by Casey Peeler
“Honestly, I think she’ll go wherever she gets into the dance program. I’m not sure if she has time for a company to pick her up,” I state as I take a seat beside her.
“Good point. I just want that sweet fireball to be happy. She’s had to deal with so much shit. She deserves to be happy,” Ms. Mae says with so much heart.
“I agree,” I say as we sit there for a few more minutes. “I was wondering if it would be okay if I took her to celebrate tonight. I mean, it’s not often you get accepted to college, but two in the same day.”
“I don’t think Regina will mind as long as her homework is finished and she’s home by ten,” Ms. Mae states.
“Thanks. I’m going to finish up,” I say as I start to stand, but Ms. Mae takes my hand.
“What about you, Barrick? What are you going to do?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to say anything but I applied to ECU as well and I’m waiting to hear if I got in.”
“Barrick, are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes ma’am. I never wanted to leave Delight. But now that Cadence is in my life, I want to be a better man for her. My dad and I talked about the importance of my education and I am making the decision for me.”
“Barrick, I’m proud of you. You’ve got a good head on those shoulders. I won’t say anything to Cadence. I’ll let you tell her when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” She pats my hand, stands, and walks inside.
I sit there for a few minutes trying to come up with a plan for the celebration Cadence deserves. Then it hits me. I’ll have her party here. I knock on the door and ask Ms. Mae, and she loves the idea. She calls Regina at work to let her know and then tells me she will bake a cake.
“How are you going to decorate?” Ms. Mae questions.
“I have no idea,” I say, honestly.
“Poor boy. Let me help you. Why don’t we walk to the barn, make a plan, and then we can get started. Go ahead and text your friends. The more the merrier,” she says.
“I was hoping to keep it kinda small. I’m afraid if we tell too many, there will be a field party before we know it.”
“That’s it! A big bonfire! I’ve got that pile down by the compost that needs to be burned.”
“Are you serious? Maybe we should do this tomorrow night?”
“Nah. With it being a school night, I know all y’all will leave before it’s too late,” she says with a wink.
Ms. Mae takes old feedbags and decorates some of the old wooden tables with them, then adds a mason jar with a candle in it. I’m truly amazed at how nice it looks. We also arrange a table for food and drinks. Ms. Mae leaves to make the cake while I get the bonfire set up.
Once everything’s taken care of, I send Jade and Aaron a text. I ask them to tell a few others but not Cadence. Of course, Jade thinks she’s going to kill me, but if that’s the case I’ll die a happy man.
Ms. Mae walks back to the barn and we step back to take it all in. Something is missing. Seeing an old pallet, I know exactly what we need. She needs a sign of some kind. I go to the closet and grab a paintbrush and bucket of paint as Ms. Mae follows behind me to see what I’m doing.
“Oh! How could we have forgotten that?” she asks as she helps me decorate it. Once we finish, we stand and look. It’s not an artist’s work, but it’s as artistic as I can be. We move it to the entrance of the barn. Realizing it might be dark when she arrives, I move it directly inside the barn under the light. I can’t wait for Cadence to get home.
Looking at the time, I hurry home to let my parents know what is going on and invite them to celebrate as well. I quickly shower and get changed and we all drive back to Ms. Mae’s together.
Chapter 34
Cadence
“What’s up?” I ask Jade as she glances at her phone and pauses.
“Nothing,” she says and I know she’s full of it as she continues to text someone. “Okay. Now I’m good.” She smiles and I roll my eyes as we continue out the door to the parking lot.
I follow her back toward Delight and am completely confused when she turns down my driveway. When I pull in, I see a light in the distance and at least twenty vehicles parked near the barn.
As I step out and close my door, I look to Jade and she has a crazy smile on her face.
“What did you do? Gran’s gonna have a fit over this!” I say in a hushed tone as I hear music coming from the barn.
“For the record, I had nothing to do with this,” she says as we slide the barn door open.
I’m surprised when I see Barrick propped up against a hand-painted sign with a killer smile.
“Congrats, Cade!” he says as he walks toward me. He kisses me sweetly then I take in the barn full of people. Mom, Gran, Barrick’s parents, Aaron, and a bunch of kids from school are here.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I state but am so glad that he did.
“I know. I wanted to. It’s not often you get accepted into two colleges on the same day,” he says with a smile.
I spend time mingling with everyone while we eat before Barrick leads me out the back of the barn.
Walking out into the spring night air, I’m met with a fire that is just about the size of the barn. “I figured it was time we celebrate like country folk,” Barrick says as we walk toward it.
“That’s a big ass fire,” I say with a laugh.
“Yeah, welcome to the country. Want to roast a marshmallow?” He lets go of my hand and takes a wire then places a marshmallow on it. “Please tell me you’ve had a s’more before,” he says when he sees the confused look on my face.
“Afraid not,” I say as he takes the marshmallow and places it at the edge of the fire. I notice he is cautious of how long he leaves it on one side before rotating it.
“Burnt or gooey?” he asks.
“Gooey,” I say as he smiles. Gran walks over with chocolate and graham crackers, and before I know it, I’m eating a s’more.
Biting into the sticky sandwich, I’m impressed at how it all comes together and it’s like a party in my mouth.
“Whatcha think?” Barrick asks.
I wipe the chocolate from my face with my hand. “It’s fabulous.”
“You left a little right here,” he says as he takes his thumb and wipes some chocolate off my cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Cadence. I’m good with whichever you choose. I just want you to do what your heart desires.”
“You don’t know how much that means to me,” I say as wrap I one arm around his waist and offer him a bite of my s’more.
“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest!” We hear as I turn to see Maddie standing there. Why is she here?
“Yes, we are. Thanks for noticing,” I say to her in a syrupy voice. Gran better be proud.
“I’m sorry we’re late to the party, but we got a late invite,” she says as another girl, who looks just like her, walks up behind her. Who is that?
“Hey, Barrick. It’s been a while,” the girl says with a devilish grin.
Barrick
Shoot me now. Why in the world is Misty here? I haven’t seen her in over a year. That girl is the biggest bitch, and Maddie isn’t much different.
“Hey, Misty,” I say nicely as I hold Cadence tighter.
“I see you like the younger ones now and apparently ones without curves,” Misty says as she runs her hands down her body.
“What do you want?” I ask.
“Where are your manners?” she asks as she tries to take a step closer and I take a step back. I feel Cadence’s hand tighten on my arm and see the questions in her eyes.
“Cadence, this is Misty, Maddie’s sister. Misty, this is my girlfriend, Cadence. We’re having a party for her and I don’t believe either of you were invited,” I say as politely as possible.
Misty looks at Cadence and eyes her from head to toe. She starts to laugh. “Girlfriend? Where’d you get her?” Glancing at Cadence, I notice she’s still in her dance attire.
�
�Talk about manners, can you stop being rude for ten minutes or is that too much to ask? Cadence is Ms. Mae’s granddaughter. She came from New York City, and I didn’t get her anywhere. You, however, have shown up without a formal invite and have insulted the guest of honor. You two may leave,” I say, but quickly realize that Cadence has pulled away from my side and is in hot pursuit of Misty.
“Get me?” Cadence stops directly in front of Misty. “Who the fuck do you think you are walking onto my Gran’s farm with your backwoods attitude? Are you seriously trying to put me down? Me? I’m from New York and you wouldn’t last two seconds there with your second-hand dollar store dress and that ridiculous accent. Now why don’t you go fuck off and pick some turnips or something!” she says as Misty stands there speechless.
Misty begins to speak but jumps back at the sound of a gunshot. Everyone looks around and sees Ms. Mae walking toward us.
“You two get the hell off my property and if I ever hear you causin’ problems ‘round these parts, I’ll shoot you myself. Got it?” she says as she loads another bullet in the chamber.
“Oh my gosh, she is freakin’ crazy, Maddie,” Misty says. Cadence drops her arms and takes three strides to meet Misty again. Before I can process what is going on, Cadence pulls back her arm as if she’s about to punch Misty in the face. I snap out of it and wrap my arms around her and pull her back.
“Don’t you ever talk about my Gran like that! Do you hear me? I will beat the shit out of you!” Cadence screams as she tries to escape my arms.
Looking around, I notice all eyes are on us as Ms. Mae and Regina approach.
“Girls, I think you should leave,” Regina says, sternly. They roll their eyes and turn to walk away.
Cadence watches them walk away. “Thank God I wasn’t raised here,” she says with a huff.
“Aw, hell naw!” Jade says as she turns and takes off toward the barn.
“Jade, wait! What’s wrong?” Cadence yells, hurrying to catch up with her before she disappears into the barn.
“What’s wrong?” Jade says, turning and placing her hands on her hips. “Did you not hear yourself back there?” I hear her ask as I catch up to them.
“Look, I thought you had changed, but it’s obvious you’re still the girl that thinks she’s better than all of us ‘round here. If you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go change into my dollar store dress and take a ride on my turnip truck,” Jade snaps as she stares Cadence down.
Cadence gasps as she realizes what her words have done to her best friend. “I’m so sorry. I swear I didn’t mean it, Jade! I just got caught up in the moment. I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to hurt them.”
Cadence looks at me. “I swear Bare, I’m glad I’m here, but when she tried to put me down, I just said the first thing that came to my mind. You believe me don’t you?” she asks as her eyes fill with tears. I look directly into her eyes and as I see a tear roll down her face, I believe her with my entire heart.
“I believe you,” I say as I look at her and then Jade.
Jade lets out a deep sigh. “Thank goodness! I thought I was gonna have to whoop your ass!” Jade says with a laugh.
“I’m so glad that you and Jade didn’t go to blows. You’ve got a mean left hook.”
Cadence gives a small smile. “No one’s going to talk about my gran like that.” I take her in my arms and hold her tight as Ms. Mae and Regina walk up beside us.
“Are you okay?” Regina asks her.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replies.
“That’s my girl! You’re more like me than you realize, Cade. That’s not a bad thing, but be careful that your mouth doesn’t get you in trouble. Those girls didn’t belong here, but you’ve got to kill ‘em with kindness. Now, enough of this drama, let’s get down on the farm,” Ms. Mae says as she starts to dance as “Young & Crazy” by Frankie Ballard echoes in the country air. We all dance together until people begin to leave the party around ten thirty. Regina and Ms. Mae start to clean up as Cadence and I sit by the fire.
“We’re going to the house. See you in a little while. Oh, and here’s a few marshmallows that were left over,” Regina says, handing them to Cadence before disappearing into the darkness of the night.
I take in the crackling fire and the stillness of the night air. Cadence tucks herself into my shoulder and gently snuggles into me. Tonight could have gone so differently, but knowing she just reacted to protect all of us makes me love her more.
“Whatcha thinking about?” she asks and I start to laugh as my mind replays Jade’s comment.
“You do realize those were fightin’ words comin’ out of Jade’s mouth, right?”
She turns her head to look at me. “Huh?”
“Cadence, in the South if a girl says ‘Aw, hell naw,’ you better get the heck outta Dodge.” She starts to giggle uncontrollably.
Lord, help me with that giggle. I take her onto my lap, move her hair from her face, and kiss the hell out of her right there beside the flames that continue to burn like the feelings I have for her deep in my soul.
Chapter 35
Cadence
Today, I will become a high school graduate and tomorrow I will perform at the studio’s dance recital. I’m excited and nervous as I wake up. Dad was supposed to arrive last night with the pregnant bimbo but their flight was delayed due to weather. I’ve done my best to try and not worry about it. I have no idea how I’ll feel when I see her with a big belly, but I hope he keeps his promise to be at graduation and my performance.
Barrick is waiting for me in the barn with a smile and a bucket of feed for Paisley. We walk out and feed her together and then he tells me he’s got the chores today.
I talk to her while she eats and even though she’s no longer a baby, I still treat her like a calf. I don’t believe that will ever change. Trying my best to leave Barrick alone to do the chores, I can’t. It’s my responsibility to help out and I have the perk of looking at a hot country boy while I do it. Who could turn that down?
Walking back in to help Barrick, he shakes his head.
“What can I say? I like my view,” I say as he bends over to attach the cups to the cow.
I help him for a little while and then get ready. We are to be at the high school by eleven for graduation but we will start in the stadium at noon. I have no idea why they picked the hottest time of the day. I look in my closet for something light yet trendy. Seeing Barrick’s favorite color hanging in my closet, I take the blue romper from the hanger and find the perfect pair of shoes.
I slide it on and as I remove the curlers from my hair, I hear a knock on my door.
“Come in.” I call expecting Mom or Gran, but I can’t believe my eyes when Dad is standing in front of me.
“Dad!” I exclaim as I run to hug him. The smell of his woodsy cologne hits my nose and it’s a smell I’ve missed. “You made it. Where’s—”
“Take a seat, Cadence,” he says and I feel my heart in my throat. Something is wrong.
“Mindy isn’t here. She lied. The baby wasn’t mine.”
“What?”
“Apparently she had been seeing someone else. I didn’t know until we got to Sweden. I caught her in a few lies and then did some digging. She’s been gone about two months now,” he says and I can see the hurt in his eyes.
“Dad, I’m sorry. I know you loved her,” I say, honestly.
“Yeah, I did, but it goes to show you can’t start a relationship without honesty. I shouldn’t have hurt you and your mom like I did.”
“Does this mean you’re moving back to the states?” I question.
“No. I really enjoy it there. There’s a lot of room for advancement and with it being only me, I know I’ll have time to put in the hours. Plus, it’s an awesome place for you to visit.”
“Yeah I’m ready for that.” I sit and ponder a minute. I wonder if this means that my parents stand a chance at a future?
“Cadence, I know what you’re thinking but I doubt it’s go
ing to happen. I know your mom has forgiven me but I don’t know if I’ll ever win back her trust,” he says.
“She still loves you. I know she does.” He doesn’t respond and just gives me a hug.
“I’ll let you finish getting ready. I’ll be waiting downstairs.”
Once I’m ready, we all ride together to the school. Never would I have imagined we’d all be in the same state again let alone the same vehicle. Once we get there, I go to the gym to find my place in line while they take their seats. When we take our spot on the field, all I can do is scan the crowd for my family and Barrick while I listen to the boring speeches. It doesn’t take long for me to find them, but when I see the smile on Barrick’s face, I melt. That boy has stolen my heart, and I can’t wait for our future to begin.
Once the valedictorian has announced our class, we toss our hats and wait for everyone to swarm the field in excitement. We spend the next hour or so taking pictures and celebrating with our class. Looking around, I’m amazed by the people who have entered and changed my life. The fact that I’m standing on a football field instead of in an auditorium shows how much my life has changed. It has changed for the better and as much as it hurt when my dad messed up, I need to thank him. His stupid decision made me find myself in the delightful town of Delight, North Carolina.
After I celebrate with my class, I meet up with my family and Jade’s. As we are talking I take Barrick’s hand and introduce him to Dad. “Dad? This is my boyfriend, Barrick. Barrick this is my dad, Zack Lewis.” They shake hands and exchange greetings.
“Thank you for taking care of my Cade,” Dad says and it makes me want to cry. I never expected him to thank Barrick. I had no idea he knew so much. Mom must have kept him in the loop when I didn’t want him anywhere near the loop. Now that he’s back in my life, I just wanted him to know who had my heart.
Barrick
I’m exhausted as we enter the local auditorium for the end-of-the-year recital. Last night I partied like it was my graduation. I hope Jade and Cadence were able to rest for their performance today. If not, Ms. Lyndsay is going to kill them. I take a seat in the middle section beside my parents as we wait for the recital to start. Ms. Lyndsay comes to the microphone and welcomes everyone as the recital begins. I try my best to pay attention but let’s face it, it’s boring unless your family is up there.