Regina
Page 14
Chapter Fourteen
Four days after we arrived in Lee, we buried grandma Lydia. Mom mistakenly planned her funeral to be small and sweet, but about a hundred people attended the service and viewing. Aunt Rachel and mom went up to say a few kind words before the tears got to them. A couple of grandma Lydia’s elderly friends stepped up to talk about her, even Mekayla. She dramatically walked to the podium and gave this long speech about how much of a saint our grandmother was. I felt hypnotized by her words. I wondered if our grandmother was so good and wonderful, why did she never speak to me or my family.
Grandpa was pretty shaken at the service. He required the assistance of daddy to help him stand. His wife of over fifty-five years died and he was visibly heartbroken. His black suit embellished his height and made him look impressive. I was in awe of my handsome grandfather. I felt his strength crumble when grandma Lydia’s coffin was lowered into the ground.
He whispered through his tears, “I’ll never kiss my Lydia again.”
The wake was bigger than the service. I met a lot of mom’s friends and their kids. Katie was there with her mom. The wake was held at grandpa’s house because it was large enough to accommodate everyone. Daddy and I stood by the grand fireplace, watching everyone. Our living room was filled with people I didn’t know, except for some of the kids I met at the party. I felt a little self-conscious not talking to anyone, but it was my grandmother’s wake. I think it was acceptable to maintain my silence. My cousins spoke to people they knew, but didn’t bother to talk to me. I wanted to go upstairs and hide in my room until all these people left. I noted the guy from the party, Steven, was there. Why would he come to my grandmother’s wake?
I excused myself from daddy and made my way to him. Steven’s face brightened significantly when he saw me coming towards him. He looked so handsome in his black jacket and pants. His sturdy chest was dressed in a white shirt and yellow tie. My smile widened as I neared him.
“It’s nice to see you again.” I teased.
“You too, Regina.” He emphasized my name and widened his smile.
“So you do know my name. And here I thought you danced with girls, whose name you didn’t know, all the time.”
“No, just the beautiful ones.” He said to me.
I blushed and looked away. I thought of nothing but this guy and the dance we had together. I yearned to see him again and here he was, at my grandmother’s wake. I couldn’t help but stare at his lips, they looked so kissable. I ached with desire. I couldn’t stop imagining making out with this guy. I started to feel guilty for wanting to see Steven again. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea to talk to him. I was at my grandmother’s funeral.
“What brings you to my grandmother’s wake?” I asked, trying to avoid the obvious statement he just made.
“Mrs. Underwood was my mom’s fifth grade teacher. I didn’t know she had another granddaughter.” He said with a smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes.
“Me neither.” I muttered.
I needed some air, so we walked outside to the front yard. It was a peaceful day. I inhaled the country air deeply, filled my lungs, and cleared my head in the process.
“So, if my grandmother taught your mom, does that make us related?” I joked out loud.
“In this town, it might.” He laughed.
As Steven said that, he leaned to my left and put up his arm against the wall. It was so sexy! The smell of his cologne made my knees go weak. I tried not to show how vulnerable I was so I smiled at him and sat in the nearest rocking chair. I crossed my ankles and put my hands in my lap like a good southern lady does. Steven smiled his, what I was beginning to call, trademark grin. He sat gracefully in the chair beside me and rocked gently. I felt my heart race wonderfully as he looked at me.
“Did you have fun at the party?” He asked, his smile dazzling me.
“Yes. I’ve never been to a pasture party before in New York.” I giggled.
“Probably never will. So, ….how much longer will you be in Lee?”
“We leave the first week in August.” I couldn’t help but show my excitement. I realized that I sounded like an incredibly insensitive, city snob. I quickly added, “Not that I don’t like it here. In fact, Lee is very charming. I can understand why my grandfather loves it here.”
That seemed to help my stupidity. Steven nodded in agreement while looking at his feet. He rocked gently in the chair and asked, “Do you think you’ll be here long enough to go out with me?”
I wasn’t shocked, but I was a little surprised. I didn’t expect him to ask me out, only to keep playing the little game he had going with me. Since I was only here for a short time, I thought he would flirt with me, a lot, and I would return his flirts, but nothing would happen and I would go home. I felt a thrill go through my body as I thought about going on a date with Steven. I felt so conflicted. I wanted to go out with him, but I couldn’t betray Jeff and our relationship.
Then again, Jeff wouldn’t know. How could he? I wouldn’t tell him. My parents didn’t think too much of my relationship with Jeff, so I knew they wouldn’t care or mention it to him. In two months, I would be gone and no one would be the wiser. I suppressed a giggle while I let the excitement pass through me. I loved this kind of a secret.
I was about to answer him in a flirty way and say yes to his offer when I stopped. Guilt flooded my entire body and stabbed my heart. I winced with shame. “You are very sweet to ask me Steven, but I have a boyfriend.” I gushed stupidly and got up to leave him sitting alone in my patio.
I smacked myself on the forehead when I was out of sight. I couldn’t believe what I almost did! I wanted to call Jeff to tell him I almost said yes to another guy’s offer for a date, but decided against it. Since I didn’t say yes, I figured a little summer crush wasn’t considered cheating. I didn’t want to upset Jeff and our relationship, though I was starting to get a little worried he was having a little summer crush of his own.