by D. Love
"Yep, definitely." I try to stifle a giggle.
"This is my friend, Jodie!" Mom proclaims, facing us.
Jodie takes one look at me before flinging her arms around me, like I’m a long lost friend.
"Rye, I am so excited to finally meet you," she says then lowers her voice into a whisper. "Who is the hunky piece of BBQ?"
I burst into laughter. I can already tell I’m going to love her, and the weekend is going to be great. Jodie wraps her arm around Mom’s.
"What room are you in, Dee?" she all-but-demands.
We head up the stairs to our suite. Jett opens the door.
"Ladies first," he says and stands aside to let us enter.
"Hullo, BBQ, how are you?" Jodie snickers. She keeps walking.
I turn to look at Jett, trying to hold back my laughter, until I see that his face is redder than a tomato. I loose it and start laughing hard. Mom and Jodie join in.
"Sorry Luv," Jodie says to him. "But you have to remember – this is a women’s convention, so when we get a piece of meat like you close up, we might just chomp a little."
"Oh, no, ma'am," Jett replies. "I only came today to make sure Dee and Rye made it safe. I will be leaving tonight heading for Kentucky, for a training session with my platoon."
Jodie stands up straight and circles her body with her hands.
"BBQ, does all this look like a ma'am to you?" she teases. "No, it doesn’t. You may call me Jodie or Delicious, whichever suites your fancy. But don’t call me Ma'am." Jodie is smiling. "My personal opinion is that you skip your training and stay down here with us. I can guarantee you would have a lot more fun. Better yet, BBQ, why don’t you just call your captain or whatever and have him move the training here. I am sure no one will mind." Then she rolls her hips saying, "Nothing better then a little eye candy if you know what I mean."
She wiggles away towards Mom and flops on the sofa.
"Don’t worry, BBQ, they are in good hands with me."
Jett seems to sense he’s better off not saying anything, for fear he might give Jodie more of a reason to embarrass him. Mom is trying not to laugh, and succeeds, until Jodie gives us the last hmmph as emphasis.
We have a suite with a living room with a sofa bed, a kitchenette off to the side and a bedroom with a king bed. Mom wants to make sure I have privacy in case I need to rest. We came here to go to the UtopYA Convention, a gathering for female writers of paranormal fantasy and the readers who love them. The convention is being held at the Scarritt-Bennett Center, near the University of Tennessee, in downtown Nashville. It’s a is perfect location for the paranormal and fantasy theme with it’s Gothic architecture, sprawling dining hall and labyrinth. Add in all the amazing authors, and Mom says life can't get any better.
Jett and I take the luggage in the bedroom, giving Mom and her friend Jodie some time to get more acquainted. I'm sure China would be able to hear their laughter, and it brings a smile to my face.
"Come on! We need to get some dinner!" Mom calls to us.
"I cannot imagine how you’re going to be able to control your mom and her friends all weekend," Jett whispers to me.
"We should be worried for all of Nashville and the convention founder Janet Wallace, along with Susan Burdorf, the coordinator. Those are the ones that have no idea what’s about to hit them this year," I respond.
We step back into the room, where Mom and Jodie are waiting. Both of them are standing with their hands on their hips, one hip pushed out. They’re wearing matching T-shirts that read, Cowboy's Wanted. Must Be Good Kissers and grins to go with them. Jett and I shake our heads at them then walk to the door.
I’m feeling pretty good, until the humidity outside takes my breath away again. Jett brings the car around then jumps out and opens the car doors for all of us as he walks past each one. Jodie murmurs in approval. We drive through downtown Nashville, looking for somewhere to grab a bite, and run across The Bird Café. The façade is cute and it looks like a perfect little place for a light meal. Jett drops us off and parks the car. Mom and Jodie are talking a mile a minute; I can hardly keep up, and I’m just listening!
"Jodie, you have to text the girls and tell them where we are!" Mom says.
This catches my attention. I had no idea we were meeting more people.
"How many in the party?" the hostess asks.
"Better make room for ten," Mom says promptly.
Jett and I exchange a look.
"This should be interesting," he says and chuckles.
Seated at a large table a few minutes later, we are sipping our drinks when three women appear at our table. From the squeals and screams with which Mom and Jodie greet them, it’s safe to assume they are part of our group. Mom quickly introduces us to Nanette, Kimberly, and Michelle. They are admins on her group Facebook page. She goes on for a full five minutes about how wonderful they are.
I can’t believe how happy she is, as ecstatic as Em, when she saw her puppy. Mom has done so much for me; she deserves all this happiness and some.
Soon, two more women, Christina and Tina, join us. All these women are part of Mom’s online family and critical members of her support system. By the way they’re getting along, it’s hard to believe this is the first time they’ve met in person.
We order. The table is chaos, with all the women talking, though they all seem to come together to make poor Jett feel like a fresh piece of meat. Mom passes out gifts for each one of the girls, professing her love and gratitude for each one. I barely speak. It’s hard enough keeping up with the conversations flying around me.
Before we know it, our dinner is over and we are heading back to the hotel. The girls are meeting at seven in the morning to set up their booth and get the weekend started. As we drive back to the hotel, I gaze out the window at the city. Sometimes I think people forget to stop and actually look at the beauty that surrounds them on a daily basis.
Nashville is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, from the neatly kept buildings downtown to the fact that everyone walking down the streets looks so happy. We reach the hotel, and Jett drives us to the door. I am about to get out, when his voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
"Rye, can you stay with me out here for a minute?"
"Sure," I reply curiously.
"Will you be okay by yourself, Dee?" he asks.
"No worries. BBQ," Jodie answers. "I will be with her for a bit longer." She winks. Jett blushes again, and I laugh.
We watch until they’re safely into the hotel lobby before Jett drives me to the parking lot.
"Will you take a walk with me?" he asks.
"Of course!" I reply. I’m thinking he’s feeling anxious about leaving us here. In truth, I am, too. It’ll be weird if he’s not around.
He offers his hand and pulls me out of the car. We walk in comfortable silence to the courtyard of the hotel, where there is a huge, blue pool, a pretty little garden and old-fashioned lantern-style lights everywhere that give the courtyard a romantic glow.
We sit in the lounge chairs next to the pool listening to the water lap at the edges of the pool.
"I’m worried about leaving you," Jett says at last.
"I’ll be fine, Jett," I reply. "I’ll be surrounded by Mom and all her little friends, in case I need any help."
He takes my hand. His earnest look reminds me of how much we can say to each other even when we’re not speaking. I could gaze into his eyes forever.
"It’s time for me to start driving to Kentucky." The note of regret in his voice is echoed in my heart. For some reason, being a part from him for a mere weekend is almost an unbearable thought.
We get up and walk towards the hotel. He tugs my hand behind his back, pulling me into his body. His other hand rests against the side of my neck lightly, and he kisses me.
I lean into him, and he releases my hand to wrap his arm around me. He always kisses me with such intensity. Tonight, there’s more. There’s a desperation that I, too, feel. He laces his fingers ge
ntly through my hair and deepens his kiss. Soon, we’re both panting, and he’s groaning my name softly between kisses.
"I want you … so much, Rye," he says and kisses the line of my jaw. "When I get back, we’re going to have some us-time."
My breath catches at the words. They make my whole body warm on the inside. I know he’s the only man I will ever be with again, the only man I was ever meant to be with.
"I can’t wait, Jett."
"Hold that thought, until I get back," he says huskily.
Pulling away, he rests his forehead against mine briefly. I rise up on my toes and kiss his nose.
"I’m so in love with you, Jett. I can’t even tell you how much that is," I whisper.
We stand in the intimate silence, listening to each other breathe. I don’t want him to go, but at least it’s only for a couple of days. Reluctantly, we enter the hotel and start walking towards the room. The whole way to the door, he gives me a list of do’s and don’ts, like not being too stubborn to ask for help and remembering to take my medications. I half-listen, focused on my melancholy.
"…and finally, take care of yourself," he says. "Never forget how much I love you."
"I won’t," I reply.
We can hear the laughter coming from our room all the way down the hallway. It sounds like Mom invited everyone from dinner up to the suite tonight. It sounds like a wild bachelorette party.
"This is the way the whole weekend is going to be," I say, smiling.
As soon as Jett opens the door and the women spot him, the cats calls and whistling starts. The one they call Nana raises her hands, pretending to be a bear, and lets out a convincing roar. I’m almost in stitches laughing before I make it through the door.
Jett holds his palms up. "I’m here to grab my stuff and go."
"Instead of running, Beefcakes, come on over here and have a sit on Mama's lap," says the girl whose name I think is Kimberly.
Laughter fills the hallway. I cringe, pretty sure we will end up kicked out to sleep on the streets of Nashville. I walk into the bedroom with Jett, closing the door behind us to offer some level of protection against the women in the living room.
Jett is shaking his head.
"Rye, Mark might be right," he says. "Your mom will probably wind up going to jail."
Then it’s our turn to laugh.
Chapter Eighteen: Jett
I am seriously worried about walking out this bedroom to face the women who seem to have become the supernatural creatures they read about in their paranormal books. I remind myself to take everything in stride; we’re doing this for Dee, so she can release her tension and have a wonderful time. She’s more than earned this little adventure and her time with her friends, even if they’re scaring me right now.
She deserves a break, even if it’s only one weekend.
"I’ll grab you a water so you can take your medicine," I say to Rye.
"Have you lost your mind?" she asks. "They will eat you alive. I’ll get it."
She opens the door, and the catcalls start again.
"Stop hogging BBQ!" one of them cries. By the accent, it’s Jodie.
"Hey, Rye, send him out shirtless!" another says, setting off a round of questions about who has dollar bills for a show.
I eye the window. We’re on the third floor, but I’m almost willing to risk a broken leg, if it means not wading through the estrogen in the neighboring room. I’m not entirely sure I’ll make it to the door.
Rye returns, clearly amused by the women, with a water bottle in hand. I collect her pills then count them carefully twice before handing them to her. Her face is red, her eyes on the door separating me from my um, adoring fans.
"Jett, I really have no idea how you are going to get out of here," she says.
"I’ll buck up and take it like a man." I’m not about to tell her I was seriously considering jumping out the window.
She looks doubtful. She takes her medication, and we both stand before the door, ready to face the hens on the other side.
We walk out of the bedroom, and the ladies start again. They must drive their husbands mad or at least keep them constantly entertained. That thought, I keep to myself. I’m in enough trouble right now.
Dee stands up and hugs me. "Be safe, Jett. We’ll see you soon!"
A line of women waiting for hugs forms behind her. They push and shove each other, vying to be the next one to hug me. Dee steps aside, and I’m suddenly being passed around like a hot potato.
"I see your jeans are ripped in front. Want me to rip it open a little more? I can use my teeth!" one of them asks as she hugs me. I think her name is Christina.
"BBQ, you are not leaving, without giving me a hug!" Jodie shouts. I hold out my arms, and she all-out tackles me. It’s all I can do to keep from getting knocked onto the ground. "Come closer! I wanna feel the six pack!"
The women are howling like banshees with laughter. Another pair of soft hands takes mine and tugs me away from Jodie. My precious Rye has waded into the midst of the insanity to rescue me. It’s little things like this that make even someone like me feel butterflies. Her simple touch fills my heart with happiness and makes my body tingle.
She’s in an all out tug-of-war for a moment but doesn’t let go, until Jodie relents and releases me. Quickly, Rye pulls me out the door and closes it.
"Wow," I say when we’re safe in the hallway.
"I love you, Jett." She wraps her fragile arms around my neck. "I’ll miss you."
I hug her tightly.
"It’s the first time I’ve been apart from you since we met," she adds, the longing in her voice.
"You’re right," I reply. I have spent every minute I could with her, not wanting to take one second for granted. How I am so blessed to have her is beyond me.
She releases me. My heart is pounding hard, like it did when I went out on missions in Iraq.
"See you soon," she whispers.
"Two days," I promise.
I start walking to the elevator, feeling the loss of her presence already. This will be the longest weekend of my life. My father always says that a man’s mind is his worst enemy. I get it now. I mean, there won’t be one second where I’m not thinking of Rye over the next two days.
I exit the hotel, pausing to text Rye.
I love you. Remember to find the beauty in your days. I tell her.
I slide into the rental car but hesitate a moment, thoughts drifting to Dee. She’s so happy and distracted right now, I feel like I should probably text her, too.
Don’t forget about Sunday.
Both the girls respond about the same time. Rye sends her love, and Dee makes me laugh.
Not on your life, Beefcakes.
Chapter Nineteen: Rye
We start our first day of the convention at six in the morning at the buffet in the hotel. I meet more wonderful people my mom has befriended online, including the sisters Ruthi and Maryann. They fit right in with the other crazy women at my mom’s table. Even at the buffet, I can hear them across the room oo-ing and ah-ing over the food.
If the restaurant runs out of food, there will be some starving madwomen taking over the kitchen. I’m seated by a cute little blonde girl I met earlier. Her name is Jennifer, but she informed right away that everyone calls her Jenn.
And that’s Jenn with two n’s. I’m afraid to ask what happens if I misspell it. She talks with a Texas twang and is the personal assistant of romance author, Lizzy Ford. She is sweet and spicy, always smiling brightly and armed with hundreds of snappy comebacks that leave me giggling. She says I can hang out with her, so the others don’t drive me crazy. Her favorite love in life is her son. Oh, Jonathan Jackson.
Yes, the Jonathan Jackson. She’s convinced she’ll marry him one day. Everyone at the table laughs at her declaration, but I am now a true believer that anything is possible. So I encourage her quietly never to give up on her dreams.
After finishing breakfast, everyone gathers their books, swag or other
displays to leave for the convention. Mom and I hurry to our room to grab our purses. I feel nauseated for some reason today and hurry straight to the bathroom. I gag, but nothing comes out. Instead, I start coughing.
I place my hand over my mouth to try to stifle the sound. I don’t want Mom worried about me on her special day. When I pull my hand away, I see the blood.
Shock and fear are cold as they shoot through my body. I have no time to do more than register the blood. Mom starts knocking on the door.
"We need to hurry, baby!" she practically sings.
Numb, I wash my hands and face then walk out to meet Mom. The shock must still visible on my face. Her smile fades.
"Rye, are you all right?" she asks, concerned.
"Great, Mom," I say. I don’t stop to give her a chance to question me but grab my purse and head out the door.
Mom is quiet as she follows.
Jodie runs up behind us, still wearing her comical, floppy hat. It makes me laugh despite the unease I feel after seeing the blood. It’s as much because of the hat as the look on her face. She’s like a sad cartoon character with an exaggerated droopy face. I follow her gaze I see why she’s pouting.
"Good Grief, Mom," is all I could manage to say.
Mom is carrying a bag that Katy and I picked out as a joke from Abercrombie and Fitch last year. We went Christmas shopping at the mall, and saw the bag in the window. On the front and back of the bag is a sexy, shirtless guy. We thought it would make a great gag gift for Mom.
Only it wasn’t a joke to her; she loved it. Maybe we should’ve realized that after all the half-naked cowboy pictures she finds online.
She’s proud of herself, standing there with the sexy man on her bag that’s making Jodie green with envy.
I shake my head, wishing Jett could be here to see this. With Floppy Hat on one side of me and Shirtless-Man-Bag-Lady on the other, I mentally prepare myself for a crazy day.
We join the rest of the women milling around the lobby. It’s complete chaos, until someone – whose Australian accent gives her away as Jodie – begins dictating who is riding with whom to the convention. I’m not sure any of us will make it there, because no one seems to know exactly where the center is. We do make it, somehow, and I find a nice spot to sit and claim it as mine.