I trail after the older woman in the direction of the rack in the back of the store. On it hangs several t-shirts in all colors and sizes. She begins shuffling through the hangers, but stops to look at me. "Hmm, let’s see," she says rubbing her chin. "Are you trying to impress a young lady?" I begin to smile at her sweet personality as she inquires about my personal life.
"Yes ma'am, actually I am. She is a little angry with me right now, so I'll have to do some groveling." She stares off at me for a moment and I wonder what she's thinking.
"Ahh yes, I think I may can help with that too. My Henry used to be the champion at groveling. That's one reason it was so hard to stay mad at him for long," she sighs making it clear he's no longer around. "You remind me of him. That sandy blonde hair and those beautiful blue eyes. You have quite the smile too. I think I can give you a few tips and you're sure to have her back in no time." She winks and goes back to strumming through the clothes.
Stopping briefly she looks me over. This should be perfect. "Come here son; let me see if this will fit. We have a lot of muscle to cover, I see." I walk over and stop before her.
She holds out the shirt, close to my body. It's a vintage, clover green Jimmy Hendrix t-shirt. "I think this will work." She releases the hanger to me and heads toward the side wall. "I think I got some shoes in the other day that look your size; brand new too. I tell you, things just aren't the same as when I was young. Generations now are spoiled and wasteful. Back when I was a kid we didn't get a new pair of shoes until our current pair was unwearable."
Yep, she is just like my grandmother; always on her soap box comparing then and now. I can't help but to smile. I come to a stop behind her as she pulls a pair of black and yellow Nike shox. "What size are you honey?"
"Size eleven, usually," I say.
"I may be old, but I still got it. I knew they would fit. Now let’s talk about this special girl. I'll tell you a little something about women, but it's our secret. Got it?" I nod, now curious where she is going with this. "We don't know what the hell we want. We like to pretend we do and sometimes even convince ourselves we do, but we don't. There are two things you need to remember and you'll get far with the lucky lady. One, she is always right. It doesn't matter if she really is, just let her think so regardless. Two, compliments are better than candy is what I always say. You can't buy a woman's heart but you sure can talk your way there. Romance her, sweet talk her, and sweep her off her feet. You do that, she'll forever be yours."
I have discovered one thing with the elderly. They tend to be wise. It's always best to listen, even if I don't have the heart to tell her I have no intentions on entering into the world of love. They don't really care about the ways of the coming up generations. They just like to give advice and keep the old ways alive. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you. I need to get going, how much do I owe you?"
"You're a cute kid. I'll tell you what, since you listened to an old woman ramble, it's on the house. You go make up with that girl. I have a feeling she's special."
"Oh no ma'am, I'd like to pay for the stuff." She holds up her hand to stop me as I put on the shirt and shoes. My shorts are now dry.
"I insist. This is my store and I can do as I please," she says grinning. "Go on now. Flash one of those smiles of yours and I'm sure all will be forgotten."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you." I turn to head for the door.
"My pleasure," she says beating me to it and opening the door for me.
I get in the truck and begin backing into the street. The old woman is still standing in the door waving goodbye. I return the gesture and begin on my way. I have no idea what I'm going to say when I get there. Why I never thought to get her number when she left it at the pool house, I have no idea. I wish I could just get her alone. The thought of her family being there freaks me out a little. Maybe because I don't have that much experience with parents and the ones I do are because they are my friends’ parents.
It doesn't take long before Kinzleigh's house comes into view. I pull in and park off to the side. I'm not even sure if Kinzleigh is home. I'd like to hope she is because the alternative drives me crazy to even consider. My hands are slightly sweaty. In attempt to dry them off, I wipe my hands on the side of my shorts.
I walk up to the front porch. Well I guess what I would compare to a front porch. It's more of a tall entryway in front of the door with tall columns and a covering. I knock on the door. After a few seconds I hear feet on the hardwood floor.
When the door opens, standing in the doorway is her brother. Great this should be fun. "Hey, is Kinzleigh here? I was hoping I could talk to her."
He looks behind him and steps outside, shutting the door. "What do you want with her? Preston brought her home a few minutes ago, meaning she doesn't want to talk to you. If she did, obviously you would have been the one to drop her off."
I guess I kind of had that one coming. "Look man, I know you don't know me, but it's all a big misunderstanding. If I could talk to her, I could explain."
Her brother is kind of beefy like me. We're about the same height and both full of lean muscle. I'm guessing he's also a football player and a pretty good one. The good football players usually stick out if you're one of them. "I don't think so. Look, I'm not saying that you're a bad guy, but you're only here a few days. Kinzleigh is...well she isn't like most girls. She's headstrong and beautiful and has these twisted views of dating and falling in love. Right now she's really on it because of all my shit. I wish that wasn't the case, but it is. We're close so my issues affect her and vice versa. If you've already screwed up, you're wasting your time. Trust me, I wish she would give some poor guy a chance, but it's just not looking that way any time soon."
If the guy wasn't so damn nice, I'd punch him in the face. Why can't he just let her decide for herself? "Are you telling me you won't even tell her I'm here?"
He nods his head. "If I thought it would change the outcome I would, but she's already all messed up about moving. She doesn't need to become more confused. If she's upset, I won't further upset her. I'm sorry man, I think you should just go and enjoy the rest of your time here, then head back home and forget about her." He turns and opens the door, disappearing inside.
Well if I can't get anywhere with her family, it's pointless. I'm just not really feeling the California sun anymore. Knowing what I'd be missing at the expense of staying here without seeing her, I'd rather just go back home.
I pull up at Ryland's shortly after leaving her house and walk into the pool house. As I come into the back bedroom, I pull out my phone and begin dialing a number. A female answers after the first couple of rings. "Los Angeles International Airport, my name is Dana, how can I help you?"
"I need to know when the next flight out from LAX to New Orleans is please."
"I can help you with that sir, hold on and let me check the system." I hear clicking of the keyboard before she comes back on the line. "The next available flight is scheduled for nine tomorrow morning with United Airlines."
"I'll take it."
"Your name sir?"
"Breyson Abercrombie."
"Okay, I show you had a ticket for Friday morning, will you be exchanging?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay sir, I have you booked on flight UA 504. I'll email your flight confirmation."
"Thanks," I say ending the call.
I begin shoving all of my things back into my suitcase with the exception of a change of clothes and my shower bag. It's now completely dark outside. Since I have nothing else to do I might as well go to bed. Before charging my phone I text Ryland of the change in plans.
Me: Can you take me to the airport in the morning?
Ryland: What the hell for?
Me: I'm just not feeling it anymore. There hasn't been anything but drama since I've been here. I think I'm just going to head back home.
Ryland: Things go bad with Kinzleigh?
Me: I never got past her brother.
Ryland: Shit dude, that'
s what I was afraid of. I'm sure Preston didn't hesitate to fill him in on the details. He can be a little bitch when it comes to her. What time is your flight?
Me: 9 is take off. I need to leave early.
Ryland: I got you covered.
Me: Thanks, I'll see you then. I'm going to bed.
I plug my phone into the charger on the bedside table. I didn't even bother to read the last text from Ryland. I'm just not in the mood anymore. I know he will try to talk me out of it but I don't really feel like hanging around the easy girls while he hangs out with Presley. I grab my shower bag and head for the shower. I still can feel the chlorine from the pool like a film over my skin.
Ten minutes later, I emerge from the steam filled bathroom, showered and in a clean pair of boxers. Lying down in the bed, I drift off to sleep.
Kinzleigh
It's midnight and I just crawled into bed. Preston dropped me off around seven and insisted he needed to talk to Konnor. After a day like today, I didn't want to argue. I ate some leftover subs mom made earlier and took a shower. After I showered, I walked into the den upstairs and found dad watching old home movies. He does it from time to time. He said it keeps the good memories alive. If I catch him watching them, I sit on the arm of his leather recliner and lay my head on his shoulder, watching them alongside him.
I get underneath my big fluffy comforter and turn out my bedside light. Just as I'm getting comfortable, my door bursts open shining the light from the hallway into my dark room. When I sit up, it's Presley waltzing in wearing pajama shorts and a tank. "Presley, what are you doing here?"
She jumps on my bed beside me, landing on her knees and palms. "You know I need bestie time after what happened earlier today. Plus, I need to talk some sense into you. I got the scoop and I'm going to have Lexi's ass on a platter when I see her. We will see what she thinks when I forget to catch her sorry butt next time she goes up in the air."
Now I'm really confused. "Mind telling me what you're rambling about?"
She sighs and places her keys and phone on the table before moving to the other side of me, furthest from the door. She slides under the covers and turns on her side facing me. "You know come hell or high water I'm always on your side, but I will always be honest and tell you when you're being a royal pain in my ass." She has such a potty mouth sometimes, but that is just one thing that makes Presley, Presley. She is so sassy.
I roll my eyes and turn towards her. "How exactly am I being a pain in your butt? I can't wait to hear this."
"For starters, I get that you jump to conclusions because of what happened to Konnor, but would it have killed you to hear the boy out before you stomped off in a rage?" Weird, I kind of thought she'd be pulling for her brother on this one. Back when we were kids we used to plot ways to become sisters. Ninety percent of the time, the solution was she would marry Konnor; imagine that.
"He kissed me with a girlfriend after hitting on Lexi the same night. What do you want me to do? Maybe it was doing me a favor. I will not do to someone else what was done to Konnor."
"You always were the stubborn one. Kinzleigh I talked to Ryland. He didn't hit on Lexi. As a matter of fact, it was the opposite. I knew she was lying when she said it to begin with, that's why I called her out on it. I can always smell a lie from a mile away. The little jealous tramp just wanted him for herself." She is right; she's always been good about calling bull crap.
"It still doesn't change the fact that he kissed me with a girlfriend," I say. She is now rolling her eyes. I can barely see it because of the dark room, but it was enough to see the act.
"Kinzleigh, when are you going to take off those rose colored glasses you wear? When are you going to see the world for the bull shit that it is? Things happen and people make mistakes, but you know what? We shouldn't be defined for those mistakes. You go to church every Sunday, but when it comes time to practice what you preach, you fall short every time. We can't all be as perfect as you are."
"So what are you saying, I should just forget that he omitted having a girlfriend or had a girlfriend and just go along like that's okay? I can't do that Presley. It goes against everything I believe. You know how strongly I feel about that. If you don't want to be faithful to someone, you shouldn't date them."
She exhales impatiently. "This is the part I was referring to about being a pain in my ass. Did you ever ask him if he had or has a girlfriend when you were thinking about losing your virginity to him? Hmm, or what about when you were kissing him back?"
"Well Presley, excuse me, but I would think it's an unspoken rule that you should mention that before you try and kiss someone. When he kissed me, I assumed that meant he was single. I may not know much about dating, but why would you kiss someone if you have a girlfriend?"
"Kinzleigh, I'm not saying that it wasn't wrong of him to kiss you on Friday with a girlfriend. What I'm saying is you should have given him the chance to explain his actions. If you had, you would have learned that he was only dating her because they were friends with benefits and he dated her so she wouldn't appear to be a slut." Her brows come together. "I don't know, maybe that's a southern thing. Personally I don't know why it matters. Anyways, it turns out he broke it off with her that night on the phone because he wanted to spend more time with you, but didn't feel right about doing that to her. He even explained to her that he met someone he was interested in getting to know. I'm not excusing his initial screw up, but at least he tried to make it right. Would you cut the boy some slack? You may try to deny it, but I know the attraction is there. I know you want to see more of him too."
I roll back onto my back and look up at the ceiling. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I know she is right, but at the same time this is becoming very complicated already and he is supposed to leave in like four days. "I don't know. It just seems like too much of a headache already. Could you have not told me all of this tomorrow? I've had enough for one day."
"I could have waited until tomorrow, but then he wouldn't be here. He scheduled a flight out tomorrow morning because he came over to talk to you and Konnor wouldn't let him through the door. He decided he would rather go back home than to stay here with you not speaking to him. Ryland is freaking out about it because he only sees him twice a year, but he knows if he tries to talk him out of it nothing will change. The result will be the same." All I can do is blink. He came here to talk to me? Konnor didn't even tell me? That's not like him at all.
"What exactly are you proposing I do?"
"I could take you to the airport in the morning. I know which gate he's at." That sly grin comes over her face, but then it disappears and reappears as sadness. "Mom told me about you moving."
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?"
"I don't know; I guess I was waiting around for you to tell me yourself, hoping it wasn't real. I want you to do something for me and I'm completely serious. This isn't a joke to me. You have to promise and you know me and you never break promises."
"Okay, what is it?"
A tear rolls down her nose. "I want you to live this year. Get out there and do something you wouldn't normally do. I know I won't be there to push you, but I want you to venture out and have fun. You're such a likable person when you let yourself go; free the inner spirit that I know you keep buried deep inside." I've never seen Presley cry; not since we were little, anyway. It's a little overwhelming.
Before I know it, tears are falling down my face too. "Hey, you know you'll always be my best friend right. I know I can be difficult sometimes but I love you. You're the only sister I've ever had. It's only for a year and I'm coming back. Still same college right? Pinky promise me." I hold out my hand extending my pinky. When we were kids we saw on a movie where two people made a blood promise and thought it would be neat so we made a blood promise we would go to the same college. It's kind of silly, I know, but she's always been my sister, blood or not, and we always do everything big together.
A smile breaks free in the midst of her tears. "You're
damn right," she says linking her pinky with mine. "I wish you didn't have to go. Now senior year is going to suck without my partner in crime. What about cheerleading captain? What about cheerleading in general?"
"Come on, you know I'm usually just holding you back. You're co-captain so that automatically makes you captain and Madison had the third highest score for tryouts; she will become co-captain. As for cheerleading, well I guess I'm just hoping this school has a decent squad and an extra spot." This is so much harder than I thought now that it's so real. "Will you promise me you'll visit on Christmas break?"
She wipes her eyes. "Of course I will. You can show me around and introduce me to some southern boys. I've always wanted to meet a real cowboy and if any are like Breyson, I can't wait. That boy is hot Kinzleigh." Leave it to Presley to turn this into something about guys.
I push her shoulder lightly, "Let's call it a night if I've got to be up at the butt crack of dawn to go to the airport."
Her face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning, "I knew you'd see it my way. Night sweet stuff," she says and kisses my cheek before turning over to go to sleep. For some reason I have a feeling I'm a glutton for punishment.
***
We pull in to LAX at eight A.M. sharp. "You owe me a white chocolate mocha after this," I say groggily. I am never a morning person. I like my sleep, unlike a certain perky brunette I know. I don't think the girl ever sleeps more than five hours a night. She was up, showered and dressed in a pair of my clothes when I was just stirring from my slumber. It's really a tragedy we weren't sisters. We do everything together and can wear all the same clothes except for jeans because I'm short and she's tall.
"You do this baby girl and I'll buy you as many mochas as your heart desires. I'm proud of you because I know this is hard for you. Ryland said they are sitting outside the gate."
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