He hobbled off toward the shop—Cary’s Auto Parts—and I honked when he got to the door. He raised a hand and flipped up his middle finger. I laughed and pulled out of the lot.
A whole week and it still wasn’t old. Before long, Dad would be begging Fred to take him to work instead of me.
The Autumn Glory festival had started on Wednesday, but today was the day Colten got to show his cow. I was anxious to get down there and cheer him on.
The livestock shows were at the fairgrounds, but several other events ranged all over the Deep Creek Lake area. Even though the fairgrounds were only a few miles from Dad’s shop, traffic kept me from getting there quickly. When I finally pulled into the parking lot, I had trouble getting a space.
Not today, I prayed silently. Not now. The curse had kept itself in check the past few days and I feared it was storing up its energy for a final blow. No, no, no, I scolded myself. Keep positive. Colten will win this, hands down.
I finally found a spot as far as humanly possible, under a tree likely to fall over if someone breathed on it. I worried about it crushing Dad’s Tundra, but I didn’t want to circle around for another space.
My phone beeped and I pulled it from the seat next to me.
You here? it read.
That decided it for me. Colten needed my help. I had to risk it.
I turned off the ignition and rushed to the entrance.
As I spied the metal Ferris wheel, a flood of memories filled my head like a dam giving way. Mom and Dad holding me between them, picking me up on every other step to kick my legs high into the air. Mom handing me a candied apple but sneaking a bite for herself first. Dad winning Mom a teddy bear at the water rifle game.
God. We hadn’t come back after she passed and now I remembered why.
I put on blinders, blocking out the sights of the children laughing and the rides whirling. I blocked out the smells of sweets and fried food. I kept my head down and hurried to the tin buildings where the animals were kept.
My phone beeped again. Colten, bless him, had sent the building and pen number. I navigated through the shack-like constructs and spotted him immediately.
He’d put effort into his outfit, and I smiled at how dorky he looked. His shirt was brown and cowboy style, with frills along the pocket. His jeans were crisp as if freshly ironed, and boots poked out from the hems. This was such serious business for him. I had to remind myself to keep my quips in check.
“Colten,” I called out, lifting my hand in greeting.
“Marty,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief. When I got close enough, he threw his arms around me. “It’s almost time.”
“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bitch. Lola Belle all set? She’s looking gorgeous.”
He caught my lie, but let it pass. He patted the cow along its side. “She’s ready. But I’m nervous. I always get this way before a show.”
“Don’t be. Lola Belle is leagues above the others. I mean, look at them.” I pointed to the cow in the next pen over. I stared at me blankly.
Colten laughed and stepped back from my personal space. “Thanks, Marty. I needed something to lift my mood. But you better go get a seat now.”
I nodded. “I’ll be cheering you on in the crowd. Good luck out there.” I gave him a playful smack on his ass.
He snorted like a pissed off bull.
On a whim, I stuck out my hand and patted the cow’s head. The moment my fingers left her wiry hair, Lola Belle’s halter broke with an audible snap. The fancy leather fell to the ground.
I stared down in shock.
“That’s odd,” Colten commented, bending down to retrieve the broken harness. “This is brand new.”
“Oh my God, I’m sorry!” I gushed, flinging my hands out in repentance.
Colten raised an eyebrow at me. “What on earth are you on about, Marty? It’s not a big deal. I got another.”
I backed away a step. “I better go.” Colten reached for me but I retreated farther. “Good luck.”
Then I ran like hell.
Fuck! I’d touched the stupid cow. Why had I touched the stupid cow? Now the curse has activated its magic on Lola Belle. She’d probably get hit by a bus getting out to the show yard. Or else she’d slip in mud and break her back. Or she’d….
Stop it! The cow is fine. It was only the halter that broke. No need to freak out.
I followed the flow of spectators to the show yard. It had bleachers set up all around its rectangular perimeter. I grabbed a seat toward the front and tried to slow my breathing.
A screechy voice came over the loudspeaker. “And now, we’re moving on to the dairy cow competition. Here are our competitors.”
The line of cows and owners entered single file. I spotted Colten last. Lola Belle had a different harness on, though it looked more worn than the previous one. He led her with a hand on the rope and a tall stick by his side. Only six cows entered the yard, and the competitors led them around the outside edge.
As they passed in front of me, Colten caught my eye and grinned. I gave him a thumbs-up.
The group completed two circuits of the yard then fell into place in front of the judges. Once settled, the three judges began to circle around the cows.
I watched in anticipation. I never realized how intense this sort of competition could be. Or maybe I was only sensing Colten’s nerves. Though he smiled, I could see the tension at the corners of his eyes. I sent him all my good vibes.
The judges approached Lola Belle and I sucked in a sharp breath. The lead, a tall woman in jeans and a button-up blouse, ran her fingers along the head of Colten’s cow, then trailed her hand down the spine. And like before, the halter snapped off.
Colten’s eyes widened in panic. He quickly got to his knees and retrieved the leather then repositioned it on Lola Belle’s face. I couldn’t hear the words, but the judge began to scold him. Though righteous outrage filled me, Colten only nodded and accepted the reprimand.
The female judge continued down Lola Belle’s side. The next judge, a tall, fat man, looked at Lola Belle’s face. He gently lifted her ears. And the harness fell off again.
Now Colten’s face was turning red in embarrassment. He picked the leather pieces up off the ground and put them back on Lola Belle’s nose. The judge glared sharply, and continued the inspection.
His mortification reflected on me, and I had to fight to keep my chin from lowering in shame. This was all my fault. God damn this stupid curse!
The last judge—looking nearly as old as Fred—began his round. He grasped Lola Belle’s muzzle and lifted it slightly. The harness stayed on, which made me breathe in relief, but as the judge got to the cow’s tail end, Colten shifted his feet to follow. The moment he set down his boot, he slipped, falling on his ass.
The crowd roared with laughter and the noise spooked all the cows. Lola Belle danced in agitation and Colten had to roll away or be squashed by a hoof.
Looking like he wanted to die, Colten used his long stick to help get to his feet. He was covered in mud from the waist down. He kept his face lowered and refused to look at anyone, even the last judge who seemed to be inquiring if he was all right.
The judges concluded their observation and convened together by a folding table. They huddled together and spoke softly for several minutes.
Colten stared at the ground in front of his boots.
Guilt filled me. If I hadn’t been here, none of this would have happened. I blew his chances.
“And here’s our results,” the voice over the speaker crackled. “The purple ribbon winner is Bud Kolb.”
The young man in the center let out a victory whoop. He rubbed at his cow’s side. The judges shook his hand and presented him with a large, glossy ribbon.
I glance at the winning cow. It looked no different than Lola Belle. Definitely not better in any way.
The loudspeaker voice continued. “The blue ribbon goes to Colten Williams.”
I jumped to my feet, my fist flying in th
e air.
Blue ribbon was still first place. A great accomplishment.
Colten finally raised his chin. He grinned and accepted the blue ribbon the woman judge handed him. She smiled too, but it looked a bit frosty. Perhaps his showmanship had lost him points. Damn it.
They awarded second and third place, then the cows were shown out of the yard. After a loud round of applause, I raced back to the animal pens.
I spotted Lola Belle before I saw Colten. He was in the pen with her, bent over to inspect her side. I didn’t dare approach while he was in such a compromised position. The cow could still go on a rampage and maul him.
When Colten straightened, his eyes locked with mine. He quickly turned away, fussing with Lola Belle’s tail, of all things.
Was he mad at me? Had he figured out I’d been the one to curse his cow?
“Colten, I’m sorry,” I said, still not stepping any closer. “It’s all my fault she lost.”
Finally, Colten looked at me again. “Your fault she lost?” He held up his blue ribbon. “Marty, she won.”
I shook my head. “She deserved purple. She’s good enough to be champion.”
“Maybe next show. We’ll have to try harder, won’t we girl?” He patted the animal’s big rump. “There’s still the expo in November.”
“But I—”
“Marty, stop. There was nothing you did to contribute to a loss.”
Did I explain? Or would he dismiss it like Dad?
I decided to drop it.
“Come here, you,” I said, reaching my arms out. “Congratulations on your victory. You did amazing!”
He grinned sheepishly and left Lola Belle’s pen. He came to my open arms and accepted my hug.
When he pulled back, he gestured to his ruined outfit. “Sorry I’m such a mess.”
“I like you best when you’re covered in mud. Now let me buy you a corndog.”
Chapter 20
To celebrate Colten’s win, Dad and I cooked him dinner the next night. We busied ourselves in the kitchen waiting for the telltale sounds of Colten’s truck in the driveway.
“Hey Dad,” I said as casually as I can manage. “Since you don’t work tomorrow I might stay at Colten’s tonight, if you don’t mind.”
He turned his sharp gaze on me. “You asking for a sleepover?”
I laughed, but it was more nerves than mirth. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
“I don’t mind, Mart. I’d be fine on my own. But why don’t you two stay here instead?”
“Here? Then where would you be?”
He laughed and hobbled over to me. “I’d be here too. I’m sure I don’t want to know the details, Mart, but I respect you and Colten as men old enough to do what you want. I don’t mind you sharin’ a bed.” He placed his hand on my arm and gave a quick squeeze before going back to the stove.
“I…. Well…. I guess I can ask him.”
“Whatever you want. And just so you know, my pain meds knock me out cold. You won’t bother me none.”
My cheeks flushed with heat. They turned darker still with the sound of tires on dirt. I ran outside to cool off.
“Hiya, Marty.”
I waited for Colten on the porch. He looked good getting out of his truck, with his tight jeans, cute flannel shirt, and knit toboggan pulled low over his ears. He held up a twelve-pack of beer and grinned.
“For later,” he said, and set it back in his truck.
“About that.” I walked down a few steps and met him halfway. “My dad says you can stay over here tonight. I mean, I’m sure he’d be fine on his own. He’s a grown man. Plus he could call us if he needed help. But—”
“You’re still worried about him. Fine with me. Any place where I get to wake up beside you will be perfect. Even a barn.”
I grinned and reached out to him. He stepped closer onto the stair below me. It put our faces even. We both leaned forward, or lips meeting in the sweet, familiar way I’d come to love.
“He said you can sleep in the basement,” I added.
Colten let out a noise I’d only call a squawk. It sounded hilarious. My laughter bubbled over and then he was joining me.
“So I guess we’ll be drinking here.” He went to his truck and retrieved the beer. Then he came to me and slipped his arm over my shoulder. We went inside grinning like idiots.
“What’s so funny, boys? Won’t you share the joke with an old man?”
Dad was still by the stove, but I had the impression he’d been sneaking a peek out the window. It felt like I was fifteen, with my first boyfriend, and Dad was trying to keep a watchful eye. Though I was twenty-eight, some of it held true. This was the only time Dad had any interaction with a guy I fancied. It was natural for him to do the normal parenting things—even if it was twelve years too late.
“Mind your own business,” I told him, then led Colten to a seat at the island. “I’ll get your plate.”
“So domestic, Marty,” Dad quipped.
Colten’s beautiful laugh took the anger from my lungs and I let the threat I’d been about to utter die in my throat.
I got a bottle of beer for each of us, popping each cap as I placed them on the countertop.
“What are we eating?” Colten asked, snatching the hat off his head. “Smells good.”
“I told you I’d make my famous chicken and waffles.”
“I can’t wait.”
While Dad finished with the breaded chicken in the oven, I poured the batter into the waffle iron. The secret was a pinch of nutmeg and ginger in the waffles, and added to the panko coating of the chicken.
The final assembled product looked amazing, with a large helping of maple syrup slathered across the top of the chicken breast. My mouth salivated and I saw Colten eye his with a hint of food lust.
Dad said grace, then we dug in. The room was completely silent except the scrape of forks on plates.
We finally slowed down after our third helping apiece.
“Marty, this is amazing,” Colten said. “I could eat this every day.”
“Is that an invitation?” Dad interjected on my behalf.
“Dad, stop.”
He shrugged his shoulders and winked. I was not amused. And he knew I couldn’t stay here; I’d explained it all.
“Wanna watch a movie?” I asked to fill the silence.
“Sure,” Colten agreed.
We washed the dishes while Dad retired to his bedroom. It was only seven o’clock. What was he going to do in there all night?
Colten and I settled on the couch, our hands joined easily and our shoulders comfortably close. The TV was tuned to TCM, but we’d come in halfway through The Searchers so we weren’t completely invested.
“Hey Marty?”
I leaned my head atop his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“I think we should talk about what happens next.”
“You haven’t seen this movie before? He keeps looking for his lost niece.”
“I meant between us.”
“We’ll probably go fool around in my bedroom.”
“Marty.”
I lifted my head, confused by his serious tone. “What?”
His hands gently gripped my shoulders and turned my torso to face him. “I’m talking about this, about us, about where we go from here. Your dad gets his cast off in a week. You’ll be gone. What’s going to happen to us?”
“I thought you didn’t want to talk about it.”
“I didn’t. I hoped I’d be able to see this as a ‘what if’ scenario, about how things could have been. But I can’t keep thinking that way. When you leave….” He sighed heavily.
I crossed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around his neck. I pulled him as close as was physically possible.
“Colten,” I breathed into his ear. “I’m falling in love with you.”
He gasped and his vice-like clamp around my waist tightened more. “Marty.”
“Maybe we can try a long-distance thing. I’ll come back to visit. Y
ou can come and see me.”
“Is that what you want?”
I wanted to stay here, with him. I didn’t want to go back at all. “I—”
A peal of thunder crashed loudly as a flash of lightning lit up the room. Colten and I both jumped. The lights flickered and then we were in darkness.
“Fuck,” I said, still clutching at Colten. “I’ll have to get the generator started.” I began to detangle my limbs from his.
“Don’t,” he whispered.
I stopped moving.
“Stay like this for a minute.”
Despite the black all around, I leaned into him and closed my eyes. Outside, rain began to hit the windows, making metallic plinking noises echo around the room.
“I didn’t know they were calling for storms tonight,” I said.
“Me neither.”
Then it was the curse. A warning. I couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t safe. It would kill again, like it killed Mom.
“I do want to try, Colten. I can’t give up on you.”
“Then I want to try it too, Marty. I…I’m falling in love with you.”
My eyelids pressed down tighter. I’d never heard those words before. They filled my heart with warmth, and my head with a soothing rush of peace. I engraved this memory in my mind, the solid weight of Colten in my arms, the sound of rain hitting the roof, the smell of grass and outdoors wafting from his shirt. I wanted to remember it always.
Dad’s door suddenly opened and a light shined down the hallway. Dad’s voice called out, as if he were too embarrassed to check on us with his eyes. “You boys okay out here?”
I stood from the couch after a quick press of my lips to Colten’s forehead. “We’re fine Dad. Trying to make the most of the moment.”
“So you’re gonna leave me in the dark? Or did you expect me to get up and fix the generator myself? I can try to make it down the steps to the basement.”
“No! I got it, Dad. Relax.”
As I grabbed the flashlight out of his hand, I was suddenly glad we had decided to stay here tonight. With this power outage, Dad would have been alone in the dark.
Colten joined me downstairs a moment later with his own flashlight—a tiny LED one he kept on his keyring.
The Accident Curse Page 11