Lion Eyes

by Casey Peeler

  Glancing out of the corner of my eye, I can see that it’s pissed Josh off, and I want no more than for him to leave me the hell alone. As we slow our kiss, I whisper in Tyke’s ear, “Let’s get out of here.”

  He doesn’t respond. He just takes my hand in his and leads me out the door. It’s been fun, but I’d rather not share Tyke with anyone else.

  Once we are in the truck, I pause for a moment and look at Tyke. I can see the hunger in his eyes and decide I don’t want to go with my original plan. I want to go somewhere away from campus and then it hits me - no one’s at the cabin.

  Crossing the bridge where we run, I turn down the next road and Tyke gives me a funny look. I glance over and give him a big smile. We drive down the gravel road, and as the cabin comes into view, I park my truck where Pap always parked his.

  “Come on. I wanna show you something,” I say as I reach for his hand and slide out of the passenger side after him. He pauses as we head toward the cabin.

  “Are we going to get in trouble?” he questions.

  “Nah. It was my Pap’s. Now, it’s ours.”

  He follows me and realizes how close we are to our running route. “You mean to tell me this is y’alls?”

  “Not all of it. Daddy has donated a lot of the land to the county and they’ve made a greenway out of it, but this is ours.”

  Walking toward the front porch, we walk up the step and I reach for the top ledge above the door for the key. Tyke sees me struggling and walks up and grabs it with ease. “You know that’s not safe to leave a key like that.”

  “Pap always said everyone was welcome, and if they wanted to break in, he didn’t want to have to fix the door too,” I say with a shrug.

  Going inside, I turn the dim light on, and take a moment to realize what I’m doing. I’m giving Tyke a look into my life. I’m going to be giving him completely everything. Walking toward the back of the room, I adjust the thermostat for the gas logs then motion for him to take a seat beside me by the fire.

  I want to cross my legs, but don’t think that’s really ladylike in this dress. He sees my dilemma and grabs a blanket from the couch. I smile at him as he reads my mind. I take a moment and breathe in deeply.

  “You’re scaring me,” he says.

  “Nothin’ to be scared about. I want to tell you something. Something I’ve never told anyone. When I was in high school, a guy named Ben broke my heart. I’ve kept guys well past arm’s length since then.” He takes my hands in his.

  “Remember the day at the rock when I told you my name?” He nods. “I wanted to tell you so much more, but I wasn’t sure of you at that point. You see, the only person I’ve been able to completely rely on my entire life is my daddy. That’s it. I wasn’t sure I could trust you with everything, but Tyke, my world is changing. I don’t know how to feel or what to do.” I see him flinch. Oh gosh that wasn’t the right wording. “No, it’s not you. It’s my mom or more like what she left behind. When she left us, she went off to build some crazy empire, and now I’m in charge.” He waits for a moment. “I’m meeting with the lawyer on Friday after class. When I met with Aunt Dee, I learned something that I don’t know if I can get over. My mom left me to live out her dream. What I wasn’t prepared for is the fact that my daddy knew. She left me behind to help other little girls.”

  “What do you mean to help other little girls?”

  “She left me behind to be a designer. Her business took off and she gave back by starting a business called Tiffany’s Tiaras. Right now, I know nothing, but my Aunt Dee said it was all for me. How can she leave and say she’s doing something for me? From what I’ve put together from her will, that I can understand, and the information from Aunt Dee, I still don’t know where I fit in this. I needed to say it out loud and talk it out with someone that gets me.”

  “Rilla, I think you need to listen to what they have to say Friday and worry about it then.”

  “What if they want me to quit school and run her company? I can’t do that. That’s not my dream.”

  “Then what is your dream?” he asks. I pause before I answer.

  I forget my head and let my heart talk, “I want you and I want this life. I don’t want to leave you like my mom left me. I want nothing more than to be with you, all of you. I don’t want to worry about my future. I want to live right now like it’s the end of time.”

  Tyke doesn’t say anything, but moves in closer to me as his eyes search mine for reassurance. He’s understood every word I’ve said, and knows that I want now to be about us and not the future. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, and if I don’t wake up tomorrow, I will know he loved me completely. He slides closer to me and as his hand skims the base of my neck, he pulls his lips to mine.

  Chapter 21

  Tyke

  Waking up completely naked beside Rilla on the floor of that old cabin was surreal. Pulling her tightly into my side, I watch her as she continues to sleep peacefully. She tries to be so strong and sure of herself but I want her to know that she can depend on me too. As I watch her, she begins to stir.

  “Mornin’,” I say with a smile.

  “Mornin’,” she says, and I bend down to kiss her. Waking up beside her on this hard-ass floor is absolutely perfect. If I could wake up like this every day, I’d never get anything done.

  We spend a little more time together, and then we get dressed to go back to campus. She gave me her entire heart last night, and I don’t want to ever give it back. I hope she knows I gave her mine. If she ever breaks it in the future, I’ll know I don’t deserve to be happy. I only hope I can be the man she needs me to be.

  Rilla

  I’ve been on cloud nine all week. Now that Tyke and I have taken our relationship to the next level, my mind and heart are at ease. I know that I can get through anything with him and Daddy by my side. He’s offered to go with Daddy and me to the lawyer, but I think it’s something we need to do together. Aunt Dee is going to meet us there. I know I need her advice and I can’t fault her for not being there while I was growing up. She was doing what Mom wanted at the time. I’m not saying it’s right, but it is what it is. I’ve decided that no matter what happens today, I’m making the decision based on what I need in my future.

  Aunt Dee arrives at the law office just a few moments after us. Once we are called back, I get extremely nervous seeing the man on the other side of the table with a stack of papers a mile high.

  “Miss James, I’m Bob Knight, your mother’s lawyer. I’ve handled her business for years now, and I’m sorry for your loss.” I want to laugh at that comment because I don’t have much to miss. “She had everything in order after getting her diagnosis. I’m so sorry about the accident.”

  “Thanks, but can we get this over with?” I ask.

  “By all means,” he says as he takes the stack of papers. We are there for what feels like hours. My head is spinning with numbers, accounts for Tiffany’s Tiaras, and an account set aside for me. Money has never been an issue for me, thanks to Daddy, but I always had to work for what I got. Most people think I would have traded my truck in for a new one, but I couldn’t. That was Pap’s old truck. How in the world am I going to run a business while in college? When he finishes explaining, he asks if I have any questions. Well, duh!

  “So, I know you’ve spent a lot of time going over this, but can you shoot straight with me? What do I need to do to make it all go away?”

  The room goes quiet. “You would dissolve Tiffany’s Tiaras,” he says.

  “Then let’s do it,” I say, and that’s when Aunt Dee and Daddy both look at me with stunned expressions on their faces.

  “Rilla Dee, what’s the last memory you have of going somewhere with your mom?” Daddy asks.

  I pause for a moment and think.

  “Mommy, where are we?” I ask her as I unbuckle the seatbelt. She applies her lipstick before we get out of the car. “I’ll show ya. I’ve got some people I want you to meet. We walk up to an old house and are met by l
ittle girls and a lady that reminds me of a mommy. “RJ, this is Mattie. Her sister was named Tiffany. She was my best friend when I was little, and these are her daughters. Mattie and I have a few things to talk about, but I thought you might want to come play.”

  I realize why she took me there that day. It was to prepare me for this moment. She knew that someday I’d be faced with this situation whether she had stayed or left. I remember Mattie crying as they talked, and in this moment, I know I can’t let this end. I’ve always wanted to help others, and that’s why I planned on becoming a social worker. Undoubtedly, it runs in my blood.

  “This is what I was meant for my entire life, wasn’t it?” I ask my daddy.

  He smiles and I look to Aunt Dee. “RJ, you’ve always been a helper. Even as a toddler you were a little mama hen to all the other kids in nursery at church.”

  “But how can I do this? I have school.”

  “If you don’t mind,” Mr. Knight pipes in, “the daily functions of Tiffany’s Tiaras are intact and can run with minimal support from you. There are financial duties you would have, but I believe it’s manageable from wherever you are located. Your mother felt the desire to visit and make sure she was a part of each location. I believe that all of the staff and girls would understand your situation is different right now. You have another year left, correct?” he asks.

  “Yes, sir,” I confirm. “Why don’t you think on it, and discuss everything with your father. You can let me know Monday.”

  “Um, I want to do it, but I’m not sure what I actually have to do.”

  “Basically, your signature is on everything. You are financially in charge of the businesses. Your mother was involved in each of her homes that were started, but she was the foundation of the business. She gave a grant to each location, and continues to fund it as long as her regulations are met. She was a stickler about making sure loving and caring individuals were there. She only opened up homes where she knew she could make the most impact. She wanted to make a difference, and I believe that has happened. She also wanted this to be given to you.” He hands me a large manila folder.

  Opening the folder, my mouth drops. There are enough tiara designs to last for several years to come. She had prepared for this moment so that when it was handed to me, I would have no worries. Tears form in my eyes, and I know that her leaving was the worst memory of my life, but knowing that she never forgot me and that every decision she made was for my future, I have to forgive her even though I promised myself I never would.

  Mr. Knight gives us a few minutes alone. Daddy takes the envelope from my hands and takes my hand in his. “It doesn’t make it right that I kept you in the dark, but she made me promise. I didn’t agree, but I got to live out my dream while she put hers on hold. At some point, she needed to fly. That’s why I’ve pushed you. Growing up, I’ve seen your caring nature and knew that you are more like her than I wanted to admit. My only blessing is your love for my sport, and the fact that I got the best of you. You’ve made me so proud, Rilla Dee. We’ll help you any way we can. Isn’t that right, Dee?”

  “Absolutely,” my aunt says and I know this is my future. The wheels in my mind begin to spin, and I want to talk to Tyke.

  “Rilla, I think you need to keep this to yourself for a while until all the details are lined up,” Daddy says as if reading my mind, and he’s right. I might need to know the ins and outs before I fill Tyke in on it.

  Chapter 22

  Tyke

  Waiting on Rilla to return is like waiting on hot water to boil. I know the meeting with the attorney is today. She said she’d see me later tonight. Well, practice is over and I haven’t heard a word from her yet. Pulling out my phone, I text her but she doesn’t reply. It’s making me worry. I need a car. If only I could drive, I could see if she went home.

  As I return from the shower, John is dressed like he’s about to go out.

  “Hey, I’m going over to Lilly’s. They are playing cornhole and drinking a few. You and Rilla should come. ”

  “We have curfew. Hell no,” I say as I slide on my jeans and pull a t-shirt over my head.

  “Come on. Live a little.”

  “I can’t afford to live a little. Besides, Coach is watching me like crazy.”

  “Look it’s not a big party just a little get together at Lilly’s for her birthday. It’s not a throw down or anything. Just tell her to meet us there.”

  I text her and still don’t hear anything. I am really starting to worry. Screw it, I’m calling.

  After the second ring, she finally picks up.

  “Are you okay?” I question without a hello.

  “Yeah, it’s been a lot to take in. I’m still with Daddy, and I think I might stay here tonight.”

  “You sure you don’t need me to come out there?”

  “Nah. I’m good,” she says and I can tell she’s holding something back, and that bothers me.

  “Okay, I’m here if you need me, okay? I’ll see you before the game, right?”

  “Absolutely. I’m going to run, but I’ll meet you at the golden arches in the morning.”

  “Perfect. And Rilla… I love you.”

  “Love you too,” she says as she disconnects and John looks at me like I’m deformed.

  “What?”

  “I didn’t know it was that serious. You used that four-letter word. You’re doomed.”

  “Shut up and let’s go.”

  I can see that he isn’t going to take no for an answer, and if it’s just beer and cornhole then I should be fine. “Fine,” I say as I text her quickly, but as I walk outside, I know I have to see her.

  “Can I borrow your truck?” I ask John.

  He looks at me and knows what I’m thinking. “Here,” he says as he hands me his keys, “but don’t get my ass in trouble. I’ll swear you stole them.”

  “Thanks man,” I say as I head toward the parking lot.

  Hitting the unlock button, I open the door and slide in. I’m about to start the engine when I realize I have no idea how to get there. I Google it and put the address in my maps app…E.T.A. ten minutes.

  I’ve been glancing over my shoulder the entire ride, worried the police are going to spot me. There’s no reason for them to even be looking for me so I take a deep breath, and follow the automated voice to the James family home.

  Making the final turn to her house, I hit gravel and continue driving along the fence line. There is an old farmhouse in the distance with a porch light on, but when I look to the right, I see a barn that is so massive it can’t be for horses. There is light coming from the barn, but I have no idea who’s in there so I turn off the engine, walk to the front porch, and knock.

  After what feels like an eternity, I knock again. Still nothing. Figuring they could be in the barn, I walk that way.

  As I get closer, I can hear Rilla talking, and I’m almost afraid to interrupt. I knock on the sliding door and hear footsteps approach. When the door slides open, Mr. James is standing there.

  “Tyke, where’d you come from?” he asks and within seconds Rilla is by his side.

  “I drove,” I state and pray Rilla doesn’t cuss me out.

  “You did what!” she exclaims.

  “I drove. I borrowed John’s truck. I had to make sure you were alright,” I say as Mr. James welcomes me into the barn.

  Walking in, I’m in awe of everything I see. The inside of the barn is state of the art. It’s obvious it was designed specifically for its use.

  “Wow. Who built this?” I ask, totally changing the subject from my driving without a license.

  “I did,” Mr. James says proudly.

  “It’s beautiful. I mean. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

  “That’s because it’s one of a kind.”

  “Kinda like my loft,” Rilla chimes in.

  “Exactly,” I say as Rilla takes me by the hand and tells me about the entire place, where the wood came from, and how she helped her dad when she was younger.
I can see so much pride in her face and Mr. James’ as well.

  “What made you get into doing this?” I ask.

  “It kinda found me,” he says. “You see, as a kid I was good with my hands and I guess that’s why football came natural, but as I got older I’d find some old piece of wood or worn-out item at the dump and make them look brand new. I hate to buy new when there are perfectly good things lying around that just need a little TLC. So over the years when there was no more football, I went back to what I loved doing. I think I’ve done alright,” he says with a laugh.

  “I’d say so.”

  “Well, I’m going to leave you two alone. I’ll be in the house if you need me, and Tyke, let Rilla drive you back after a while.”

  “Yes, sir,” I say as he turns and walks out of the barn.

  Rilla

  The moment that the door closes, I lay into Tyke. “Why in this world would you risk everything to come out here? Don’t you know what would happen if you got caught? I swear! I thought I told you I was okay, and I’d see you tomorrow. I didn’t mean for you to come out here and risk it all.”

  My mouth keeps moving and I know I need to shut it, but I’m sorry that he’s so worried about me that he’s willing to throw everything away. He needs to worry about himself and his dream. I’m going to be okay, but there are people that want to see him slip up. As I take a breath, I realize that Tyke is about one step away from me. It causes my heart to skip a beat as he sees the effect he has on me.

  “You done?” he questions with a grin, and I can’t speak. I bite the inside of my cheek and look into those evergreen eyes. “Rilla, if risking everything means keeping you, it’s worth it. It’s not like they have some poster of me in every police vehicle. I have given them no reason to look for me. Plus it’s barely ten o’clock,” he says with a smile as he invades my space, wraps his arm around my lower back, and smiles as his lips find mine.

  With each kiss, I pull myself closer to him, and I can’t get enough. As my hands move through his brown hair, he pulls me flush with his body and trails kisses down my neck. As he moves back to my lips, he kisses me gently and then pulls away. Damn, is all I can say.