Arrested Romance (Oak Spring Series Book 2)

by Sherri McDuffie

  Austin glanced up when he heard Mikki’s voice. They looked at each other without talking. She started toward him.

  Frankie barreled around the corner, throwing his backpack over his shoulder. “This place sucks.” He looked at the boys still sitting against the wall. “Dipwad just suspended me for two weeks. Can you believe that? And he’s going to call my P.O. Screw it.” He yanked open the door and stomped out.

  The secretary cleared her throat. “Ms. Gray, Mr. Dipton will see you now. You, too, Austin.”

  Austin stood and followed Mikki around the corner. Mr. Dipton was standing in his doorway. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Gray. Please sit down.” He walked around his desk and sat in a black leather chair. “Like I said, we tried to contact Sheriff Foster.”

  They sat in the chairs across from Mr. Dipton’s desk, and Mikki said, “That’s fine, you can call me anytime.” She looked at the boy next to her then back at the principal. “What’s going on?”

  Mr. Dipton leaned back in his chair. “Austin and a few other boys were caught smoking after lunch.”

  Mikki turned to Austin. “I didn’t know you smoked.”

  He continued to stare at the floor. “I don’t.”

  “Are you denying that you were smoking when Mr. Haverton walked up on you and the others today?” asked Mr. Dipton.

  “No, sir.”

  “Then let’s be honest. Lying will only make matters worse.”

  Mikki straightened her back. “Okay, so what happens now?”

  “Our policy is that he will receive two days of in-school suspension, ISS, beginning tomorrow morning. A notation will also be made in his file.” He looked at Austin and said, “If this happens again, Austin, it will be one week of ISS. Is that understood? After that, it will be home suspension. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I advised you on your first day here to choose your friends wisely. I strongly suggest that you reconsider your choices.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Principal Dipton looked at his watch. “You can go to class now.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Austin stood and picked up his backpack.

  Mikki noticed the apologetic look on his face. “I’ll be out front when school is over,” she said.

  He nodded but didn’t speak. His eyes began to fill, and he left the office.

  Mr. Dipton addressed Mikki, “Thank you again for coming, Ms. Gray.”

  Mikki slipped her purse over her shoulder. “Thank you for calling.”

  He slid a sheet of paper across the desk. “I need you to sign this discipline form. It just shows that we did discuss the matter with you.”

  She signed then stood to leave. Mr. Dipton said, “Austin is a good boy. I’ve been keeping an eye on him since he arrived, and he was making friends, good friends, but for some reason he’s involved himself with this group of, well, for lack of a better term, trouble makers. Please encourage him to make better choices, before he gets into serious trouble.”

  “Yes, sir, I will.”

  When the bell rang that afternoon, Mikki was drumming her fingers on the steering wheel, watching students pour out of the building. The stream had trickled to a few kids when Austin and Page walked out. The girl didn’t have the bright smile Mikki was used to seeing. Instead, she chewed on her bottom lip. They stopped on the sidewalk, and Austin put his hand on her shoulder. She shrugged it off and stared at the ground. He leaned closer and spoke to her. She shook her head and turned toward the blue car waiting on her. Only after the Taurus was out of sight did Austin head toward Mikki’s car.

  “Hi,” she said after he buckled his seatbelt.

  “What are you going to tell Uncle Pete?”

  “Nothing.”

  Austin looked at her. “Really?”

  “Not as long as you do what you’re supposed to do and promise me you’ll stop smoking.”

  “I don’t smoke. I only took a puff, that’s all, I swear.”

  “I’m serious, Austin. I don’t need to tell you how bad it is for you, not to mention expensive. I’m a nurse, and I’ve seen people who have smoked and damaged their bodies, and lives, beyond repair. Do you want to end up dragging an oxygen tank around with you?”

  “No.”

  “And stay away from those boys. Make some new friends.”

  He was quiet for several minutes then said, “They aren’t my friends.”

  “Glad to hear it. I believe we all make mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance. Well, this is your one and only do-over. Got it? Don’t disappoint me, Austin.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” They drove to her house in silence. When she parked, he said, “I’m sorry.”

  She reached over and squeezed his hand that was resting on his knee. “Good. Now, come on in. I bought a new jar of peanut butter today.”

  He looked at her with tear-filled eyes. “Crunchy or smooth?”

  Chapter 14

  Saturday Mikki and her friend, Kelly, spent the morning together, pampering themselves and shopping. When they had finished, they stopped at the diner for lunch.

  “Why the glum face today?” Kelly asked before digging into her chef salad.

  “It’s nothing. Pete and I haven’t had a lot of alone time since Austin arrived. He’s working this weekend, and so am I.”

  “Are you guys having any problems beside that?”

  “No, things couldn’t be better.” Her eyes began to twinkle. “As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago, he was talking about what a good thing we have and how much he likes it when we’re together.”

  “And?”

  “I think he’s about to propose.”

  Kelly squeezed her hand. “That’s great. I knew he would. Maybe I shouldn’t say anything, but Derik told me when they had lunch the other day Pete said he had been thinking about a future with you. This is so exciting! So, what kind of wedding are you thinking about?”

  “Hold on, he hasn’t asked yet . . . but wouldn’t it be so romantic to get married at that old mill on the highway?” The two women whispered and giggled through the rest of lunch about dresses, veils, flowers, and color combinations.

  When they finished eating, Mikki asked, “Now what? Do we want to go shopping?”

  Kelly leaned close. “I know, let’s go dress shopping.”

  “Sure, what are you looking for?”

  “Not for me, for you.”

  “I don’t really need one. I don’t wear dresses very often.”

  Kelly winked over the top of her glass of tea. “I’m talking about a wedding dress.”

  Mikki glanced around to see if anyone was listening. “I told you, he hasn’t asked me.”

  “Yet.”

  “Okay, he hasn’t asked me yet.”

  “So what? We can still look. There’s supposed to be a new shop in town that sells wedding gowns. Come on, if nothing else, it will be a fun day of dress up.”

  “Okay, let’s do it.”

  Ten minutes later they were driving down the street, searching the signs on both sides. Mikki pointed to a store on her right. “There it is!” The Bridal Boutique was a small shop sandwiched between a jewelry store on the corner and a florist on the right.

  “Isn’t that convenient? One-stop shopping,” Kelly said after parking. “This is so exciting!”

  They sat in the car staring at the two large windows in front of them. Mannequins in silk, taffeta, and satin filled the space. “They are so beautiful,” Kelly said.

  “We’re only looking, right? And it’s just for fun,” Mikki said without taking her eyes off the displays.

  “Sure, whatever you say. Come on.”

  Chapter 15

  Pete Foster turned his truck into Julie Tanner
’s drive. She was in her garage, surrounded by boxes and storage tubs. Several more were stacked against the back wall. She shaded her eyes with her hand and said, “You mean you actually get a day off now and then?”

  He removed his sunglasses. “As a matter of fact, I was supposed to work this weekend, but one of my deputies showed up and asked if we could switch. So, I thought I’d drop off your check while I had the chance.” He glanced around. “What are you doing?”

  “Trying to clean up this mess.” She wiped her brow with her arm. “I’ve been putting it off since Lonnie died.” She shoved a box across the floor. “How is Austin?”

  “He’s with his mother. She comes every weekend.”

  “He’s a good kid, and he’s been working hard.”

  “Yes, he is. You’ve done a good job with him. Thanks.”

  “I’ve enjoyed it.” She picked up a box and sat it on the stack.

  “Need any help?”

  “Yes, there is one thing you can do, if you don’t mind. Would you help me move that?” She pointed to a green canvas tarp.

  “What is it?”

  She grabbed the cloth and uncovered a Harley motorcycle. Pete let out a long whistle as he walked around the machine.

  “Do you still ride?” she asked.

  “Not in years. Do you?” He folded his arms across his chest and admired the bike.

  “Not anymore.” Her finger trailed over the chrome handlebars. He watched her circle the hog, stroking the leather seat and black metal. “Do you want to take her for a spin?” she asked.

  Pete smiled. “Are you sure?” When she nodded, he straddled the Harley. After several tries, it started. He walked it to the front of the garage and revved the engine.

  “It’s been awhile since I’ve heard that sound.”

  He noticed the tears in her eyes. “Climb on.”

  “Really?”

  “Sure, we’ll just go around the block.”

  Julie climbed on behind him and wrapped her hands around his waist.

  Chapter 16

  The bridal store was narrow. Both sides were lined with racks of wedding dresses in every design imaginable. A short, round platform was positioned in front of a triple mirror between two curtained dressing rooms. Veils of various lengths and styles were hanging on hooks throughout the room.

  “Hello, ladies. Please come in,” said a middle-aged woman in a two-piece suit. “My name is Victoria. How may I help you?”

  “We would like to look around, if you don’t mind,” said Mikki.

  “Of course. Which one of you is the bride?” The salesclerk looked from Kelly to Mikki with her hands clasped under her chin and her brow raised.

  “She is,” Kelly said before Mikki could speak.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. What silhouette are you looking for, dear? Mermaid, princess, ball gown, sheath?” Victoria placed a hand on Mikki’s back and began to guide her toward a dressing room. “Do you want a V-neckline, or perhaps you prefer sweetheart or scoop? We have strapless, cap sleeves, long sleeves, and off the shoulder. Have you thought about the train? Would you prefer sweep, court, chapel, cathedral, or royal? We can also do detachable.”

  Mikki pleaded with her eyes, silently begging Kelly to save her, but Victoria pushed her into the cubicle and closed the curtain. She stared at the closed cloth. What am I doing?

  She ran to the curtain and peeked out. Victoria was walking toward the racks. “Go ahead and strip down while we find something for you to try on,” the sales clerk called over her shoulder. “What are you darling? A size eight? That doesn’t really matter because we provide custom fittings. I think I have something here that will be perfect for you.”

  Victoria began sorting through the plastic-covered dresses. She turned to Kelly and said, “Feel free to look around to see if there’s something you think she’d like.”

  A few minutes later Victoria said, “Yes, here it is.” When she threw a dress over her arm, Mikki dropped the curtain and removed her clothes. Moments later, the saleslady walked into the cubicle and hung the garment on a large hook on the wall.

  Mikki stood in her underwear, holding her blouse in front of her. “I really didn’t plan—oh my, that is beautiful!” She tossed the blouse on a small chair in the corner and reached for the dress Victoria was taking out of the protective cover. She stepped into the gown and admired her reflection as the back was fastened.

  “Let’s show your friend.” Victoria opened the curtain, and Mikki walked into the showroom.

  Kelly gasped. “Oh, Mikki, that’s gorgeous.”

  Mikki stepped onto the platform and looked at her reflection once again. “Yes, it is.” She stood for a moment longer then said, “But it’s not me.” Without taking her eyes off the mirror, she asked, “What do you have with a softer neckline, maybe sweetheart? And let’s try something for an outdoor wedding, flowing and loose.” Her eyes met Kelly’s in the mirror, and with a quick nod, her friend began digging through the racks once again. Two hours later when they walked out of the store, Mikki carried a price list that included a dress, veil, and one very sexy lace garter. “That was so much fun,” she said. “Didn’t you love—” A loud noise drowned out her words.

  Both women looked up in time to see a large black motorcycle pass in front of the shop and stop at the red light on the corner. A female in tight jeans, sandals, and green blouse sat on the back. Her black hair had been tangled by the wind. She brushed it away from her face, displaying a radiant smile. When she leaned forward and said something to the man driving, he turned his head to the side and nodded.

  Mikki grabbed the parking meter in front of her as her knees went weak. She couldn’t take her eyes off the couple. The light changed, and the woman placed her hands around the man’s waist. The bike took off, and Pete Foster drove away with his beautiful companion.

  After the motorcycle disappeared around the corner, Mikki felt Kelly’s hand on her shoulder. “Don’t think the worst. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

  Mikki didn’t move. The sound of the powerful machine faded. Tears stung her eyes.

  Kelly took her hand. “Come on, let’s go home.”

  Neither spoke as Kelly drove across town. Mikki rested her head against the window and stared at the passing buildings, blinking back tears.

  “He loves you, Mikki. Everyone can see it. Don’t get upset until you hear his side. I’m sure it wasn’t what it looked like.”

  Mikki wiped her cheeks. “You’re right. It was probably nothing.”

  “Do you know who she is?”

  “Yes, his old girlfriend.” Mikki glanced down at the price list still clutched in her hand. She opened her purse and stuffed it inside.

  They were quiet as Kelly drove home. When she pulled into her drive, she turned to Mikki. “Do you want to stay for dinner?”

  “No, I’m working tonight. Actually, I’m doing a double. I need to go home and get some sleep.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, like you said, I’m sure there’s a logical explanation. We’ll probably all be laughing about this in no time.” The expression on her face didn’t match her words.

  Mikki went home and closed the blackout shades in her bedroom. She set her alarm, stripped, and crawled into bed. Only then did she allow the tears to fall.

  Chapter 17

  Monday morning Austin watched the kids milling around the school while he and Pete sat in the slow-moving line of parents dropping off their students. His elbow rested in the truck window, and he drummed his fingers on the door in time to the beat on the radio.

  A movement at the side of the building caught his eye. Virgil was standing with Frankie, his backpack on the ground beside him. Austin couldn’t hear what he was saying, but the red-head was jabbing a finger in Virgil’s
chest as he spoke. When Virgil started to back away, Frankie shoved the boy to the ground.

  Austin grabbed his backpack. That creep, his first day back, and he’s already picking on Virgil. “I’ll get out here. See you later.” Before his uncle could answer, he climbed out of the truck and was jogging toward the building. He walked around the corner and saw Virgil brushing off his jeans. “Hi, Virgil. What’s up?” He caught a glimpse of red hair going around the back of the building.

  “Nothing.” Virgil glanced over his shoulder then picked up his backpack. He started to walk away, but Austin put a hand on his shoulder.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Was that Frankie I just saw you talking to? Is he giving you a hard time?”

  The boy looked at his shoes and shook his head. “It’s cool. Stay out of it.”

  “Okay, if you say so, but if someone’s picking on you, you can tell me. I’ll help if I can.” He looked back to where he saw Frankie disappear. “I hate bullies.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  “Come on, let’s go. The bell’s about to ring.”

  During third period, when Ms. Jansky assigned a project and told the class to find a partner, Austin asked Virgil if he wanted to work with him. Virgil shrugged and nodded. The students began to spread out, some pushing desks together, others sitting at a small table in the corner. Several pairs were scattered around the room on the floor. Austin and Virgil found a place against the wall near the door. As they opened their notebooks, Austin said, “So, is everything okay? Have you had any more trouble from Frankie?”

  “No, we don’t have any classes together in the morning.”

  “What’s he upset about?”

  “It’s nothing. Like I said, stay out of it. As a matter of fact, just stay away from all those guys.”