Bourbon & Bonfires

by Andrea Johnston

  “Sure. Is Uncle Tay coming home?”

  “I don’t think so. I guess things are little more complicated than anyone thought. He’s going to stay and help Scarlett with their house and stuff.”

  Not much else is said between the two of us as we drive to the outskirts of town where Spencer’s house is. Sitting on about seven acres, he’s also Ben and Piper’s neighbor. Unlike my friends, Spencer opted to tear down the original home on his property and build a modern and rather large house. The home sits just beyond a large wrought iron gate.

  I slow as I approach the key pad to the gate. “Mason, will you read me the numbers written on the paper sitting on the dash?”

  “Nine-Five-Six-Eight hashtag.”

  “Pound.”

  “Pound what?”

  “It’s the pound sign not a hashtag. Long before that symbol was a hashtag, it was known not only as the pound sign but also number sign.”

  Mason snorts in response and I want to smack him in the back of the head. Is that a parenting thing? I’ve seen Addison do it to him more than once, and I must admit, right now, it seems like an excellent idea.

  I punch in the gate code he read to me and the gate clanks open. Spencer told me the gate is on sensors to close within a minute of the code being entered unless he overrides it. Since I’m using a trailer, he extended the length of time before it closes so there were no issues. I watch in my rearview mirror to make sure it closes as we continue down the long drive.

  When I pull up to the house, I hear Mason whistle. “Dang!”

  “Right? It’s pretty amazing.”

  The house is less of a house and more of a mini-mansion. Like something you’d see on a home improvement design show, this is most definitely the “after” version. The gravel road blends into a large circular driveway. A patch of grass with a water feature sits in the middle. I pull up so I’m in front of one of the three large garages and put the car in park. The trailer I’m pulling is lined up with the front door.

  “Since I’m afraid the awe on your face may remain for the rest of the day if you don’t see the entire place, let me show you around before we get started.”

  Like some weird zombie, Mason follows me up to the front door as I pull the set of Spencer’s keys from my pocket. I step aside to let Mason enter before me and can practically hear his mind running a mile a minute. I get it, I did the same thing the first time I came here.

  I show him quickly around the main part of the house, motioning toward the large staircase, and down a hall but as we walk into the large den with floor-to-ceiling windows, I hear a gasp. I laugh to myself as I watch Mason walk up to the windows and flip his head back from me to the backyard.

  “I know. Spence didn’t hold back with this place. It’s pretty phenomenal. Come on, I’ll show you the back before we get to work.” Opening the french doors off the kitchen, I motion for Mason to follow me as I step out onto the patio. We walk around the pool to another gate before stepping out to the part of the property I knew he’d flip over.

  “Holy shit.”

  “Hey, don’t let your mom hear you say that,” I chastise.

  “I’m not sure there’s a better way to express how I feel. This is crazy. It’s almost like the skate park in town.”

  “Yeah, Spencer is responsible for that. That’s part of his foundation, building skate parks in areas that may not always have funding for them. I’ve never seen you with a board, do you skate?”

  “I have a board, but it’s not like I’m good or anything. I can’t imagine trying to ride out here. It’s nuts.”

  I stand around a bit as Mason walks the half pipe and runs his hand across the rails. I’ve seen a lot of expressions on this kid, but the look of pure awe as he approaches me is something I wish Addison could see.

  “This place is so cool. Do you think when Spencer is back, you can ask him if I can watch him skate?”

  “We’ll see, kid. Let’s get to work.”

  For the next few hours, Mason and I work side by side to move the furniture into the house. We are slow and meticulous so not to damage the walls or the furniture. After wiping everything down and sweeping the room, I indulge Mason with a few minutes in the back taking selfies. I begrudgingly let him take one of the both of us to send to Addison.

  By the time we get home, it’s dinner time, and I’m exhausted. I’m also jonesin’ for a fix from my girlfriend. I’ve hardly spoken to her today, only a few text messages this morning. Mason spoke to her on our way home from Spencer’s, and she made sure to remind him of things I’m sure they discuss every Sunday night before the new school and work week. It seems slightly ridiculous that I’d miss her, it’s only been a few days, but I do. I’ve grown used to our nights together, and now that I’ve slept with her in my arms more than once, the nights aren’t the same.

  “You okay to lock up? I’m going to shower and turn in early.”

  “Yeah, I’m cool. I’ll go to bed as soon as this is over.” I wave Mason off as I walk out of the room, but then I hear him laugh before speaking. “Tell my mom goodnight!” Little brat.

  I quickly shower before pulling on a pair of sleep pants and climbing onto my bed, pillows stacked behind me so I’m sitting. I grab my phone and stare at the home screen icons. Without second guessing, I click the video chat icon instead of call.

  “Hey,” she says as she pushes hair out of her face. She looks exhausted and stressed.

  “Hey, Turnip.” My tone is teasing, and she offers me a small smile.

  “You’re so weird.”

  “I am. How’s it going there?” I ask as I watch her move around the room before settling on a bed. She’s mimicking the same position as me, and I wish she was here with me so I could hold her.

  “It’s okay. Sad. Awkward. It’s like something is going on, and I don’t know what it is. Scarlett is . . . I don’t know. Off.”

  “You said her blood pressure is high? Maybe she doesn’t feel well.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know. She’s been complaining of a headache. That’s why I didn’t want to leave. She isn’t showing any other signs of distress or concern, but I wouldn’t feel right leaving here in case something was wrong. She has an appointment in the morning with her doctor. I offered to go with her, and then I’ll head home. How’s Mason?”

  “He’s fine. We’re fine. I told you I could handle this. I’m ready for you to come home though.”

  “Me too. I miss you guys. Is that weird?”

  “Missing me? Nope, seems reasonable if you ask me. I’m pretty awesome.”

  That comment makes her laugh and for the next thirty minutes we just talk. The conversation is light, and her spirits seem to lift. Then the yawning starts. I’m not sure if it was her or me who yawned first but within minutes neither of us can get out more than three words without rubbing our eyes or yawning.

  “I’m going to let you go; you’re tired and have a long drive tomorrow. Let me know when you leave and check in when you stop, okay?”

  “Okay. I am exhausted. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Night, babe.”

  “Night, lov—Landon.”

  Before I can ask what she started to say, because I want to know if it’s what I think it is, she taps her screen and my phone goes dark. She wasn’t going to say what I think she was. Was she? She’s just tired. It’s too soon for that. My turnip is nothing if not cautious. But, the thought of her even considering those words doesn’t suck.

  Cockiness isn’t a word I would normally use to describe myself. I mean, I can be a little full of myself but it’s usually in good fun. I’m confident and from the attention I’ve received since puberty, I know I’m not hard on the eyes. For the last few days I’ve told Addison, with much confidence, that I was handling things with Mason fine. Other than his desire to sleep away the entire morning yesterday, we haven’t had any issues.

  That changed an hour ago when my phone rang, and it was a local number I didn’t recognize. I rarely take c
alls when I’m on a call, but for some reason, this time I answered it. It was the Lexington Police Department. First, my heart dropped with worry that something had happened to Mason. I imagined a slew of possible scenarios. He was hit by a car on his way to school. He fell in gym class and broke his arm. That’s very specific, but it happened to a kid when I was in school, so it seemed reasonable. What if he broke his head? I know you can’t actually break your head, well, I guess you can, but it was what popped in my head when the person on the line asked to speak to Mr. Montgomery. Nothing good ever comes from being called Mister anything.

  Then the officer on the other line simultaneously put my mind at ease about Mason’s safety and pissed me off with the purpose of the call. Trespassing. Breaking and entering. Crimes. The kid had broken into Spencer’s home with a few kids from school and was fucking around when the police arrived. So much for handling things fine.

  As I pull in front of the station, I sit in my truck a few minutes, readying myself for what I’m walking into. I don’t even know if the police attempted to call Addison. I sure as shit didn’t. I wanted to have all the facts before I talk to her tonight. I will not throw this at her while she’s driving. There’s nothing to be done until she gets home anyway.

  I walk into the station and up to the front desk and ask for the officer who called. The clerk asks me to wait a moment while she picks up the phone and punches a few buttons. I see a woman and man walking out with a boy Mason’s age and wonder if that’s one of the other thugs in the making. I nod in recognition and they do the same as they drag the kid out by his arm.

  “Mr. Montgomery?” an officer says as he approaches me with his hand extended.

  “Landon, please.”

  “This way.” He gestures as he begins walking down a hallway. “I’d like to talk to you privately before we get Mason.”

  I agree and follow the officer into a room that appears to be a break room. A few round tables are scattered with vending machines, a large refrigerator, and sink blanketing the walls. The officer closes the door behind him but doesn’t gesture for me to sit, so I simply wait for him to speak.

  “As I indicated on the phone earlier, Mason and a few kids were out at Spencer Garrison’s home. They managed to get through the security gate with the code, something Mason said he had from being there with you?”

  “Yeah, I’m friends with Spencer but was just out there delivering some furniture. Mason was with me.” Damn that kid. I’m beyond pissed at his choices but also very disappointed and hurt. I can’t believe the kid I’ve come to know would betray my trust like this.

  “I see. Well, by the time we arrived at the house, only Mason and another boy were there. I don’t believe for a minute those two managed to get themselves all the way out there on their own. Regardless, Mr. Garrison has asked that we just scare the kids a little today and release them to their parents.”

  “Thank you for that, I’m sure they deserve at least the fear of God put into them,” I say appreciatively.

  Well, let’s go finish this little show and see how Mason’s faring.” I laugh as he adjusts his belt and opens the door. As we walk down the hall, I think how scared Mason must be. I know I would be if I were his age and sitting in a police department. Hell, if anything like this had happened when we were kids, any of our parents would have probably left us here overnight.

  “Mason is just back here,” the officer says gesturing around a corner.

  I turn the corner and see Mason sitting on a bright orange plastic chair. His head is back, resting on the wall, with his eyes closed. He looks defeated. I clear my throat as I stop in front of him. Startled, he jumps up and looks at me sheepishly.

  “What the hell, Mason?”

  “Sorry?” With his hands in his pockets, he’s looking at the ground, which only pisses me off.

  “Sorry? What exactly are you sorry for?” I ask, the tension filling the space around us.

  “Mr. Montgomery, Mason said he’s been staying with you while his mother is out of town? We were unable to reach her, but I assume that’s because she’s traveling?”

  “Yeah, she’s driving home today. I’d gather she’s in a dead spot. If it’s okay, I’ll take him home with me.”

  “Normally I’d need to release him to a family member, but since I can’t reach either of his parents—”

  “You called my dad? You didn’t’ say you were going to call my dad!” Mason shouts, eyes wide.

  When Mason shouts at the officer, I shoot a glare at him that indicates in no uncertain terms he should shut his mouth. The officer clears his throat before saying, “Again, the call was unsuccessful. If you’ll assume the responsibility of Mason, we’ll let him leave with you.”

  “Yes, of course. What about charges?” I already know the answer but am playing along with this tough love aspect.

  “We spoke to Mr. Garrison and while normally we wouldn’t need his permission, he’s asked that we refrain from charging the children.” I watch as Mason’s eyes shoot up, clearly he doesn’t take kindly to being called a child.

  “I’ll be sure to thank him. And, thank you. I’m sure Mason promises nothing like this will ever happen again. Right, Mason?”

  “Yeah,” he mutters. Finally, I get to smack him in the back of the head like I’ve wanted off and on since the day I met him. Standing straight, he offers a sincere apology. I turn and walk away slowing for him to follow me.

  Nothing is said until I’m pulling out of the parking spot in front of the police station. The tension is thick, and I’m a little nervous of what is about to come out of my mouth, but I’m fucking pissed.

  “What the hell were you boys thinking?”

  “I dunno.”

  “You don’t know? Yeah that’s not going to cut it, Mason. I’m so fucking pissed right now. Not only is this going to kill your mother, any trust I had in you is gone. You broke into Spencer’s house, Mason. Why would you do that?”

  “I didn’t break into his house. It was just the yard.”

  “Don’t get smart with me, kid. You’re walking a fine line right now.”

  “I’m sorry, okay? I took those pictures yesterday and posted them on my social media. Some of the guys at school came up to me today after seeing them. They never talk to me. I have like one friend, and we don’t even have much in common. I’m the new kid and nobody has time for me. But, I put those pictures up and suddenly everyone wanted to be my friend. I may have said I knew how to get onto the property in passing.”

  I slam my fist on the steering wheel. The code. That’s all on me. Shit.

  “Some sophomore offered to drive a few of us out there so I went. I didn’t think it was a big deal. So what if I skipped a few classes? We didn’t have any boards with us, I didn’t go in the house. How was I supposed to know there were alarms?”

  I don’t bother to respond for the rest of the drive home. I need to figure out how to deal with this. When we pull in my driveaway, I kill the engine and turn to face Mason.

  “You really screwed up. This could have gone really wrong, and you’re lucky it didn’t. Spencer could have pressed charges. He didn’t because he knows me, and I promised him nothing like this would happen again. But, Mason, this is my business. Because you work for me and that’s how you had the code . . . well, it could ruin my reputation.”

  “I’m . . . I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry, Landon. Please don’t be mad at me. Are you going to tell my mom?”

  “Of course we have to tell your mom.”

  “But she’s going to be so upset. She’s been so happy lately. I know I screwed up. I also know those kids weren’t trying to be my friend, they were using me. As soon as the cops came, they took off and left me and Kyle there to take the heat.”

  I watch as Mason’s eyes fill with tears, and fuck it if I all my anger melts away. This kid has had such a shitty go of it, and this is like the worst fucking cherry of any shit sundae.

  “If we let this go, if we don’t tell y
our mom do you promise to never do something like this again? Ever. Like for the rest of your life. Thug life does not look good on you.”

  “I promise. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll even go to Mr. Garrison’s house and apologize to him. Anything. Please, Landon.” I look into Mason’s eyes, and I see the sincerity of the words he’s speaking and the fear in his voice. He’s pleading with me, pleading with me to keep something from his mother, a secret.

  “I’ll think about it. For now, let’s get your shit and head to your house. We’ll start with you cleaning your house before your mom comes home. In fact, you need to start helping out a lot more around your house. We’ll call it your punishment for this.”

  Mason nods and opens his door before heading up to my house. I have a feeling I’m going to regret this deal.

  I almost said it. I was so tired, and he was so goddamn sexy on that call. Sitting shirtless on his bed with that just showered look, all I wanted to do was run my hands through his hair. And across his chest. And . . . I’m like an addict and Landon Montgomery is my drug of choice.

  The words were on the tip of my tongue as I said goodbye. It wasn’t even something I thought of but thank goodness, I wasn’t too tired to let them slip. This isn’t the first time I’ve almost slipped. I need to be careful, or he’s going to catch me off guard and then I won’t be able to take it back. It’s just too soon, and we aren’t there. I’m not certain we’ll get there.

  Each of my insecurities are bubbling below the surface, and for every three steps we take forward, I take two back. I know it’s me. I’m the one with the bag of issues. I’m conflicted. In my mind, I should end things. I should encourage him to date someone his age. Someone who will give him the life and family he deserves. But then he does amazing things like checks on me throughout the day, sends me random texts to make me smile, and the whole taking care of my kid while I go out of town, and I want to be selfish. I don’t want anyone else to have him. I don’t want him to give his heart to another woman, I want it for myself.