Stay With Me

by Kerber, Abigail

  Lexy allowed a thirty second break before we leaned over on all fours to begin the bear crawls. Before we made it to the half court line, I saw Ty stand up.

  “Yeah, I’m done. You guys are intense,” Ty breathed out, wiping the sweat that was dripping into his brown eyes.

  “Ha!” Lexy whistled, standing up. “You get to buy lunch.”

  It had been three days, and I hadn’t seen Ty since he paid for lunch at one of the few restaurants in town, Pizza Palace. He didn’t show back up at the gym, and I never saw him when I ran by the Nevels’ house in the evenings. It was probably better this way so I could stay focused on basketball and running and the upcoming school year.

  Of course, this was much easier said than done.

  As I lay on my bed surrounded by my white, fluffy down comforter, all I could think about was Ty. I stared up at the ceiling and could see his tanned skin, the way his calf muscles flexed when he took even the smallest step, how his jaw line tensed when his gaze focused in on my eyes…

  I had never felt this way. Especially about a guy who I had just met.

  A knock on my bedroom door broke into my thoughts. My mom walked into my room wearing a bright red sundress. “Wake up, dear. It’s already noon. You need to start getting ready for the party.”

  I buried my face under my comforter and groaned. “I’ll be ready in time.”

  “Oh, cheer up,” my mom chirped. “This is the greatest party of the year.”

  It was Memorial Day weekend, and my grandparents always hosted a town wide cookout in their backyard. The tents and buffet tables had been setup earlier in the week, and the caterers had been working since before daylight to ensure everything would be perfect that afternoon.

  My grandfather had been very successful in the oil business and had invested every penny wisely. Our family had benefited as well as the entire town during these annual events.

  Living in the largest house in town was something my grandfather had aimed for. Once this goal had been reached, he decided to share his wealth among the town by hosting annual parties for selected holidays. His Memorial Day cookout was always my favorite. However, this year would be different. It had only been three months since my grandmother had passed away. The pain was still too fresh, and the sadness in my grandfather’s eyes was something that didn’t seem to fade over time.

  Since my father was an only child, it was decided soon after my grandmother’s passing that we would move in with my grandfather and help take care of the large house that now seemed too empty without my grandmother. I couldn’t get used to the extra space. My grandfather was a stubborn man who refused any help, but I could tell he enjoyed our company.

  My mother took the move as her step up on the social ladder. She threw herself into every club and organization that Milton had to offer. Most of her time was spent at the country club, which gave me the freedom to come and go as I pleased. My father, on the other hand, threw himself further into his work and rarely attended our family dinners or events. He could usually be found in his office with a glass of whiskey.

  “See you downstairs in one hour,” my mom said as she shut my door. “Your dad is even attending today.”

  Hmm…

  She must have convinced him to step out of his office and put down the whiskey glass.

  I sighed and threw the covers back. Slowly rolling to the edge of the bed, I willed myself to place my feet on the floor and stand up. I walked into the bathroom attached to my bedroom and turned on the shower. Adjusting the temperature, I made the mental decision to have a positive attitude and have fun at this party.

  I stepped out from under the water and grabbed my tan, fluffy towel. Wrapping my hair in the towel, I began the girly rituals that I had fallen behind on lately, covering myself in cherry flavored lotion, and spending extra time perfecting my eye liner and mascara. I slipped into a pair of white shorts, a navy top, and bronze sandals. Drying and straightening my hair was the final step in my process, then I was ready to face the world.

  Descending the stairs, I forced myself to smile; the guests had begun to arrive. This would be an all-day event.

  After two hours of exhausting conversations, and too many sympathizing looks that told me people remembered about Jeremy, I began to make my way back to the staircase. Before I took the first step, Ty stepped out of the crowd and looked directly at me. He was dressed in a white, linen shirt with his sleeves rolled up exposing his forearms. His khaki shorts and leather flip flops made him look like an Abercrombie model.

  He smiled and began to walk my way. “Hey,” he said. “Someone I know.”

  “I didn’t realize you were coming,” I said.

  “Well, I wasn’t, but Ed and Marie were coming so I tagged along,” he said, grabbing the back of his neck with his hand. “Do you think anyone will mind that I’m here?”

  I laughed and suddenly felt at ease. He seemed nervous. My laugh transformed into a smile that I couldn’t wipe away from my face. “I’m pretty sure you’re welcome here. Let me say hi to the Nevels, then we can go out back.”

  I walked over and hugged Mr. and Mrs. Nevel. I wondered how Ty knew them, and why he was living with them.

  “I’m glad you both could come,” I said, releasing Mrs. Nevel from my grip. “My grandpa will be glad to see you.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world, dear.” she looked in Ty’s direction. “I see you’ve met Ty. I take it you will introduce him around. Help him fit in with the right crowd.”

  “Oh, sure,” I blushed, realizing it was more of a statement than a question.

  “Take care of our boy,” Mr. Nevel smiled, turning Mrs. Nevel toward the backyard. “And have fun.”

  Thankful that awkward conversation was over, I walked back to Ty. “Let’s go.” I said as I grabbed his arm.

  We walked to the backyard and caught the entire view of the party. Six large white tents covered most of the lawn, and white tables with matching chairs were set up under each tent. There was a make shift dance floor set up in the middle of the lawn near a DJ booth.

  I noticed the lines to the buffet were fairly short.

  “Are you hungry?” I asked.

  “Sure,” he replied, taking in his surroundings.

  As we walked toward the end of the line, I smiled as I watched him take in every detail.

  “Are the parties different in Detroit?” I asked.

  Focusing his deep brown eyes on my blue ones, he chuckled. “I feel like I’ve been transported back in time. My friends back home wouldn’t believe this place. It’s like we’re in Mayberry.”

  “You’ll get used to it. Just send them a picture so they know this place really exists. What are the parties like where you’re from?”

  “I didn’t go to many parties in Detroit,” he replied with serious eyes. “At least not many that involved the entire population.”

  We piled our plates with hot dogs, potato salad and watermelon. Leading the way, I walked past the white tents and toward the large tool shed in the back of the yard. Opening the door to the shed, I revealed another table with chairs occupied by my friends.

  “We prefer to sit out here,” I said, looking up at Ty. “Everyone, this is Ty. Ty, everyone.”

  He began to shake hands and slap high fives with everyone at the table.

  “Colton and Lexy just arrived so they’ll be back here soon,” I said as he took the seat next to me.

  Ty seemed strangely at ease, even though he didn’t know a single person in the shed. Scooting his fold out chair closer to me, he joined in conversations with my friends about football, summer plans and the next school year. He seemed to catch everyone’s attention when he revealed he was the starting quarterback and pitcher at his former high school.

  I could see Holden tense up from the corner of my eye. Holden was our starting quarterback, and he was obviously feeling threatened by the new guy in town.

  Right as Ty began to put his arm around the back of my chair, I felt my cell p
hone vibrate in my pocket.

  Leaning closer to Ty, I pulled my cell from my back pocket. A new text message from Lexy.

  He is here, and he is headed your way.

  I quickly typed back.

  What!!!???

  Immediately my screen lit up.

  He’s alone, and he asked where you were.

  I typed back in record speed.

  Text me once he leaves the party.

  Leaning toward Ty’s ear, I quickly whispered. “I have to step out for a bit. Are you okay here, or do you want to go with me?”

  I had never invited anyone to my safe place, not even Jeremy. I prayed he would stay behind. Surely the shock of asking him to join me was written all over my face.

  Ty stood up and held out his hand, not the least bit affected by my expression. Grabbing his hand, I stood up next to him. An unexplained, electric current shot through my body.

  I grabbed an unopened bottle of wine that was in the center of the table and looked at Holden. “We’re going on a quick tour of the party.”

  Holden nodded, still consumed with his thoughts about Ty’s football skills.

  Without looking up or letting go of Ty’s hand, I headed out the door and toward the gate on the back fence. Not slowing down until we were halfway down the alley, I finally released Ty’s hand.

  “Can this fit in your pocket?” I asked Ty, holding out the bottle of wine. “It was an impulse grab.”

  “You’re serious?” he said as I continued to hold out the bottle. Sighing, he took the bottle and awkwardly stuffed it into the side pocket of his shorts. “Because this isn’t obvious?”

  “Sorry,” I continued down the alley toward a chain link fence. “I usually have a purse, and it’s usually not daylight when I carry around wine bottles.”

  “So you sneak out of parties often?” he questioned.

  I laughed as I followed the fence until I found the opening we had cut into the links years before. Pulling the corner of the fence back, I gestured for Ty to go through.

  “After you, sir.” I smiled.

  Ty rubbed the back of his neck before leaning down and squeezing through the small opening.

  I followed quickly behind and finally let out the breath I had been holding since I had received Lexy’s text.

  “Are we at the football field?” he asked.

  “The one and only,” I replied. “Sometimes I come here to be alone.”

  Ty looked at me with his intense brown eyes.

  “Like I said before, I’m usually alone, so I normally don’t have to explain my actions.”

  Breaking our gaze, I began to climb the stairs of the worn bleachers.

  I found my spot on the very center of the bleachers, took a seat, and pulled my feet underneath me.

  Ty’s eyes scanned the football field for a few minutes before he handed me the bottle of wine and took a seat next to me. He obviously had no issues with personal space because his knee rested on top of mine. For some reason, in this moment, I didn’t mind it, and I hadn’t minded holding his hand earlier either.

  Ty interrupted my thoughts. “So, who are we hiding from?”

  “What makes you think I’m hiding from anyone?” I replied, unscrewing the top of the cheap white Zinfandel.

  He hummed as I took a long drink straight from the bottle. Staring at the field, the same thoughts that had haunted me for months came to my mind. Why had he come to the party? I knew for a fact he wasn’t invited. Why did he still want to talk to me? Why was he still in town?

  Ugh…

  I was beyond ready for him to leave for college.

  “Whoa, where did you go?” Ty asked, placing his arm around my shoulders and staring directly into my eyes. “Stay with me.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

  “Well, you’re here, but your mind is definitely somewhere else.”

  He continued to stare with what looked like concern. “Seriously, tell me who you are hiding from, or I’ll go back and find out.”

  Sighing, I took another big gulp of wine before replying. “My ex-boyfriend showed up at the party, so I left.”

  “Why would that matter?”

  “It’s complicated,” I sighed.

  “Well, I’m sure you know whoever is hosting the party,” he said. “Can’t they ask him to leave?”

  I laughed at his question, realizing he didn’t know I lived in the house, and the party could be considered mine. I leaned closer to him.

  “You make it sound so easy,” I said as I continued to stare at the football field.

  “Isn’t it?” he continued with confidence.

  “Nothing is that simple,” I sighed. “My family is hosting the party. My parents would never ask him to leave. They think he is perfect.”

  Realization set in on Ty’s face as he understood that I lived in the largest house in Milton. With its winding driveway, Corinthian columns, and intimidating foyer, the house was one for show not modesty.

  “You live there? In that house?” He turned to face me.

  I sighed as I continued to take sips of the tart wine. “Technically my grandfather, Benjamin Hart, owns the house. A few months ago, my grandmother passed away, and the short story is that no one took it well. My father is an only child, like me, so we sold our home and moved in with my grandfather. It’s still pretty weird that we live there.”

  “Sorry about your grandmother.” Ty’s eyes were on the football field again.

  Taking in the silence with a deep breath, I didn’t reply.

  After a few minutes, his words cut into my thoughts. “I knew one of my aunt’s friends had passed away not long ago. I didn’t realize it was your grandmother. She talks about her often.”

  I replied. “So that’s your connection with them? The Nevels are your aunt and uncle?”

  “Great aunt and uncle,” he said. “So about the ex?”

  “I guess I could have put that piece of your story together seeing that you are also Colton’s cousin,” I replied, lost in thought. “I wondered how you knew them.”

  “Yeah, so.” He wasn’t going to let up. “About the ex?”

  Frowning at his persistence, I sighed. “What about him?”

  “Why are we hiding?” he asked again.

  The wine was beginning to have an effect, and my guard was slowly falling.

  “Technically, you aren’t hiding from him.” I smiled. “You just followed me here.”

  Ty remained silent, waiting for my explanation.

  “We broke up about three months ago, so the end of this school year was full of drama. I haven’t seen or spoken to him since graduation. Jeremy is a year older, so I’d kind of assumed he’d already left for college. Apparently not.”

  “Can you not just avoid him at the party?”

  “He really isn’t one to sit back and wait when he wants something. It also doesn’t help that our parents want us to be together. Even when they found out what happened, they told me that we were just young and that these things happen.” I laughed and tipped the long bottle back once more.

  “That’s a pretty vague explanation.”

  “He slept with my best friend the weekend after my grandmother’s funeral. I was home dealing with a loss, and he was out…well, you know. After several very public confrontations with them, I finally decided I would avoid them both once summer began. She already left for college.”

  “Wow.” Ty ruffled his dark hair with his hand.

  “Yeah.” I took another drink. “You should have moved to town a few months sooner. Then you could have watched the show along with everyone else.”

  “Here,” he said, taking the bottle and sitting it away from me.

  He pulled me in even closer, and we sat in silence. I leaned my head back on his arm and stared into the bright blue sky. I had become accustomed to being alone and sitting in this exact spot by myself, but somehow with Ty here, it still felt right. I was comfortable that he knew some of my pain, although he cou
ldn’t know all of it.

  The vibrating in my pocket pulled us both back to reality. I grabbed for my cell phone as the screen lit up for both of us to see. It was a text from Lexy.

  The coast is clear. Come back.

  “I guess that’s our cue,” I said, settling back into Ty’s arm as my phone vibrated again showing a text from Jeremy.

  You will talk to me soon. This town isn’t big enough for you to hide in.

  “Yeah, I guess we better go.” Ty tightened his arm around me as we both continued watching the white puffy clouds pass by.

  The next few weeks seemed to pass in a blur. Lexy and I practiced basketball in the mornings, and Ty and Colton would join us on our sprinting days. Ty bought lunch less and less as he became more familiar with our drills, and Colton would complain as he began to finish last on a regular basis.

  Most nights I would become restless and run. Every time I turned the corner toward the park, Ty would be sitting on the Nevels’ porch in his running gear. I was never sure if he was waiting on me, or if he was contemplating running alone.

  Either way, as soon as I was near his house, he would meet me in the street and immediately start jogging at my pace. The June heat forced us to take longer water breaks and run after the sun had set.

  Resting on a wooden bench in the park, Ty brought up the subject I had been trying to forget.

  “So any ex-boyfriend updates?” he tried to ask with indifference, wiping his forehead with his sleeveless white t-shirt.

  “Not that I know of,” I replied, taking a long drink of water. “I heard he moved to Norman to get ready for his fall semester.”

  “So you aren’t getting back together with him?” Ty stared out at the ducks paddling across the pond.

  Nearly choking on the water, I spit it across the lawn. “Absolutely not! Did someone tell you that?”

  “No,” he shrugged, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.