by Casey Peeler
“Hey, girl! Ridge wants me to go to the Phillips’ farm. You up for it?” Taking a cleansing breath, I look at her, and she already knows what I’m thinking. “I swear, Rae. I won’t leave you with him all night. I pinky promise!” she practically begs.
“Fine, but I swear, if you disappear for more than thirty seconds, I’m out!”
“Yes, Mama.” She giggles.
We walk to the cafeteria and get in line. This is the best meal all week— school pizza! While Jordyn talks about her attire for tonight, all I think about is helping Grandaddy this afternoon, even if he told me I don’t have to.
“I think I’m going to help Grandaddy and Cole this afternoon. I know they both wanna go to the game, and it will be faster if I help, too.”
“Seriously? Why are you so damn responsible? I mean, you make it hard for girls like me to function in this town.”
I twist my head toward her in confusion. “Huh?”
“Rae, you don’t realize how much people look at you. You are the all-American Southern Belle, minus the blonde hair. You are smart, great looking, and a hard worker, no matter if it’s on the farm, school, field, or whatever. The fact that you almost seem out of reach by guys doesn’t help either. I swear, why won’t you go out with Jace? He’s hot, and he’s been begging for, what, like three years now?”
I stop mid-stride as she finishes her sentences. I’m speechless. I’m not that girl she’s talking about. Yeah, I might look like I have it all together, but I do what has to be done in life. I will not let down my Grandaddy. He’s all I have left in this world.
“Jordyn, that’s so not true. I’m far from that. You know an all-American girl has both parents to make an all-American family, and I don’t.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean, at some point, you’ve got to have some fun. Ya know, hook up with a guy, go out on a date, and live a little besides a few beers every now and then.”
“I just can’t, and besides, Jace isn’t the guy for me.”
We make our way to the table. Ridge, Jace, and a few other football players are sitting together and waiting for us. Jordyn snickers as we walk over, but when my eyes land on the new guy sitting there, I can’t do anything but stare.
His aqua eyes look up from his plate and meet mine. Ohmygosh, it’s Emmett Bridges. When did he move back to Pleasant Hill? A smile widens across my face, and I’m glad he’s back. He used to love to kiss us girls on the playground when we were growing up, and that’s one thing I’ve never forgotten. What I wouldn’t give to be pinned up on that playground with him right now. He’s hot, but what I remember most is when my parents passed away, he brought me a stuffed bunny that looked like Thumper, our class pet. That was the day I realized everything would be okay, because I knew people cared about me. A grin escapes my lips, and he does the same.
Jordyn and I make our way to the table and park our trays between Ridge and Jace, like we are expected to do. Jace wastes no time introducing us to Emmett. I think he’s pretty clueless to assume we don’t recognize Emmett.
“Hey, Emmett, long time no see,” I say sweetly.
“How are you, Raegan?” he asks with tenderness in his voice.
“Really good. How ’bout you?”
“I’m better, now,” he replies. I can’t help but wonder exactly what he means by that.
Jordyn and I finish our food quickly before she asks the question I already knew was coming, and of course, it has to be in front of Jace.
“Rae, did you decide what you’re going to do after school?” Jordyn questions, and for some reason, I think she’s up to something.
After nodding, I fill her in, “I’m gonna help Grandaddy and Cole. I’ll just meet you at your house before the game. That okay?”
“Really, Raegan? You’re gonna go work on the farm before the biggest county game of the season?” Jace asks with anger in his tone.
“I hate to tell ya, Jace, but the world doesn’t revolve around football. Some people have to work hard for a livin’.”
With little else said, Jace makes his way outside. I swear, I don’t understand him. I’ve told him time and time again I’m not interested.
“So, Emmett, have you seen Cole yet?” I question.
“He’s supposed to pick me up today. My truck is in the shop. We’re goin’ to the game tonight.”
As the bell rings, I stand to throw away my trash. “Ya know, I can just take ya if you want. It will save him a little time, and he might get done on the farm earlier.”
“Are you sure? I mean, Jace might kick my ass.” He smirks.
“No worries about Jace. We’re not together.” Why did I just say that out loud? I’m sure he couldn’t care less.
“Where should I meet ya?” He says with a smirk
“I’ll be out by my truck after the second bell. It’s a white Chevy Silverado with my intials in pink on the back window.” I say as I make my way down the hall to third block.
Emmett
After class, I meet Jace in the cafeteria. I swear, school cafeterias are always the same. You have the nerds, outsiders, and popular students all separated. Once I grab my tray of food, I take a seat across from Jace. He’s rambling on and on about the game. It sucks not to be playing, but I guess that’s my fault. That’s when I glance up mid-bite and see her talking to Jordyn. Her chocolate brown hair is pulled back so that her eyes attack you with their sharpness, but she looks upset. Wonder what’s wrong? I try to ignore her, but I can’t.
“Emmett, man, what the hell’s wrong with you?” Jace asks with attitude. Then, he looks over his shoulder and sees her. “Don’t even think about it.”
“She’s grown up… a lot,” I say, and Jace smirks.
“Yeah, she has,” he replies, trying to imply other things, but I know better. That’s not the Raegan I knew.
As she makes her way to our table, I ignore her and wait for Jace to introduce us to boost his ego a little more. He introduces me like I’m the new kid on the block, but I’m not. She realizes what Jace is doing and lets him know that she knows exactly who I am, and that feels damn good to know.
While I finish my lunch, Jace gives Raegan a hard time about working on the farm. He just doesn’t get it, but I guess he wouldn’t, considering he hasn’t had to work hard a day in his life. He doesn’t deserve her, and it’s obvious. That’s when Raegan does the unthinkable. She gives me a means to get close to her by way of Cole. She offers to let me ride with her to the farm, and there is no way in hell I’m not.
Chapter 2
Raegan
“Girl! What the heck? Jace is gonna be spittin’ fire this afternoon!” Jordyn exclaims when I take my seat in English beside her.
“Really, J? I’m just taking him to Cole.”
“Yeah, you keep tellin’ yourself that. I saw the way you looked at him, and believe me, he noticed you long before you saw him.”
“Whatever,” I say as I grab my notebook and pencil.
I spend third block listening to a lot of rambling about Shakespeare and learning some stupid memory pegs. I bet I will be doing them in my sleep tonight. My last class is chorus, and it’s my favorite part of the day. It doesn’t take effort, and it's an escape from reality.
When the bell rings for the end of the day, I hurry to my locker and stare into it, lost in thoughts of Emmett waiting for me. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I turn and am greeted by Jace.
“Hey! Sorry, I’ve gotta go. I’ll see ya tonight,” I say leaving him standing alone. It’s not that he’s a bad guy; he’s just not for me. Who am I kidding? He’s the biggest player in school. I want someone that gets me, not what everyone thinks they know about me. I don’t wanna be the cheerleader that dates the quarterback. I want to be the girl that meets a guy that loves me for my brains and beauty.
As I walk to my truck, I see Emmett propped up against it, waiting for me.
“Dang, you’re fast,” I say as I make my way to the driver’s seat.
“Well,
it looked like you were busy in there,” he says as he pushes off my truck.
“He just doesn’t get it, no matter how much I tell him, but don’t say I said that.”
He laughs. “Why not, if you’ve already told him?”
“Um, how long have you known Jace?”
“A long time,” he adds.
“He always gets what he wants. The only reason he’s still trying to talk to me is because I won’t go out with him. I just don’t have time for that. My grandaddy needs me too much right now.”
Emmett looks at me quizzically. “What do you mean? He has Cole.”
“True, but Cole doesn’t live there. I’ve always been there to help. The work doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. I help with the housework, cooking, and I’m his secretary, too.”
“How do you balance it all?”
“It’s pretty much all I’ve ever done. I don’t know any different. So, when did you get into town?”
“Late last night.”
“Oh, are you glad to be back?” I ask, trying to change the subject from me.
“Kinda. My stepmom is a bitch. I swear, once Dad started dating her, I knew I needed to move back in with Mom. She and George have been married for a while, and I like him. He treats her better than my dad ever did.”
“That’s so sweet. How is it with Cole as a brother?”
“It’s okay. He’s older than me, but it’s good to have him around. I just can’t believe that he still lives at home. That’s enough about me. What’ve you been up to, besides the farm?”
“You know you’d live at home too if you had it made like him. Plus, I think he has no reason to leave, ya know?” Emmett nods in agreement as I think for a few seconds. “Not much more than what I said earlier. Besides school and workin’ on the farm, that’s about it. I have been known to throw down a little at a field party or two.” I wink.
“So, does that mean you’re goin’ tonight?”
“Thanks to Jordyn, yes.” I say a little irritated.
“Well, I’m glad,” he says as he opens the truck door, and I see Cole and Grandaddy making their way to us.
Straightening my skirt, I grab my backpack and start to walk inside the house to change and work when Grandaddy stops me.
“Raegan, whatcha doin’ home? I thought I told ya to have some fun,” Grandaddy scorns.
I walk to him and give him a peck on the cheek. “Grandaddy, you know I couldn’t do that to ya.”
He looks at Cole. “What are we gonna do with her? I swear.”
Cole laughs and looks at me. “Uncle Dover, I have no idea, but maybe Emmett can help us.” My eyes bug outta my head. “By the way, how was your first day back, Emmett?” Cole asks, turning to Emmett.
“Okay, I guess,” he says with his hands in his pockets and a shrug.
“Yeah, I bet. Come on. We’re almost done; we were just fixin’ the door to the barn, and then we are outta here,” Cole says as he turns, and Emmett follows.
As I stand there with Grandaddy, I know he’s waiting until they are out of ears’ reach before he says his next words.
Before he can ask about my day, I ask him about his, “How did the appointment go?” I inquire with worry in my tone.
“Raegan, Sunshine, there’s no need to worry. I’m doing fine. The doctor said it’s just the old man type leukemia. I just gotta take a pill every so often. I go back next week to get it all lined up,” he says with confidence and reassurance.
“Grandaddy, I don’t care what they said. It’s a big deal to me. I can’t lose you, too!” I say as my voice heightens. He takes me and pulls me in for a hug, and I know he is strong, confident, and his positive outlook will see this through. I just know it.
“Now, listen. This is between us. Within a month or so, this should be over, and I’ll be fine. Cole doesn’t need any more on his plate with Emmett moving back, and I need you to focus on school and having fun. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir,” I say as tears fill my eyes.
“Don’t cry, Sunshine. I’m fine. Now, let’s finish up. I wanna get a good seat for the game.”
Shaking my head, I giggle. When my world stops, he makes it move again. “I’m going with you next week.”
“Sunshine…” He starts to protest, but I refuse to fall to this battle.
“I’m goin’,” I state forcefully as I walk into the house, slamming the screen door behind me. Rushing to my room, I change from my uniform and hurry to start supper and finish cleaning the house. Two hours. I got this!
I start with supper. It’s got to be quick and simple. I laugh when I look inside the cabinet. I couldn’t care less if I just eat a sandwich, and Grandaddy won’t care either. Then, I spot a can of Beanee Weenees. That will work, and they are his favorite. Each time he fixes them, he tells me how good they are and so much better than when he was in the war. This makes me smile, and I need to smile. I need to push away what he told me. I can’t lose him. I won’t lose him, because I need him to survive.
After making the final decisions on supper, I head to the washroom to start the laundry. I then dust, sweep, and clean the bathrooms quickly. With just Grandaddy and me, the house stays pretty clean, except for all the hair Hank the Labrador loses. I swear, he never stops shedding. When I walk into the kitchen to warm up supper and fix a couple of sandwiches, I hear Grandaddy come inside from working.
He stops at the sink, washes his hands, and makes his way to me. “Are those Beanee Weenees I smell?” I nod yes. “Allll righhht!” he says with excitement as he rubs his hands together.
We make our plates and eat together while he asks me about my day at school, my thoughts about the game tonight, and my plans with Jordyn. “If y’all go to that field party, you be careful. You hear me?” he asks between bites.
“Yes, sir, I’ll be fine. I promise there’s nothing to worry about. I do have one question, though.” He puts down his fork and looks at me. “Why do some guys never get the hint?”
“Whatcha mean, Sunshine?”
“Like Jace, for example. I’ve told him ‘no’ a million times, but he won’t quit. I’m so tired of it.”
“Raegan, you’re one of a kind. He sees that. Hell, everyone sees it, and to be perfectly honest, every guy wants what he can’t have. It’s as simple as that, but if he crosses any lines with you, I have a bullet with his name on it.”
“Grandaddy! You wouldn’t!”
“Oh, but I would. And, one more thing—be careful with Emmett.”
I feel the heat in my cheeks begin to rise. “I don’t know what you’re talkin’ ’bout,” I say, trying to play dumb. Is it that obvious he’s been on my mind since I saw him in the cafeteria?
Grandaddy looks at me like he doesn’t believe me. “That boy brought you back to life with one stuffed bunny. He has no clue how that one event influenced your life, and if I was a betting man, I’d bet on the two of you. Plain and simple, but I don’t want to see my Sunshine get hurt.”
Without knowing what to say, I finish my sandwich and stand to clean up. Grandaddy stops me and tells me to get ready, that he will clean up tonight. I hug him and hurry to my room to change.
Opening the heavy wooden door to my room, I know my Grandaddy is right. Emmett saved me with one compassionate event. I’m sure he has no idea the impact it has had on my life, but as I walk to my bed, I pick up the stuffed bunny and hold it tightly. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and what his innocent gift has done for me. I wipe a tear from my eye, push my parents’ memory to the back of my mind, and get ready to cheer the Cleveland High varsity football team on to victory.
Emmett
As Cole and I walk farther and farther from Raegan and Mr. Lowery, I can’t help but feel like I’m losing my sunshine. That’s when I notice Cole laughing at me.
“What?” I question.
“I’m not sayin’ a word.” At that point, I grab the door to the barn and begin to help Cole. Damn, it’s hot out here. Before long, we are fin
ished with the door, Cole puts away the tools, and we make our way to his truck. We ride to Mom’s with the windows down and the local country station playing in the background.
Once we are home, Mom plays Twenty Questions about my first day back. It makes me feel good to know she’s glad I’m here and not a burden. We eat supper and then get ready for the game. Football is a town event. Everyone and their mama will be there hooting and hollering for their team.
“Cole, are you goin’ to the field party tonight?”
“Nah, I’m too old for that. Plus, if it gets busted, I’ll be the one in trouble since I’m twenty-five. I can drop ya off, if ya like.”
“Don’t worry ’bout it. I’ll find a ride.”
“Yeah, I bet you will,” he says as he elbows me.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Dude, you pretty much eye fucked Rae with Uncle Dover standing there. I don’t know how you’re even alive right now.”
“Uhhhh,” is all I can manage as the thoughts of Raegan’s perfectly tanned long legs in that too short uniform enter my mind.
Cole laughs. “I’m right because you’re practically doing it again. You want my advice? Not that I’m a ladies’ man or anything…”
“Why not.” I sit and listen to Cole. To be so damn young, he has the wit of an old man.
“Look, Rae is a rare gem. Girls like her are hard to find, but even harder to catch. She’s lost everyone but one man in her life. I’m not sure she’s ready to let him go.”
“Let him go?” I question.
“Her granddaddy is her constant. I’ve never seen a girl so compassionate and hardworking. She puts him first, so be prepared to always come in second place.”
Chapter 3
Raegan
“Grandaddy, I’ll see ya around lunch tomorrow,” I say as I kiss him goodbye at the stadium.
“Behave yourself, Sunshine, but remember to call Cole or me if you need anything.”