by Zoe Adams
Ellen smiled and patted his back. “I’m sorry. Tommy told me he was going somewhere with a girl named Leaszha, it must be the same girl.”
Richard nodded and looked around. “Well, all right. I guess it’ll be four for golf.”
Richard gave up on his date. He greeted Ellen warmly, then clenched Indiana’s elbows a little tightly when he pulled in for a smooth kiss on her cheek.
“Richard, thanks for playing with us. You know this is Indiana’s first time, don’t you?” Ellen inquired as she lined up the opening drive.
“Indy’s first time?” He cocked his head inquisitively at the quiet girl. “Well, then I’m doubly glad I came.”
The rotation started with Frank and Ellen passing the fairway. Richard stood back for Indiana to take her turn, but she insisted the regulars go first.
Richard lined up his shot and rolled successfully onto the green. He picked up his tee and smiled when he said, “I’ve been practicing.”
Indiana had watched them and tried her best shot. Everything was great until her follow-through brought sighs and grumbles. The ball veered sharply toward the tropical greenery. They explained the penalty to the newcomer, and she opted to find her ball.
“Richard, would you mind helping the newbie?” Frank and Ellen waved off the young couple.
They were finally alone. Indiana gave him a full smile and he hesitated before leading the way.
The greens were lush and semi-private.
“You look so innocent.” Richard flipped up the edge of her skirt but didn’t break stride when he added, “With your little white outfit on.”
Indiana consciously moved closer to him. The next time he jerked her skirt up playfully, he got a fresh handful of bare skin. Indiana stopped walking and his hand was forced to stay. He held it softly as if considering the amount of curve. His hands quit moving and he cocked his head to the side.
“Two times in a row you aren’t wearing any panties. I’m starting to wonder if this is a habit with you.” Richard turned to face her.
“I would like it if turning you on were a habit.” Indiana stepped in closer to him.
“Maybe someday.” Richard found his inner strength when he eyed the golden crucifix around her neck. He stepped back slowly. “Your ball should be around here somewhere.”
Indiana walked away from him. She bent over very inappropriately and picked up a yellow ball.
She stood up quickly and pouted. “Is this it?”
Richard let out his breath slowly. Like he didn’t deem the sham of innocence worthy of disrupting oxygen.
Indiana flirted and looked around some more. He followed her as she led him through the trees. Indiana had his full attention when she picked up another ball.
“Is this mine?” Indiana asked smartly when she bounced into a vertical position.
Richard closed his eyes. “I wish it were.”
The next time she bent over, she produced the right ball. Richard stepped in to verify the markings and held the ball in between them.
“Yes, I like what is yours.” He took a deep breath.
Indiana noticed breathing was hard for both of them. She made his life very hard.
“Thank you for helping me find my ball.” Indiana kissed him perkily on the cheek and left him glowering in the shade.
The tardy and flushed couple met up with the rest of the group. Indiana tried the hit again, and this time swung straight, not far from the others.
Hole number two was approached. Just like before, three balls waited on the green for the fourth.
Indiana bent at the knees when she pushed the tee into tender grass. Standing up with tons of confidence, her body lined up behind the pole. She raised her arms for the back swing, and the length of her hair competed with the shortness of her skirt. The trio behind her all groaned when she started the forward motion. Richard stepped forward to help out with her twisty swing.
“All right, Indy.” He stood close behind her and smoothed his palms down the front of her skirt. “Raise your arms like you are going to swing. Good.”
He straightened her body and smoothed his hands on her pelvis again. “Now start to bring your arms forward. Stop. Right there.”
His breath blew relief across Indiana’s hot neck, and she let him mold her body to the position of his choice. “Do you feel the difference?”
Indiana turned her face and looked at the man slightly behind her and nodded.
“All right,” he petted the tops of her legs absently, “let me see it one more time.”
Indiana was a quick study for the praise she received.
“Good, you are ready,” he said, and backed away.
When she let her swing fly, the ball landed in the best place. It finally stopped rolling when it knocked Richard’s ball right into the hole.
“Good job, Indy.” The man gave her a friendly kiss near her ear, and pat on the cheek. He barked a very happy and disbelieving laugh that had his hair stretching to reach his strong shoulder. Indiana noticed the very happy looks on Ellen’s and Franks’ faces and didn’t know what to say.
The smooth game of golf ended far too quickly, and the little family begged Richard to join them for dinner. He had been stifling a yawn, but agreed anyway.
The quartet sat at a corner booth. The men sat on one side, enjoying the feminine purrs and auspicious curves of the ladies across from them. The restaurant could easily capture the conversation for its amazing view off the decks, down the beach, and into the surf. Richard was keeping every one of his very friendly looks far away from Indiana’s face.
A song far past its prime, but cemented in history, came to the forefront.
“Oh, I love this song.” Ellen pulled the man across from her, which happened to be Richard, to his feet. “Come on, let’s dance just one song, you guys.”
Indiana danced with Frank until the song was halfway through and he insisted on switching with his favorite earth angel. Indiana was deposited into Richard’s arms.
“Did you have a good day?” He kept his hand carefully in the tiny safe zone of her waist.
“Yes.” Indiana quit focusing on the pulsing knot in his throat and approached his sour apple eyes.
“Good.” Richard took a deep breath. “I can’t do this, you know?”
Indiana took a shallow breath and he continued.
“You are beautiful, and amazing in moonlight. I don’t think any man could endure what you have put me through.” Richard’s breath was hot on Indiana’s face and she flushed.
The balance in breath switched, and she watched his eyes soften for a moment.
“But I am a man, a famous man, maybe even a role model.” Richard smiled, a little drunk on himself, but sobered quickly. “And you, beautiful Indy, with eyes so rich and brown. I just want to dig and plant smiles. Smiles that you deserve so much. You could seduce the world over for your brains or your beauty, but you are only sixteen.”
Richard’s eyes had hardened with a wise glint and sharp release of pent up air.
Indiana dropped her hands and then she was alone on the dance floor as everyone exited or clapped.
Richard made haste to the bar while Ellen and Frank resumed their bliss at the table.
“All right, goodbye.” She gave her mother a kiss before picking up the tiny white shelled bag.
Indiana’s departure was painstakingly slow. She saw Richard through the bar mirror as he prepared a nice thick cigar. Three beautiful women approached him before he finished inspecting the leaf. His avid admirers were bestowing their greetings, and various hands were already petting him when the healthiest male laugh resonated throughout the room.
Somehow Indiana made it to the semi comfort of a restroom, and quite a few minutes of deep breaths almost restored a pale reflection. She hid behind a curtain of dark hair and stepped out to the hottest time of the day.
Indiana stood alone in the dry, windy draft that had everyone else in the cool retreat. The old wooden boardwalk led down to the beach. It creaked so
ftly at her slow, hollow steps.
She smelled a cigar before turning her head to the solitary smoker. Richard leaned back comfortably with his knees spread wide, and each beautiful hand holding a drink or a smoke. He consumed the whole beach, and could have easily watched her entire progression since exiting the restaurant. Indiana tried not to savor the smell of burning things, and didn’t move.
Richard’s presence commanded her to his side, but she could not, would not, reach out for another restrained response. There were a lot of things she wanted to talk about with Richard. She had been wondering what kinds of car projects he had been working on or restoring.
The wind snuck up and pushed her forward. Her heart leaned toward Richard. One look at him and all thoughts and questions disappeared. He sat coolly in the shade, but Indiana saw a dangerous fire in his eyes. He sat rigidly, waiting for her to affect him.
Indiana couldn’t torture him. He didn’t want to be friends. There was only one thing he was capable of concerning women. Indiana had to pass him by.
Indiana smoothly smiled at him and kept walking. She held her head high in the solitary walk across the beach.
The next day Richard was gone. Rumors circulated he had bought the house, but left his date lingering at the hotel. Indiana took her cue and exited the super serene setting with the following tide. Ellen and Frank had their own plans and would stay in the tropical pockets a little longer.
Indiana slept the whole airplane ride. She drove back to college in the quietest time of night. After all the close contact Indiana needed solace. She didn’t even jam the awesome stereo in her classic car.
Indiana felt better than she had in a while. The ocean had relaxed her. But all of the free time only reminded her she still wasn’t free. In the meantime, school still needed attending.
Indiana drove back onto campus. She would put her foot on the gas pedal for hours and let her mind go blank. After hours of recovery behind a steering wheel, she could dip herself fully into the sea of knowledge coming from books and lectures.
Chapter 10
Back in school, Indiana looked for the normal swing of things. If life without love could be considered normal. It reminded her days were much longer when one could not expect to see the person they loved approaching.
She liked speed, and her only rush was driving the beautiful black muscle car. Smiles were guaranteed when quick explosions of horse power tested the torque of the car. Four disks of rubber left their proof of displacement on the road, and Indiana drove quickly.
On the weekend she drove the black car as much as possible. This was her free time. Racing felt reflexive, and speeding down the lines helped her forget, which was much better than remembering.
Richard knew how to stay away, and she tried to escape the wordless goodbye imbedded in bittersweet cigar smoke. Her entire being felt locked in that frozen moment of time. Neither Richard nor Indiana gave the stars their fulfillment, and the beckoning planets couldn’t complete with their powerful magnetism.
The summer semester of school was somewhat easier for Indiana. There were fewer students to contend with.
Indiana got the weekly call from her mother. Ellen had big news. She would be marrying Frank.
Indiana sat down. She wasn’t quite sure how to feel about the news. Ellen talked about Frank and the destination wedding at a ski lodge.
“Indiana? Are you still listening?” Ellen demanded.
“Yes, Mom. I’m just thinking.” Indiana tried to slyly ask who would be there. “Is this going to be a big wedding?”
Ellen sounded pensive at first. “Well, Frank knows a lot of people. And I know a lot of people as well. Everyone from my old life will want to know I’ve moved on, so I have to invite them all. But the most important person is you. And Tommy, of course. So yes, the wedding will be big and expensive for anyone who shows up.”
Indiana knew Richard would be there. She almost didn’t hear the rest.
“Indiana, I need you to be my bridesmaid. I want you and Tommy to give me away to a new husband. We want a winter wedding after Thanksgiving. Can you get out of school?”
“Yeah, sure, Mom. Whatever you need,” Indiana mumbled.
“Oh thank you, Indiana.” Ellen’s new news was out of the way and the tone of her voice changed. “Are you doing all right in school?”
“I’m all right.” Indiana shrugged. “I’m on the dean’s list but I grew out of my clothes again.”
Fashion and beauty were always safe subjects with her mom, and Indiana used them well. Ellen could talk for hours. She got her daughter’s new measurements before hanging up the phone.
If Indiana was going to a wedding then she would assuredly be well dressed. Indiana didn’t mind handing the reigns of her fashion to her mother. It pleased them both.
Indiana didn’t have time to be choosy about everything. She was too busy making the grade.
Now she had a new dilemma. What kind of gift was the perfect wedding present for her mom? Indiana knew her mother always got what she wanted and didn’t hesitate to acquire it. Indiana had the same trait, except Ellen was colorful and brash. Indiana still felt shy and ill-equipped to do business. It made her a better listener and she struggled to be more mature.
Christmas would follow Thanksgiving quickly this year. Indiana had to figure out what to get Richard for a gift. It needed to be extraordinary.
Indiana had been plagued about it all year. She had no idea what kind of present it should be. She had already given him a necklace, and couldn’t get him another one. The only piece of jewelry she wanted to buy him was a wedding band, so she steered her thoughts far from jewelry.
Indiana wanted to get him something different. She sat absently staring at a clock while trying to remember a compound for homework. Then it struck her. She would get him a wall clock. She laughed at herself. She should get him ten clocks.
Indiana couldn’t look in the usual stores. She had an idea of what she wanted, and found a neon sign maker on the Internet.
She designed the clocks herself. One for her mother’s wedding gift, and one for Richard. Only something completely custom would be good enough for all of them.
Richard’s clock would have a red race car made out of neon tubes. Crossed checkered flags would be the backdrop. Bright yellow, the same color of the sun, would circle it all thickly. Black lines showed minutes, seconds, and hours.
There was an exception of course. The clock had to be run by circular sprockets running on full or slow revolutions. The mechanics telling time couldn’t be run by flickering fluorescents. This part of the clock remained old-fashioned. Indiana liked the second hand of the watch much better when gauging distance and time.
Indiana wanted the clock to be a certain way. It took more time and patience than anticipated. She wished she could see the finished product all lit up but instead sent it straight to Richard. She paid the builder extra to store it until right before Christmas.
Waiting to see something struck a deep chord inside of her. She shuddered because it was normal.
Indiana then turned her thoughts to her mother’s wedding at the ski lodge. She needed a coat and warm winter things. Indiana would have to go shopping before she left. She couldn’t put all of her needs in her mother’s hands. She would have to be responsible for some of them.
The last weeks went by quickly. Before she knew it, she was parking her car at the airport and boarding an airplane.
Indiana landed in Colorado. She climbed on a shuttle, and an hour later she arrived at the ski lodge.
She stepped inside the large log structure. The entrance was wide, charming, and rustic. Moose heads, bear skins, and leather couches surrounded a large stone fireplace. It felt like a welcome change from the sterile school she was used to.
The atmosphere was gay and upbeat. An open bar sat across from the receptionist desk. A large wall of windows faced the mountain behind it.
Indiana heard her mother laughing before she saw her. She followed
the sound and found her in the bar.
“Indiana.” Ellen shrieked and stood up.
Indiana let go of her suitcase and hugged her mom. A procession of greetings was followed by Frank.
“Hello, dear,” Frank said, and put a kiss by her ear.
He stood back. “This is my brother, Jerry, and his wife, Laura.”
Indiana looked at them and nodded.
“Hello.” Indiana smiled at them.
Jerry smiled and Laura raised a pinky from her wineglass and waved.
Ellen stole her daughter’s attention from the friends. “We were just having drinks. Here,” she said, pulling out a stool for her, “sit by me.”
Indiana left her bag at her feet and sat down.
She was starving, but the last thing she wanted to do was eat. She tamed her restlessness and looked around more slowly.
The bar had prestigious and boisterous loudmouths. The clothes were rich and drinks were never empty. Expensive laughs were punctuated by stories of full living.
The tables were full of groups of people. A few younger people stuck to their own tables. Half the people had red windburns on their cheeks. The white lines remaining from goggles confirmed the tales they told of the mountain.
Indiana saw Richard. He stood at a table across the room. He was completely in his element, and exactly how she knew he would look. Five other beautiful people were at his table.
He stood with his back to her, but she knew it was him. She would recognize that wide set of shoulders anywhere. It had been a while since she had seen a man encapsulating her fantasies. She stared absently at him.
“Here, Indiana, take this menu.” Ellen pushed it in front of Indiana. “I can tell you need to eat. You have that famished look on your face.”
Indiana blinked and looked at her mom.
“Thanks,” she said, and unfolded the menu. She read the selections without being offered one hope of satisfaction.
She heard Richard’s laugh from across the room. The deep timbre of his voice came from the depths of him and teased her. She wanted to please him so badly. It jabbed at her consciousness. He was having fun and she was put through hell, again.