A Perfect Mess

by Nan O'Berry

  An hour later, stuffed, they found their way back to the parking lot.

  “That was fun.” Carson sighed.

  “It was.” Jenna found herself surprised to admit.

  “Did you see anyone that you wanted to meet?”

  She shook her head. “You?”

  Carson crossed his arms over his chest. “Not a one.”

  “Well, we need to look somewhere else.”

  “I tell you what,” Carson said with a snap of his fingers. “How about we meet on Friday at the Spigot? That place always seems full.”

  Jenna hesitated. “Rhodes’ favorite place.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know.” His voice grew soft.

  Jenna shook it off. “No. You are right. I should be able to go anywhere I want.”

  “Of course, you should.”

  She looked around at the people passing by. Not one of them had offered condolences or patted her hand as if someone died. Maybe I am past that point. Summoning up her courage, Jenna plastered a smile upon her face. “Friday? What time?”

  Carson’s grin widened. “Let’s meet at eight.”

  “Deal.”

  №

  Jenna was folding the last of her laundry and she kept thinking about Carson. She truly had real feelings for him, but their running joke about helping each other to find dates, now bothered her. She wanted to date him, she finally admitted to herself. It seemed though that he only wanted to be friends. She sighed, he’d been a good one from the moment she first saw him. No, she hadn’t forgotten that night in her cottage when the electricity jolted through her when their hands touched. Then that wonderful kiss they share. She let out a sigh. She never had that with—with…well, she refused to speak his name. The monster she almost married. That man who was supposed to be her groom wasn’t even a man, as he could have saved her the heartache and expense had he stood up and told her, instead of standing her up…period.

  Halting her thoughts, she heard a car door close. Curious, she rounded the table and moved to the front door of the cottage.

  Next to her Nonna’s house, a delivery van from Della’s Petal Pusher’s Buds and Vines was parked. Her grandmother stood at the door talking to the delivery woman dressed in a t shirt and khaki trousers. At that moment, Nonna looked over, smiled, and pointed at Jenna.

  “What’s up now?” she wondered aloud and walked out the door to meet the courier.

  The woman with the bright pink hat wore a huge smile and carried a vase containing six long stemmed soft pink roses.

  Jenna found it hard to take her eyes off the exquisite flowers.

  “Jenna McCormick.”

  “Yes.”

  The woman extended her hand. “These are for you.”

  Heat filled her cheeks as she took the flowers. “Thank you. Oh my, they—they’re lovely.” She brought the blossoms to her nose and inhaled the sweet aroma.

  “Is there a card?”

  Jenna looked up to see her grandmother, drying her hands on her apron as she hurried forward.

  “Your card is on the vase,” the woman explained. “Whoever sent them sure thinks a lot of you.”

  “Yes,” Jenna agreed as the woman walked away.

  “Who are they from?” Liliana pressed as she followed Jenna into the cottage.

  “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know?” Her grandmother gasped. “A man sent you flowers and you have no idea?”

  Jenna glanced over her shoulder a bit perturbed at her grandmother’s suggestion. “How do you know it was a man?”

  Her grandmother shrugged. “A woman would have sent African Violets or sunflowers. Roses?” She sighed dreamily. “Roses are a sign of love.”

  “Now, who’s being silly?” Jenna asked, squashing her grandmother’s guess. Still, looking at the flowers, a part of her heart thrilled at the idea that someone thought she was special.

  “Don’t just stand there! Open the card.”

  With her grandmother hovering, Jenna pulled the small envelope from the clip on the vase and flipped the back open. Pulling the card up, she read the note aloud, “To Jenna, a rose for a rose. Thanks for a wonderful Sunday…Carson.”

  “Carson? Who is this Carson?” her grandmother demanded.

  “I met him at the vineyard.” It wasn’t a lie, so to speak. Jenna assured herself. “We took a stroll through downtown on Sunday. He’s just moved into the area and works at the radio station.”

  Best keep the idea that he is a disk jockey to yourself.

  “I see.” Her grandmother reached over and touched the velvet petals. “Such beautiful roses.”

  Jenna placed them in the middle of the table.

  “Oh, so pretty,” her grandmother remarked.

  Jenna stepped back to admire them. “Yes, they are.”

  “It would look better if your laundry was put away.”

  At her grandmother’s words, Jenna rolled her eyes, then stepped over to her and threw both arms around her. “I love you, Nonna.”

  Liliana’s reached up and patted her arm. “I love you, too. Now, finish your laundry.” She stepped away and smacked Jenna’s backside with her hand. “I can’t wait to meet this one.”

  Jenna smiled and watched her Nonna scurry back to her own home.“No doubt, before this day is over, every sixty year old in St. Helena’s will know I’m seeing someone new.” She turned and smiled at the flowers. “Seeing someone,” she repeated the words. “It sounded almost like a relationship agreement. “Can’t let this get out of hand. We’re only friends.” She took a deep breath. If only I could convince myself.He’d sent flowers, but that didn’t mean he liked me like that.

  №

  Carson punched the buttons and rotated the CD for the next song. Flipping the lever, he spoke into the microphone, “That was Kenny Chesney with his newest release. Before I play the next song, I want to give a special shout out to a special friend. So, this song is for you.”

  Reaching over, he pressed play and soon the sounds of Lee Ann Womack’s ballad I Hope You Dance filled the air waves. Carson closed his eyes and listened to the words. In his mind, the image of Jenna’s smile and the sound of her laughter brought urgings to see her again soon. He would have to contend with the knowledge that Friday night was only a few days away.

  The song ended. He flipped the live speaker back on. “Thanks for tuning in today. Have a great afternoon and we’ll see you again tomorrow on the Teague Murphy Country Round Up.” He pressed the tape and the sounds of Happy Trails rippled through the air. Removing his headset, Carson ran his fingers through his hair, then pushed the chair away from the desk. Outside, the huge soundproof window, he caught a glimpse of the station owner waiting for him.

  Standing, Carson hurried outside passing the next DJ as he entered the booth.

  Tarkington stepped forward and extended his hand. “Great show today, Carson.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Tarkington.”

  “You’re numbers are up.”

  Carson grinned. “That’s a good thing, right?”

  “Couldn’t ask for anything better.” Tarkington stepped back and folded his arms over his chest.

  “Is there something else?”

  His boss nodded. “Nothing earthshaking, but come on down to the office, so we can talk about it.”

  Carson grew silent as he followed his boss down the hallway toward the office. Thousands of things were running through his mind. Most of them not good.

  “Come on in and sit down.” Tarkington held the door for him to walk through.

  Carson took a seat and waited. “So, what did I do wrong?”

  His comment brought a chuckle from his boss. Tarkington brought his hands to his desk and folded them together. “From where I’m sitting, you’ve done nothing wrong. In fact, with ratings climbing, I brought you in to offer you a raise to stay on past your trial period.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  Tarkington shook his head. “You’ve really made some inroads with the
folks in the age group between twenty-five and forty. It’s nice to see.”

  “I’d love to stay…”

  “But…?” Tarkington interrupted.

  “But,” Carson continued. “I want to know how long you’re thinking.”

  “Fair enough.” Tarkington turned around and pulled out a new contract. “I have a contract here for the next two years, same time slot, with a three dollar an hour base sale increase.”

  Carson stared at him for a moment, before pulling the contract toward him to read. “This is great.”

  “No concerns?”

  Carson shook his head. “I didn’t expect such a quick pick up.”

  “I know good work when I see it.” Tarkington handed him a pen.

  Carson took it and scrawled his name on the contract.

  “To be brutally honest, I know that some bigger markets have been tuning in and I didn’t want to lose you.”

  Carson smiled. “I understand.” He pushed the papers back toward him.

  “Tell me, this person you dedicated the song to, are they important?”

  Carson sat back down and he didn’t even have to think about the answer. “Well, when you put it that way, yes. Yes, they are.”He realized when put in any way, he really wanted to be with sweet Jenna.

  “It might be a little angle to explore.”

  Carson’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, everyone loves a good romance. Why not play it up a bit, get listener’s interest, with who’s the girl that stole Teague’s heart.”

  Carson shook his head. “No, she wouldn’t appreciate it.”

  “Are you sure? Women like that sort of thing.”

  Carson rose. “Thanks, Mr. Tarkington, but I’d rather keep my relationship out of the news.”

  “Suit yourself, but it’s still a great angle.”

  Carson shook hands with his employer and hurried out the door. Away from the building, a smile spread across his face. Two years, he’d be here for two more years and the salary would more than compensate for the renovation plans he wanted for this little home he could now buy instead of just rent. All he had to do was to get Jenna on board. He’s already admitted to himself that wanted her to be in his future. Reaching his car, he climbed behind the wheel and pulled out his cell. Powering it on, he brought up Jenna’s number and typed a message.

  Hey, got great news, my contract has been picked up for two years. Can’t wait to celebrate with you on Friday.

  Putting the phone down, he backed out of the space and headed out the drive. No sooner had he reached the main drive when his phone pinged. Carson stopped and peered down at the message.

  How awesome. By the way, thanks for the roses. That was sweet of you.

  №

  Carson glanced in the mirror one more time and checked to make sure he’d shaved clean. The last thing he wanted was a bit of stubble to ruin the tender skin on Jenna’s cheek. Putting his hands down on either side of the sink, he stared at his reflection. He wanted to kiss her again. Get closer to her. Tell her he wanted to stop looking at other women and just look at her.

  “Look at me, I’m already dreaming about kissing her again.” He gave a grim smirk to the mirror. “You’ve got it bad, Teague.”

  With a sigh, he pushed himself away and walked into the bedroom to grab his wallet and keys from the dresser. Out the back door, he hurried toward his car and backed down the drive. Things were already hopping when he reached the Spigot. Carson scanned the room happy to note that no Deluca’s or spouses were present. The family was great but they were also overwhelming. He remembered the comment Nate gave when it came to Frankie’s boots and where she might plant them if anyone hurt her family or friends.

  For the past few weeks, he’d been able to keep his budding relationship with Jenna to being just friends. But he wanted it to be so much more. He wondered how he could move it forward. She was still so vulnerable, and he couldn’t blame her for not being ready for a relationship.Ordering a micro beer and a glass of wine, he made his way to a table where he could wait and watch for Jenna’s arrival. He wasn’t disappointed.

  Fifteen minutes before the scheduled time, she came through the door. Tonight, she’d taken extra time to fix her hair. Instead of her usual ponytail, she’d pulled those luxurious dark locks into a soft bun at the top of her head leaving wisps to curl around her face. Because of the casual atmosphere, her attire of a soft sage green gauzy blouse and jeans matched perfectly.

  Carson felt his male region stand at attention. Then he realized something which did not help the friendship…Just look at stunning she really is. No, he couldn’t just stay friends with her.Then she spotted him, her face breaking into a broad smile as she crossed over.

  “You made it.”He rose up.

  She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You ordered me a glass of wine.”

  “What?” He held his hands out. “Didn’t think I could do it?”

  “Hmm.” She gave him a skeptical glance. “Let’s see how you did.” Holding the glass up, she swirled it around. “A nice white.”

  “Uh huh.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Are we having appetizers?”

  She gave him a sideways glance that made his heart turn over. Those emerald eyes were so bright and mesmerizing. Carson nodded. “Boneless chicken wings with artichoke dip.”

  “Oh.” She pressed a hand to her middle. “You’re going to kill my diet.”

  Carson chuckled. “I heard the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach.”

  “Really?” She blinked and brought the glass to her lips. “Nice.”

  “Just nice?” he inquired.

  She shook her head. “No, perfect. A sweet after taste to kill the heat from the wings.”

  “I studied at the hand of a master,” he explained and took her hand. Without breaking contact, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the sensitive skin at the rise of her knuckles.

  Her eyes rounded in surprise and he wanted to take her into his arms, then kiss her soundly. Afraid it would spook her at this point, he merely pointed to the booth. “Let’s sit here.”

  Jenna slid in before him and toyed with the bottom of her glass as he found his seat.“So, you got a new contract.”

  Carson nodded. “It was a bit of a surprise.”

  “How so?”

  He took a deep breath then spoke, “Usually, it’s a six month trial. If you don’t mix with the listeners, your trial period is often the end of your stay.”

  She smiled. “You didn’t want to leave, did you?”

  He glanced down at the table and shook his head. “No. I want to stay.” Carson brought his gaze up to her and stared boldly into her eyes. He didn’t want to leave her that was for sure. “I like it here. You made that possible.”

  His words brought a rapid beat along the vein of her neck. The sage green of her eyes deepened.“I didn’t do anything,” she murmured.

  “No, you did it all, Jenna. You made this country boy feel at home in a new place.” He reached out and grasped her hand.

  “If I did, then I’m glad.” She turned her hand so that her fingers took hold of his and squeezed.

  A jolt of electricity rushed up his arm and went straight toward his manhood. For once, Carson felt grateful that a table separated them. He’d hate for Jenna to see how much her touch affected him.

  “Your tray.”

  The waitress voice snapped them out of their reverie. Quickly, they both drew their hands back.

  Jenna nervously looked away.

  “Thanks,” Carson said and pulled his beer closer as she slid the wings and dip onto the table.

  “Just let us know if you need anything.”

  He nodded. “Yep, will do.”Carson waited while she walked away.

  “You know,” Jenna began. “She might be a nice girl for you to date.”

  Carson raised a brow and glanced over at her. “Really?”

  “She works hard and
goes to the community college.”

  “She’s got a nice…” Raising his hands, Carson drew the silhouette of a woman’s figure.

  Jenna looked aghast. “You male chauvinist.”

  “Hey, I’m a man.”

  She was teasing. He knew that, however in his heart of hearts, the only woman he was interested in was Jenna. His gaze wandered along the bar and settled on a young woman sitting at the corner edge. He knew pointing her out would get a rise out of Jenna.

  Her skin tight T shirt fell about two inches short of her blue jeans, which looked as if they’d been sprayed on.

  “Ah, I think I’ve found one. Let me show you how it’s done.” He pushed up from the table.

  “I’ll sit here and watch,” Jenna called out. “Just think of me as back up.”

  “Yeah, back up,” he mumbled beneath his breath. First choice, he wanted her up front.Carson moved toward the bar.

  The woman was nurturing a glass of red wine. Her legs crossed. She kept her eye on the doorway, leading him to believe that she was waiting on someone.

  He glanced back at Jenna, who gave him a thumbs up. Right. I’ll order another beer. Chat with her for a minute, then go back to Jenna with a defeated look. “Excuse me.” He pushed in next to the tall man sitting on the stool next to her. “Ma’am.” Carson used his country boy charm and touched his forehead.

  The woman gave him a coy smile and drew a pattern with the condensation that formed on the base of the glass.

  Still smiling, he motioned to the bartender. “Beer please.”Turning back to stare at the lady, Carson lifted his lips in a smile. “I haven’t seen you around here before.”

  Her eyes grew wide and rounded. A huge, beefy hand fell upon his shoulder and Carson felt his body twirled around like a toy top. Before his eyes could focus, a second meaty hand grabbed the fullness of his shirt and lifted him up on his toes. All around him, the sounds in the bar drifted to silence as his eyes focused on the cold grey gaze of a man that must be half biker and half Yeti.

  “Hey bud, you hitting on my wife?”

  “Me?” Carson heard his voice squeak as it rose an octave. “No. I mean I went to order a beer and I was just passing the time…”