That’s not the way Lacy remembered the concert. Michelle squirmed and complained the whole time. She reminded her of a small child because she kept asking when the damn concert would be over. “You didn’t attend Beth and Josh’s wedding.”
“It was my dad’s birthday. You know I couldn’t miss the big 5-O. Every one that lived within twenty miles of our farm attended. It was the biggest shindig Mason County has ever had. How would it have looked if daddy’s baby girl hadn’t attended?”
Maybe she did take advantage of Michelle on occasion. Still she hesitated unsure if she should attend the party. Many times Grant lectured her on the dangers of going to frat parties. She didn’t see any harm in going if she didn’t drink any alcohol. Grant feared someone would get her drunk and have sex with her. He was very protective and always giving her lectures. It had to come from his years of being in the Marine Corps. Nothing would happen if she stayed alert. “Okay, Michelle, I’ll go.”
A huge smile split her face. “Great! We need to be at Malory’s sorority at eight o’clock.”
“Why do we have to go to Malory’s? Why can’t we go straight to the party?” Even she heard the whining in her voice.
“Because two of her sorority sisters are also going and you are the designated driver. I told Malory we’d take your vehicle and that you’d drive.”
Wonderful thought Lacy. On the way home she’d be responsible for a carload of drunken women. Something told her it was going to be a long night. Even Michelle could be a little obnoxious when she drank. What had her best friend talked her into?
“This is a big one, Michelle. You’re going to owe me big time.” Lacy took a sip of water. “Obviously this matters to you. I wouldn’t even consider going if it wasn’t for you.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Michelle’s dark, brown eyes glittered with excitement. “I bet you’ll have such a great time, you’ll want to go to another frat party.”
Lacy rolled her eyes. “That’s doubtful.”
****
Lacy tugged at the short skirt she couldn’t believe she let Malory talk her into wearing. No one had ever been able to talk her into doing something she didn’t want to do but her sisters. Well that’s not entirely true. Maybe Grant and Josh bossed her around just a little. Still, she prided herself on her will power. Malory was the most challenging person she had ever met. She wasn’t even one of Lacy’s friends. She was Michelle’s friend. The woman was much too abrasive for her tastes. Since it was Malory’s skirt she was wearing, she hoped she hadn’t worn it when she had sex. She didn’t even try to hide the fact she was a sexual being, always bragging about her exploits with men. She couldn’t get the ghastly vision out of her mind of Malory hiding in some dark corner after class having sex with someone she knew little about. What happened to people getting to know someone before they became intimate?
Lacy stumbled up the steps leading to the inside of the Dark Knights Frat house. Large white columns stretched to the third floor reminding Lacy of the movie, ‘Gone With the Wind’. She wished she would go through the door and see women waltzing in hoop skirts with dashing young men in Confederate uniforms. Maybe she was born in the wrong time period. “My feet hurt.”
A huge, hot pink purse that matched her outfit swinging from her arm, Malory snapped, “Stop whining. You look gorgeous. The men will be tripping all over themselves when they see you.”
“I don’t want men tripping all over themselves. I didn’t even want to come.” Lacy pushed her hair back away from her face. “I would rather be in my dorm room watching a movie and eating pizza.”
“Don’t blame this on me.” Lacy looked over her shoulder at Michelle. Her skirt was shorter than hers. Huge breasts threatened to spill over the top of her much too revealing shirt. She looked like a prostitute, but then Lacy couldn’t cast stones because she also looked like a whore. If her sisters saw the way she was dressed, they’d be shocked. She hoped she didn’t run into anyone she knew.
Again she stumbled. “I told you I wouldn’t be able to walk in stiletto heels. I’ll probably break my ankle and miss finals.” Lacy had to admit the shoes looked sexy on her feet. Still it wasn’t fair that beautiful had to be painful. The enormously high shoes were very uncomfortable. Malory had painted her toenails bright pink and they peeked out from the toes of the gorgeous shoes.
Malory let out a loud agitated breath. “God, you’re such a baby. I wear stiletto heels every day.” She swept her long, black hair off her shoulder before she took Lacy’s arm and helped her climb the last two steps. “Once you get accustomed to them, you’ll be fine.”
Not again thought Lacy. Never again would she go anywhere with Malory. “I’m going to be taller than all the guys at the party. I’m already self-conscious of my height. The clothes and shoes will add to my discomfort.” She turned around on the top step and huffed, “I’m leaving. I can’t do this.”
Michelle wobbled up the steps in a pair of black heels that Malory had purchased for her as a surprise. She had no idea Michelle had such shapely, muscular legs. Tommy would have to notice her tonight. Problem was Lacy worried he would think she was easy. But then her best friend knew how to handle herself. Michelle placed her hand on Lacy’s arm to stay her and begged, “Please, Lacy. I want to stay.”
Malory took her by the shoulders and turned her around. Hands flat on her back she pushed her toward the door with long red fingernails. “You can’t go home. We need you to drive us home after the party. I plan on getting plastered.”
The porch was full of partygoers and they had to push their way through to get inside. Eyes followed her and Lacy felt like screaming. One man she bumped into smiled letting his eyes roam over her from head to toe. “Hey, babe.” His hand moved to her waist as if he were trying to keep her on her feet.
Lacy felt her cheeks turn pink. She ignored him and struggled to get to the open front doors so she could disappear inside and find a place to hide the rest of the night. Regret consumed her and she wished she would never have let Michelle talk her into coming. She was sweating and her heart was pounding. Maybe she had social anxiety or something of that nature. Then again it could be pure embarrassment from the slutty clothes.
It was an old house with a white tile floor. Two sets of black armor stood on each side of the foyer entrance. Ceiling to floor windows banked the walls. It held a certain charm and screamed money. A large single staircase led to the second floor. The stairs and banister were worn from years of traffic. The male students who rented the house came from affluent, prestigious families. That made matters even worse. The thought of having to make conversation with some conceited frat member had her wishing she would have rejected Michelle’s proposal.
People were everywhere. A keg was against the wall and several students circled it while having a conversation. Tommy sat on the sofa flirting with a pretty blond. He had his arm propped on the back and was leaning in as if he were enthralled by every word she spoke. Lacy peered down at Michelle to see how she was absorbing the knowledge her love interest was with another woman. Truth was Michelle had only spoken to him a few times. It was doubtful he even knew she liked him. His mouth fell open in shock when he saw Michelle. He pushed himself off the sofa and approached her.
Men were staring at her so Lacy didn’t stick around to see what Tommy thought of Michelle’s transformation. She made her way toward the back of the room hoping to find a place where the crowd wasn’t so thick. She found herself in the kitchen. Couples leaned against the counter talking. She spun on her heel to make a quick escape and came face to face with the captain of the basketball team, Bret Roberts. About six four, he stood several inches taller than her. Eyes the color of a stormy sea peered at her.
Once she had gone to a game and watched him play basketball. She had to admit he was the best on the team. He had been the highest scorer and the team carried him around on their shoulders after they won the game. He was in her English class but he had never spoken to her, always act
ed like she didn’t exist.
He ran his hand through his thick blond hair. A huge school ring adorned his finger. “Lacy Reynolds, it took me a moment to recognize you in all that face paint.”
Shocked he even knew her name, she did her best to smile. “I guess I look different than I do in class.”
His eyes raked over her with admiration. “Yes, you certainly do. I think I like you better this way. Love the shoes.”
“You would.”
One light blond eyebrow rose as if offended. “What are you implying?”
She gave him a stern look. “As I’m sure you’re already aware, you have a reputation with the women.”
“You have a reputation also. We call you the ice princess.” The comment hurt. It was one thing to wonder what people said behind her back, it was another to hear the words. His eyes started at her head and stopped on her uncomfortable shoes. “Funny you don’t look very icy now. You look hot to me. I’m very warm at the moment.”
Embarrassed at his bold words, she whispered, “Excuse me.” She tried to step around him but he barred her way. His mouth twitched as if he were amused at her distress.
“Please forgive me.” He placed his hand on her arm. “Can I get you something to drink? We have some Margaritas.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “You don’t look like the beer type.”
“I don’t drink. I’m only twenty.”
He laughed so loud several partygoers turned and looked at them. “You’re priceless. It’s okay, Five-O was not invited.” He tucked his arm around her elbow and propelled her toward the counter. He poured the Margarita mix from a pitcher into a red solo cup and offered it to her.
She shook her head in the negative. “I told you I do not drink alcohol. Do you have any canned drinks?”
“Stubborn, I like a woman that sticks to her guns. I think we have something cold in the fridge.” He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a can of Pepsi and a bottle of beer. “Will this do?”
“Thank you, Pepsi is my favorite.” He popped the top, poured it into a solo cup, and handed it to her. Tipping it to her lips, she took a sip. She shifted on her feet because his scrutiny was making her nervous. Not once had his eyes left her face.
He popped the cap on the beer and it fizzed up over the lip. “Let’s go outside. It’s too hot and stuffy in here.” Hand around her elbow, she let him lead her outside onto the back deck. It wasn’t quite so crowded under the huge oak in the backyard where they sat at the picnic table. White lights had been strung in the tree giving off just enough of a glow to make it romantic. His eyes shifted to her legs when she sat down. Lacy pulled at the hem of the skirt trying to cover her thighs. It was wasted effort because there wasn’t enough cloth to cover a baby’s behind.
His features fit together perfectly. She could see why women found him so attractive.
“You are beautiful.”
Her blush was back in full bloom. “Thank you. You never seemed to notice before tonight.”
“Sure I have. As I recall, I have smiled at you plenty of times, and you completely ignored me. If a girl doesn’t flirt back, she’s not interested.”
Uneasy with the way he was looking at her, she swept her eyes over the other guests while she sipped her drink. Clusters of people stood in various spots in the yard. That was when she saw Dylan watching her. He stood in the center of a group of five men having a conversation. That is everyone else was having a conversation. Dylan had his angry, gray eyes plastered on her. Just her luck to end up at the same party he was working undercover. Blood rushed to her cheeks. She had told him she didn’t attend parties. He probably thought she was a liar. Hopefully, he wouldn’t tell Josh he saw her dressed like a harlot.
“Do you see someone you know?” Bret’s eyes swept over the crowd trying to pinpoint who had caught her interest.
Before Bret discovered it was Dylan that had her on edge, she gazed at him and smiled. “No, I’m just curious. I must confess it is the first time I have ever gone to a frat party and it’s all so new to me.”
He placed his hand over hers. “I can’t get over how great you look.” He inched a little closer and leaned in to kiss her. She placed her hand over his lips. “Slow down, player. You’re moving a little too fast for me. Remember I’m the ice princess.”
“Let me guess. You’re a virgin.”
Her lips tightened. “I don’t think that is any of your business.” She couldn’t believe she was having a conversation with a man about her virtue. He came on much too strong. A gentleman would never ask such a private question.
His face still only inches from her, he replied, “I don’t think you’re an ice princess. Maybe I’m melting your heart.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Dylan approaching. Surely, he wasn’t going to blow his cover by speaking to her. He stepped into her line of vision and asked, “Bret, who’s your friend?”
Bret sat up straight and glared at Dylan. “Lacy Reynolds, Dylan Bauer.”
Dylan offered his hand in greeting. Seconds passed before Lacy was able to place her hand in his. Eyes never leaving hers, he lifted her hand to his lips and softly kissed the back of her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
The cold look in his eyes caused her to tremble. She shifted on the bench causing her skirt to slip higher on her thighs. Again she tugged the hem. She looked away and took a sip of her Pepsi. Her hands shook so bad she sat her cup back on the table and placed them in her lap.
Dylan asked, “Is Lacy your girlfriend?”
“One can only hope.” Bret draped his arm over her shoulders as if saying she belonged to him. “Actually, we have a class together, but have never been formally introduced until tonight. Would you believe this is the first frat party she has ever attended?”
With a long look over her face, he replied, “No, I don’t. Looks like a partier to me.”
Bret ran his finger up her arm. She fought the urge to jerk away. This had to be the most uncomfortable night of her life. Her eyes darted to Dylan who just stood there glaring at her. “Go away, Bauer. I saw her first.”
Despair settled around her heart as she watched him saunter away. He probably thought she was a deceitful person. But then why should she care what he thought. “Would you like something to eat?”
Even though she was hungry, she was much too nervous to eat. Her stomach was in knots. “No, I’m fine, thank you.”
“How about another Pepsi?”
“No, caffeine keeps me from sleeping. One is my limit.”
He took a sip of his beer and placed the bottle on the table. “Tell me about your family.”
Lacy talked about Nina and Beth. Explained how hard it had been after her parents’ death. She began to relax and enjoy his company. He seemed interested in what she had to say. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.
With a quick glance at the gold watch with a large face on his right wrist, he stood. Of course she was sure it was expensive. It was probably a Rolex or some other high end watch. “I’m going to get me another beer. Are you sure you wouldn’t like another Pepsi?”
“Maybe some water.” She stood intending to go with him.
He took her hand and squeezed. “It’s so crowded in the kitchen. Wait for me here, and I’ll be right back.”
Now alone, Lacy felt awkward. She swept her eyes over the guests still in the backyard, but didn’t see Dylan. He must have gone inside. She peered up at the dark sky but could only see the sliver of moon. The lights from the city made it impossible to see the stars. At that moment she felt melancholy for Twelve Oaks. It was so far from the city that she could see millions of stars at night. She wondered if her family was sitting outside on the porch listening to the crickets and night sounds as they were known to do on many occasions. Spring was a busy time on the farm and Nina, Grant, Juan, and Grace would work until dinner time and then relax after they had eaten a perfect meal cooked by Maria. Beth and Josh usually arrived home by six. She could picture them in her mind discussing politics,
religion, or their work.
Five minutes later Bret returned. She found him very attractive. All this time she had believed him conceited and shallow. Maybe she was too hard on people. It wasn’t often she put down her guard and really got to know a person. In reality he was nothing like she imagined.
“Here you go. Ice cold water.”
Lacy took the cup, tipped it to her lips and froze. Grant’s warning entered her mind. Never overindulge because it puts a young woman at risk. Never leave your drink unattended when you are in public. Even though it was only water, she still felt uneasy.
“Is something wrong?”
Her cheeks flushed with color. “No, nothing.” Lacy took a small sip.
“I took the liberty of adding some lemon for flavor.”
Lemon was all she tasted so she felt it was safe to drink. “Thank you, it’s perfect.”
Their conversation continued while they sat under the twinkling lights of the oak. Bret related funny stories about his two brothers and sister. He was the eldest and the first to leave home to attend college.
It was obvious he had led a privileged life, but then so had she until her parents died. Money was tight since there had been no life insurance policy for her mother and father. After their deaths, life had been hard until Nina married Grant and things changed for the better.
“You’re unusual, Lacy. The world is full of talkers, but it’s rare to find a woman who listens. Most of the women I go out with only talk about themselves.”
“Thank you. I have to admit I’m enjoying myself. I didn’t even want to come tonight. Michelle and Malory talked me into attending your party.” She smiled. “I’m glad I came.”
Everything became a blur. She blinked trying to bring Bret’s face into focus. A slight headache just behind her eyes began, and her tongue felt thick. He kept talking but his voice sounded muffled. Seconds passed as her symptoms only got worse. She closed one eye and looked at him because she was seeing doubles.
Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2) Page 28