by Xyla Turner
Cheers and 'that's right' were yelled around the living room of the two-story home. They were ready and motivated, which was exactly what we needed to keep going.
"Girl, are you sure you can handle all of this?" Tess asked when I called her late that night.
"I don't know, but my family needs me and I have a few friends coming through this week because they have experience with this sort of debacle before and the more the merrier." I told her.
"Have you thought about my suggestion of calling Knox?" she asked.
"Yes, I heard you the first time and no, I'm not calling him Tess," I said almost as soon as she finished saying his name. "I don't need his help."
She sighed, then said, "Nina, look. He's in construction and he's damned good. He speaks the language."
"Tess, this is a county that wants to move these homes. This is not a company trying to do this it's..." I had a thought that caused me to stop. "Wait, it could be motivated by a company that's trying to get in. Why now? Why these homes? Why are they targeting low to middle income families?"
The more I thought about it the more I realized that the push for this new 'railroad' could be company driven and not the county trying to increase production and distribution in the area. That was their cover but could be a bargaining chip for us to exploit. This was much bigger than Nino Brown and I quickly found out that it would extend beyond helping my family to helping a large portion of Evans County.
"Nina?"
"Yeah, sorry. I just had a thought. Look, I got to go and figure this out but thanks for checking in. I'll talk to you soon."
We hung up.
Two weeks later, I found myself much closer to getting the answers that were needed from all the residents and the next steps that were required from the cities’ perspective. I hired a lawyer to represent the families, totaling fifty throughout the county, and set up a meeting with the council. My vacation had to be extended but the great thing was that I had plenty of leave since I rarely took off from work. Michael was understanding enough, plus he knew I was a loyal employee who had been contributing to the company for more than nine years. Tess and I were employed together almost during the same time and because of our hard work, we both moved up in the ranks. Tess had to encounter some good ole’ boy bullshit but once Michael found out it took more than dedication to run a successful organization, Tess became his number two.
Unfortunately, Tess and I did not have a lot of time to catch up except through texting when I was free and not working with the families, at the law firm or filling out mountains of paperwork. She said that she feared I would stay in Kentucky so she was coming to see me this weekend. Once, I convinced her I’d never move to south, she made me promise to let her know when she could visit. I swear, she was getting more and more like her fiancé.
Barton & Associates Offices
Barton & Associates was the law firm I hired. They were a local firm who specialized in property, land use and zoning. Barton and I had words because he did not want to get involved with an out of towner regarding local business issues. His rationale was that I would stir shit up and leave. After I explained that it involved my family and I was only interested in righting the wrongs, he conceded and let me use his place of business as a headquarters. He also explained that we needed someone to handle the contractors angle because it turned out my theory was accurate. The Wellman Group, the enemy, had been going from town to town. Specifically, those with railroads that ran through them. Oddly enough, the group was connected with a realty organization that would build upscale condos and ‘bring more business to the county’ or whatever they deemed the money maker. We even contacted some of the other towns where the Wellman group were scheduled to ‘build’, so that they could join our cause. Unfortunately, some were not as open to an intervention because they were making money.
“So, are we done here?” I asked Jason, the lawyer that I’d been working with over the past few weeks.
“Yeah, we’re done for the night.” Jason laughed. “What you’re doing for these folks is to be commended.”
“No, anyone would have done it. Plus, I’m just coordinating everything. You guys are doing the heavy lifting,” I responded as I stood up from the conference table I was using as a desk in a rarely used room of the law offices.
“You heading out, so soon?” Another voice entered the conversation, causing me to look at the door since it was only me and Jason in the room.
When I turned around, Mr. Barton, was standing in the doorway, staring at me with a half-smile on his face. The man was tall, dark, handsome, and there was something badass about him. Whether it was the goatee or wolverine look to his facial features, he seemed like a man that would pull your hair as he spanked your ass and you would enjoy it.
My eyebrow rose as I nodded my head and said, “Mr. Barton.”
“Ms. Nina Parks.” He smiled. “Join me for drinks.”
“Hmm,” I hummed.
“Well, it’s time for me to head home,” Jason interjected as I was certain he felt the tension in the air.
He quickly made his exit mumbling about going home to his wife and kids. Earlier in the week, Jason confided that he missed spending time with them so getting out of the office early was always a good thing.
“What are you mulling over?” Mr. Barton asked as he was still leaning against the door frame. “Not ready for me?”
I laughed and pushed my purse higher on my shoulder because it was time for me to leave as well.
“Mr. Barton, not only is that funny, it’s also probably true.” I made a slow stroll towards him since he was semi-blocking the door.
“Call me Omar,” he said. “Plus, you need not worry about me. I’ll get you ready.” His smirk deepened. “Always.”
“Omar, how ready should a lady be?” I dared to ask him.
“Leave that up to me.” He smiled. “Have that drink with me.”
Something about him reminded me of Knox, which made me mad because I did not want to think of the asshole of a man. Actually, I tried my damnedest to not think of him since the last time I’d seen him. Since I’d been in Kentucky, I have kept busy and tried to move on, but it hadn’t worked.
As tempting as it was to go with Omar, I knew he would end up like the last three guys I’d tried to be intimate with. They could never get me there. We would make it all the way to second base and then nothing. My panties were dry, no butterflies in my stomach, and I anticipated nothing except for when they would take their paws off of me.
Boy, did that piss them off but I just couldn’t go through with it and my mind, heart and even my girly parts weren’t into the act. It was weird because Tess always called me a serial dater and one to never settle down. I had no interest in being tied to any one person. None at all, but at this point in the game, something was off with me. I once had a healthy sex life. It was safe, consensual, and naughty but I owned it and made no apologies for my lifestyle.
I feel my parents were to blame. I’m positive any therapist would come to the same conclusion. My teenage years were totally fucked up and I didn’t listen to either of those hypocrites. During my last year in high school, I filled out my applications to college, went a few states over to Maryland for my undergraduate and graduate degree and never returned home.
As soon as I was out of the house, they officially divorced and started their own lives but the damage had been done as far as I was concerned. They never tried to get the three of us together but my mom would reach out quarterly and so would my father. I was cordial enough but there were no holiday meals or gatherings. My mom’s cousin in Kentucky were the only family that I knew about and apparently on both sides of the family, there was only one child born. Probably just a history of loveless marriages.
I wasn’t doing that shit.
Eventful nights, yes. Ball and chain to someone I couldn’t stand, hell fucking no.
“Omar, I know you’ll deliver on everything you’re thinking in that mind of yours. Bu
t, it wouldn’t be fair to you or me if we went down that path,” I shared with him.
“There’s someone.” He nodded as if he knew.
“Something like that.”
“Well, why are you out here all alone? Why isn’t he having that drink with you?” he asked. “A woman like you shouldn’t have cold sheets to get under, and damn sure shouldn’t have that look you have.”
“What look?” I tried not to snap back at the man but kept walking towards the exit.
“The look of a woman who’s missing out but too stubborn to admit it.” His eyes challenged me. “That look.”
I chuckled and slid by him so that I was on the other side of the door.
“You know, you may be right.” I kept walking down the narrow hall to the elevators. “Night.”
“Night, Nina.” he called after me. “Anytime you want that drink, I’ll make the time.”
“I’m sure you will.”
Omar meant that and it was good to know if whatever was wrong with me ever got better, there would be some sort of rebound.
However, after three glasses of wine, I sent a text that I’d typed earlier but never sent to the man who made my heart ache.
Me: If the fool that is you is reading this, I’m probably drunk. However, if the fool that is you is reading this, it probably means I’m thinking of you and I don’t want to think of you. Why? You’re a fool. That’s why.
Yup, I hit send, sat my phone on the table and passed out. There was no doubt that I was a vulnerable dummy and shouldn’t have texted the moron but it was true. He’d affected me more than I cared to admit and that bothered me more than the notion of drinking with the man I had turned down earlier that evening.
The next day was Friday and most of my time was spent at the makeshift office the firm lent to the cause. My Uncle Nick and Aunt Linda were there along with some other resident and businesses that were involved with the land initiative. The local business owners had volunteered their time to come and help us with the various proceedings and mostly to connect us with companies and people that could be of assistance.
Jason had been running around like a mad man all morning trying to keep the residents happy from having the right tea to enough donuts. They were older and had a certain expectation when it came to hospitality. I mostly laughed at Jason who would occasionally mutter, “How much tea can these people drink?”
“Special delivery for Ms. Nina Parks,” a young man said as he entered the room. He was dressed in jeans, a white t-shirt, blue down vest and carried a messenger bag.
“That’s me,” I answered and stood up.
It was probably a correspondence from the county officials. We’d petitioned them many times for the various ordinances they tried to enforce upon the citizens. They were officially sick and tired of our movement but our heavy hitters were not even in play yet. They did not know, that we meant business.
As I moved closer to the door, I saw that it wasn’t a letter or paper correspondence. He was delivering a bouquet of multi-colored sun flowers.
Oh my.
My first thought was that Omar was really trying to have that drink but when I turned over the card, that thought was shot to hell.
It read:
Miss you too, darlin’
Knox
Oh.
My.
God.
How did he know where I was?
Tess.
He never answered my text but sent beautiful, long-stemmed sunflowers. Quickly signing my signature, I pulled them into my arms and inhaled.
Wow.
“Who’s that from?” Uncle Nick asked.
“An old friend,” I answered him.
“Not from the look on your face,” he replied.
My eyes narrowed at the older man as I moved back to my section of the office, and to get my phone to text Knox. That message was never sent because Omar yelled for Jason and me to get in his office because the County Commissioner was on the phone.
Omar kept the man on speaker while the County Commissioner politically explained that our movement was deterring progress that no one else would even take upon themselves to do for a county like Evans. He went on to say that if another developer was interested, then he’d be open to other options but the chances were slim to none.
Fifteen minutes later, Jason and I both left Omar’s office exchanging ideas with each other based on what County Commissioner Watts had to say. We were so engrossed in our discussion that we didn’t hear when someone came through the door.
Jason turned first and his eyes grew wide, then I turned and almost passed out.
“Knox,” I exclaimed with an uncontrollable smile on my face.
By the time I was facing him, his wide strides put him within arm’s reach. He dipped down and just like the cowboy he was, picked me up and swung me around while I held on and screamed for him to put me down.
“Oh my God, Knox,” I yelled.
“Darlin’, I missed you.” He finally stopped swinging and let me slide down his body.
Everyone was still there staring at our interaction but saying nothing, as if they were watching the Real Housewives of Evans County.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as my hands rested on his chest.
“What are you doing here?” he asked me with that crooked smile.
I sighed. “Long story but wow, you look like your brother,” I exclaimed by rubbing his long bushy beard.
His beard had grown out, which was odd because he’d always kept it close shaven. Also, those bags under his eyes were deeper than I remembered.
“Yeah, you look beautiful.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but melt into him.
God, he had such control over me.
“You get a lunch break?” he asked.
“Yeah, uh….” I turned to say something to Jason who was waving me away.
Standing next to him was Omar with a smirk on his face.
“We’re good. Take the day,” Jason said. “You more than deserve it.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yeah, he’s sure,” Omar chimed in. “You need to handle that.”
I laughed at him while pulling away to grab my purse and when I looked back to Knox, he was staring at Omar.
“Come on,” I tugged him.
“Is he a problem?” Knox asked loud enough so the office staff could hear him.
“Nope, he’s the best. Come on.” I pulled harder. “Catch me up.”
Knox put on his Stetson and said, “Let’s go.”
He had rented a big ole truck and after he helped me get in so we could get on our way, he asked, “Where can we eat around here?”
“Depends? What do you like?” I asked.
“I’d eat a pig right now,” he answered as he drove away.
I laughed and said, “Cool. Pork it is.”
Once we arrived to one of the down-home restaurants, we grabbed a table in the back and ordered pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, beans and sweet tea. He and I crushed that food because it was mouthwatering good. When we walked out, we were holding each other up from drinking too much sweet tea and nearly slid back into the truck.
“Where are you staying?” I asked him as we rode down the main highway.
“Tonight, with you.” He grabbed my hand and turned me so I was facing him.
“That so?” I raised an eyebrow. “Think so cowboy.”
“Oh, I know so. Can prove it too.”
He was driving back towards the office.
I pointed down a dark road, causing him to turn off and follow it until I gave him more directions.
“Why did you come?” I asked.
Knox sobered and said, “Short story, darlin’. I missed you, wanted to see you, and that text was the fuel I needed to light the flame for me to do something.” He sighed. “Thought you wouldn’t want to hear from me after our last encounter at Pops’.”
“I didn’t,” I clarified. “That was a classic Knox asshole mo
ve. Yet, you crossed my mind and apparently, I drunk texted you.”
“What hotel are ya in?” he asked.
My finger pointed down the road towards a five-floor small hotel and answered, “Four-oh-eight.”
“How did I cross your mind?” Knox asked me after he clasped my hand and pulled me towards the hotel. “Tell me as you get the key card out.”
“How?” I held out the card. “Well, I guess it was because I was watching the movie, He’s Just Not That into You and thinking about how it related to you. You were cool and wanted me when you did but when you were done, that was it. The same with me but the point of the movie...”
I did not realize that he had stopped in front of the door even though he had the key in his hand. His sharp eyes were piercing my very soul as his narrow gaze pinned me to the very spot I stood.
“Come again?” he said sternly.
“What?” I shrugged. “I’m just saying, the movie spoke to me in my drunken state and ...”
“Get in here!” Knox pushed the card into the slot until it beeped.
He pulled me inside the room and moved us over to the sitting area.
“Now, let me get this straight,” Knox started. “You watched some chick flick movie and thought of me? On top of that, it was a bad chick flick because it was about a bunch of girls pining after men. How the hell did I enter into your thought pattern? I know Nina Parks doesn’t pine after any man.”
My legs crossed at the ankles when I said, “While, I appreciate the compliment, Knox, you don’t know me well enough to know what I pine after. You’re correct but let’s be real. We’ve fucked. Hard and good, multiple times. However, neither of us are the relationship type so, that’s cool, right?”
His large hands pulled up his jeans before he sat down on the couch and said in a somber voice, “Shit is not always as it seems.”
Okay.
“So, that means, what?” I asked.
Knox pulled me down on his lap with one strong arm and moved his hand up and down my legs.