by Hite, Nicole
Wynonna Wilson was a piece of work. Wynonna always looked like she had stepped out of a Dallas beauty pageant. Had Colt come out a girl, I'm sure he would be a top competitor on Toddlers in Tiaras. Her hair was as high as the day was long and could harbor a flock of birds under all that hair spray. Her makeup was always perfect, and nails were always flawlessly manicured. God helped her if it rained. She might melt.
“Hello, Ms. Wilson.”
“Hello Carrington.”
“Beautiful evening for football; isn’t it?” I offered.
“Yes, wonderful night. Even better that the Spurs won. Colton has them on track to go all the way this year. You know he was picked up by the UT to play football next year,” she gloated.
“Yes, ma’am. I heard. You must be so proud,” I said stroking her ego.
“Shep and I are hoping the NFL scouts will take notice and draft him early. You know, he is that good.”
It was unbelievable how she never admitted she was proud but harped on another way to make their family more money. I detested the way Colt’s family used him as a show horse. He was better than that and smarter to boot. I wish they could see the amazing man I saw. Now that’s something to be proud of.
“So where are you going to college, Carrington,” asked Mrs. Wilson.
So I guess we’re having a pissing contest now. No problem. I can play this game.
“I got in early admission to Columbia, ma’am.” Daddy always told me to be polite even if the other recipient of our conversion was less than gracious.
“Oh, that's wonderful Carrington. I know if your Mama were still alive she would be so proud of you.”
What a bitch to bring up Mama like that! Everyone in town knew Wynonna hated my Mama so hearing her bring her up was like a stab to the heart. She really must have been pissed off at my response.
Mrs. Wilson and I were so immersed in conversation I hardly heard Colt approach. Freshly showered, he smelled like Irish Spring and Tommy Hilfiger; it was divine. Oh man and Lord knows he looked good, too. He was dressed in worn jeans, a flannel and his signature cowboy boots.
“You looked excellent tonight honey; I don't think the Raiders saw you coming. You just need to whip those boys into shape to secure your spot for states. Just remember, you got into UT on scholarship, and they can take that back at any time.”
“I know, Mama.” He said politely even though she didn’t deserve it.
He was always such a gentleman. I can’t say it was all Wynonna’s doing raising such a beautiful man. Colton’s grandfather played an enormous roll in refining Colton into a respectable gentleman. Colton would never disrespect anyone and especially not his Mama or any female.
“Are you headed home?” she asked.
“I think I'm going out with the boys to celebrate, you know, grabbin’ a pop and watching late night television,” he said with a wink in my direction. Oh sweet, baby, infant Jesus.
As Wynonna kissed Colt on the cheek and walked away, I was dumbstruck as to what to say to this striking man. My cheeks began to flare bright red as the awkward tension started to set in. Just as Colt had opened his mouth to speak, Colt’s friend, Chuck, busted through with Harley; Skye and Wyatt in tow.
“What's up fuck face? Chuck interrupted. Saved by the bell. “You ready to go get wasted? Bucky said he’s already got the beer on ice and just waiting for us to show up.”
“Yeah man. Let's do this shit. You coming?” What was happening? How could this night get any better?
Before I had a chance to respond, “YES, we're coming” interjected Harley. I glared at her bug-eyed. What the hell was she doing? Looking in her direction, I couldn’t help but notice Chuck’s arm wrapped around her shoulder. Who was I to cock block my best friend?
“Yea, ok,” I said through gritted teeth.
Throwing his gym bag over his shoulder, his muscles swelled through his shirt like a Calvin Klein model. This man screams sex.
As Skye and I hopped into Harley’s International Harvester, she had a thing for Empire Records, I stared down Harley. Naturally she was deliberately avoiding eye contact.
“You wanna tell me what the hell that was?” I squawked.
“Cool your tits. You looked like a deer in headlights, and I knew you wouldn't grow some lady balls and speak up. This could be great. I saw how Colt was looking at you tonight. He wants him a piece of that Mason pie!”
“Why do you have to be so vulgar?” Skye interrupted.
“It's a God-given talent my love,” she said with a wink.
We finally rolled up to Bucky’s around ten where the party was already roaring. “All-Star” by Smash Mouth was playing as we parked the truck. Thank God Harley and Skye dressed me tonight. Ever since the incident at the lake I couldn't be trusted with my wardrobe choices. I thought I looked pretty good when I caught a glimpse of Paisley Parker. As if her perfectly golden locks weren't enough, she was decked out in a tight, red, strappy dress and sky-high heels. You have got to be kidding me.
“I was unaware we were at a Pimp and Hoe party,” Harley chuckled trying to lighten the mood.
“No shit,” I added.
"PARTIES’ HERE,” Wyatt yelled as we crossed the threshold of Bucky’s house.
Just as I was about to retreat I felt a hand on the small of my back. Please let it be Colt.
“Who wants a beer?” Colt asked around our group. Jackpot!
“Yeaaa, Yeaaa, sure, yes, ok, that would be great.” Way to go Carrington. He's probably just being nice to you because he thinks you ride the short bus. Splendid!
“Are you sure? You didn't sound so convincing?” he said with a smile and a laugh. This man will be the death of me.
“Yes, I would love a beer.”
“Anyone else?
“I’m in,” yelled Harley and Skye.
“Don't move, ok? I'll be right back.” Consider me the Berlin Wall; well before they tore it down. My feet were permanently cemented to the floor.
As Colt walked away, my girls made a circle around me.
“Oh my gosh! He’s going to get you a beer?” squealed Skye.
“Uh, I think so. I was sort of in a lackadaisical daze.”
“Holy shit Carr, this is so fucking awesome!” chimed Harley.
“Ok, listen Hooker, don't screw this up. You've got this.”
“That was so endearing, Har.”
“Just don't forget my pimp cut at the end of the night.”
Colt returned, and I immediately tried to think of something to say. As Harley would say, “grow some lady balls Carrington.”
As he handed me a bottle of beer, “Fun fact, did you know cows can recognize their names though they may not come when you call.”
“I did not know that….”
“Annnnd did you know cows are social animals who form bonds with each other? In a herd of cows, many will form clicks together. I guess farm life does imitate real life. Maybe they went to Avery?” I said nervously as I choked back a gulp of my beer. The taste was horrendous. I hope and pray it gets better with time or I may need to switch to liquor. I’m sure that’s a bad idea too.
“It wouldn’t shock me…”
“Yep, my dad has a head full of useless knowledge. It kinda rubs off on you.”
“That's hilarious.”
“Yo, Wilson. Get your ass in here and take a shot with me,” bellowed Wyatt.
“Oh fuck. Will you excuse me while I entertain this douchebag?”
“Yeah, no problem.” Ok, not bad. You didn’t act like a total ass.
The night had been going pretty well without any major incidents. I headed back to the kitchen area to find Skye, but also to see what was taking Colt so long. And I spoke too soon. I came to an abrupt halt once I saw Paisley’s tongue licking up the side of Colt’s neck. Colt didn't look comfortable yet he also didn't pull away. As Paisley licked, she stared me down like a tiger about to devour its prey. She was enjoying it way too much, and it just made me want to rip out her tongu
e and shove it where the sun don’t shine. Before I made a complete ass out of myself, I snatched Skye’s arm, and I turned on both heels making a break for it. Fuck this! I didn't want to be here any longer.
“Whoa! Where the hell are we going,” Skye said confused.”
“We need to go. Now!” I insisted.
Dragging Harley away by the wrist proved to be more difficult.
“What the fuck, Carrington,” Harley yelled.
“We've gotta go. I can't stay here any longer.”
“Whoa, Speed Racer, let's pump the brakes. What the hell happened?” Said Harley.
“Can we please just get in the truck and get the hell outta here?”
“Fine but you will tell us what's up on the way home.”
“Fine. Let's just go!”
The cool Texas air hit my face blowing the tears away as we sped away.
“So what's up, Care Bear?” Skye said with her sweet voice.
“I don't understand. I know I was a rambling mess, but I didn't think I was that bad. So bad that he would turn to Paisley so quickly. I was walking around looking for you guys and stumbled into the kitchen where Paisley was, all but, inhaling Colt’s neck.”
“She did what? That hussy!!! We're going back to kick her ass!” Harley snapped skidding to a halt ready to turn the truck around.
“No, no, no I just wanna go home and forget about tonight.”
We finally pulled up the gravel driveway, and I hopped out not before planting a kiss on their cheeks. As soon as I saw the dust kick up and the taillights fade in the distance, I sat on the porch swing, covered my face with my hands and let the tears fall. How could I be so stupid?
●
Shaking the memories off, I pulled out a blanket and picnic basket from the back of the truck; Colt reached for my hand as we walked out to the fifty-yard line. Volunteering to lay the blanket down, I unfolded the tartan fabric and shook it like I was a kid again.
“So, what’s for dinner, Sherlock?”
“Well Watson, I just want you to know, I went all out for you. Tonight, my dear, the chef’s special will be ham and cheese on rye, an array of fruits, including chocolate covered strawberries.
“Sounds delightful. I’ll have all of the above,” I replied with a smile.
“Would the lady like a beverage?” he asked.
“What, pray tell, is the drink of the day fine sir?”
“The drink of the day is a refreshing blend of barley and hops with a touch of liquid courage, also known as Bud Light.”
“I’ll take one then,” I grinned. I always despised girls in college that only wanted their designer beers or high-class martinis. In my opinion, it takes a true country girl to get down with the supermarket beers of the world.
“Coming right up.”
Reaching into the basket, he pulled out two Bud’s, used the edge of his boot to pop the tops off the bottles.
Pulling out a string of grapes from the basket, he plucked one off and tossed it in his mouth. Those lips; they were perfect. I’ve got to stop staring at this beautiful man.
“Thank you, sir. How did you even pull this off?” I asked taking a bite of my sandwich letting a small moan leave my lips. Why is it sandwiches always taste so much better when someone else has makes them? Heaven.
“Well, like yourself, I am a very important person,” he began.
“You are indeed,” I replied.
“Truthfully, Greg, the grounds keeper, let’s me sneak in every once in a while. Even people like myself, need to get away sometimes. I’m comfortable here, and he doesn’t mind as long as I shut off the lights and lock up. I can come and go as I please, and he never asks me questions.
“That’s awful sweet of him. Why would he be so generous?” I asked with genuine interest.
“Greg was always nice to me growing up. Sometimes, mom or dad would forget to pick me up from practice, and Greg would volunteer to take me home. He didn’t have to, but he did it out of the kindness of his heart. After I graduated from college and started to make my own money, I decided to pay him back for all those times.”
“What did you do?” I asked hanging on to his every word.
“I helped him buy a new truck. The truck he had was run down and on its last leg. He needed reliable transportation to take his kids to and from school. It only seemed fitting that I help him the way he helped me. There’s nothing more important than family; at least a family that loves and cares for you. Greg didn’t need to take me home when my parents forgot, but did it out of the kindness of his heart.”
Hearing Colt tell his story, I could tell I was seeing the real Colt. A Colt, I’m sure, not a lot of people get to see. He was speaking from the heart, and wasn’t trying to impress me like most guys would have.
“You bought him a truck? That’s the nicest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have the means, and he needed help. It’s what you do for friends, and Greg is a friend,” he said with conviction.
It took every effort not to get teary eyed. Damn he looked sexy as hell.
“I figured you all wrong,” I spoke truthfully.
“Oh yeah? What did you think I was like?”
“I’m not sure. I’m still trying to figure that out. There’s so much about you I don’t know, but I want to.”
“Well, what do you want to know?”
What the hell am I going to ask him that isn’t sexual in nature? That’s all my mind can think about these days.
“And I can ask anything I want?”
“I’m an open book. Shoot.”
“You asked for it. What do you want to be when you grow up or are you already there?”
“Oh, I’m definitely grown up, but I’m certainly not doing what I want to do with my life. I’m not sure I know myself.”
Every bone in my body wanted this man right now. He was sending out a “come get me vibe”, and damn it; I wanted it. I need to cool it though.
“My turn,” he said. “When, who and where was your first kiss?” he said popping another grape in his mouth.
“Ouch, going straight for the jugular.”
“Too personal?” he looked concerned.
“Not at all. I’m an open book as well.”
“Touché; now spill.”
“It’s kind of embarrassing. I was fourteen years old and staying the night at Skye’s house. Her cousin, Matt, was in town for the summer. One night, the two of us were hanging out in her tree house since Skye had already gone to sleep. He had never kissed anyone, and neither had I. We decided to get it over with just so we could say we had. It was horrible, and we were a hot mess. There were tongues everywhere, and spit drooling down or chins. I figured it could only get better from there. At least I’d hoped.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. I hadn’t thought about that in so long.
“It was that bad, ugh? Grape?”
“Absolutely, the worst. Please.”
Plucking a grape from its vine, Colt made his way closer to me. Not allowing me to touch the grape, I opened my mouth for him. Placing the grape on my tongue, I wrapped my lips around his fingers and sucked. Slowly pulling his finger from my mouth, he started to move toward me.
Feeling overwhelming, I jumped up, “Do you happen to have a football in your truck?”
Looking confused, he didn’t skip a beat, “Was I not the quarterback?” he responded with a sarcastic grin.
“O.K., smart ass.”
Trotting back from the truck, he had a questioning look on his face. Standing up on the blanket, “Wanna play a little two-hand touch?”
“Do you even need to ask?” he said with a suspicious smile on his face. Snatching the ball from his clutches, I took off down the field. Running lightening fast, I sprinted towards the field goal. Gliding into the end zone, I turned around to slam done the ball doing a victory dance.
“Take that, Sherlock,” I heckled.
“You are soooo done for, Wats
on,” he said with confidence. Just like that, he was running full speed at me as I dodge, and ducked his advances. Just as I was about to slip away for another touchdown, he grabbed me from behind, wrapping his arms around me while pressing his chest into my back. He feels so good up against me.