Wrecked (Clayton Falls)

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  I heard my dad laugh and righted Noah.

  “Is this Noah?” Dad asked. I guess Mom had told him his name.

  “Yeah. He’s a handful.”

  “A cute one though.” Dad ruffled his hair.

  “Is he okay, Jake?” Emily called.

  “He’s fine.” I put Noah down and he immediately raced back into the den. Dad and I followed.

  Emily stood up when we entered. “Hi, Mark.”

  “Hello, Emily. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Same to you.” She shook his hand, but she had her eyes on Noah as he once again went after the plant. I decided to just move the plant onto the book case. Noah pouted for a second but then went back to the trucks.

  “You have a cute little guy.” Dad watched Noah with amusement.

  “Thank you.” Emily beamed at Noah.

  “So when are you two heading out?” Dad turned to me.

  “Oh…anytime I guess.”

  “Why don’t you go? I promise he’s in good hands.” Mom smiled.

  “Are you sure?” Emily asked. “I really don’t want you to feel put out. He can be a lot of work.”

  “Of course. It will be fun. We’re used to energetic little boys.”

  “Okay. I have diapers and wipes in this bag.” She showed Mom where everything was. “And please call if you need me. Be good, sweetheart.” She gave Noah a huge hug.

  “We’ll be fine. And don’t rush back. We’ll think you don’t trust us if you do.” Dad smiled. I could tell he liked Emily.

  “So what’s the plan?” she asked as I led her out to her car.

  I leaned over her, pushing her against the car gently. “I show you what you’ve been missing.”

  “That’s a good plan.”

  “I hoped you’d think so.”

  ***

  We went to dinner at a pizza place in the square. It wasn’t anything fancy, but when I asked Emily what she was in the mood for, that’s what she wanted. We ordered a large sausage and pepper pizza to share.

  “This is nice.” She looked around at the simple restaurant. “It’s got a cozy feel.”

  “If you want cozy, we’ll have to go to Marney’s after this for coffee.”

  “Marney’s?”

  “It’s a little coffee shop a few stores down from here. It’s owned by this sweet old lady named Gail. You’ll love it.”

  “Okay, sounds great.”

  Before my accident, I would have suggested we go to the local bar, Gill’s, for a drink. It was still strange trying to get used to the idea that I didn’t drink anymore. I knew no one would stop me if I did, but I was still having a hard time wrapping my head around the reality that I almost died. I wasn’t stupid. I knew I had trouble with alcohol sometimes. I’d been a heavy drinker since high school, and it only got worse after I turned twenty-one and could get it legally.

  “Did you have a part-time job in high school?” She pulled me out of my thoughts.

  “I worked for my dad during off seasons. What brought up that question?”

  She smiled. “My brother worked at a pizza place kind of like this.”

  “Oh yeah? Did he like it?”

  “Not really, but it was a college hang-out and he made good tips especially his senior year when he looked older than he was.”

  I laughed. “Charming the college girls out of their money, huh?”

  “Exactly. He played football too. You remind me a little of him.”

  “Yeah? Is that a good or bad thing?”

  “Good.” She took a bite of her pizza. “This is exactly what I was in the mood for.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Would you mind calling your mom? I don’t want to seem like the paranoid parent, but I’d love to check on Noah.”

  I smiled. “I’m sure he’s fine, but I’ll call.”

  I paid, and we walked outside. I called my parents, and they assured me they were having a great time. The squeals in the background confirmed it. Satisfied that Noah was in good hands, Emily walked with me over to Marney’s café to meet Gail. I had a feeling the two would hit it off. Emily was smiling the moment we walked into the quaint shop. There was just something about that place that everyone loved.

  “Hi, Jake.” Gail greeted us from behind the counter. She looked exactly the same as she always did, a sweet old lady with long, silver-gray hair.

  “Hey, Gail. You haven’t met my girlfriend, Emily, yet, have you?”

  Gail’s eyes lit up as they moved to Emily. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure yet. It’s nice to meet you, Emily.”

  “Same to you. You have a lovely place here.” Emily was looking around at all the photos on the wall. I’d have to tell her that Molly had taken them.

  “Thank you. Can I get you two anything?”

  “Two coffees and,” I turned to Emily, “what kind of pie is your favorite?”

  “Anything with fruit.”

  “How about peach?” Gail suggested.

  “That’s perfect.”

  Gail pulled out the peach pie from the display case. “One slice or two?”

  Emily answered for us. “One, we can share.”

  I’m sure I could have eaten my own slice, but I liked the idea of sharing.

  “Jake, why don’t you go find a table.” Gail wasn’t really asking a question. I knew exactly what she was doing.

  “Sure.” I grinned and carried our pie over to an empty table. There was only one other couple in the whole place, so it wasn’t hard to find one. I watched Emily break into a smile as she talked to Gail. I hoped Gail was putting in a good word for me.

  A few minutes later, they both walked over with our coffees.

  Gail patted me on the shoulder. “You’ve got the real deal here, Jake. Don’t let her go.”

  I looked over my shoulder at her. “I don’t plan on it.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Emily

  After a few weeks, I was finally getting used to working days again. I preferred nights, loving the quieter feel of the hospital, but those shifts weren’t possible with Noah at home. Mel had offered to take Noah one night a week so I could get an extra shift in, but I hated putting her out. She would never accept money from me, and she already did plenty of free babysitting.

  When I first met Mel, I never expected her to be such a huge part of my life. She was the fast talking girl that wanted to be anywhere but in class. For some reason, she decided to befriend the pregnant girl. My mom came down for a few weeks to help when Noah was born, but she couldn’t take too much time off. Tim’s parents only came down to meet their grandson for a few hours before leaving. I pushed myself through those early weeks, telling myself Tim wouldn’t have been any help anyway. A few months later, he was dead. I don’t think I would have survived without Mel. She picked me up off the floor, helped take care of Noah, and reminded me that life went on. I owed her more than I could ever hope to repay.

  I’d just settled into a movie with Mel when Jake called on a Thursday night. I was thrilled to be done working for the week, and picked up the second I saw his name flash across the screen. “Hey!”

  “Hey yourself. You sound chipper.” He sounded just as happy as I did.

  “I’m just glad to be done with work for a few days.”

  “Usually you sound exhausted after work.”

  “Yeah, but Mel’s here and we’re about to watch a girly movie.”

  “Oh, I won’t interrupt the fun for too long then. I don’t have a game tomorrow night, and there’s something cool going on in town. Want to come down with Noah?”

  “Sure. What time?”

  “I’m running a practice until five. Would you rather come before or after dinner?”

  “Maybe after. The sitter told me Noah’s been napping late all week, and then he wakes up really hungry.”

  “Okay, that works. Just try to get here before seven.”

  I laughed. “I think we can handle that. What’s going on tomorrow night exactly?”
<
br />   “It’s a surprise. Have fun with Mel. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

  “Me either, I’m intrigued. Have a good night.” I placed my phone down on the coffee table.

  “Heading to Clayton Falls tomorrow?” Mel asked, adjusting a throw blanket on her lap.

  “Yeah. Jake says something’s going on in town, but it’s a surprise.”

  “I thought you hated surprises.” She ate a handful of popcorn.

  “I do.”

  “You’re really into him. Like seriously into him.” She wasn’t asking a question.

  “Yeah, I am.” If Mel only knew how hard I’d fallen. I could barely believe it myself.

  ***

  “Are you guys ready for your surprise?” Jake picked Noah up and swung him around. It was fun watching them together. Jake seemed to be getting used to having a kid around, and Noah couldn’t get enough of him.

  “Sure. You’ve had us in suspense for an entire day.” I slipped on a sweater and grabbed my bag.

  “It’s a good surprise, I promise.” Jake carried Noah out to my car. I noticed he grabbed a few blankets on the way.

  “Where am I heading?”

  “Down toward the marina but then turn right.”

  I followed his instructions until we pulled into a large field that was currently filling up with cars. A giant screen was set up a ways down.

  “Is this a drive in?”

  “They just reopened it. Tonight’s a special feature for kids.”

  “What movie?”

  “Finding Nemo.”

  “Noah loves that movie.” It really was an awesome surprise.

  “Great. Let’s grab some snacks and find a spot down front.”

  “Yeah, I doubt Noah could see anything from the car.”

  “If you want the real drive-in experience, we’ll have to come back alone.” He winked.

  “I may take you up on that.”

  “May? I promise I’d make it fun.”

  Jake bought a huge tub of popcorn.

  “Pop pop pop!” Noah bounced when he saw it. He’d been asking for it since Kelly gave him some at the football game.

  “Let’s hope he doesn’t eat the whole container.”

  Jake handed a few kernels to Noah. “Don’t worry. I’ll be eating most of it.”

  I laughed. “You do that.”

  We found a good spot and laid out a couple of blankets. Noah’s eyes lit up when the movie started. “Nemo!” He jumped up, and I had to pull him down into my lap so he wouldn’t annoy the people behind us.

  Jake leaned back on his elbows. “I guess he does love this movie.”

  “He does, and it’s one we don’t have.”

  “Really? I’ll have to remember that.”

  Somewhere around half-way through the movie, Noah fell asleep. It was his bedtime, so I decided not to wake him up.

  “Do you want to head home?” Jake asked, taking my hand.

  “I probably should get him to bed.”

  “All right, let’s go.”

  I pulled into his driveway. “This was a great surprise. Thanks for inviting us.”

  “I’m glad you liked it.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and glanced behind him. Noah was still sound asleep. “I had a great time. I just wish we didn’t have to say good night.”

  “I know… me either.”

  “Not to push you in any way, but do you think you’d ever be comfortable having me stay over with Noah at home?”

  I knew my answer. “Yes. Maybe not quite yet, but sometime.”

  “Good. I can’t wait.” He leaned over and kissed me gently. “Can I see you tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, but it’s kind of late notice for a sitter.”

  “My mom’s been bugging me to watch Noah again…”

  “All right, if you’re sure. When should we come down?”

  “Let’s do dinner.”

  “Perfect.” I leaned over to kiss him. “Sleep well.”

  “I will.” He waved as he got out.

  I was falling hard.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Emily

  I got lost in Jake’s arms. It wasn’t a bad sort of lost, but a good one. I didn’t forget about the rest of my life, but I could escape the stresses that usually kept me wound up too tight.

  We’d dropped Noah off with Jake’s parents, and I wasn’t so nervous leaving Noah this time. He’d had a ball the first time, and I could tell Mary enjoyed having a kid around. I also got the feeling she wanted things to work out with Jake and I. My biggest concern with leaving Noah was that he’d be a trouble maker and leave a bad impression. He was such a good kid, but I think most boys that age are rambunctious.

  “Would you want to go somewhere to look at the stars?” We’d picked up sandwiches, and were curled up on Jake’s couch after finishing dinner.

  “Wow, I haven’t gone stargazing in years.” I did it all the time growing up. My brother and I would lie out in the backyard and watch the sky for hours. Somehow I knew it would be different with Jake.

  Jake ran a finger across my cheek. “Then we definitely should.”

  I looked at my wrist—realizing I’d forgotten my watch at home. “What time is it? I don’t want to leave Noah too much longer.”

  “He’s fine. My parents would call if there was a problem.”

  “Let me call and check on him at least.” I started to pull out my phone but Jake touched my hand to stop me.

  “How about we wait and call when we get there. I bet you’re going to want to check the reception.”

  I froze. “Why would I worry about reception? Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.”

  “Jake. I don’t want to go too far.”

  “We won’t. I promise. And I know we’ll get reception. But I bet you’ll still worry.”

  “It’s called being a mom. We worry.”

  “And I get that. I completely get that.” He kissed me gently.

  “All right, let’s go. I guess I’m driving so I can turn around anytime.”

  He shook his head. “Whatever gets you moving.”

  When we pulled into the marina I was a little skeptical. “Are we getting on a boat?”

  “Yeah. There’s no better place to take in the stars than out on the water.”

  “Maybe this is a dumb question, but can you operate a boat if you don’t have a license?” I wasn’t sure of the specific laws, but the last thing Jake needed was more legal trouble.

  He shrugged. “I’ve taken all my exams. I’m clearly sober. I think we’re good.”

  “All right. But I’m checking reception.” I pulled out my phone. I had four bars.

  He laughed. “I knew you would.”

  ***

  It was a beautiful night out, slightly cool, but still comfortable. The only sound was my flip flops slapping against the wood of the dock. Jake stopped in front of one of the smaller boats at the marina. “This one’s mine.”

  I glanced around. I didn’t know anything about boats, so I had no idea what any of them were. “Are a lot of these your dad’s?”

  “Most of them, but other people keep theirs here too.” He took my hand and helped me on board. I took a seat. Jake jumped on behind me, sitting down and starting the engine. I enjoyed the short ride, waiting to see where he stopped.

  “Perfect,” he said to himself, before pulling out a blanket and laying it on the floor. I had a feeling he left a blanket there for exactly this purpose. He moved to lie down, and took my hand to get me to follow. I situated myself next to him, and looked up. The only light came from the stars and moon. There couldn’t have been a more romantic atmosphere.

  “It’s beautiful.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the stars. There were so many.

  “I know.” Jake turned to smile at me. “It’s so peaceful.”

  “Thanks for bringing me out here.” I shifted slightly on the blanket.

  “My pleasure. I love doing this at night.”

  “Do you
come out by yourself?”

  “Yeah, it’s relaxing. Of course, it’s much more enjoyable with your company.”

  He ran his fingers over my arm, always tracing the same pattern. It took me a minute to figure out what he was writing.

  “Jake’s. You’re writing Jake’s on my arm, aren’t you?”

  He gave me a mischievous smile. “Maybe.”

  “Marking ownership?” I always got nervous with things like that.

  He leaned over me slightly. “No. I don’t need to own you. But I can still write my name on you.”

  “Don’t need to? That’s a funny way of putting it.”

  “How else would I put it? I’m not one of those guys that has to get all alpha male and claim a girl, but I still feel protective and possessive of you. It’s just natural.”

  “It’s natural to be possessive?”

  “Of course. You feel that way about me too.” He looked right at me.

  “I am not possessive of you.”

  “You’re not?” He ran his fingers through my hair. “Then why did you ask if I came out here alone? You wanted to make sure I don’t bring other girls out.”

  I tried to look away but he caught my chin. “Don’t be embarrassed. I told you it’s natural. It’s human nature to want to keep what’s yours.”

  “I’ve never thought about it that way.”

  “Maybe you’ve never been with anyone you’ve wanted to keep before? I know I haven’t.”

  I reached out and touched his cheek. “Maybe.” There was something refreshing about Jake’s honesty and the way he saw the world. It was simple, but complicated all at the same time. We hadn’t talked about Tim much, but I think Jake sensed that relationship had been different, built out of a need rather than desire.

  He laced his fingers with mine. “I’ve never met anyone like you before. I’ve never been with a girl I couldn’t get enough of. You make my heart race, you make me feel out of control, and I love every second of it.”

  “Sometimes you make me feel out of control, but mostly you make me feel perfect.”

  “Perfect? Really?” He pushed one of my dress straps off my shoulder slightly.