By the time she reached the river, she was fuming; replaying the look on his face in her mind. She had made what happened bigger in her head, and she knew it. Still, it didn’t keep her from getting her feelings hurt. The way he looked at her yesterday did something to her. No one looked at her like that, not even Jason.

  “Hi.” Claire chirped whe
n she walked up to Jenny, who was already laid out on a pink towel, drink in hand.

  “There you are.” Jenny took her sunglasses off, and handed Claire a drink when she sat down. “What took you so long?”

  “Clay Williams.” Claire said dryly.

  Jenny was starting to put her sunglasses on, but stopped, “Come again?”

  “He’s fixing the fence at my house. I stopped to talk to him on the way here.”

  “Oh Mylanta,” Jenny took a sip of her drink. “You mean to tell me Clay is at your house right now?”

  Claire looked at her strangely, “Yes. Why?”

  Jenny laid back, finally putting her sunglasses on, “Just imagine him upstairs with his sweaty muscles taking you to pound town. Gosh, I’m flustered just thinking about it.”

  “Jenny.” Claire said, her face flushing with heat, and it wasn’t from the summer weather.

  Jenny laughed, looking up at her, “What?”

  “Nothing.” Claire looked away, and started to apply sunscreen.

  Jenny gasped, quickly sitting up. “Wait?! You HAVE thought about it.”

  “I have not.” Claire shot her a look. “He’s a jerk anyway.”

  “Whatever. You totally fantasized about his dick.” Jenny laid back down. “Why is he a jerk? Was he rude to you?”

  “Yes, and after today I don’t plan on seeing him anymore because he will be done with the fence.”

  “You know you sound butt hurt, right?”

  “I do not.” Claire popped the top back on the sun screen. “Can we talk about something else?”

  “Sure. Are you coming tomorrow night?”

  “Yep.” Claire leaned back. “Jason agreed too.”

  Jenny put her arms behind her head, “Excellent. It’s going to be a long night of dancing.”

  Claire closed her eyes, “Good, I need one.”

  Chapter Four

  Claire

  The next night Claire and Jason sat at the dinner table with both their parents. It was dinner in celebration for their engagement; meaning that her father pulled out the good whiskey and their Mom’s were definitely drinking at least two bottles of wine. Claire had a small glass of white wine, but wanted to hold off until they got to the bar later.

  Claire picked at her steak while their parents gossiped, and gushed about the wedding plans. Jason occasionally would chime in when his job was brought up, but Claire for the most part stayed quiet.

  Once dinner was finished, their parents made their way to the sitting room, and Claire and Jason quickly snuck out the front door.

  “Well that was agonizing.” Jason said as he put Claire's jacket over her shoulders. She was wearing a pink off the shoulder flowy dress that stopped at her mid thigh.

  “I’m glad you thought so too. It’s like we’re invisible when they’re all together.”

  Jason opened the car door for her, “Ah they’re just having a good time.”

  “At ignoring their kids.” She hopped into the passenger seat.

  Jason leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek, “I don’t ignore you.”

  She smiled, “I know.”

  “Good.” He shut the door, and walked around the car. “What time is Jenny meeting us?”

  Claire looked at the time on her phone, “She’s been there for an hour.”

  “Well, she’ll be good and drunk.”

  Claire sighed, “Stop.”

  Jason started the car, “I promise I’ll play nice.”

  She took Jason’s hand, “Good.”

  *

  The bar was packed when they pulled into the parking lot. There was a line around the building. The band playing were local celebrities. Everyone typically came out when they played. The only spot Jason could find to park was in the back corner of the parking lot. Once parked, they got out of the car, and started making their way to the bar. Jason took her hand when they got closer. Claire’s eyes went to the daunting line of people waiting to get in.

  “It might take us two hours to get in.” Claire said.

  Jason looked at the line as they approached, “Maybe.”

  “Is that Claire Cunningham as I live and breathe?” An excited male voice came from the doors to the bar.

  Both Jason and Claire’s attention went to the entrance. Claire saw who it came from; It was her high school best friend who was on the Cheerleading squad with her. Her face lit up as she rushed over to him, “Logan?!”

  He wrapped her in his arms, spinning her around, “I’ve missed you, little lady.” He set her down.

  “I thought you moved?” Claire asked, her arms still clutched on his.

  “Came back.” Logan smiled. “I see you still have your arm candy with you?” He eyed Jason as he approached.

  “Engaged.” She held her hand out.

  He took her hand, “I wasn’t sure if it was true or not. Congrats.” He said to Jason.

  “Thanks, Man.” Jason shook his hand. “Good to see you. I know you just made Claire’s night.”

  Logan wrapped his arm around Claire, “I missed this little one.”

  Jason nodded toward the bar, “Seems this place is popular tonight.”

  Logan looked behind him, “Yeah, but I’ll get you two in. I manage the bar now.”

  “Really?” Claire looked up at him.

  “Yep. I graduated in hospitality. This was the first thing I thought of. Tenpenny’s is a legendary bar. I’m going to buy it one day.” He grabbed Claire’s hand. “Come on. I’ll walk you in.”

  When they reached the entrance, Logan nodded to the bouncer that they were both with him. “Jenny is in here somewhere. I have to get back to work.” He gave Claire a side hug. “Come say buy before you leave.”

  “Ok, we will.” Claire smiled.

  “I think I see her.” Jason said, looking over the crowd. “In the corner.”

  They made their way through the bar, and found Jenny sitting at a round table with a few of their friends. Jenny jumped up in excitement when she saw them, “Hallelujah. I didn’t think they were going to let you two out tonight.”

  Claire laughed, “You act like we’re on lockdown.”

  Jenny smirked, “Aren’t you?”

  “I’m going to go get a drink.” Jason looked toward the bar. “Do you want anything?” He asked Claire.

  “Vodka, sprite.” She smiled.

  “Hi, Jason.” Jenny said dryly.

  He glanced at her, “Hi, Jenn. Nice to see you.” Then he continued to the bar.

  Jenny linked her arm with Claire’s, “He’s delightful tonight.”

  “He’s fine.”

  Jenny made Claire sit down, “Speaking of fine. Guess who’s here.”

  “Who?”

  “Mr. Fantasy himself.”

  “Clay?” Claire’s stomach immediately did somersaults. “Where?”

  Jenny nodded toward the bar, “Over there. He’s been sitting with some guy for a while.”

  Claire’s eyes instantly went to the bar, searching for him. She finally spotted his back. She watched him for a few moments while he sipped on a liquor drink, and talked to his friend. Something made him laugh, which made her bite her bottom lip. She loved his dimples.

  “Are you ok?” Jenny asked, snapping Claire from her fascination.

  “Yep. I need a drink.”

  Jenny giggled, “Mhmm. You need a lot of things.”

  Jason returned with two drinks in hand, and handed Claire hers. “This place is packed.”

  “It is.” Claire sipped on her drink.

  “I’m going to go talk to the guys.” Jason said, and kissed Claire’s cheek. He glared at Jenny as he walked past her.

  “I think I actually hate him,” Jenny said as he disappeared.

  “I wish you both would get along, like you used to.”

  “Let’s dance. I love this song.” Jenny grabbed Claire’s hand, and pulled her onto the dance floor as the band started to cover “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon. Jenny spun Claire around as the
music seemed to have become louder. They shimmed their shoulders, moved their hips to the music; somehow making the dance floor theirs as they ended up in the middle.

  Claire spun again, singing the words along with Jenny. She spun again, and her eyes caught Clay’s. Her heart skipped a beat, and it was as if the music lulled, and all she could see was him. Claire downed her drink, as she forced herself to snap out of it.

  The song eventually ended, and they made their way back to their table. Jenny sat on one of their male friends laps; she really did love attention. Claire looked back toward the bar, then back to Jenny, “I’m going to get another drink. Do you want one?”

  “I’m fine.” She waved Claire off, as she wrapped her arm around the guy’s neck that she was sitting on.

  Claire turned, and started moving through the crowd to the bar. She leaned on the bar top, waiting for the bartender. Clay was half way down the bar. He was paying her no attention. Once she was handed another vodka sprite, she took a big sip. She looked over to where Clay was sitting with his friend; he was alone now. She bit the side of her cheek, and decided to say hi.

  “Are you following me?” She asked as she approached him on his left.

  He took a sip of his drink, keeping his eyes forward, “Do you come here often?”

  “Um no.”

  “Then I think it’s you who is following me.” He turned on his stool to face her, his legs wide, his arm leaning on the bar.

  “I’m not following you. My friend Jenny begged me to come with her.”

  “Does your friend leave you alone often?”

  She studied him, “No. She’s over in the corner.” Claire pointed to where Jenny was talking to Jason; more like arguing.

  Clay looked in the direction she pointed, “That looks intense.”

  “They don’t really get along.”

  Clay took another sip of his drink, “Looks like there’s more to it than that.”

  Claire looked back at Jason and Jenny, “Why do you say that?” Her eyes focused on them. They did seem to be having an intense conversation. Jenny was inches from Jason’s face.

  “Just my observation.”

  She looked back at Clay, “Tell me.”

  “Tell you what?”

  “Your observation.”