Jen giggled, “I thought that was more of a southern thing.”
“It’s a country thing,” Zack stated matter of factly. “Deep fried items are a staple, an icon in the society of line-dancing, horse-riding, and cow-wrestling people like us.”
“Ahhh, I see.” Jen feigned a serious interest.
“You don’t believe me; I can see it in your eyes. But if you want to fit in, if you want to get that true Ohioan feel, you are going to need to eat a deep fried item.”
“What if I don’t want to get that true Ohioan feel?”
“If you aren’t here to get a feel for the culture, why are you here?”
“I’m here to spend time with Aunt Gabby.”
“Aunt Gabby’s been here for a long time, and I’ve never seen you around here before now.” Zack looked at her curiously. “When was the last time you saw her?”
Jen bit her lip, Zack was getting nosy again. She decided honesty was best. “I haven’t seen her since I was five.” She looked at Zack to gauge his reaction; he seemed interested so she went on. “I’m not close to any of my family. It’s been my dad and I for as long as I can remember.”
“Your mom?” Zack asked.
Jen weighed her emotions; she wasn’t sure how much of her personal life she wanted to share with this man. In all reality, she barely knew him. And yet, she felt comfortable sharing things with him. “My mom split when I was four, and my dad isn’t close to any of his siblings.”
“I’m sorry,” Zack seemed genuine. “Did your dad ever remarry?”
“Oh yes,” Jen’s voice was laced with sarcasm and disdain, “Five times was I blessed with a new stepmother.”
“Oh wow,” Zack said, “lucky you.”
“Yeah,” Jen said sarcastically.
“Grandparents?” Zack continued, breaking the awkwardness.
“All deceased,” she thought a moment, “at least, I think so.”
“You think so?” Zack was incredulous. “You don’t know for sure?”
“I told you, my mom left. I don’t know her parents. My dad’s parents have passed away. Aunt Gabby is the only sibling my dad has ever talked about.”
“You should check up on the grandparent situation,” Zack insisted through a mouthful of popcorn. “Everyone needs grandparents.”
Jen smiled, “What you don’t know…” She shrugged.
Zack nodded, “Family’s important, even if you don’t want to think so.”
“What about you?” It was time for her to ask the questions.
“My dad died in a tractor accident when I was eleven. Annie was only seven so she doesn’t remember him as well. My mom passed away almost five years ago; breast cancer.”
“I’m so sorry,” Jen said honestly. She couldn’t imagine losing both parents.
“Thanks,” Zack smiled at her. “Aunt Gabby has been a great comfort. She was close to my mom. They were really good friends, like sisters, which is why we started calling her Aunt Gabby. After so many years, the name stuck.”
“She’s a special person,” Jen said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her. She’s treated me so well.”
“So what made you just up and decide to visit her for the entire summer?”
Jen thought she detected a hint of suspicion in his tone, but more than that, she wondered why he was asking such a question when Aunt Gabby needed people right now. Then the thought struck her – Maybe he didn’t know Aunt Gabby was sick! Jen dismissed it the second she thought it. He would have to know. There is no way she could keep that from him. Maybe he didn’t say anything because she didn’t like people talking about it. Maybe Zack was testing her; seeing how much she knew? Jen looked at Zack, he returned her gaze, waiting for her answer.
“Like you said, family’s important. And since Aunt Gabby was really the only family member my dad talked about I thought I would take the summer and really get to know her. My job is at a place that I was able to get away,” she shrugged. “It was the right time.”
Zack listened intently, nodding at the appropriate times. He seemed truly interested. “So you just wanted to get to know her? No material reasons? No thought of gain?”
Jen turned towards him. “What do you mean by that?” she asked defensively. Her heart began to beat faster.
Zack shrugged, “I don’t know, I just think it’s really great of you to take time out of your busy life to spend your summer with your seventy-five year old half-aunt.”
Jen couldn’t ignore it anymore. Zack was definitely fishing. She realized he was acting suspicious of her, but why? There was no way he could know that she was gaining a promotion and salary increase by coming out here. That conversation was between her and her dad only. No one at the office knew. No one. The complexity of Zack’s character was evident, and the more time Jen spent with him the more she realized that he was not ignorant; he was smart. And although he seemed to play the ‘flirty country boy’ role, there was more to him than met the eye. Jen had a sixth sense about people. She could usually tell when they were lying or just not saying what they were actually thinking. Zack clearly had questions that he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, ask straight out. But what was it? What was he suspecting her of?
Jen suddenly felt self-protective and decided to cut the crap. If he had a question he should ask it. “Is there something you want to ask me?” she asked, her lawyer face on.
Zack faced her, “Why do you ask that?”
“Because you seem to be thinking more than you’re saying. You’re fishing for something and I’m not a mind reader, so let’s hear it.” She folded her arms and waited.
His dark eyes seemed to get darker as he looked straight at her. A few uncomfortable seconds went by. Finally, he broke the silence.
“I’m not fishing,” he began slowly as he started walking again, “I’m just trying to understand you better. There aren’t very many people that go out of their way for the elderly in this world; I actually admire you for it.” Even though he tried to sound sincere, it didn’t work, and Jen caught the cynicism in his voice.
Jen didn’t follow him, “Are you one of those people? Those who go out of their way for the elderly? You seem to go out of your way for Aunt Gabby.” The sarcasm dripped from her voice.
“Yeah, I guess I admire myself for it as well,” Zack turned and shot back.
“I’m glad to see that you are so pleased with how you turned out.” Jen put a hand over her heart in mock admiration.
“Look, I’ll admit I’m not perfect, but I think I’m a pretty decent person. I do things for Aunt Gabby because I truly do love her; she is practically the only family I have left. I understand you aren’t used to sharing things, being the only child of a big Lawyer in New York City.” He raised his hands and used his fingers to ‘quote’ the words Lawyer and New York City, and Jen held back the urge to slap him. Instead, she held up her hand to stop him from going any further. She was trying to compose herself. “Do NOT talk about my family, I’m warning you,” she said, feeling her anger rising.
“So you can judge me and what I do but I can’t do the same? Seems unfair.” Zack immediately had his guard up.
“News flash! Life is unfair.” Jen raised her eyebrows and stared straight into Zack’s eyes.
In an instant Zack turned and grabbed Jen’s left arm above the elbow. His grip was strong, “Do not lecture me about life and its unfairness Miss Berkley. Don’t do it.”
His eyes had a sad, far away look and Jen felt a pang of regret in her heart. They stood there, breathing heavily. Words escaped Jen as she almost felt the deep sorrow he was telling with his eyes. What had happened to him?
“I’m sorry about your mother,” Jen whispered, finally breaking the silence.
Zack blinked and loosened his grip on her arm. Suddenly returning from the mental place he had been, he let out a large sigh as if defeated, and then turned and began walking away from her.
Jen was reeling. She couldn’t let him just walk away.
&nbs
p; “I appreciate what you do for Aunt Gabby,” she mustered, calling after him. He stopped and turned half-way, putting his hands on his hips and kicking at something in the grass.
“I don’t need your appreciation; I don’t do it for you. I do it for her.” Zack abruptly began walking back toward her. “And let me tell you something that you don’t seem to understand.” He was inches from her face now. “The Aunt Gabby you know is not the Aunt Gabby I know,” his voice deep and low. “The Aunt Gabby I know is the woman who took me to my little league games. The woman who taught me how to take care of rose plants when I was twelve. Who fed me and Annie lunch every day through the summers because my mother worked full-time. She was one of the chaperones at my junior high school dance.”
Jen was backing up. “I appreciate that she has been there throughout your life, but she is still my aunt. My blood aunt. And I…”
Zack was suddenly furious and cut Jen off. “I have spent every holiday, every birthday and every special event with her since I was eight. She was there for both Annie and I when my mother died. She’s taken care of us with no thought for herself.” Zack’s intensity was growing with each sentence. “I know that you think you can just swoop in here after twenty years of absence and win her heart. So she’ll love you like you’ve been around since you were a little girl. Because that’s what your daddy has told you. You’re used to people falling all over you and getting your way. But I’m here to tell you that whatever you want from Aunt Gabby, you won’t get it.”
Jen was blown away, “What is it that you think I want from her?” She had to force a whisper and she felt weak.
Zack just shook his head, “I won’t let her get hurt.”
“Wait a minute.” Jen’s strength suddenly returned. “I would NEVER hurt Aunt Gabby,” her tone was fierce. “She’s my aunt and if you think you love her more than...”
“Oh I don’t think I love her more than you do Jen,” Zack interrupted her again; “I know I do.”
They stood there, glaring at the fire in each other’s eyes. The intensity between them was fierce. She saw his eyes flicker toward her lips for a split second, and then back to her eyes. Then he turned and began walking away.
Heart pumping and thoroughly confused, Jen couldn’t let him have the last word. “Blood is thicker than water, Zachery!”
He turned, “And love is thicker than blood.”
Jen fumbled for some witty comeback but nothing came. Zack walked away and left Jen with her thoughts. Bewilderment wracked her brain. What the hell had just happened?! They had gone from politely laughing and having a great time, to bitter and frustrated, again! She stormed off in the direction of the beer booth. She needed a drink and that was the closest thing available.
While she made her way back to the fairgrounds her mind replayed her conversation with Zack. She couldn’t believe she was arguing with him over who loved Aunt Gabby more! That was ridiculous! This wasn’t kindergarten. And what the hell did he mean when he said I won’t let her get hurt? Jen wouldn’t hurt Aunt Gabby in a million years. She reached the booth, bought a cup of beer, and then found a spot under a tree to sit and think. Jen had never experienced encounters like the ones she’d had with Zack. They had known each other only a few weeks. But in that time, they had had many strange incidences: She threatened to stab him. He had insulted her numerous times. They were enemies, and then became friends and then were enemies again. They had flirted and yelled. Laughed and scowled. Joked around and had one serious fight. Damn, it was like she was in a relationship with none of the perks! She had already had so many ups and downs with Zack LaFaye she wondered how much more could happen between them. If their ‘encounters’ were going to be a reoccurring theme throughout the rest of the summer, she wasn’t sure she could take it.
Chapter 10
The next evening Jen was in her room standing in front of a full length mirror. Her outfit was one she would never have picked for herself. She easily could have worn one of her own dresses to the dance, but her only white one had been ruined at the cow branding; Jen shook her head angrily at the memory. Annie had once again insisted on dressing her for the occasion. The dress was white with a lacy overlay; a brown braided belt hugged her waist. A short denim jacket complimented the look, and brown cowboy boots gave it just the right finishing touch. She had to admit, Annie had done well, the outfit looked good on her. Even Jen’s hair, which she almost always wore straight, was now in curls and the look was beginning to grow on her. Annie would be there any minute to pick her up. Aunt Gabby claimed she was too tired to go to a dance tonight after having such a full day at the fair yesterday. Jen had firmly declared she would stay home with her, but Aunt Gabby wouldn’t hear of it.
“You’re ride is here!” Aunt Gabby called up the stairs.
“I’ll be right down!” she called back. It amazed her how stuck in time this place was. Two months ago Jen would never have dreamed she’d be going to a country dance, in this outfit, waiting to be picked up in a truck by her girlfriend. It made her feel like she was ten years younger. With a dab of lip gloss and one final twirl, she was off. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, “Alright Annie, are you ready to teach me some country…” her voice trailed off as her eyes fell upon Zack standing there instead. At least, she thought it was Zack! She drew her breath in and had to fight hard to not gasp. His navy blue cowboy jeans were complimented by clean, black boots; a solid black, button-up shirt was tucked in at the waist, and the sleeves were rolled to the elbow, showing off his tan forearms. But most shocking was his face, his rugged cowboy look had vanished. His hair was combed and the fast growing, unruly beard had been shaved, leaving only a very nicely trimmed goatee. If Jen hadn’t felt fifteen before, she definitely did now.
“I, uh,” she blinked, “I wasn’t expecting…”
“Annie got wrapped up in something so I offered to pick you up,” Zack explained.
“I see,” was all Jen could get out.
“I hope that’s alright with you.”
“Just fine. Good bye Aunt Gabby,” Jen waved as she turned to walk out the door.
“You kids have fun!” she called back.
Zack followed Jen out to the truck and paused before opening the passenger door. “Listen Jen,” he started, “I’m really sorry about yesterday.”
“You know you apologize a lot; you do realize that.” Jen wasn’t in the mood for apologies.
A small smile crossed his lips, “Yes, well uh, I tend to say things the moment they come into my head without thinking them through, and it gets me into trouble sometimes.”
He took a step closer, his fingers fiddling with the rim of a black cowboy hat he had just put on. Jen tried to just focus on her breathing, until she smelled his cologne, and then decided breathing was a bad idea. He smelled amazing.
“I would love for you to have a good time tonight,” he continued.” I don’t want you to worry about me saying something rude, or you feeling like you’re being attacked because that isn’t my intention.”
“Well, maybe you needed to think about that yesterday,” Jen stated, “because I felt attacked.”
“Again, I’m really sorry.” His dark eyes searched hers and she could see that he was being sincere. “Aunt Gabby is the closest thing to a mother I have left. With how close you are to your father, I’m sure you can understand my wanting only the best for her.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “And I’m being serious when I tell you I want the same for you.”
Jen’s heart skipped a beat, and then it melted a little. Damn this man and his charm! She just knew it was trouble.
“I understand,” she said, clearing her throat and trying to come up with something that sounded coherent. “And I accept your apology. I just hope you know that I’m not trying to take anything away from your life here, I just want to try and build a little one of my own.”
The minute it came out she regretted it. It was a lie; she didn’t want to stay there; didn’t want to build
any kind of a life there. She was there for the summer only, period. As much as she loved Aunt Gabby and the charm and easy pace of Ohio, she could never live there. But it was too late; she had said it and she couldn’t take it back. Zack seemed to accept her feelings and opened the door for her. Then he made his way to the driver’s side.
Once the truck was started he turned to her before putting it in gear, “You look gorgeous, by the way.” He smiled at her and her heart skipped another beat. ‘You too,’ she wanted to say, but all that came out was a whispered, “Thank you.”
Annie was the first to greet them when they arrived at the pavilion. The dance was in full swing and the place looked beautiful. Lights were hung, canopy style along the pavilion ceiling. Lanterns hung around the outside giving the place a rustic charm. A small band was situated in the corner, and the guitars and banjos played a slow country melody that filled the evening air. It looks like a scene from a movie! Jen thought.
Love is Thicker Than Blood (Country Romance Series) Page 6