by Anthology
“What are you thinking about?” Nick asks.
I sigh. He likely already knows what I’m dwelling on. “I’m sure you’ve heard the gossip about my car.”
His hand squeezes mine as it rests on the table.
“Yeah, I heard something about that.”
“I’m not responsible for the car payments, but maybe that’s worse. I probably come off as a spoiled, rich girl.”
His head shakes no. “Laney, I don’t think that. A lot of college students get help from their parents while attending school.”
I smile weakly at him. “I guess. Thank you for not judging me for what happened. I have to get to California to speak to my father. I was going for the summer, anyway.”
“Wow, when are you leaving?”
“In two days.” I believe a disappointed look is owning his handsome face. He leans in closer to me and entwines our fingers.
“I really like you. Would you promise me an official date once you return?”
“Sure. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
His lips press gently to my cheek. This guy can’t be real. He’s so sweet and has me wishing I didn’t have to leave this state.
Wade
Guilt’s been eating at me all damn day. I was feeling a whole lot better about fucking Katie when I thought Nick had fucked Laney.
What is my deal with that chick? I think it’s the off-the-charts chemistry I feel between us. Laney might hate the sight of me, but I guarantee she feels this between us, too.
I see Nick leave her table, so I take his spot.
“What do you want, Wade?”
“I came to apologize. I’m sorry I said that shit while I was drunk. Nick told me I was a real ass to you.”
“You were. Thank you for apologizing.”
A slow song comes on, so I nudge her shoulder.
“Dance with me.”
“I don’t know if that’s a—” I don’t let her finish her sentence before I’m pulling her up out of her chair by the hand. I don’t let it go, either, until we’re on the dance floor.
Reluctantly, she drapes her arms over my shoulders. “Why do you like to mess with me?” she asks.
“I don’t know. You’re cute when you’re pissed.” She rolls her eyes at my comment.
“I’m glad you found humor over me having my car repossessed.”
“I didn’t say that was funny. I said you’re cute when you’re angry.”
“Same difference.”
“Why do you have to be so damn uptight all the time?”
“I’ve been burned.”
“And how long ago was that?”
“A few years.”
“Jesus, woman. You need to let that shit go. You’ve probably been missing out on all kinds of fun in college.”
“What? All the fun I could have slutting my way through campus?”
“I like how you used that as a verb.”
She smiles and looks down between us.
“I saw it. You can’t hide it. I now know you find me charming.”
“OK, maybe I do, but it doesn’t change anything.”
“And why is that?”
Her head snaps up, and just like that, she’s a pissed off Goldilocks staring at the Big Bad Wolf.
“You slept with my girlfriend. What, do you think you’re going to get into my pants tonight now?”
She drops her arms and storms away, leaving me to look like a jackass on the dance floor.
Fuck, that woman drives me insane!
Chapter Seven
Laney
IT’S SUNDAY MORNING, and I’m more than ready to get out of this hotel and back home where I can pack for California.
I have one more wedding duty. I have to have brunch with the rest of the bridesmaids in the hotel restaurant before heading out. I have no choice since Jessica’s sister, Laurie, is giving me a ride home.
Why we’re having twenty functions for one damn wedding is beyond me. I would want my special day to be perfectly simple.
I find my girlfriends already at a table and take a seat. I eye the glass of orange juice in front of me.
“We went ahead and ordered you a mimosa, Laney,” Katie says.
“OK, I guess I’m drinking today, too.”
“Oh, it’s one drink. You need to lighten up.”
I pick up the glass and take a large swallow.
“Laney’s problem is she didn’t get laid this weekend,” Laurie says. “I sure did last night.”
“Let me guess–Wade,” I mutter.
“No, actually it was Nick. He was incredible in bed, too.” The glass I’m about to bring to my lips freezes. No. He. Didn’t.
I slam my glass on the table, and mimosa flies out of it.
“I have to leave. You ladies have a nice day.”
“Laney, wait, I was only playing around about you not getting laid!” Laurie exclaims.
“Why don’t you tell the whole restaurant what a prude I am, Laurie. Did you ever think that maybe I don’t want to be a slut like the rest of you?”
On that disgraceful note, I storm away. By the time I’m out of the restaurant, I’m sprinting at full speed and smack right into a hard chest.
“Oh, god, not you, too,” I say to Wade with a groan.
He has a tux draped over his shoulder in one hand, and the other is carrying a duffle bag.
“Whoa, where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“Anywhere but here. Want to give me a ride home?”
“I don’t know. You were awfully pissed at me last night.”
“Oh, go to hell,” I say before I march away.
“Wait. I’m sorry.”
I don’t want to stop, but I do need a ride home, so I turn around to face him.
“I’ll stop with the teasing. Let me give you a ride. I have nothing better to do seeing how I’m on vacation the whole next week.”
Wade
I can tell Laney is fuming over something big. We reach my truck, and since it sits so tall, I have to help her up into it.
She seems nervous as she fidgets with her curly hair and looks around the cab. “Thanks for this. I think I just ended every friendship I had besides the one with Jessica, and after what I said to her sister, that’s debatable.
“I’m so sick of everyone treating me like shit. What’s so wrong with wanting to save myself for someone who will appreciate it? You know? No, you don’t know because you don’t mind one night stands like everyone else.
“Maybe I am a big prude, but I was burned by the guy I let ‘pop my cherry’ as you men like to call it, so I’m not so eager to go down that road again.”
Laney finally stops talking to take a much needed breath. Damn.
“Well, technically, you can’t go down that road again since it’s already popped.”
Her head slings my way and arms cross. That look she’s giving me is pretty cross, too.
“Sorry. I said no teasing.” Hanging my head, I start the truck up.
Laney’s silent the first handful of miles, so I turn on the radio to a country channel. She mumbles something and gets out her phone.
Her fingers are moving fast across the screen, and if she scrunches those eyebrows any closer together, they’re going to stay put.
After a few moments, she dials someone and holds the phone to her ear. I turn the radio down. Not to eavesdrop but to be courteous. OK, a little to listen in.
“William, I need your help.” Laney holds the phone closer to her ear. “Dad still won’t answer me. I need to get to California.
“What do you mean you won’t help me? How am I supposed to get there?”
She’s quiet as the other person talks, and I’m wondering who this “William” guy is.
“You were hardly any different than me growing up,” she spouts into the phone. “Dad paid for your car, too. Fine, forget I called. Better yet, forget I exist because I’m obviously not family to you. Family helps each other out.”
Laney slams
her phone down onto her leg. One that looks pretty sexy, I might add. She’s in a yellow sundress, so her tanned legs are hot against it.
“Dad, please, please call me back. I desperately need to talk to you.” She glances my way, so I stare back at the road. “I don’t have a way to California. Please call me back.”
“You’re going to California?” I ask after she tosses the phone into her purse.
“Well, I’m supposed to be going to Cali for the summer, but I can’t get my father to return my phone calls.”
“Why don’t you fly there and see what the problem is?”
Laney bursts into tears. A big ol’ sob, and for fuck’s sake, we’re less than a mile to her condo. Why couldn’t she have waited until she was home? I hate when women cry. “What’s the problem now?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Yeah, right. Every woman wants to talk about it.”
“Yeah, well, if you haven’t noticed, I’m not like every other woman.”
“You’re right there. I guess you don’t seem like the sharing type.” After she has shot me daggers, she continues to cry until I’m parked outside her place. “I’m sorry. Talk to me. My buddy Shane tells me I’m a good listener. He likes to blab a lot when he’s drunk off his ass.”
She wipes her eyes and digs around in her purse. Pulling out a tissue, she blows her nose loudly.
“I don’t want to say. It’s really embarrassing.”
“I won’t laugh. I promise.”
Sniffling, she dries her eyes and turns to me.
“I don’t have the money to fly there. My credit cards are frozen, and I checked my bank account. I have two hundred dollars to my name. That’s not enough to fly to California.”
“Do you have family you can call?”
“No. My brother is who I was talking to earlier, and he has zero interest in helping me out.”
We’re both silent as I rub my hand down my face.
“Damn, sounds like you’re in a pickle.”
“No shit.” She dries her eyes and turns to me. I feel her stare, and here we go with the talking part. I should’ve grabbed lunch first.
“You can take me.”
Huh, what?
“What was that? Because I’m sure I didn’t hear you correctly.”
Laney crosses her arms, and I can tell shit’s about to get real serious. “You can take me seeing how you’re the one who took my car from me.”
“Hell, no. I’m not driving all the way to California. How many hours is that, anyway? No, don’t tell me because it’s irrelevant. I ain’t goin’.
“It’s thirty-four hours.”
“Hell to the no. I’m not spending my entire week off driving you there.”
“Do you have a credit card?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t matter. Why can’t you get it through that pretty little head of yours?”
“You think I’m pretty?”
My finger goes out toward her. “I see what you’re doing there. You think you’re going to sweet-talk me.”
“You could rent a vehicle. Once we’re at my father’s home, I will have him reimburse you for the rental car and pay to fly you home. That way you won’t lose the whole week.”
“If all his accounts are frozen and cars are being repossessed, what makes you think he has any money?”
“He keeps tons of cash at the house.”
“No.” I stare straight ahead, and it’s silent. Too silent. I can’t look at her. I already know what’s coming next. Three. Two. One. And the tears begin.
“Shit, shit, shit!” I shout and slam my fist onto the steering wheel. Have I said that I hate when chicks cry? It’s why I have to bail on them early in the mornin’, so they can’t pull shit like this. I end up giving them anything they want. Like second dates.
I could give her the money to fly, but I can’t say I don’t want more time with her. Why, I’m not sure because she’s crazy as fuck when she’s angry.
“OK. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I’ll take you.” Laney’s head flies up, and before I know it, her arms are wrapping around me, pulling my neck down toward her. She plants a kiss on my cheek, and I must say it’s kind of nice.
Chapter Eight
Laney
AS I PACK my bags for California at five a.m., I can’t help but wonder if I’ve made a mistake asking Wade to take me. What if he expects sex in return? What if I feel indebted to him forever?
No. He hijacked my car. He owes me, but he must be somewhat kind. I mean, he’s offering to drive me clear across the country.
Deep down I know he’s not responsible for my Mercedes being repossessed. I only wish my father would answer his phone. Then, I’d know the real reason.
I have a bad feeling as to why he’s not answering my calls, and I don’t know how I feel about Wade being with me when we arrive and find my father.
Once I’m packed and ready to go, I nervously wait by the door. The pickup Wade rented roars onto my quiet street, so I grab everything and finagle my key into the lock.
“I got that for you,” he says, walking up to the door.
“Oh, thanks.” He swipes my suitcase and carries it to the truck. “I brought you a coffee,” I say.
I’m now standing by the passenger door, wondering how I’m going to open it and climb inside while holding two small thermoses.
Wade comes around and opens the door. He takes the cups from me and places them in cup holders, and before I can protest, his strong hands are on my waist, hoisting me into the cab.
He doesn’t speak, and I have a feeling he’s rethinking this whole trip, too. Once he’s buckled in, I take a glimpse at him. He’s no-nonsense and looking straight ahead as he starts up the truck.
“You know, if you’ve changed your mind, you can tell me. Better now than once we’re a hundred miles down the expressway.”
“I’m not changing my mind. Of course, the thought did occur,” he mumbles. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“Yes, but I have no other options unless you want to loan me money for a plane ticket, which I won’t accept.”
“You won’t accept cash, but you’ll let me pay for part of the gas, hotel and food. Makes perfect sense.”
“Tell me you’re not going to be patronizing this entire trip, or I’m getting out now.”
He sighs and wipes his face with his hand.
“I’m sorry. I’m tired.” He grabs the cup of coffee and takes a big swig of it. “This will help. So, how many miles is this trip?”
“Uh, over two thousand. I figured it up, and if we drive around eleven or twelve hours each day, we’ll be there in three.”
“Shit. You can add an oil change to your tab, too.”
I roll my eyes. “This is a rental.”
This is also going to be a long-ass trip, and I’m certain of it once he turns on country music. Yes, a long friggin trip.
Wade
Since we’re close to the state line, it’s not long before we’ve entered Georgia.
“How long will we be in this state?”
Laney pulls papers out of her purse and views them.
“The directions say a little over a hundred miles.”
“I’m calling you peaches while we’re in Georgia.”
“At least it’s not sweetheart,” she murmurs.
“What’s wrong with sweetheart? I happen to like the term of endearment.”
“But that’s just it; it’s not a term of endearment for most people. It’s used so much that it doesn’t hold the warm, special meaning like a term of endearment does.”
“Hmm … I never thought about it like that. Lord, you’re one of those hopeless romantics, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not. That would require believing that a man like that exists, and I don’t.”
“There’s a backstory. I gotta hear it.”
“No way. We’re not talking about past relationships. You can scratch that topic right off your list.�
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“Maybe not in Georgia, but I think that would be a good topic for the most boring state of them all to drive through–Alabama.”
“Off-limits. Sorry.”
“For now.”
“Are you always this persistent?”
“Why yes, thank you.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.”
“Are you always this grumpy in the a.m.?”
“Sometimes.”
“Take a nap, peaches. I got it from here.”
“I think I will take you up on that.”
***
“Wake up sleepy fu—I mean sleepy head.” Laney rises and glances around.
“Where are we?”
“A waffle place. I need breakfast.”
“Uh, I thought we’d skip it. I have two hundred dollars to stretch over two thousand miles.”
“We both know that most of it will be in the gas tank before the day is over. Consider breakfast my treat.” I give her a smile as she wipes drool off her face.
“Only because I need to use the restroom will I agree to that.”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself, sweetheart.” This earns me an eye roll, so I smirk. While Laney goes to the restroom, I look for a booth to sit at. There’s one open in the back corner, so I take it and order us both coffee.
Strolling back to me, it’s obvious that she has straightened herself up in the restroom. She’s pretty this morning. Tired but still pretty.
“So, what should I order here?” she asks.
“You’ve never eaten at one of these places before?”
“No, is it good?”
“Only the best hash browns ever. Look right here,” I say, pointing at them on the menu. “Pick how you want them.
“I get mine smothered, covered, chunked and peppered. That’s onions, cheese, ham and peppers. I also get eggs and a waffle on the side.”
“Do you realize you’re paying for your future heart attack?”
“I doubt it. My family has good genes. My great-grandma is old as fuck. Her heart is still tickin’.”