“Sorry to have missed hanging with you last night.”
“No problem, I actually enjoyed making a few new friends.” Shannah glanced down at the red stilettos. “Hey, Pretty Woman, this fifty shades of Rachael thing is a bit much. Glance in the backseat, there’s a pair of flip flops on the floorboard.”
“Thanks, my feet are killing me.” Rachael grinned.
They peeled out of the parking lot and raced across town to the nearest mall, which was a little farther away than either of them had anticipated. There were cute dresses, most of them with sleeves on account of it being fall. Rachael helped Shannah choose one in a lime green. On Rachael, the color would’ve looked hideous, but on Shannah it was a startling combination. It made her skin glow and her eyes pop. A pair of strappy sandals set the outfit off and the girls hustled to get out of the mall and make their way back to campus. They didn’t have time for lunch or anything else if Shannah was going to make it all the way to Lake City in time for her date with Wade. At Shannah’s Jeep, back on campus, Rachael closed the door.
“Have fun, be safe. Where are you staying?”
“His mom’s place. She has a guestroom. He has his own place. Then, tomorrow I’ll drive on to my dorm in Tallahassee. Yet, alas- my dorm is just girls.”
“Don’t be so sure. You too could find yourself in this same situation.”
“No, after this ridiculousness I called to double check. Wade wouldn’t handle it as well as Travis is handling it. Honestly, we can’t believe he’s letting you live there.”
“There’s no letting me. I’m doing it. There’s like over a hundred girls in that hall, too. Not just guys.”
“So, you say. I definitely saw more dudes than skirts. Just keeping it real.”
“I know. You better get out of here, it might take you an hour to shave those legs.”
“I know. See ya,” Shannah rolled away, dust from the parking lot kicking up as she went.
Rachael heard the rumble of a diesel engine and thought for sure it must be Travis. She turned to see that it was a large blue Chevrolet she didn’t know or recognize. It had a tow kit and a small trailer with jet skis. The Florida license plate looked vaguely familiar. FLSKI10. She thought back and considered the plate. Visions of a Jeep from her past swept into her mind and immediately she knew who this particular plate was registered to…
Colten!
Rachael whirled on her heel and briskly walked for her hall. She heard a window roll down and her name being called out across the parking lot. She’d recognize the British accent anywhere. It hadn’t changed, but the timbre of his voice had deepened an octave and was sexier than she remembered it being before. She just kept moving. She needed an opportunity to process this run-in with her ex. She didn’t have any feelings there anymore, but she knew it would be awkward and she’d had enough awkward for one week.
Rachael raced up the stairs, fast enough to keep her distance, but slow enough so that it might appear she hadn’t heard nor seen him in the parking lot. She didn’t want to look like she was fleeing, although she truly was fleeing. Running rather. She’d said her peace to Colten on that day over two years ago. She’d forgiven him and told him that she had moved on. What was in the past would stay in the past- or so she hoped.
In the safety of her room she hurried to choose something to wear to the second day of Rush. She wanted to look good, but not like she’d worked at it. It was a day with a bunch of other girls after all. This would be the longest day of the Rush festivities. She’d circulate from house to house, meeting a handful of girls from each. Them assessing if they liked her and vice versa. It seemed like much ado about nothing and that perhaps it could be accomplished in a less formal setting. Who was she to judge?
She didn’t know very much about the entire process aside from what Aunt Margaret had explained. She’d gone to school here and been very active in her sorority as a Chapter President and all that. Before becoming President she’d served as multiple different officers including the Social Chairperson and Panhellenic Liaison. She’d gone over her fun-filled years living in the sorority house in great detail for Rachael and in the end Rachael had wanted to rush, but perhaps forego living in the actual house. Her gut instinct told her there were too many rules in those houses, with the House Mom and all that. Aunt Margaret had described things in detail such as set meal times, kitchen clean up duty, and of course typical rules like no guys beyond the living room and family rooms- and especially back in the bedrooms.
Rachael wore a pale lavender sundress with a wrap and sandals. It was a breezy sunny August day and she could feel the promise of the cooler weather to come. She slowly made her way across campus once more, opting not to move her car. The parking yesterday on Greek Row had been horrendous and she didn’t want to loop for half an hour again in search of a coveted space, only to need to move her car to drive it home again.
“Hey, wait up.”
There it was again. That amazing voice and the gorgeous guy it belonged to. Rachael was reluctant to turn around. She didn’t want to for fear of what she’d find. The gorgeous prep school boy she’d once been convinced that she loved probably didn’t look the same. Was it awful to hope he’d sprouted warts, gained a tremendous amount of weight, and found himself covered in black hair in a gorilla-like fashion? Not that she hated him, because the initial hurt and betrayal she’d felt at him sleeping with one of her best friends, Brittany, had passed. Subsequently, going on to date Brittany after standing Rachael up at her Debutante Ball was also a thing of the past. The most hurtful and deceitful part was his refusal to openly date her in front of his parents. The fact that he’d been embarrassed by her, and that was before her father ended up in prison. Colten was and never would be the standup kind of guy that Travis Baxter was.
“Did you just make me chase you?” A winded Colten caught up to her and was doing his best to match her stride for stride. “I thought we were at least friends.”
“I’m just in a hurry to make it to Greek Row. Maybe another time.” Rachael tried to stare straight ahead, not make eye contact, but it was hard not to notice a few key things.
Colten was taller, by like a foot. He appeared to be well over six feet and perhaps three inches to boot- and every bit of his height was masculine. Long muscled legs, sculpted arms and biceps, same blond wind-blown hair, and extremely tan all over. She pushed the thought of anything further from her mind, cutting her eyes downward to focus on the sidewalk. She searched for suitable conversation, some sort of small talk to hasten this torturous walk and bring it to an end.
“We are friends. How’s your mother?”
“Really, that’s what you’ve got after all this time?” He laughed and smiled at her. “I think we’re in the same building. I knew it had to be your car out there. I heard from Ellery awhile back that you drove a classic Mustang. She said you’d been accepted here. I have to say I never pegged you for a coed dorm kind of girl.”
Note to self: Kill Ellery next time you see her.
“That’s cool.” She realized her response in no way fit the monologue he’d just finished. It didn’t address her car, her building, her choice of dorm, her university acceptance. It was curt and she knew it, but what should she say?
“My parents are good. They divorced. We were the talk of West Palm Beach, but you know how tough that can be.”
Is he looking for sympathy? Does he want my pity?
To avoid looking like a callous B, Rachael acknowledged that last part. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents. That’s not fun for anyone involved. My parents are still married. Dad got out of prison a few months back and things are returning to normal.”
“That’s really great news. I couldn’t be happier for you.” Colten stopped walking and stood facing her, his hands on his hips. The afternoon sun caught the azure depths of his eyes and she knew she should keep walking. He reached his hand out and put it on her shoulder, like they were old buds or pals or something along those lines. “I kn
ow I said it before, but I’m truly sorry for everything and I hope we can be friends again. I’m here now, too, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a friend.”
“Like I said before, no hard feelings. You’ve got a friend in me…” Okay, so that last part was total cheese and she didn’t mean it at all. So what? She was now reduced to childhood song lyrics? It bothered her that he still bothered her.
I guess some hurts run deep and perhaps you never really rid yourself of them.
“Great. I’ll let you run. I know you’re in a hurry.”
The breeze whipped up once more and just like that he was gone. But Rachael had a sinking feeling that it wasn’t for good. Deep down she knew him living in her hall would bring trouble, no matter how hard she tried to avoid him, he was there and would be there around every corner.
And since when did he get a big, awesome truck like that?
Obviously his parents’ divorce hadn’t reduced him to poverty like her family’s hardship had done to her for three years of her life. They’d been in a pit of financial ruin and struggled like hell just to climb out of it.
Now, if only Brittany shows up here- then, that would make things perfect.
Rachael practically stomped her way to the first house. At the door a petite girl wearing a ridiculous bow in her hair greeted her, offering her a cup of ice water with lemon slices bobbing in it. Rachael vaguely remembered this house from yesterday. Her feeling then was that it wasn’t her group of gals and today only further cemented the idea. She quickly moved along and found herself at a house full of girls that looked really mature and could double as hookers. Their skirts were too tight, their high heels all platforms. Rachael searched for the poles and found none, but deep down she knew they must be somewhere. Maybe the family room. She knew Maysie and Shannah would have a field day with this group. Maysie defending them and uttering things like don’t judge a book by its cover, and Shannah arguing that when the cover is out there for all to see, who can help but judge it? Rachael politely exited the way she’d come in.
The third house could only be described as all sports. She felt overwhelmed and overpowered. Perhaps she needed to take up weightlifting or some other form of body building workout. She wasn’t nearly ripped enough for this group. Immediate visions of carrying around her own containers of grilled chicken and enormous bottles of water came to mind.
Nope.
The fourth house looked like real party-girls. Rachael was sure if she asked a couple of the girls to roll up their sleeves she’d find tracks there. In one room the smell of pot was overwhelming and she got the definite feeling she’d need a lot more money and contacts to roll with this group.
No, thank you.
The fifth house was a pleasant mix of just a bunch of girls next door. Not presumptuous, some urban chic and some small-town. Their parking lot had everything from a clunker to a brand-new BMW. Inside, she chatted with a couple of girls that she’d describe as really smart and another two that were just not that bright. From average looking to gorgeous, from fit to curvy. These girls just didn’t fit any single mold- and Rachael immediately felt at home. She didn’t bother going to the other houses on the street- it was either this house or none at all. She stayed as long as possible, visiting with every girl she could and while it was nice she had to admit what she was really doing…
Avoiding Colten and her dorm.
The prospect of moving was becoming more attractive again, and she knew that she need not overreact. She was older now. More mature than she’d been a few short years ago. Was it possible for you to be friends with a guy, even an ex-boyfriend, without the guy-girl thing getting in the way? Rachael didn’t think so. She’d learned that lesson with Ty, who fell in love with her even if to Rachael all they were was friends. And then, yet again with Travis who Rachael had fallen for, hook, line, and sinker. They’d started out as friends, and next thing you knew Rachael wanted to kiss him. She’d found herself fantasizing about him and unable to think of anything or anyone else. And for her, it was still that way. She still wanted Travis and no one else. Maybe that would be the difference.
And who says you have to be besties with your ex?
Not I, said the duck…
“And we hope to see you back here tomorrow.” Rachael heard the outspoken blonde, Leslie, say.
“Absolutely. See you tomorrow,” Rachael walked out, everyone waving goodbye to her as she went.
Her phone rang in her purse and she seized it, seeing it was none other than Maysie.
“Hello.”
“Did you and Travis sleep together?”
Of all the things she expected to hear from Maysie, this was not it. Shannah, the once steel-mouthed fortress of secrets, had blabbed.
“Yep, and I’m expecting.”
“Oh my, I guess that’s good news. I mean it’s a little ahead of schedule and all that, but a baby’s a blessing. Mama has always said that.”
“Really?” Rachael cracked up. “I’m totally pulling your leg. We didn’t sleep together. I stayed over there, but give me a little credit.”
Suddenly, Maysie was sobbing on the other end of the line.
“Maysie, what’s wrong?”
“I had sex with Tristan. I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just did. We were at his place and it happened. I don’t know what to do.”
The news hit Rachael like a ton of bricks. Of all of them, she never thought it would be Maysie first. She was nineteen, a woman grown. She’d be twenty soon. There was nothing wrong with her situation. She and Tristan had already gotten engaged and had plans to marry.
“It’s okay. It is totally okay. You know what? I think it’s great news.”
“It is?” Maysie sniffled.
“Yes, great news. Think about it. You’re getting married.”
“In six months.” Maysie whimpered.
“This changes nothing. Nothing whatsoever. And really- no one needs to know.”
“Really?”
“I wouldn’t tell them. And the way I look at it,” Rachael searched for a Shannah-like thing to say, “Would you buy an expensive horse without riding it first? I certainly wouldn’t. It could buck and be really broncy. You’d buy it and maybe hate that horse. Then, what would you do?”
“Have to sell it?” Maysie said quietly.
“Yep, but you’d already have a lot invested in it.”
“You’re right, but this horse is a keeper. I like this horse and it handles really well.” Maysie giggled.
“Well, that’s the important part. Was it wonderful? Was it amazing?”
“It was all of the above and more. I love that man.”
“Things always work out the way they are supposed to.”
“They do, but what if I’m pregnant?”
“Then, what’s meant to be will be. Push the wedding up. They aren’t going to kill their first grandbaby’s father.”
“You’re right, Rach. Thank you,” Maysie could be heard blowing her nose.
“So, old Shannah spilled the beans about me staying at your brother’s place last night?”
“She did. She was worried sick and then, she texted me and I said he’d flown home early. We figured out where you were. And when you didn’t come home, by morning she was getting worried.”
“Does she know about you and Tristan?”
“Not yet,” Maysie paused, “I’ve always been the level-headed good girl.”
“You still are. This doesn’t make you a bad girl, just a girl in love who moved forward in her relationship a little sooner than she thought she would. I’ve never had the faith you have, but doesn’t God forgive all things? This is no different.”
“You’re right. Poor Tristan felt horribly about it, not during of course.”
Rachael actually roared with laughter. The poor guy was probably caught between fearing for his life right about now and feeling guilty as hell.
“I’ll bet if every woman we know, happily married that is, were totally honest with us- even i
f they married their first partner- only a fraction waited until the actual wedding night. It’s a personal choice. I can’t make that choice for you or for Shannah. Only for myself.” Rachael offered.
“You’re probably right. I’m not my mother and she’s not me. But just to let you know, I wish I could say that you should call me if you have sex with my brother, but don’t. It’s kind of gross. I don’t want to know. Just knowing y’all kiss is a bit over the top for me.”
“No worries. I don’t think he’d want you to know a thing.”
“Probably not.”
Maysie and Rachael talked for hours. About Colten and his sudden arrival at school, the living arrangements, and Rush. Maysie loved every minute of it, but cautioned Rachael to avoid him completely. No friendship with him. He was trouble to hear her tell it. Of course, Rachael already knew as much. A leopard never changes its spots and all that. This leopard was no different from any other.
Chapter Five
A pair of headlights hung in Rachael’s dorm room window around midnight. Rachael sat-up recognizing the sound of the diesel and knowing exactly who was waiting outside. Rachael glanced over at Lucia and saw that the lights hadn’t woke her up. She grabbed her sneakers and opened the window signaling him to dim those high beam halogens. Rachael crept out into the hallway and to the back stairwell. It was well after curfew and she didn’t want to get busted sneaking out. A short walk across the neighboring lawn, through the hedge of the parking lot, and she’d reached his truck. He jumped out and held the door open for her.
“Where are we going?”
“My place. I can’t sleep without you. My mind was racing. I just needed you with me.”
Travis had never come to pick her up in the middle of the night before. Hanging his headlights in her bedroom as a wake-up call in the middle of the night was entirely new and exciting. Rachael slid over and lay her head on his shoulder.
The following morning, Rachael awoke in Travis’s enormous bed, alone and fully clothed in his large t-shirt. She stretched and yawned. She tiptoed her way to the couch and saw he was gone jogging already. He’d left her note.
Cowgirl Coed (Redneck Debutante Series Book 4) Page 4