“Excuse me.” I cannot believe I did that.
“No, excuse me. That was incredible! I have never seen a girl, well, woman…hell anyone for that matter, down a beer like that. Quite impressive Dolly.”
“Uhh, thanks? But I’m pretty sure you would never catch Dolly pulling that stunt in a bar.”
“Nah, probably not. Guess I’ll have to find a new name for you.” He smiles and I shake my head. “You ready?” He reaches out his hand and without hesitation I grab it and hop off the barstool.
He shouts goodbye to Jonathan and I follow suit as we head out the back door of the bar. Leading me towards the employee parking area, we approach a blacked out Chevy Silverado with and extended cab. The chrome rims shined even in the darkness and the windows were tinted like a limo.
“Nice truck, did you just get it?” I ask.
“No, why do you say that?”
“I don’t know it just looks too clean to have ever been driven.”
“Nah, she’s been driven plenty. I just like to take care of her and take her to the car wash weekly. I take pride in my property.” He looks over at me, and I get the odd feeling that it had a deeper meaning.
“That’s a good thing I suppose. My boyf…”I catch myself quickly. “Ex-boyfriend’s truck never looked this clean. I’m just not used to it.”
He shakes his head and opens the passenger door for me. Preston’s truck was on stock tires, so I wouldn’t need the extra boost I was accustomed to with Austin’s. Not to mention, Austin’s truck was never clean, constantly sporting a thick coat of mud and dirt from being out on the roads back home. Come to think of it, I hardly remember what color it is.
The inside of this beauty is no exception. It looks as though it was just driven off the lot after being detailed to the max. The dash has a wiped down sheen appearance and there is not a piece of trash in sight. Not even an empty straw wrapper or receipt. Nothing! It was immaculate.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding about your property were you?” I look over at him as he climbs in.
“Not in the slightest.” He does that wink and smile thing again that has my head swooning. “It’s about fifteen minutes away, any music requests? Passenger always gets to DJ in my truck. Here’s the auxiliary cord if you want to plug in your phone.” He hands me the cord and I plug it into the headphone jack on the top of my phone.
“Sweet. Let’s see what I have here…” I think it over for a second scrolling through my songs deciding what to play. I have a lot of country on here, but it’s not the only thing I listen to. I decide to play something mutual that almost everyone likes just in case he hates country, I don’t want to scare him away. Not yet anyway.
The beat begins and I see him nod in approval, which makes me smile.
“Phoenix, one of my favorites. I saw them live at the House of Blues in Orlando earlier this year.”
“No kidding! I was there too. Cheyenne and I went for a girl’s weekend. What a great show they put on.” We had a blast that night. I wonder how I would have reacted to Preston that night if we had met. That was the first time Cheyenne got me to go out, post break up.
“Definitely. I love a band that sounds just as good live as they do recorded.”
“Me too, I think that’s why I love country music so much. Other than the fact that it’s in my blood and was basically all we listened to growing up. There are no tricks with the recordings or sound machines, it’s all simple and pure.”
“Yeah, there’s really nothing better than watching George Strait perform live and sound just as perfect as he did ten years ago.” WHAT! He does like country. And not just current country, he enjoys “real” country, as my dad would call it.
“You saw George Strait live? Oh, I’m so jealous! He is one of my all-time favorites!”
“He’s the best. Aside from Garth Brooks, who is a close second.” Someone sure is full of nice surprises.
“Man, I did not have you pegged for a country fan, that’s for sure.”
“There’s probably a lot of things about me that would surprise you.” His tone is a little more serious with this statement but I choose to ignore it and try to pry more out of him.
“So what degree has you taking MAC2233?” I figure school was a safe subject to start with. Plus you can learn a lot about someone by their academic interests.
“Currently, I’m studying business with a minor in accounting. I plan to pursue my MBA. You?” he asks.
“I would like to become a veterinarian. Large animals are my passion, growing up with horses and all, but I do love the small ones too.”
“Very nice, I think that suits you well.” He smiles but keeps his eyes on the road as if in deep thought.
We cruise to my playlist on shuffle and he surprises me a few times knowing the words to more country than I expected. His pretty boy status is beginning to fade. I think there is another side to him that I am just starting to unveil, and I like it.
Preston starts asking me questions about myself and my life back home. I oblige and begin to talk about the ranch.
“Ugh, okay, I have just talked nonstop for the last ten minutes. Your turn, tell me something about you.” I had just given Preston the short version of why I didn’t start out at State originally. Leaving out the obvious details of Austin of course.
The smile began to fade from his face, but quickly returned as we approached a dimly lit parking lot in front of a small diner with a hot pink sign.
“Ahhh, looks like we can save my life story for another time. We have arrived at our destination.” He put the truck in park and hopped out to open my door.
We made our way inside and sat down in a booth. With our menus in hand there was not much conversation for a few moments. A middle-aged woman with a northern accent made her way over and wrote down our drink order. Within minutes she was back with a large sweet tea, for me of course, and an unsweet tea for him.
“Gross, I don’t know how you drink that without sugar. It just doesn’t even seem right.” I cringe just thinking about the bitter taste.
“It’s kind of what I’m used to, what I grew up with. My dad is a diabetic, so he always made it without sugar and we just kind of got used to it.”
“We, huh? So how many siblings do you have?”
“None, actually. Just referring to my mom and me. But, you said earlier you had a brother and sister, right?” Good to know he was paying attention to my rambling in the truck.
“Yes, Ben is twenty-seven and Martha is eighteen.” I replied.
“Awesome. So you’re the middle child, huh?” he asks.
“Sure am.” I smile back.
Our server makes her way back over and we recite our orders as she scribbles them in short hand on a notepad. Thanking us, she grabs our menus and walks into the kitchen.
The conversation carries forward and we discuss a little more about each other’s family. I do most of the talking, explaining in more detail about life on the ranch and the struggles with my father’s injury. He talks a little about his family, but not as much as I would like to hear. He somehow managed to keep me talking even after our food came. He ate slowly, and watched me devour the mushroom burger and fries. After we finished, he paid, but I had to threaten him with walking home if he wouldn’t let me leave the tip.
We climbed back into his truck and began the drive back to town. This time, there is not much conversation. I plugged in his phone and put it on shuffle. The wide range of genres surprised me, most of which I wasn’t truly a fan of, but a good majority were some of my favorites. Every so often he would catch me glancing at him or vice versa. There is a heat that burns at a constant when I am near him and it kind of scares me a little.
His truck comes to a stop outside of my apartment and he insists on walking me to the door. We go up the flight of stairs and stop at 2D.
“Well, this is me. Thanks for dinner. Next time is on me, though.” I say, turning to face Preston.
“Oh, so there’s hope for a
next time. Good to know.” Preston says as he takes a step closer to me.
“Guess that depends on if you call me.” I shoot back, my heart beating faster with every step he takes.
His voice is lower this time and almost primal. “Oh, I will definitely be calling.” He starts to lean down towards me slowly making his way into my personal space. His lips are nearing mine and then they slip past my cheek as he embraces me in a warm hug and says, “Goodnight Sawyer, I had a great time.”
My arms went up with a magnetic pull and embraced him back as chills rushed my body from his warm breath in my ear. He pulled away and turned without another word.
“Goodnight Preston” My voice almost a whisper I fumbled for the door handle still taken back by the affect he has on me.
Thankfully, both girls are in their rooms. I am able to slip away into mine without having to discuss the fire that is flowing through my veins causing a rush of thoughts. This seems crazy. I feel crazy. Am I crazy? I just met this guy and I already feel like I could love him. I don’t love him, that’s silly. But I am completely and irrevocably attracted to him and feel so comfortable when I am near him.
It’s just been so long since I have felt this way. I mean, since Austin, I have had plenty of men try to pick me up and buy me drinks. Ask me out, I mean, try really hard. But it was all superficial, nothing like this feeling. He seems mature, and very sure about what he wants. And currently he seems to want me. I think I am really starting to like this town.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Whoa!” I whisper out loud into the early morning air as I flip over onto my back to stretch. With dreams like that, how will I ever get my mind off this guy? It’s almost ten in the morning, but considering the week I’ve had, there’s no guilt to me sleeping in a little.
The warmth of the shower, as I stood under water for nearly half an hour, has helped to clear my head a bit. Finally relaxed, I can figure out what to do with my day off. I’m seriously considering just lounging around being entertained by mindless TV. Heck, I might even go for a jog or sweat to the oldies with Richard.
BZZZZZ. Clunk!
My phone must have vibrated right off the sink and landed into the trashcan. Awesome. Turning off the shower and wrapping up in my towel, I reach into the thankfully empty can and pick up my phone. I put it my code and warmth washes over me as I read the message.
PrettyBoy: Got any plans today Gretchen?
Gretchen?! Oh great! Well I suppose I brought that one upon myself acting like a real redneck woman chugging the beer last night.
Depends…what did you have in mind, pretty boy?
PrettyBoy: A few buddies of mine are playing in a baseball tournament today and I thought we could head out there and watch them play. You like baseball?
I loved baseball! My brother played all through school and my dad is a huge Braves fan. Naturally, I just grew up to love everything about it; the smell of the field, the peanuts, the traditions, superstitions. It was all amazing.
So much for my day off, but I was not going to say no to baseball! Or was it that I didn’t want to say no to Preston?
Yeah, of course. Sounds fun…what time should I be ready? Want me to meet you there?
PrettyBoy: Nah, I’m already on my way to your house, be ready in 15!
What! How did he know I would say yes?! He is lucky I already showered and can manage to pull it together faster than a cowboy ropes a calf.
Confident I see. Lucky for you, I’m the fastest girl in the south.
Instant regret, hurry spaz, recoup quickly!!
OMG that came out all wrong. I just meant, I can get ready quick. ;)
PrettyBoy: lol see you in 15 : )
Yikes! I should just cancel now. Really, ‘fastest girl in the south’? I might as well of told him I would give him a blow job on the way. HOT MESS!
With khaki capris, navy tank and gray chucks, I quickly braid a fishtail in my hair and apply a thin layer of makeup. I rummage through my desk looking for my sunglasses but have no luck. Remembering they are in my car, I jog through the house, swing open the front door and slam smack dab into Preston’s chest.
“Holy crow! You scared the jeepers out of me!”
“Sawyer, we have to stop meeting like this before one of us gets hurt.” I let out a giggle and his smile grew wide.
“Very funny, I was just on my way down to my car to find my sunglasses. Let me grab my purse and we can get them on the way to your truck.” I say.
“Well you may not need them, it seems a little overcast, with a slight chance of rain. You have a light jacket you can bring?”
“Yeah, I’ll be right back.” I hustled into my room, grabbed my jacket, purse and phone and headed back toward the front door. Preston stood outside the apartment sporting a cheesy grin.
“Something funny?” I ask.
“Not funny, just cute. You look adorable. All set?”
I just smiled back and continued towards the door. With one more glance into my purse to make sure I had everything, I gave a nod and replied. “All set.”
We jumped into his truck, and I connected my phone to the auxiliary, as we made our way to the field. I wasn’t sure exactly where that was, but it didn’t matter how long it would take to get there. I was enjoying the time we spent getting to know each other.
After about twenty minutes or so, we arrived at the park. There were a handful of fields spread out around a central building that held the concession area. Kids were running around with their friends, while the mom’s and wives watched their men. It reminded me of being home with my family at the park and made me really miss them.
“Why the sad look?” Preston asked.
“Oh..uh, nothing. This is great. Thanks for bringing me. It just reminds me of home and spending time with my family at the baseball park growing up.” I shrugged it off and threw on the biggest smile. I was happy to be here, especially with him.
“You miss them, huh?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe.” I replied.
“It’ll get easier.” He tucked a fly away hair behind my ear and gave me a sweet smile. “Now, you ready for a beer?” he asked.
“Dang son, it’s not even noon!” The surprise was evident in my voice.
“Sweetheart, its Saturday. Drinking begins once the dew dries in the outfield. Which, by the looks of it, means we are a little behind schedule.”
You know what? He’s right. It is Saturday and I have the weekend off to have fun and escape the stress of school. “Well, then I guess we better get in line. Plus, the first rounds on me, sweetheart.”
“That won’t be-” Preston starts to argue.
“Oh no! Fair is fair, you bought me a drink and dinner last night. At least let me buy your first beer and hot dog.” I was not going to no for an answer. With an innocent look and my famous pouty sad lip, I also threw in, “pleasssse”; which got him, hook line and sinker.
“Fine, but only cause of that pity party performance. Now that I am aware of it, it may not work again.” He tried not to smile, but the dimple doesn’t lie.
“I seriously doubt that.”
“Yeah, me too.” He winked, put his arm over my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug. My hand naturally wrapped itself around his back as we walked toward the line.
“Hi there! Two Bud Lights and two dogs please.” I handed the young girl my cash and pulled two coozies out of my purse for the beer, while we waited for the hotdogs.
“Did you really just pull coozies out of your purse?” he asked, with a sideways expression.
“Absolutely! Where I come from, we party in the woods and you never want to be unprepared for a cold beer.” I held the coozie out towards him and he slipped it on the can.
“I suppose this is true.” He tips his beer towards mine and we tap them together. “Here’s to the day.”
“Cheers” I reply with a smile and a wink.
The young girl hands us our hotdogs and we head over to dress them up and find the fie
ld where his friends are playing. We ate our food and sipped the cold beer, thanks to my coozies, while watching the boys. This is supposed to be an all-day event, although I don’t know how long the rain will hold out.
Three hours, five beers, and two hotdogs later, it was easy to say I was feeling a bit tipsy. I noticed Preston had slowed down on the beers and switched to water. He must have realized the rain was coming quick and we would be driving soon.
“Sexy and responsible.” Oh god, it just slipped. Damn light weight!
“What was that?” The look on his face displayed true question so I was pretty sure he did not hear me.
“Uhh, nothing. Looks like it’s going to rain soon.” Not a second after the last word left my lips, the sky opened and the rain came crashing down. I squealed like a girl and Preston grabbed my hand and led me to the covered area by the concession.
“Well, let’s make a run for it!” I yelled over the rain, pulling my jacket over my head.
“Really? You’re going to get soaked.” Preston says as he wipes the water droplets from his face.
“I don’t mind. It beats just standing under here with a million other people thinking the same thing. Plus, it will be fun! How often do you play in the rain?” I tightened my hood and tucked my purse under my jacket.
His eyes lit up with excitement and he grabbed my hand. “You know Sawyer, they just don’t make them like you anymore.” With that said, he took off with me in tow and we sprinted out into the downfall toward his truck. He opened my door and hoisted me gently up into my seat and he raced around to the driver’s side to jump in.
Out of breath and laughing, he looked right at me and said, “I mean it, I’ve never met anyone quite like you.”
“Yeah, well, I could say the same about you.” I replied.
“Must be because I’m sexy and responsible.” he looked over and straightened in his seat with pride.
“Oh rats! You did hear me!” I covered my face in my hands and shook my head for a second. Then the laughter erupted once again. Both of us were soaking wet from head to toe and I was buzzing pretty good. I didn’t want the day to be over.
Picking up the Pieces Page 6