by Amber Nicole
e
Sweat drips down my brows making my vision blur, but that won’t stop me from dominating this jackass in front of me. If he thinks I’ll let him touch my quarterback he has another thing coming. Score was tied up until the third quarter where they got the jump on us and got a few touchdowns, but my team was unstoppable and caught up to them quickly. We’ve worked too hard for this to let some prissy ass seagulls get the win. They may have been victorious last year, but not this time. We have a secret weapon. I may not like the dude much because of his relation to Cara, but Connor has a cannon for an arm and we’re lucky to have him on our side. Coach was pissed and stomped around like a toddler for two months when he turned down the offer to come here, I don’t know what changed his mind, but, fuck, I’m glad he did.
A whistle blows, and Coach calls us in for a huddle. The clock shows two minutes left of this game.
“Okay, ladies, this is what you’re going to do,” Coach says, I glance over to the stands and freeze. Cara is there with a muscled cowboy. He has his arm around her waist and they’re talking to each other softly. She tosses her head back, laughing, and his eyes sparkle. Damn, how many guys does she have captured in her web? I know my brother and Lay are thirsting for her, especially after witnessing what went down between them the other night. I don’t think I’ll ever get her riding my brother's face out of my head. Shit, that was fucking hot. Penny was snooping and I caught her, just as she opened the door. I blocked her view, but I got an eye full. From the sounds emitting from that room I knew they were having a hell of a time. Her soft whimpers and moans made my dick rock hard. I ended up grabbing Penny by the throat and dragging her to my room, tossing her on the bed—
“Hawthorne, pay the fuck attention,” Coach snaps, pulling my eyes back to his and out of my lust filled state. “Yeah Coach, I heard you. Block the bitches and get the ball to Xavier for the win.” The guys snort and laugh, shaking their heads. Coach growls, his face getting redder by the second. “How you can turn a five minute description into a ten second play, baffles me boy,” he grunts before facing Xavier. “You got this?” he asks, the cocky asshole grins and shoots him a wink. “Fuck yes, Coach, let’s dominate these pussies,” Xavier says and the guys cheer. Coach’s face lights up and he chuckles. He puts his hand in and we all groan, but tradition is key, especially to schools like ours. We start our chant then throw our hands in the air and move back to the field. It’s game time.
e
“Fuck, we did it,” Jase says to me coming up for a sweaty hug. I allow it because I’m still running off the endorphins of that win. It was close till the end. Connor got sacked hard, but managed to throw the ball to Xavier. The asshole can’t stop smiling about his touchdown. If his head wasn’t big enough, now we’ll have to deal with him bragging about getting the big W of our homecoming game. Fucking perfect. A flash of blonde hair streams past me and jumps into Connor’s arms giving him a huge hug, before moving to Xavier. He sets Cara down and she turns to Jase and Lay. “You guys were amazing,” she gushes. My brother moves in to kiss her, but she stumbles back into me. I wrap a sweaty arm around her and her body tenses, before relaxing. I bend low to whisper in her ear, “What about me, sweetheart?” A small gasp leaves her lips, before she pulls away. She turns to face me, “It depends, are you going to ghost me again and have me do all of our assignments?” she says with a bit of sass. I go to answer her, but the cowboy that was with her in the stands comes down to talk to Connor and Lay. When did they meet?
Cara avoids my eyes and talks with the guys for a few minutes. Jase moves beside me, “So are you coming?” he asks, and I shake my head. Dinner with Cara and her family sounds like the worst possible thing to be doing right now. “I’ll go back to the house and start organizing some of the tasks for Hell Week,” I say quietly. He gives me a side hug, whispering in my ear. “It doesn’t have to be this way, E.” He lets go and walks back to Lay. I watch them, wishing I could just stop whatever is about to happen and join them, but I can’t, too much is at stake, and I can’t risk it. No matter how incredible the girl in front of me is.
Twenty-Eight
Carson
I finish my last bite of steak and give Memphis a wink, he should have known never to challenge me. A twenty-four ounce steak just became my bitch. The guys cheer and my dad sighs. “I’m so glad I won’t be around for the aftermath of that later,” he says, and Sassy laughs. “I’ll stay with Mika tonight. I don’t want to be around either.” Everyone roars. I just shrug. “You really should know by now, not to underestimate me,” I say to Memphis quietly. He gazes into my eyes and presses a quick kiss to my temple. “I’ve really missed you, shortcake.” He pushes his seat back and stands. Everyone at the table pauses their conversations and gives him their full attention. “Okay a bet is a bet.” He climbs on his chair and claps loudly. All of the other diners look his way and I watch as his body stiffens. He glances down to me with pleading eyes, “Do I really need to do this? I just know it will be all over social media within the hour.”
I give him a wink and he groans. “It’s not as bad as your recent social media stint,” I say, reaching over and taking his water, before taking a sip. His eyes flash with embarrassment and I ignore it. We haven't talked about his recent name of fame, but he should know I saw it. Hell, half the world has seen his infamous sex tape. He bites his lip then glances around the room, before taking a deep breath, then starts to belt out the lyrics to one of my favorite children's shows. It has an adorable purple dinosaur as the main character. I used to watch it every day at three p.m. on the dot.
I...
Everyone laughs their asses off, and I seriously might pee myself. He glares at me the whole time he’s singing and when he’s done he ends up with a round of applause. I guffaw and he gives them his award winning smile.
“It’s only because you're hot,” I mutter and his eyebrows shoot up in shock. I roll my eyes in response and Connor comes over to shake his hand, wiping his eyes. “That was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time, and now I know not to challenge her,” he says with a clap to Memphis’ back, before moving closer to me and getting on his knees. “What are you doing?” I ask in shock, he smiles and kisses my hand. “Please promise me you will never do anything like that to me,” he says in a very serious manner. I crack up laughing again and nod. “Get off the floor you weirdo,” I say and he leans in for a quick kiss. He tries to deepen it, but my father coughs. Shit. I glance his way and his eyes are glued to Connor. Memphis looks at me with hurt in his eyes. I don’t know why. I glance at Jase and Lay, but they’re talking to each other. I love how much they care for each other. Seriously, their relationship is goals. I hope someday to have something like that. Xavier catches my eye and bites his lip. I toss him a wink then lean back and groan. “I’m so full.” The table laughs once more.
“Okay, sweets, let’s get you home,” Sassy says, standing from the table and moving over to me. My dad interjects, “Actually, if you all don’t mind, I’d like to have a few moments with Memphis and Cara.” I give him a look, but he avoids my gaze. All the guys stand and give me hugs goodbye.
“Call me, okay? I‘d really like to discuss something with you,” Lay says, taking Jase’s hand and walking out of the restaurant. My dad pays the bill and Memphis comes up to me, “What do you think he wants to talk about?” he asks.
I shrug. “I don’t know. Oh my god.” I groan, placing my hand over my mouth and he looks at me with concern. “Please don’t throw up on my shoes,” he says, quickly ushering me to the bathrooms. I burst out laughing and stop him from pushing me any further. One, he was bringing me to the men's room and, two, I’m not going to be sick. “Um Memph, I’m fine, I was just thinking. You don’t think your mom could still get pregnant right?”
I watch as his face turns green and he holds his hand over his stomach. “I think I might be sick now,” he says, taking a seat at the bar.
My dad meets us there a few minutes later and Frankie takes
his hand, gazing into his eyes with so much love, I may cry. He steps closer and hangs an arm over both our shoulders. “Well, Frankie and I were talking during the game and since we are all here, what do you think about us getting hitched tomorrow?” he asks and my jaw drops. I glance at Memphis and he’s gritting his teeth, jaw tight, completely expressionless.
“Well, at least it’s not a baby,” I mutter under my breath.
“Wait, what?” Frankie says with a laugh. I glance her way and shrug.
“No sweetheart, we won’t be having any more children. You two are perfect and someday we hope to have grandchildren.” My dad coughs and points his finger at us. “In the far future.”
I chuckle and pull him into a big hug. “Congratulations, Daddy,” I whisper, and his shoulders shake with emotion. I go to Frankie as Memphis just sits there frozen. I give her a hug then turn to him. “You said it before. We’ve been family for a long time, now it’s just official,” I say trying to hide the emotions swirling through me. He looks into my eyes, and his are glassy. He nods and stands giving out hugs, he holds me a moment longer than the others and whispers in my ear, “I love you shortcake.”
I squeeze him tighter and pull back. Frankie has her phone out looking up venues. “Cara honey, how about this one? It’s only about an hour from here. It looks lovely. Have you been?”
I glance at her phone, “I haven’t been yet, but we have a sorority thing coming up there. Some people go on the weekends to surf there as well.”
She shows my dad some photos of Milton Beach and he grins. Frankie claps in excitement, then calls someone and walks away. We follow her out.
“That would be perfect. We already have the marriage license,” she says, giving my dad a thumbs up. “Wait, what?” I interrupt and my dad shrugs. “We were planning to elope, babygirl. You knew that,” he says nonchalantly.
“Oh right, still not thrilled with you about that, old man,” I say with a pout. He laughs and pulls me into another hug. I glance over at Memphis. He looks back at me with sadness, then acceptance on his face. He gives me a shaky smile and I return it. We were never together, but this feels like the end.
e
“Is that everything?” I ask Frankie as she fixes my hair. Sassy comes up to us and smiles, handing Frankie a jewelry box. “It’s nothing special, since this was so last minute, but it is something new, blue and borrowed.”
Frankie pulls her into a hug and kisses her head, “Thank you Sassy. Thank you both for everything. I’ve imagined this day for way too long, and I never thought it would happen for me.” She pulls away and dabs her eyes with a napkin I hand her. “You girls went above and beyond for today,” she says. I give her a smile and a small hug. Yeah, Sassy and I stayed up all night on the phone making arrangements for this spur of the moment wedding. Connor, Layton and Jase came over and helped me bake and decorate their cake. They also offered to grab the flowers so I could spend time getting ready. Someone knocks on the door, and Sassy goes to answer it, coming back a few seconds later with a clap. “Okay, babes, it’s showtime.”
I check my hair one last time. Frankie’s favorite flowers are sunflowers, and I couldn’t help but smile when she told me. The day I met her son included a patch of sunflowers. Seems fitting. I follow Sassy outside to a small white carpet we placed over the sand. I wait for the music to start. Tears fill my eyes, and I blink to keep them from falling. Memphis stands at the altar beside my father and his eyes glue to me for a moment, before he sniffs and looks away. The view is incredible. Sand, ocean, sunset, it’s magical. I pass the guys, and Connor reaches out to brush his finger along my hand. I offer them all a small smile and walk to stand opposite my father. The song changes and we all look over to Frankie. I turn to watch my father as his face lights up with joy, and so much love shines in his eyes. My breath hitches, I look up to the sky and smile. I know you would be shining down on us today, Mama. I miss you, but this is a good thing. No one could ever replace you, but Frankie is the right one to stand in. I love you. I blink my eyes to stop my tears once more and take a deep breath. My heart is breaking, but this is a good thing.
Memphis
The sun is starting to set over the water. I don't know how they pulled this off, but I'm happy my mom is able to get the wedding of her dreams. Not necessarily the ceremony she pictured, but that doesn't matter. All she wanted was a man to love her right and take care of her. My father was a horrible, selfish man who didn't deserve her, or me. If I’m ever blessed with children one day in the future. The far far future. I will love them with every breath that I have and never hurt them or treat them as if they are an inconvenience, or a bane of my existence. Cara laughs at something Xavier says from his seat in front, and I pause, watching the sunlight glow off her golden hair. The happiness she feels makes her eyes the brightest blue I’ve ever seen. She's a true masterpiece, songs should be written about her. Hell, I have a notebook full of songs about her that will never see the light of day because people will know without a doubt who I wrote them about. She’s always been my muse. My phone vibrates and I quickly check it before the ceremony begins.
Dolly: When are you coming home? I miss you.
I sigh and look off towards the water. Things are better between us, and I think I may actually legitimately like her. Crazy right, but she's shown me a side that most people never get to see.
Me: I'm flying back tomorrow morning. Pick me up at the airport at six?
I press send and move closer to my new dad. Funny to think that Harry’s now actually my dad since he's been in my life for forever, and I’ve always thought of him like that. My mom glides down the sand in a simple, but elegant, white sundress. She has sunflowers in her hair and it reminds me of the day I met Carson Matthews for the first time.
“If you keep doing that Ms. Margaret will be mad.”
I glance up, but the sun is shining in my eyes, so I have to cover my forehead with my hand, but that doesn’t help much. I’ve seen my mama do it sometimes. There is an outline of someone, but it’s blurry.
“What?” I ask, and hear a small scoff. “If you keep pulling up Ms. Margaret’s sunflowers, she’s going to be angry. She spent all last summer planting those. I should know, I helped.”
I toss the flowers I was picking in a pile and turn to leave. “Wait, you're not going to keep them? Seems a waste,” the little voice says.
When I glance over my shoulder I pause. A little girl a few years younger than me is standing there, filthy, with her hair a mess.
“You can have them if you want.” Her eyes get big and her smile gets huge. “Oh thank you. I’ve never been given flowers before.” She bends down and quickly picks them up. I turn to go, but stop myself. “I’m going to get ice cream, wanna come?” She hops forward and grabs my hand, tugging me the rest of the way. I’ve seen her around, I think my dad works on her farm. We get to the ice cream place and I choose mine, while she taste tests all the flavors.
“What's your name and how old are you?” I ask as she licks her strawberry cone. I got chocolate, but I kinda want hers now. I wonder if she’d switch.
“Carson, but some people call me Cara and I am eight. Howboutyou?” she asks, but it's all mumbled with her mouth full. I laugh and her cheeks pinken. She’s funny. “Memphis, and I’m twelve. Today is my birthday,” I say, looking down at the melted mess in my hand. We were supposed to go swimming, but my dad was mad about something so my mom gave me some money and sent me away for the day.
“Happy birthday Memphis,” she says, handing me the rest of her ice cream with a big smile. I take it with a smile of my own and eat it in two bites. She giggles and hops up. “Come on, let's go swimming. My daddy just got us a new pool, but I haven’t been in it too much. My mama has been sick,” she says with a sad look, before rushing off towards, I think, her house. “Come on, slowpoke, last one there has to jump in with their clothes on,” she screeches with a laugh. I don’t know who this girl is, but I think I found a friend.
“
Do you, Francesca, take Harold to be your husband, to spend eternity with, to lend your strength and love in times of sadness and pain?” the preacher asks, snapping me from my memories. After that day swimming with Carson, I had become a fixture in her home. It was my safe haven and where my shortcake lived.
“I do,” My mom replies, before sliding a ring on Harry’s finger. Cara dabs her eyes with her sleeve, glancing my way a few times. I wonder if her heart is breaking as much as mine is, now that we’re officially family. I catch her eye and give her a small smile. She bites her lip and tries to smile back. A noise catches my attention and Connor is there gazing at Cara as if she is his sun and moon. His everything. I shouldn’t be surprised. I saw those pictures from the beach. They looked like the perfect Barbie and Ken. I should be happy for them, and I have Dolly. But if that’s true, why is Xavier looking at her the same way, and what about those other guys yesterday morning? Who is she seeing and why do I care so much?
“I now pronounce you soulmates, you may kiss the bride.”
Harry kisses my mom and I beam at the look of elation on her face. Sassy comes bounding over to me, giving me a huge hug, before swinging Cara in her arms. The flowers fall from her hair and she shrieks in laughter. She looks happy. I should feel relieved that she has found so many people to care and watch over her in my absence, but I find myself pissed and jealous as hell.
e
Harry sweeps my mother from her feet and over to the dance floor. As soon as we entered the small restaurant Harry bought out for the night, I made a beeline for the bar. Cara and the guys rode with Sassy in her SUV so they haven’t arrived yet.