“What about you?” I asked, adjusting my pink tank top over my black shorts. “What did you leave behind in Detroit?”
Raising his eyebrows, he looked directly at me. “What do you mean? What have you heard?”
“Actually, nothing at all. No one knows anything about you,” I answered truthfully. “But I’m guessing it’s a good story if it landed you in Milton, Oklahoma.”
Ty returned his gaze to the ducks. “I was dating someone, I guess, but that was over before I left.”
“That’s all I get?” I slapped his shoulder. “After you forced me to tell you my story?”
He laughed, but his expression was serious. “That’s about it. We dated, but it didn’t work out. She was a little older than me. Once things ended, my parents thought it would be better if I finished high school in a small town, so my aunt and uncle agreed to take me in for the year.”
“Why did you have to move across the country? To this place?” I asked, wanting to know more details.
“We don’t have much family, and Ed and Marie offered once they heard what happened. Plus, Colton is here, so we can graduate together. They thought Milton would be good for me.” he sighed as if he had more to say but wasn’t ready to.
Trying not to push too far, but wanting more details, I asked. “So are you going back anytime soon?”
“To Detroit?” he asked. “No, probably not. My parents will come here to see a football game or two.”
“And this was all because of a girl?” I asked, following his gaze across the pond.
I was surprised when he laughed. “And you thought your life was complicated.”
Not wanting the attention placed on me, I stood up. “You definitely owe me the rest of your story. For now, it’s time to run.”
Ty stood up, and we began to fall into a jogging pace. We didn’t stop until we were in my driveway. Out of breath and covered in sweat, he turned and began to walk back to the Nevels’ house.
“Hey,” I called out, causing him to turn around. “There’s a field party tonight. Do you want to go?”
“Am I ready to know what a field party is?” he asked.
I laughed at his response. “It’s exactly what it sounds like. A party in a field.”
“Sounds exciting,” he teased. “Pick you up in an hour?”
“See you then,” I turned toward the house before the smile spread across my face.
We rode mostly in silence to the party with only me giving directions. “Turn left after that fence post, and then we’ll turn right after the wooden bridge.”
“I swear I didn’t think places this small existed,” Ty mumbled to himself.
“Okay, once we pass the old barn, you’ll turn into the field, and see the open gate. And don’t be such a city boy.”
He laughed as we pulled into the field. Once we drove a quarter of a mile, we could see the bonfire and ten or so trucks parked around it. We pulled in next to Colton’s truck and parked where the tailgate faced the fire.
Lexy screamed when she saw us. “It’s about time!”
“Well, now the party can start,” I teased her.
“Okay, Ty, don’t be nervous, but you are standing in a pasture. You might even see a cow!” she laughed at the uneasiness displayed on Ty’s face.
I grabbed his arm and pushed him toward Colton’s truck. “Do you want a beer?”
“Please, darlin’,” he said, trying his best Oklahoma accent.
I shook my head and laughed. “You might want to practice that.”
We sat on Colton’s tailgate and laughed while everyone told stories about junior year. Ty would answer questions when asked, but never willingly gave up information about himself. It made me wonder who his ex-girlfriend was, and why he had agreed to move to Milton his senior year.
“It’s time to play I’ve Never,” Lexy announced. Everyone groaned as Lexy passed out more cans of beer. “Oh, shut the whining. This is the best game ever!”
“Should I even ask what this game is?” Ty leaned into my ear.
“Well, it’s definitely not the best game ever,” I smiled at him. “Someone will give a scenario and if you have done whatever that scenario is, you have to take a drink of your beer. It’s usually pretty entertaining as long as you think before you drink.”
“What kind of questions?” he asked, relaxing next to me.
“You’ll see, but it’s mainly about sex and kissing and all of that. The boys will ask the embarrassing stuff,” I answered. “Most people lie and won’t take a drink anyway.”
Before we could say anything else, my friend Austin, the loudest boy in our grade, shouted over the group. “I’ve never hooked up with a girl in a tractor!”
Laughter broke out as several guys tipped back their cans.
“And the game has started,” I elbowed Ty.
I’ve never statements started coming from everyone, and each time laughter broke out when someone would take a drink. We usually learned something new about people during this game.
“I’ve never made out with a drummer in a band,” Lexy smiled in my direction.
Glaring back at her, I took a quick drink hoping no one would notice. My face turned beet red as everyone turned in my direction.
“I’m liking the single Bailey!” Austin shouted out. “I can be a drummer.”
Thankfully, the next statement was shouted out before any more attention was brought my way.
“I’ve never made out with an older woman!” someone shouted out. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ty take a drink. I seemed to be the only one who even noticed, so I took the moment to turn and face him.
“You’re driving me nuts,” I whispered. “Tell me the whole story.”
“I think that’s a whole different game.” he brushed my hair behind my shoulder. “Sometimes it’s best to have a few secrets.”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. Unable to focus on anything else, I wondered who his older woman had been, and how old was considered older.
The game continued until no one would admit to any scenarios that were shouted out. That’s usually how the game ended. Some of the guys walked away to gather more wood for the bonfire.
Once Ty and Colton walked away to talk with the other football players, I turned to Lexy. “Lex, why did Ty move here?”
“Colton said there was some drama at his old school. Something about a teacher who had it out for him. He didn’t really know the details,” she answered. “Why?”
“Hmmm, I just wondered,” I replied as I watched Ty attempt to fit in with the other loud, drinking Milton boys.
Thankful for Saturday morning, I spent most of the day sleeping and watching movies. A few friends were coming over later tonight to play poker in the tool shed, our monthly tradition.
I had seen Ty almost every day since we’d met, so I assumed he would show up at the party. He was welcome, of course, but I was still confused as to how I felt about our relationship. He never acted like more than a friend, but some of his comments hinted that he was interested in dating. Of course, he would then switch moods and be the vague new guy again. His untold story seemed more confusing than my own.
Deciding to shower and prepare for the party, I styled my hair so that it fell in loose curls around my shoulders. Dressing casually in an orange tank top and white shorts, comfort was more important than cute tonight.
Carrying chips and soda to the shed, I began to set up the table and chairs. Lexy and Colton arrived first with armfuls of snacks and the poker set.
“I’m feeling lucky tonight!” Lexy exclaimed. “I even wore my lucky underwear!”
“Now I’m feeling lucky tonight too,” Colton teased her.
“Ha, don’t even think about distracting me before the game has even started,” she swatted at Colton’s arm.
“You two are crazy,” I laughed.
“See, Bails, we aren’t all bad,” Colton said, wrapping his arms around Lexy’s waist. “You just need to let us find you a good g
uy. Maybe a good guy like Ty?”
“Here we go with this again,” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve been single for like one day. Give it a rest already.”
“Just saying,” he replied.
We were interrupted by the shed door slamming against the wall. Holden, Rich, and Austin piled into the room and quickly claimed their spots at the table. Once Kara and Julie arrived, our group was complete. We had all grown up together and had vowed to make our remaining time in Milton unforgettable.
Kara and Julie were the only girls I considered friends besides Lexy. They had both been there for me during the Jeremy breakup and had helped me find a sense of normalcy among all of the chaos.
Austin had always been the jackass of our group, but when you spend seventeen years with someone you learn to love them no matter what. Holden and Rich had come to my defense multiple times after my breakup with Jeremy, assuring me that not all guys were dogs.
“Who’s ready to lose some money?” Austin laughed as we all threw twenty dollars in the center of the table.
“Not tonight,” Rich replied as he scratched his shaved head and shuffled the cards. “I’m winning it all tonight.”
We all turned as we heard the door open. Ty walked in and seemed unaffected that we were about to start the game without him. Grabbing a chair from against the wall, he confidently placed it next to me, causing everyone around the table to shift to the right.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, pulling a twenty dollar bill from his pocket.
“No problem, dude,” Rich said as he passed out cards. “If you bring money, you are welcome to lose with the rest of these chumps.”
We spent the next few hours practicing our poker faces and trying our best to not lose our chips. I could always tell when Lexy was bluffing; her face would turn beet red each time she threw in an extra chip. Laughing at her expense, I challenged her until we were the only two left in the game. Throwing in her final chip, she laid down her cards.
“You only have a pair of three’s!” I exclaimed. “What were you thinking?”
“I was feeling confident,” she shrugged as she watched my cards turn over, revealing a full house.
“Do you still feel confident?” I teased as I scooped the chips into my growing pile.
“Bailey, you are on a roll tonight.” Rich started to deal out the next round. “Boys, we can’t lose to a girl. Someone better step up.”
Three games later, I was completely out of chips.
I accepted my loss by eating pretzels and opening another can of soda.
“At least I was winning for a while,” I shrugged.
“Yeah, that’s what I tell myself every month,” Lexy laughed.
We were both laughing when my phone vibrated on the table in front of me. I looked at the screen and saw it was a text message from Landon.
Landon was two years older than me and had recently joined a band. He was the exact opposite of what I needed. With his long black hair and tattooed arms, my parents would have a fit if they thought for a second I was dating him.
A few weeks ago, Lexy had convinced me that we needed to get out of town and go dancing. We drove the short thirty minutes to a town not much bigger than Milton and danced all night at Club Wolf, an eighteen and under club.
Landon’s band had performed earlier in the night, and later he approached me on the dance floor. With too much encouragement from Lexy, I gave in to the fun of dancing and making out with a complete stranger. A stranger who I assumed I would never talk to again.
It was the first night I had relaxed since my breakup with Jeremy.
I hadn’t talked to Landon since that night, but somehow he had my number.
“I might have programmed that into your phone after I gave him your number,” Lexy giggled when she saw the name on my phone. “What does it say?”
“I have no idea,” I said, swiping my phone to activate the screen. “I told him I was a freshman in college.”
“That’s almost true.” She peered down at the screen.
Hey, babe. When can I see you again?
We broke into a fit of laughter as the entire table turned in our direction. I noticed Ty was staring directly at my phone.
“Read it to everyone,” Holden challenged, reaching for my phone.
Quickly placing my phone into my back pocket, I laughed. “No way.”
The game continued until only Holden and Rich were left. Ty had decided to leave after his chips ran out. Without looking in my direction or telling me goodbye, he’d walked out the door.
The game had lost its entertainment value so I excused myself from the shed. I walked down the alley to the football field, happy to have a few moments by myself.
Sliding through the chain link fence, I made my way to the bleachers. My focus was on the dark steps, causing me to be unaware that someone was already sitting in my spot.
“Holy shit!” I shrieked as a dark figure came into view.
“It’s just me,” Ty said, standing up.
“What are you doing here?” I gasped, trying to catch my breath. “You scared me to death.”
“Sorry,” he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I can leave, so you can be alone.”
“Oh my gosh,” I said, placing my hand on my heart as I sat down. “No, you’re fine. I just didn’t expect anyone to be here. I thought you were a kidnapper or something.” Waiting until my breathing slowed down, I asked again, “What are you doing here?”
“I like the quiet,” he shrugged before taking the seat next to me. “And maybe I hoped that you would show up.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised. “Why didn’t you just ask me to come here when you left? You told everyone goodbye except for me. You barely talked to me all night.”
“I know,” he stared out at the field.
“Are you mad about something?” I continued, wondering what his mood was about.
Sighing, he looked down at his hands and shifted in his seat. “It’s just hard to watch other guys flirt with you. I don’t know how to handle it.”
I laughed in surprise. “I’ve known all of those guys for years. Trust me, no one was flirting.”
“Who was the text message from?” he continued to stare at his hands.
“It was from a guy who I met a few weeks ago. I didn’t know he had my number. I guess Lexy gave it to him when I wasn’t looking.”
“Are you dating him?” he asked.
Laughing in disbelief at the question, I answered, “Not at all. I didn’t even reply to his text. We only hung out once.”
“So, he’s your drummer?”
“Why are you acting mad?” I asked, suddenly getting defensive. “Are you about to tell me who your older woman is?” I remained tense as I watched Ty search for words. He had only known me for a short time, and his quick assumptions about my past were really beginning to irritate me.
Still stunned by my outburst, Ty shook his head. “I’m sorry. I just hate the thought of you and any other guy. I’m usually not like this.”
“You’re not usually like what?” I challenged, still upset by his questions.
Ty leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. Turning his head in my direction, he let out a long breath. “I’ve never met anyone like you before, Bailey. You’re all I think about. There’s a spark between us, and I know you feel it too. It’s been there since the first time we ran together.”
Shocked by his confession, I could barely whisper. “I’m just not ready for anything right now. I don’t have the best track record with relationships.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard.” Ty leaned back and placed his arm on the bench behind me. “Bailey, I’m not him. You should give us a chance.” Ty finally broke his lock on my eyes and stared out into the field.
Stunned by his boldness, I was unable to speak. The silence consumed us as we both stared out into the dark field. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Ty, or if I even wanted to date him. I knew he affected
me unlike anyone had before. He had an unnerving way of looking into my eyes but seeing only what was in my heart. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to handle that amount of passion.
Watching the fireflies blink across the field, I was only certain of one thing. The more time I spent with Ty, the harder it was for me to remember why I had sworn off all relationships.
Fourth of July was my favorite weekend of summer. Milton Lake was only about fifteen miles from town, and we were meeting most of our classmates at the shore we had nicknamed “The Milt.” Lexy and I had packed her Mustang with lake gear and cruised down the highway, listening to the latest rock hits on the radio. I could see Colton and Ty in the passenger side mirror. Ty’s black Dodge Ram was pulling a jet ski down the highway.
It would be a day of sunbathing, swimming, skiing, and fun. I looked forward to this weekend all summer.
We arrived at the lake just as our other friends were piling out of their cars and trucks. Everyone had arm loads of towels, ice chests, and beach bags. Lexy and I jumped out of her car as soon as she had parked. We could see Ty driving toward the dock to unload the jet ski. Grabbing our own towels and beach bags, we skipped toward the beach.
Finding a clear place in the sand, we laid out a huge blanket that could easily fit ten people. Placing our bags and ice chests on the corners to secure the blanket in the Oklahoma wind, we lathered our bodies in tanning lotion.
“What’s up, Bailey?” Rich asked. “When is the next poker game? I’m ready to win again.”
“We’ve decided you cheat,” I laughed. “You aren’t invited to any more games.”
“Yeah, right.” Rich placed his hand across his toned chest to defend his honor. “I would never cheat when it comes to taking money from my friends.”
Before I could say another word, I saw her. Swaying down the beach directly toward us was my worst nightmare.
Jessica.
Jessica and I had been best friends since kindergarten and next door neighbors until we’d moved into my grandfather’s house, but our friendship ended as soon as she admitted to sleeping with Jeremy. An act that I would never forgive or forget. I hadn’t seen her since summer began, and I hadn’t prepared to run into her today.
Stay With Me Page 3