Soul-O (Music & Lyrics #2)

by Debbie Dickerson

He raises his eyebrows and cautiously says, “Yes, ma’am, do you mind if I rub some oil on my body before we begin?” I calmly move my notebook and toss it on the chair in the corner of the room.

  I say as I pop the top on the baby oil open, “Oh no, I wouldn’t want that beautiful body of yours to dry up like a California raisin.” He reaches his hand out for the bottle and I take a step back, just out of his reach. He knows I’m on to his shenanigans now.

  “You know, actually your whole body looks dry.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  I smile and say, “Oh, wouldn’t I?” He pops up onto his knees and like a thin fire hose stream, I drench him in baby oil. I’m like a mad woman on a mission. I say, “How dare you attempt to lure me away from writing. Dry skin, please, you’re always silky smooth. Taking your shirt off, that’s gotta be a technical foul.”

  Innocently, he says, “Oh geez, is that what you thought I was doing?” My eyes and mind are focused on the oil dripping on his chest, skiing down those sexy stomach muscles, disappearing into his jeans. He smiles and says, “Earth to Lyrics, come in Lyrics.” I look at him, right in those caramel eyes of his and I know damn well that he is without a doubt winning this battle. It’s taking every bit of self-control for me to refrain from reaching out and touching him.

  I say, “You’re not fooling anybody, Mr. Tomfoolery. It’s hot in here, oh please. And the oil, that’s a nice touch. Look at you, sitting here slippery with oil, and now the smile, that sexy smile. You’re not fooling anybody with your pretend innocence, mister.” Oh God, I’ve completely lost it. Before I can even react, his lips are brushing against mine and he pulls me on top of him.

  He laughs and says as he pulls my shirt over my head, “You didn’t actually think you’d get out of here without me smearing all this oil on you, did you?”

  I smile and flip the script on him, “I certainly hoped I wouldn’t.”

  He bites my lip softly and says, “Are you trying to get the upper hand, Ms. Brooks?”

  I bat my eye lashes and say, “No Mr. Staff, that’s not my intention at all. Here I was just wanting to write with my best friend and out of nowhere I was ambushed with sexiness.” I take his hand and run it over my bra. Our stomachs are sliding from the oil. “You definitely have the upper hand.” He smiles and flips me over so that he’s on top of me. His mouth crashes on to mine. I forget what we were just talking about. My fingers trail down that oily stomach until I find the top button on his Levi’s. He leans his hips up so I can unbutton all five buttons easily. Just as I slide my hands between his jeans and his perfect ass, there’s a loud knock on the door. We jump up like we’ve just been busted.

  I say, “One minute please.”

  Brooke yells, “Auntie, the food is here. Grandma told me to tell you guys.”

  I yell back, “Thank you, sweetie. We’ll be there in a minute.” Neither of us are making the first move to get up.

  Tanner smiles and says, “Aren’t kids just adorable.” He rolls off me and says, “Raincheck?”

  I smile and say, “Are you gonna go out there all Magic Mike style? I’m not responsible if I attack you in front of the whole family. You brought this on, my friend.”

  He pulls me back underneath him and presses his hardness against me as he says, “Let’s just stay in here. I can go without dinner and just eat you.”

  “Food is totally overrated.” His tongue is seductively making me forget that we have a house full of people. A louder knock on the door jars us back into reality.

  Mom says, “For Christ sake kids, get your asses out here.”

  We both yell, “Coming!” We begin laughing as we put our clothes back on. Our shirts are sticking to the oil on our skin but like teenagers, we rush out the door.

  When we enter the dining room, there’s a herd of people grubbing on what looks like a ton of Mediterranean food. Everybody stops and I swear you could hear a pin drop. In stereo, laughter echoes throughout the room.

  Brent says, “Slippery when wet.”

  Sophia yells out, “No oil shortage in here.”

  Mom says, “Should I turn the lights off? I don’t want y’all getting sunburned.”

  Anthony shouts, “Let’s talk about a less sticky subject.” Tanner and I are standing there as their muse.

  We bust out laughing when Tucker asks, “Uncle Tanner, why is your shirt so sticky?”

  Cassie says, “Honey, step away from the sticky man.”

  I say, “What, none of you have dry skin?”

  Dad says, “Sure, but normally I just dab a little lotion on it, I don’t use a whole bottle of baby oil.” My face is burning from embarrassment.

  I say, “Well, my skin was really super dry.”

  Bo says, “It must be a problem for both y’all ‘cause Tan looks like he bathed in Crisco.”

  We both grab a plate and I say, “Let’s just eat.”

  Dad says, “Honey, need help holding the plate? I don’t want it slipping and sliding out of your greasy hand.”

  “I got it, thanks.”

  Mom takes both of our plates from our hands and says, “The couches don’t have plastic on them so both y’all go shower that crap off and then come and eat.” Without a second thought or argument, we immediately head back into the bedroom; we almost get up to a trot.

  Before the bedroom door closes, Tanner wraps his arm around me, lacing his fingers through my greasy hair. He slowly backs me up toward the bathroom, never allowing me to part more than half an inch from his body. I pull his sticky shirt over his head and he does the same to me. We strip the rest of our clothes off and Tanner reaches in and turns the shower on. He whispers, “We’re on the clock now.”

  I respond with, “Then stop wasting time, Mr. Staff.” He grabs a hanging towel, lays it across the cold sink, and bends me over it. His hand is under my chin as he pulls my head back. The oil from his stomach makes his thrusts close to silent as he slams against my ass. He reaches around and begins playing with me as he rhythmically slides in and out. He brings my body up to an almost upright position and his cheek is against mine as he pulls my body tight against his. The tightening in my stomach lets me know that I’m about to explode. My body tenses up and Tanner bends me back over and thrusts deeper and slower and my orgasm takes over my entire body. He thrusts once more and holds himself deep me as he cums inside me. He holds me in that position and says, “Maybe little Zachary comes to life today?”

  I can’t help but laugh. I say, “I love you Tan. Let’s get showered before the mob comes for us.” He agrees.

  We walk out to the dining room and it’s empty.

  Mom yells from the living room, “I made you both a plate, it’s in the kitchen.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” We grab the plates, which are piled with food. The living room is filled with chatter and laughter. The coffee table is filled with full handles of liquor. Every adult has a glass in their hand and George Strait is singing in the background. I take a couple of bites and help myself to some Jack on the rocks.

  I get Tanner a glass and he holds it up high and says, “I’d like to make a toast.” The room silences and he says, “Here’s to y’all, every single one of you. It isn’t often that everybody that means the world to me is in one room, but that’s the case right now. Thank you for being part of the most important day of our lives. Thank you for being by our side during the most difficult part of our lives. Each one of you holds such a special part of our hearts and we love you so much. So, here’s to the future and whatever blessings it shall bring to us. Here’s to family and friends that we consider family.”

  Everybody holds up their glass and says, “Here, here.”

  Chauncy says, “Hey kid, I’ve been hearing so much about your voice, how about a song?”

  I start clapping and chant, “Tanner, Tanner, Tanner.” He looks at me with shut-up eyes.

  Everybody joins in on the chanting and he says, “There is a song I recently wrote but was planning to sing it tomorrow.” My he
art skips at least ten beats. There is nothing I love more than listening to Tanner sing, and the songs he’s written for me have been my favorite songs. Tanner says, “I’ll sing it tonight if Lyrics promises to sing a song with me tomorrow at our wedding.” My stomach sinks. The crowd turns their chants to me now. I agree to the terms.

  Tanner goes to the music room to grab his guitar. I get a chair, set it in the middle of the crowd, and am so anxious to hear this song. He comes into the room with guitar in hand and everybody begins to clap. He jokingly bows and then takes his seat. My heart races like it’s the first time I’ve heard this beauty of a man sing. The crowd silences and all that is heard is the tuning of the guitar. He looks up and says, “This song is called, You’re my Forever Gal and I’m Your Always Guy.” Everybody ah’s and ooh’s. Tanner looks up at me, flashes that sexy smile, and says, “This is for you babe.” Everybody chuckles.

  I mouth to him, “I love you.” He smiles and mouths it back to me.

  He takes a deep breath and says, “Here it goes.”

  ♫ Single forever, it’s what I always thought

  The kind of man that’s one and done, it’s how I always was.

  Wine and dine ’em, no that ain’t me

  Lived like a rolling stone, careless and free

  Didn’t know the love of my life was right before my eyes

  Now she’s my forever gal and I’m her always guy

  Chorus –

  The laughter, the tears

  The memories throughout the years

  The best friend of my whole life

  My lover, my wife

  After all these years, you opened up my eyes

  You’re my forever gal and I’m your always guy

  End Chorus –

  Looking back throughout the years

  We’ve shared dreams, thoughts, and many beers

  It’s your voice I hear when singing a song

  It’s always been you, always, all along

  Chorus –

  The laughter, the tears

  The memories throughout the years

  The best friend in my whole life

  My lover and now my wife

  After all these years, you opened up my eyes

  You’re my forever gal and I’m your always guy

  End Chorus –

  There’s never been a better girl for me

  Something everybody but me could see

  Forever and ever, the love of my life

  From this day forth, you’re my wife

  Chorus –

  The laughter, the tears

  The memories throughout the years

  The best friend of my whole life

  My lover, my wife

  After all these years, you opened up my eyes

  You’re my forever gal and I’m your always guy

  End Chorus –

  Tanner stands up and says, “It was supposed to be for tomorrow.” Everybody applauds and I’m in tears.

  I walk up to him, kiss those inviting lips, and say, “That is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. Thank you, I love it.”

  He smiles, kisses me again, and then whispers, “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” That’s it, my heart melts right out of my body.

  “Me neither. I’ve waited my whole life for this day to come.”

  Chauncy yells across the room, “Are you fucking kidding me, kid? Why in the hell didn’t you tell me about this voice of yours? You’re not just a model, you ninny. You’re a shining fucking rock star!”

  Tanner laughs and says as he points to me, “She’s the one that normally writes the songs, well at least the great ones.”

  Chauncy says, “You two need to sit with me, of course, after tomorrow. A diamond hidden in a diamond!” She points to Lorenzo and says, “Hey sexy, how about another drink?” Like a love-sick puppy, Lorenzo immediately makes her a drink. The whole room stops as Chauncy thanks him with a kiss. Not a peck, but arms around the neck kiss!

  Dad says, “Well, the rubber has met the road! Lord have mercy, there must be a wedding coming up.” We all laugh and raise our glasses.

  Its two o’clock in the morning and everybody is still wide awake. Mom looks at her watch and announces that its bedtime. Everyone finishes their drinks quickly and like little children, file out of the room for bedtime. Mom says, “Okay honey, give him a kiss and say goodnight. You’re sleeping with me tonight and Bo will join Tanner in y’alls room. The next time you see each other will be when you step outside to walk down the aisle.” I wrap my arms around him and plant a kiss on his lips. He doesn’t seem thrilled about this new arrangement but wouldn’t even think about questioning his mother on it.

  I say, “I’ll see you tomorrow, err, well today. I love you Mr. Staff.”

  He smiles and says, “I love you too, almost Mrs. Staff.”

  Mom and I crawl into bed and I know I’m exhausted but my adrenaline has something else in mind. Mom cozies herself under the big down comforter and says, “Dylan, I want to tell you something.” I sit up as does she. Mom says, “Dylan, even if you and Tan never got together like this, I need you to know that you still would have been my daughter. I know you really want your Mom here with you, and I know she’s here in spirit, but honey, I’m here. From that first day when we came to your house to introduce ourselves, I knew you were special. Of course, I had no idea the role you’d play in our family, and how I would become your mom. I am so proud of you. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become and couldn’t feel more blessed. I will always be here for you, for both of you. I just wanted to say that to you.” I fight back the tears that are fighting hard to bust out.

  I give Mom a hug and say, “Mom, in a million years, I couldn’t have asked for a better mom. I know my Mom is here with us and I also know that she made sure that we became your neighbors. I wouldn’t trade you as my mom for anything, anything at all. I’ve always dreamed that one day I’d become your daughter. Of course, marrying Tanner played a huge role in that dream, but now that it’s actually going to happen. I’m the happiest woman ever. I love you, Mom.”

  She wipes the tears that are streaming down her face and says, “Oh honey, I better not have swollen eyes tomorrow.” We laugh and then drift off to sleep. This is the last time that I’ll go to sleep as Dylan Brooks.

  Chapter 31

  ‘My last name has never sounded as good as it sounds following your name.’

  Tanner –

  I reach my hand over to touch Lyrics’ and instead I grab my dad’s sticky back.

  I sit up quickly and he says, “What’s wrong cowboy? I’m not your type?”

  I laugh and say, “I’m not saying you aren’t my type, it’s just that I’m about to get married.”

  My dad says in a feminine voice, “As long as it’s not me.”

  “So, what’s the plan for this morning?”

  “Ah, us men have it easy. We are just in charge of getting dressed and showing up on time. Considering the wedding is here, I think we’ll have no problem achieving that. Are you nervous at all?”

  I think for a moment and then say, “Dad, it’s my Lyrics, nope not nervous at all. I just want to make sure that she isn’t stuck with organizing everything today. I want her to enjoy, too.”

  “Knock that shit off son, you’ll make the rest of us husbands look like crap.” I laugh and shrug. He says, “Your mom, Sophia, and Cassie will make sure everything happens the way y’all want it to happen. Dylan just has to worry about making herself a beautiful bride, which we all know won’t be hard for her. Smartest thing you’ve ever done is lock this one down. Sure would have been strange if you were marrying a different girl. Dylan would’ve been your best man, I’m sure. Hell, we all knew it’d be you and her. You’re gonna make a great husband and father. I’m real proud of the man you’ve become, son.”

  I give him a hug and say, “Thanks, Pop, you’re the best dad I could’ve ever asked for. Should we go round up the other guys?”

  “You st
ay here, I’ll go round’em up.”

  “It’s almost noon and I’m starving. Wanna run to Whataburger and get some grub for whoever wants it?”

  “Heck no. I’ll bring some leftovers from last night up here though. You eat greasy food and you’ll be farting all over the dance floor tonight.”

  I nod and say, “Good lookin’ out, Dad.”

  I really want to talk with Lyrics. She’s the one person that I want to be with. I grab my phone and text her, “Guess what? Today I’m marrying my best friend. It doesn’t feel real unless I tell you, so there it is.”

  She texts back immediately, “That’s so weird! I too am marrying my best friend today! What are the odds of us both getting married to our best friends on the same day?”

  My heart feels like it’s thumping out of my chest. I text back, “100% out of 100%.”

  She texts back, “5’oclock can’t get here fast enough! I DO wish to see you right now.”

  I text back, “I DO wish to see you too. I’ll stop texting before Mom grounds us. Love you, my Lyrics.”

  She texts, “I love you, my Tanner.”

  When I hear the herd of men heading this way, I quickly toss my phone on the end table. Dad, Brent, Chip, and Tucker are in the wedding party. Lorenzo and Anthony are in the room simply because they don’t want to be summoned by the women. From behind his back, Brent pulls a handle of Jack Daniel’s and then pulls a juice box from his pocket. He hands Tucker the juice and me the handle. I spin the top off and take a swig. It’s early, but damn that amber lava sure feels good sliding down my throat. Dad brought up an arm full of food so I reach in and grab a couple stuffed grape leaves. I am all too aware what Jack does to an empty stomach. The bottle gets passed around the room and then again. Dad gets a call. I can tell it’s Mom from the responses he gives.

  He hangs up and says, “Gentlemen, they found us. The Queen Bee requested our assistance with the tables and chairs. Grandma requested you too, Tucker.”

  His face lights up and he says, “Grandma knows how strong I am.”

  He flexes his arm making a muscle and I say, “Woe buddy, put those guns away.”

  He laughs and says in his squeaky voice, “Dad says a real man never lets a lady wait too long so we should hurry up, cause there’s a lot of ladies here.”