“Thanks.” I say and move to the door not daring look at either of them.
As we climb into her car she asks, “You still love him don’t you?”
“I care about him a lot yes, but not sure it’s love. He is with you anyway, why does it matter?” I say back feeling defeated and unable to look at her.
“He is with me and we are going to get married someday soon. I am really sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a nice man. Always helped me find Aiden when I came to the parents’ ranch.” She said curtly knowing she was getting under my skin.
The parents’ ranch? She acts as if they are already married. Whatever. This life isn’t for me, it’s for Tracey. I don’t remember this road being this long. Thank goodness we are about there. To my car. My ticket back to my life. Without Aiden. In LA or Colvin? With Jeremy? Boy do I have a headache.
9
A few days after that awkward walk of shame or whatever it was, I decide that it’s time to figure out what it is I am going to do now with KAB and my career. I know Mom needs me here but I also know that I can’t just sit around doing nothinI need something to take my mind off of my relationship issues. Or lack thereof.
I have been walking up and down this commercial district of Colvin now for a few hours hoping to see a sign that I should be relocating myself and KAB here. I sit on a bench in the town square when I see a bubbly blond walking towards me with a huge smile on her face that looks so familiar. Once she says my name I know it’s Savannah. I haven’t seen her either since I left.
“Karlie Mae Doone!! What are you doing? Are you back here?” she asks throwing her arms around me just like she used to when we were younger.
“I have been here since right after Dad had the first stroke. What are you doing here? I didn’t think you lived here anymore!” I say genuinely happy to see a familiar face.
“I’m here for a meeting at my parents’ attorney’s office. Mom and Dad divorced earlier this year and I am being their go between. I live in Miami with my husband and two boys but had to fly here yesterday to take care of the last piece of their settlement. They finally sold the house here and wanted to split it halfway but neither wants to see the other, so here I am.” She says looking annoyed. “I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.”
“Thank you. It has been rough but we’re getting by. I didn’t know you lived in Miami! How exciting. I did a shoot there a couple years ago. It’s so full of life.” I say remembering how fast paced that city was.
“How long are you staying now?” she asks leaning back on the bench we now shared. “Where are you living and what’s been up in your life since graduation? We lost touch.”
I go into the story since I last saw her not leaving anything out which kind of surprised me. She just nodded at the right times and commented when needed like the polite person she is. It felt really good to talk to a person outside my world. I also realized that I really don’t have anyone but my Mom and of course Gerry when he isn’t on location or sending me on one. It would be so great to have a friend again to share things with. Of course my mind can’t help but wander to Aiden again. I shake my head and push him to the back again. Where he needs to stay.
“So, have you seen Aiden since you have been back? You two used to be so close. I take it you aren’t now?”
“I have seen him yes, but he has a girlfriend and is talking about getting engaged. I don’t fit in his life anymore so I have been trying to avoid seeing him anymore than is needed.”
“Well, have you found anything here that feels like the new KAB? There is that small space above your Mom’s bakery shop. Have you thought about that? It would be a great space with great light and you would be close to her.” She says sounding as if she just solved the world’s problems.
I had to laugh at her excitement but realized that she may be right. Mom just uses that space as storage. Maybe I should talk to Mom about it. We say our good-byes and exchange contact info so we can keep in touch this time. It was really good seeing and talking to Savannah again. She hasn’t changed much.
***
“Mom, I need to talk to you.” I say walking into the store not knowing that Aiden’s Mom was there “Oh, Amelia, I didn’t know you were here.”
“Hi sweet girl. How are you?” Amelia says giving me a hug the size of Texas. Amelia always was like a second mother to me whenever I was with Aiden at the 6AB Ranch.
“I missed you guys too, believe me. So what are you two up to?” I say trying to push the tears and emotion back. I don’t want them to know I am upset and especially not about Aiden.
“We are working on the fundraiser for the library. It’s this Saturday. You are still planning on taking the pictures for us aren’t you?” Mom declares and I nod my head as a yes.
“Speaking of taking pictures, Aiden has kept me in the loop on your life over the years. He always knows the latest accomplishment you have or where your latest shoot was taking place.” I know what she is doing. She always did know when he and I were at odds.
“What do you mean? Mom did you tell him everything?”
“Your Mom didn’t say anything. He always followed everything you did or asked your father about you. I believe he has always loved you Karlie.”
“But he is with Tracey talking marriage.” I say hurt and not trying to hide it this time.
“She is talking marriage, he isn’t. Or at least not to me. I don’t believe he truly loves Tracey the way he thinks he does or should.”
“You need to talk to him Karlie Mae. Before you go back and start talking about your future with Jeremy.” Mom says while turning me and making me look into her eyes.
“Oh, so there is another man in the picture too? I wasn’t aware. Does Aiden know?” Amelia asks shocked.
“Yes, Jeremy is great. And no, Aiden doesn’t know. He told Tracey we were just friends anyway, so he doesn’t need to know.” I continue on to fill her in on the whole scenario before walking out of the room. I have to put distance between myself and anything Aiden related.
“He was caught in a tough spot that’s all.” She yells after me.
Whatever. I will move on too. With Jeremy. With Jeremy? I will move on from Aiden for sure. As long as I never see him I will be strong and it will be easier.
***
“Aiden Steven Blake, we need to talk!” I hear Mom yell from the front door. “Where are you young man?”
Uh oh she used my full name and young man in the same breath. What did I do now? “In the office Mom.” I say smiling and remembering being a child and hating to hear her do that.
As she enters the room I am shutting down my laptop and closing it to allow her my full attention which she will expect of me. “What can I do for you mother?”
“What were you thinking telling Tracey that you and Karlie are just friends? We all know you are much more than that!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You told Tracey that you and Karlie are just friends the morning after the funeral. I know Karlie stayed there with you and you two fell asleep in your bed by accident.” She says trying not to look so pleased by that.
“How in the world do you know about that? We were alone in the kitchen while Karlie was... Oh no, she heard us didn’t she?” I say starting to make sense of all of this.
“Yes son, she did! And it broke her heart into a million little pieces. Then she had to hear all that Tracey could throw at her on the short trip from your house to her car at the gate. How could you have let this happen? Have you even spoken to Karlie since she left here that morning?”
“Mom I didn’t know Karlie was near enough to hear me. And I didn’t know what else to tell Tracey. It just kind of came out. It is the truth though. We aren’t anything more than that technically. I was in a tough spot after Tracey found us. And I made it much worse. No I haven’t seen her since then.” I say defeated and sit down in my chair again. As I do I see the picture of Karlie and I on the horse with her Dad that was used at the fune
ral. I sure have made another mess where Karlie is concerned. Seems to be the story of my life when it comes to her.
“You had better make this right son. Or you might lose your chance with her forever.” With that she walks back out my office door and soon I hear the front door open and close.
I sigh deeply and spin my chair around to see Mom speeding away in a cloud of dust. Once I can’t see her any longer I walk over to the picture and pick it up. Things were so much less complicated back then. What am I supposed to do to fix this?
10
The next day I am helping Mom out in the store when I hear her from behind the counter say, “Karlie, our neighbor Cecelia just called and says you need to go home because something just showed up for you.”
I put the final touch on the pumpkin cookie order we had from Audrey Blake which is the 2nd grade teacher here in town and say. “What showed up? I wasn’t expecting anything.”
“She didn’t say, just that you might want to come get it now. I will box these up and be home in a few also. Thank you for doing these. Audrey will love them.”
As I walk to Mom’s house I can’t seem to guess what has arrived for me. I really didn’t order anything so what could it be? As I come around the corner of our block, I see that there is a strange car in the drive way. Who in the world could that be? Maybe Gerry came to see me about a new shoot. Knowing it is probably Gerry I start to walk a bit faster.
Opening up the front door and catching the first glimpse of my mystery arrival, I come to a dead halt.
“Jeremy, what are you doing here? I thought you had a business trip to New Orleans?” I say and run to him. As he pulls me into his arms it dawns on me that I haven’t seen him or talked to him too much since I have been here and since Dad passed away.
“I came to surprise you. You were the trip I had to take. I just couldn’t tell you it was Colvin or it would have spoiled the surprise.” He says as he kisses my forehead. “Your Mom told me it would be unlocked and to just come in.”
“Mom knew you were coming? Wow. When did you talk to my Mom?” I ask suddenly not feeling too happy about this. “How did you get her number?”
“Yes she knew I was coming and I got her number off the internet. Are you not happy that I am here?”
“Yes I’m happy to see you, I’m just shocked. You have been so busy over these past couple of months that I didn’t expect to see you here. In Colvin, especially.”
“Where can I put my things? Your room?” he says winking at me.
“You can stay in the spare bedroom. I don’t think it would be appropriate for you to stay with me while my Mom is around.” I say motioning towards the spare bedroom down the hall from mine.
“Ok I can understand that. Lead the way. She isn’t going to be home for awhile is she?”
“Here you go. She said she would be right behind me so I am sure she is about here.” I say hoping I was right. Mom would definitely put a damper on Jeremy’s plans for this bedroom.
Just as he turned and tried to pin me against the wall, I hear the front door open and close. Must be Mom, right on time.
“That’s Mom. Come on I will introduce you formally before dinner.” I say grabbing his hand and rushing out of the room towards where Mom stood in the kitchen. “Mom, this mysterious arrival is Jeremy Bander. I guess you already knew that though.”
“Nice to finally meet you ma’am. I see where Karlie gets her beauty from. Thank you so much for allowing me to surprise her today. You were very helpful.” Jeremy says as he kisses Mom’s hand.
“It was my pleasure. My Karlie deserves to have a special someone and if I can help get him here, I sure will. Welcome. What would you like for dinner?” Mom says and I swear she blushed as he kissed her hand.
“Mrs. Doone I would like to take you and Karlie out to dinner tonight. Is there a nice restaurant here in town?” he asks.
“Please, call me Ella Mae. Mrs. Doone was my mother in law. There is only a café here Jeremy. But we can still go there if you would like. Probably nothing close to what you are used to in LA.”
“A nice little café would be a wonderful change of pace. What do you think Karlie?”
“Sure, if that’s what you two want.” I realize I am being a bit over dramatic here. He has come all this way to see me I should enjoy it. It wasn’t too long ago that I was practically begging him to come here and now that he is I should be grateful. “Let Mom and I go change. Then we will be ready.”
“Mind if I go with you babe? We have so much to catch up on.” Jeremy says without a hint of mischief.
“Sure. See you in a few Mom. My room is this way.” I lead him towards my room. “It’s kind of a mess from packing up old stuff to give away to charity but it allows me to sleep. That’s all that I need right?”
“Baby why do you seem so nervous to be around me? Aren’t you happy I came to see you?” he says and wraps his arms around me. “I have missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too, it’s just that so much has happened here and I’m not the same person I was before I came here.” I say and relax against his chest. I really have missed him and his arms around me. Maybe this is a good thing.
Before I can make that decision Jeremy lifts my head up to his and kisses me softly. “I am so sorry I couldn’t make it for the funeral Karlie. I was so swamped and deadlines were looming. I feel terrible though.”
After a long passionate kiss I catch my breath and say, “It really is ok Jeremy. You are very busy and I know that. I hadn’t been back here for so many years either because of being so busy. I am definitely one to understand. But you are here now and that’s all that matters.”
“You had better get changed so we can go. I am starving and haven’t eaten since an early breakfast at the office. Can’t wait to see what this little place is like where you grew up. Will you show me around after dinner?” he asks and kisses me again.
“Sure, but there isn’t much to it. Won’t take long.”
***
Entering Sally’s Café with Mom and Jeremy felt strange. Everyone had finally quit giving us that “oh you poor things” look and Dad’s passing was old news. Norma, Sally’s sister points towards my favorite booth with a smile. I smile back and slide in on one side followed by Jeremy. Mom takes her seat across from us. I can see there are stars in her eyes and she’s hearing wedding bells. Great, he has only been here an hour and Mom is planning the wedding.
“Well Karlie and Ella Mae! So good to see you two! How are you doing? And who is this handsome devil with you Karlie Mae? Wow.” Norma says as she hands us our menus, always cutting right to the chase.
“Hi Norma, we are good. This is my boyfriend Jeremy Bander from LA. I will have my normal and I’m sure Mom will, too. Do you see anything you want Jeremy?” I say handing the menu back to Norma.
“Do you need more time, Handsome?” Norma asks with reddening cheeks and a crooked smile.
I forgot how good looking Jeremy is with his high cheek bones, sexy mouth, green eyes, and jet black hair cut short.
“I’ll have a chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans. With an iced tea to drink, please.” He says and hands his menu to Norma and winks. That gets even more color in her cheeks.
“Coming right up!” She says and winks back at Jeremy.
“Friendly in this town, I see. If I weren’t already taken I bet I could get a date with Norma over there.” He says laughing and wrapping his left arm around me tightly. “But thank goodness I am taken.”
“Everyone is nice here yes, I’m just glad you came to see Karlie. How long are you staying Jeremy?” Mom asks with a smile.
“I have a plane to catch to New Orleans tomorrow afternoon. So I guess a little less than 24 hours.” He says reluctantly and squeezes my shoulder. “I knew I needed to stop off here on my way to see you.”
“Glad you did.” I say before my gaze fell to a familiar blond hair and blue eyed man that just came through the café door.
> With another blond and blue beauty beside him. Aiden and Tracey just had to come in here now. Lightning strike me now please.
I look away and try to pretend I didn’t just get butterflies seeing another man other than my boyfriend walk in the door. A man other than the one sitting next to me. It would be even harder if he wasn’t here though. Then I would see Aiden and be sitting here alone while he had his girlfriend with him. We are “just friends” anyway, so he says. Why does it bother me so much to see him? I am over him.
“Hi Ella Mae, Karlie. How are you ladies?” I hear his words breaking me out of my inner tantrum.
“Oh, Aiden and Tracey it’s so nice to see you. This is Jeremy Bander, Karlie’s boyfriend from LA. He has stopped off to see us on his way to New Orleans.” Mom says sounding so proud.
“Oh, planning on some fun?” Aiden says with a voice laced with sarcasm and dislike.
“No, I am headed there on a business trip. My company is helping in the rebuilding of some of the damaged Katrina areas. We do nonprofit work like that all around the world wherever we are needed.” Jeremy says knowing his credentials would knock the socks off of the country bumpkin Aiden was acting like.
“Well, that’s great. Nice to see you all.” Aiden says and tries to catch eyes with me but I look away and lay my head on Jeremy’s shoulder. Aiden wants to be just friends; well I will treat him that way too.
***
She has a boyfriend. And he’s successful. Great. No wonder she is so mad at me and doesn’t love me like I do her. I live in small town Colvin and own a ranch. This guy has so much more to offer her than I do. Can I blame her?
“Karlie’s boyfriend is quite the looker.” Tracey says as we sit down at the table Norma showed us to. “They seem in love too.”
“Yep. Happy for them.” I lie and bury myself in the all too familiar menu while stewing over seeing her sitting there with her head on another man’s shoulder. That should be my shoulder.
Down to the Creek- Book 1 of the Colvin Series Page 7