Un-Sweet Dreams (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Shawn Wall

  "Seth," she called loudly. He turned around.

  "Suzanne," he said with a puzzled look on his face.

  "You've heard about the Fall Out Boy concert in Shreveport, right?" She was out of breath now.

  “His shoulders slumped, and he shrugged.”Yes, it's sold out. I couldn't get tickets."

  "I have an extra ticket, and I wanted to know if you would go with me." Her voice was more even.

  "Are you serious?" His mouth fell open. Oh, was that good or bad?

  "Yes, it could be fun.”

  "Wait, aren't you and Tray West still going out?"

  "No, it didn't work out."

  "Hell yes, I'll go. What a minute. Are you sure? I mean, you will have to be alone with me at some point during the date." He had a smirk on his face.

  "Oh, is this a date?" She wanted to be sure they were on the same page and not make a fool out of herself.

  "Did I misread the signals?"

  His eyebrows drew together, and his voice had an almost bewildered tone.

  "No, you didn't. I'm interested, definitely interested. It's a date if you want it to be," she said smiling.

  "That’s sweet. Are you going to the haunted house tonight?"

  "My friend De Ann and I were thinking about it."

  "You should go. I'll be working. The Agriculture department is in charge of it this year."

  "That would be nice.” She sighed. It would be more than nice. Later that day, she convinced De Ann and Daniel to go with her. De Ann dressed as a witch, but Suzanne had opted to dress as the maid from the board game Clue. She thought it made her look a little sleazy, but De Ann insisted. "All it will take is one look, and you'll have him," she said. The hem was about seven inches above her knee, and the cleavage line left no surprises. In addition, the black fishnet stockings made the outfit over the top.

  The haunted house was at the county fairgrounds with a huge line at the ticket booth. She didn't see Seth anywhere, and there were so many people she wondered if she would even find him. After a lengthy wait, they were finally at the entrance. Screaming echoed, sounding more like a recording than anything else. The lights were dim inside, and fake cobwebs were everywhere. As they walked, she could hear the sound of chains rattling. Next, there were rooms with zombies running around and tables with eyeballs in bowls of red water. As they went through the last room, she could see the exit sign. De Ann and Daniel were a little ways ahead of her, but she meandered, trying to give them some privacy, almost pouting. She was so disappointed not to see Seth.

  Furthermore, she had worn this ridiculous costume and everything, just for his benefit, to be sure. Maybe she was more excited about their date than he was. She wasn't paying attention to where she was walking in her favorite six inch in heels. When she tripped over something, she felt herself falling and glanced back. It was a cord from a huge spotlight. The light was coming toward her, and she didn't have time to move. Then, in half a second, she saw someone out of the corner of her. He looked like Jason from Friday the 13th with the mask and all. He ran toward her, picked her up, cradled her to his chest, and rushed her out of the exit before the light hit the floor. She was the one screaming now, staring at the masked face.

  "Put me down," she said loudly.

  "You don't really want me to do that," the smooth masculine voice said.

  He didn't release her as she reached up and lifted the mask. It was Seth, and he was laughing his head off.

  "That was not funny.”

  "You should have seen your face. Aw, don't be mad at me. You'll spoil our date tomorrow night. Besides, I just couldn't help myself,” he said, still chuckling.

  She couldn't help but laugh, too.

  "You could have warned me.”

  "Where would the fun in that be?"

  "Where did you come from? I didn't see you in the last room until you grabbed me."

  The exit room was full of scary props.

  "I was just in the right place at the right time," he commented nonchalantly.

  "What's going on?" De Ann said.

  "This is Seth.”

  "I can see that. Why is he holding you?" De Ann persisted.

  "It’s a private joke." Seth responded, and he sat her down.

  "That big light in the last room almost hit me, and Seth pulled me out of the way.” He glared at her. Why would he care if someone knew he saved her?

  "Oh my goodness, are you all right?" Daniel asked.

  De Ann grabbed her hands, examining her.

  "Not a scratch." Suzanne’s voice was a little shaky.

  She hadn't realized until that moment, it was a miracle he was able to grab her at the right moment. She looked at Seth as he watched her intently, and she couldn't read the expression on his face.

  "I can take a break for a few minutes. Let's get something to drink. You need to sit down." Without hesitating, he took her hand and pulled her toward a group of picnic tables close to the concession stand.

  His grasp was strong and sent a warm flush all over her. As they sat, he never released her hand.

  "Are you all right?" she said.

  "I should be asking you that."

  He looked conflicted as he scooted over by her, not leaving an inch between their bodies. Her heart could have leaped out of her chest.

  "I'm glad you came. I wouldn't have wanted to miss your costume. Nice, very nice." He eyed the short skirt and low cleavage line.

  "De Ann convinced me to wear it, and I'm a little embarrassed. I think people were staring at me."

  He eyed her again. "I don't see anything wrong."

  "By the way, thank you.” She smiled at him.

  "It's no big deal.” He looked away.

  "I think it’s a big deal anytime someone saves me an emergency room visit.”

  "I have to get back to work. So we’re meeting tomorrow night in the west parking lot at six, right?”

  "Yeah, do you want to take my car to the concert?"

  "We can take my ride.”

  "It is a little cool for a motorcycle." She shivered.

  "I can't wait till tomorrow night. I really have to go. Bye." He grinned.

  She smiled at him, spellbound. He was so incredible, and she could get lost in those eyes. Was she reading too much into it? He really seemed to act odd. No doubt, most guys would be using what he did for an advantage. But he didn't seem to want anyone to know. The way he looked at her for telling De Ann and Daniel puzzled her.

  The next day crept along. After fixing her hair three different ways, she tried on two outfits, before finally choosing one. He was waiting on her in the parking lot as promised. She was a little late and hoped he wouldn't be upset with her.

  "We could still take my Harley,” he teased.

  "Let's stick with my car for tonight, but you should drive, I’m sure you know your way there by heart.”

  She eyed his attire and realized she was a little overdressed. While she had worn jeans with a purple cardigan, white turtleneck, and loafers, he sported jeans and a faded Taking Back Sunday T-shirt.

  They headed for Shreveport even though the concert didn't start until 9:00 pm. They talked and listened to the radio playing a Led Zeppelin marathon. As he quizzed her on each song, he was unable, of course, to trip her up.

  "What's your favorite Zeppelin album?"

  “That’s easy, it’s Zeppelin II.”

  “And your favorite song is?”

  “‘The Lemon Song,’ do you know it?” She felt the heat on her cheeks.

  “Yes, I like it, too. That gives me some insight.” He smiled with his crooked grin, speaking slowly, and she could tell he must have been remembering the exact words of the song.

  “It's time for me to ask the questions.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I know you like Jimi Hendrix. So what is your favorite song?”

  “Ah, ‘Foxy Lady,’ of course," he said, and then he tilted his head and winked.

  "You are too funny." She was again flustered wi
th embarrassment.

  He drove a little too fast, and kept looking over at her, but he still didn't veer off the road. The parking lot was crowded, but they arrived early, with plenty of time to find their seats in the huge coliseum. Seats went as high as the eye could see with an open dirt arena close to the stage.

  "Let's go down front first." He gripped her hand and pulled her along.

  There was barely room to stand in the arena, and he put his right arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him. As they walked toward the stage, she leaned her head close to his chest. The opening band was up, and the music was very loud. When everyone screamed on the second song, the lead singer mooned the audience. Immediately, she knew her cheeks were warm again, probably turning red. She’d swear she saw Seth grimace, and evidently he didn’t appear to think the mooning incident was funny either. Then, out of corner of her eye, she saw Dwight’s sister. She had not faced anyone in Dwight’s family since the accident. She knew their exact opinion of her from the whispers and stares of her hometown gossips. Suzanne tilted her head down, hoping the crowd would keep her out of sight.

  “Well, it didn’t take you long to replace my brother.” The girl spoke with a clipped, haughty tone.

  “Hello, Joan. I hope your family is well.” No other words came to Suzanne’s mind, except praying for God to give her strength.

  “How do you think we’re doing?” Joan spoke through clenched teeth and squeezed her hands into fist at her sides. Seth didn’t move an inch from Suzanne, and he remained quiet, seeming to absorb her expression.

  “I’m sure it will be a long time before your family fully recovers.”

  “We will never recover. Our mother still cries daily.” She glared at her and would have probably emitted fire from her eyes if she could have.

  “I am truly sorry for your pain.” Suzanne choked out the words as she fought to hold back the tears stinging her eyes.

  In the same instant, Joan quickly raised her hand, attempting to slap Suzanne’s face. Seth’s reflexes were instantaneous, and he grabbed Joan’s arm.

  “You won’t touch her. This conversation is over.” Seth said.

  Joan’s eyes widened and jaw dropped open. Seth released her and pulled Suzanne through the crowd.

  "Let's go find our seats, okay?" His voice was soothing.

  As they walked up the steps to find Section C, he pulled her close to him again. Instantly, she could feel the heat of his body through her clothes. It was dark and loud, making it difficult to find their seats. As they climbed higher, someone called Seth’s name, waving with a friendly smile. It was a guy named Henry from his dorm. His room was only two doors down from Seth’s. Finally finding their seats, Seth held her hand, occasionally stroking her palm with his thumb. It seemed unreal to be with him, and she had fantasized about more than him holding her hand the past couple of months. Even so, she was content with this. Without a doubt, she had faced one of her greatest fears with him by her side. More than once she had played out a scenario of facing Dwight’s family. In each, Suzanne had fallen apart. But she hadn’t. She wanted to rejoice, scream, and yell for victory. Ultimately, she found new courage because of Seth.

  As the music vibrated their ears, they sang most of the songs they knew. When the concert ended, they were starving, and Seth drove them to an all night café. He had said it was his favorite place after a concert. It was a small cafe with round metal barstools, and a jukebox in the back. Obviously, it was built in the 1950s, and there were only a couple of people in the place. They sat at a booth in the back, and the waitress brought water and menus.

  "Do you know what you want?”

  "Yes, I'm ready." Suzanne answered with a smile. "I'm so thirsty I know I want a Dr Pepper to start." She sipped her water and could only think of wanting to absorb every moment they had together.

  Seth motioned the waitress back to their table.

  "We’re ready to order. We need two Dr Peppers, and I want two deluxe cheeseburger baskets.” The waitress quickly wrote her version of shorthand, and then walked away from the table.

  "Miss." Seth called her. "My date would like to order also." She came back to the table with a confused look.

  Suzanne’s heart skipped. She liked the way he said my date.

  "Those cheeseburgers are for you?" The waitress asked in a high-pitched voice.

  He gave the waitress a stern look. "Yes, Suzanne, what do you want?"

  “The same but only one for me.” Suzanne shook her head. "How are you going to eat all of that food?"

  "I am a growing boy." He laughed a little too loud, and the people at the other table turned and looked annoyed like they had interrupted them. Suzanne laughed, too.

  "So, how many girls have you taken to a concert?” Suzanne wondered aloud.

  "Oh, one or two or three," he said, and then he grinned with a smirk on his face.

  "How many dates have you brought to this diner?” Suzanne was annoyed. Should it bother her that much?

  "You are really cute when you’re jealous." He leaned back in the booth, observing her.

  She rolled her eyes. "Who said I am jealous?”

  "Oh, I've really never taken a date to a concert before. Mostly a bunch of us guys go or I go with one of my brothers."

  "I guess I can deal with that.”

  "You want some music?" Seth asked, pointing to the jukebox.

  "Sure.”

  He got up and reached for her hand, leading her. They looked at the selections for a minute in silence.

  “Do you see anything you like?"

  "You pick something." She couldn't stop smiling at him. She should be embarrassed, but she couldn't help it.

  He grinned like he knew the effect he was having on her. He put quarters in the machine which only had oldies and made his selections. She turned to walk back to the table before the first song began.

  "Hey, come back here." He grabbed both her hands and pulled her to him.

  "What are you doing?"

  He only smiled as the music started playing “That's All Right, Mama.” Then they began to dance. It was a fast two-step, or a swing as he twisted her round and round and then pulled her to his chest. He could dance far better than she could.

  "I don't think there is dancing here, Seth."

  The waitress and cook looked around smiling, with the customers at the other table just glaring. He didn't stop twirling her until the song ended. When they went back to their booth, they were both breathless and laughing. By that time the food had arrived, she could barely eat because her stomach had begun twirling in nervous knots. She nibbled on her burger and ate a few fries. Seth ate almost all of his food.

  He drove again, and the entire ride back to school they talked constantly about music and concerts. She absorbed his every word and every expression like a sponge.

  "You want to go for a walk?"

  "Sure," she said.

  They began their walk toward the courtyard. She had never noticed the light in the top of the bell tower. The sky was clear, with the moon shining brightly lighting up the campus.

  "So, tell me how you ended up here."

  She found herself rambling, too comfortable in his presence. "It was the most logical option for me. I'm not like you, I have to work hard to make decent grades, and I didn't come here with a scholarship. This is closer to home, and quite frankly being this close, my family can help me. I probably wouldn't have made it at another school.”

  "So, what made you choose nursing?"

  How many questions would he ask her?

  "Well..." She hesitated.

  "What's wrong? Did I ask something I shouldn't have?"

  "The real reason begins with a really long story," she explained, hoping he would let it drop.

  "We have all night." His eyes sparkled, seeming intrigued.

  "I'm not sure I want to tell you. If I do, you may walk away after tonight.”

  "This has to do with the girl from the concert. I can't imagine an
ything you can tell me that would chase me off. Trust me.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.

  She felt so secure with him, like she had never felt with anyone else, even more than with Tray. His eyes were full of hope, and when he spoke, his voice was calming and soothed her. She could listen to him talk for hours. His body language and his expressions intrigued her even more, and she could not resist him. She would tell him anything he asked. Looking into his eyes was like walking into a deep, dark blue ocean, full of mystery and excitement. And she sensed there was more to him than he let on. His intelligence, his personality quite literally magnetized her toward him. Finally, she decided to take a chance before she was in any deeper. Her feelings for him were already intense, and she knew she was already falling for him. If there was any hope at all, he would need to know her past and the destruction she had caused. She needed to tell him now because she couldn’t let herself to get hurt again.

  "Let's go sit down.” She walked toward a swing under a tree in the middle of the courtyard. Seth followed without speaking a word. She sat down, and Seth sat very close to her, and then took her left hand and cupped it in both of his.

  "I want to help people. Yes, it’s a cliché for sure, but for me it's true. I have left behind a wide path of devastation, and I could never make up for it in a thousand lifetimes, but maybe I can give something back.

  “To understand you, must know the whole story. I have always had a sense about some things, and my mom is the same way. Almost like an instinct, but when I was fifteen, I dreamed of my grandfather’s death. The next morning, the phone woke me, giving us the news. I was horrified by this, seeing it over and over in my mind. It tortured me. My grandfather was like a father to me, and it would have been hard enough to deal with the accident itself, but I’ve never been able to tell anyone what I saw. I'm not even sure I should be telling you now. I grew very depressed. I was so young and confused."