by J. E. Sawyer
Another two hours and I see the sign ahead “Welcome to Taylorton, Texas”. My heart feels like it’s going to jump out of my chest. I look over at Garret, he’s already looking at me, trying to gauge my reaction. He seems a little nervous.
We exit off the interstate and take a few roads. Continue through a town that doesn’t seem much bigger than some of the larger surrounding towns where I grew up. Just on the outside of town we travel down a two-lane road called Muskatee Hwy for a couple of miles.
Garret slows the truck in front a large house. It’s wide and tall, at least two stories, deep grey with white trim. The house has wood stained shutters. It’s beautiful.
Garret pulls the truck along the ride side of the house and parks in a large driveway. I look at Garret questionly.
He looks over at me and smiles, “Welcome home sweetie.”
He opens his door and hops out. He walks around the front of the truck to open the passenger door to help me out. I hope out and look around in awe. This place is beautiful.
I am a little confused though. Why would he need a house so big? Then it dawned on me, maybe he has a wife and other kids. Maybe they are one big happy family. I don’t know why but this thought squeezes my insides a little bit. I’m hoping for it to just be us.
I tear my eyes away from the house and see a slew of vehicles in the driveway.
Garret looks over at me. He already has my bags in his hand. I didn’t even see him get them out of the trunk of my car.
Garret “Doc”
I grab Gemma’s bags and motion with my head towards the house. “You ready to head in and meet everyone?” Panic is evident in her eyes. I see a thousand questions bouncing around those stormy grey eyes.
I place her bags on the front porch and place my hand on her shoulder to get her attention. Those flighty eyes meet my own, “Are you ok?” I ask.
Her eyes flicker from mine, to the house, to the vehicles parked in the driveway and back to my own.
“Um, um,” she hesitates.
“It’s ok, you can ask me anything. Is something wrong?” I ask. She’s making me a little nervous. I wish I knew what was going through her head.
She tries to tamper down whatever is bothering her. “Is there a Mrs. Bradford? Kids?” She asks and looks towards the vehicles again.
I relax a little. She’s must be afraid that I have a family of my own. Which I do, just not the type of family she is thinking.
Before I can answer her, she stammers, “Because I don’t want in intrude. I know you probably have other kids and of course you would have wanted to carry on with your life, but…”
I interrupt her before her panic carries her away, “First, it wouldn’t be intruding because I am the one that invited you. Second, I want you here more than anything. Third, no wife, no other kids.” I see her visibly start to relax. “But, there are others who live here. We are a family of sorts. Nothing to worry about. I have a feeling you will get along with them just fine. But, first let’s get you settled.”
I pick up her bags and open the front door. Our home is our sanctuary. Me and the guys spent many hours getting it just so.
The large walnut stained front door opens up to a spacious living area with hickory barrel handscraped hardwood floors, light gray walls with cotton white trim. The west wall is taken up by a grand stone fireplace with a think wood mantle. There are two couches and three recliners of crème colored butter leather separated by rough cut style end tables and a matching coffee table. Above the fireplace is a 60” flatscreen tv.
The wall next to the front door is covered in large windows. The living room is adjoined by the dining room that has the same wood floors. It has a large wood dining table that seats twelve.
The other side of the dining area opens up to the kitchen which is separated by an island with four bar stools. Low hanging lights above the island give it a bit of a glow. The kitchen floors are covered in beige and grey tiles. The countertops are made out of marble. The appliances are all black and top of the line. We would have got stainless, but they are too hard to keep clean.
The back wall of the kitchen, next to the counter, are patio doors that open up to a grand deck and patio area. A comfortable area to relax and entertain quests. The east side of the house a bathroom and a guest bedroom as well as a stair case.
The stairs lead to each person’s living area. Almost like apartments. There are six rooms. Each contains a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and small entertainment area.
Gemma looks around with her mouth hanging open. She seems surprised. It makes me wonder what she was expecting.
I had sent a quick text to Jake earlier asking them to give her some space when we get here. I don’t want her to be overwhelmed. However, Weston is kitchen when we walk in. He keeps his back to us, pretending like we aren’t there. I motion to the stairs and usher Gemma up without making any introductions. It doesn’t go unnoticed that Gemma is already aware of Weston’s presence.
Weston
I heard them coming in when I was in the kitchen, preparing a meal. I’m sure they were starving after their twelve-hundred-mile journey halfway across the country. Garret, or “Doc” as we know him, had requested all of us to scatter when they arrived.
He didn’t want to overwhelm her, which I completely understand. She has every right to be a little skittish, but hopefully that will change once she gets to know us.
I knew they were there, but I pretended otherwise. Doc would have said something if he wanted to make introductions. He led Gemma to the staircase with her bags in hand. As they were walking away, I caught sight of her out of the corner of my eye. Beautiful.
I placed my hands on the counter and lowered my head, “Doc is going to kill me.”
Gemma
Garret, led me up the staircase. I was trying to calm my heart. Whoever was standing at the kitchen sink had my immediate attention. I need to concentrate, or else I am going to bust my face on the stairs.
At the top of the stairs there was a long hallway with three doors on each side.
Garret motioned to the first door on the left, “This is my room, across the hall,” he pointed to the right, “Is Chandler’s room.” At the next set of doors, “On the left is Jake and the right is Jason.”
We continued down to the last set of doors. He pointed to the left again, “This is Weston’s room and you are across the hall.”
He opened the last door on the right and my mouth about it the floor. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My new room was practically an apartment in itself. There is a small living area with a loveseat and recliner stationed in front of decent size flat screen tv.
To the left is a small kitchen area, with a small fridge, microwave, and sink. Beyond that is a bathroom with a large garden tub, walk in shower, and a long counter with double sinks.
The right side of the room adorned a king size bed and night stand. Just beyond the foot of the bed were double doors leading to a walk-in closet the size of my old bedroom. It had a vanity with a mirror on an island in the middle, constructed with several drawers on each side. I couldn’t believe it. This place was like my own suite.
Garret slowly followed behind me as I went from section to section. He had a look of uncertainty.
When I turned to face him he asks, “So, what do you think?”
Stunned I reply, “Are you kidding me? This place is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Garret chuckles seeming pleased with my reaction, “I’m glad you like it. I am going to place your bags in your closet. Feel free to take a nap, freshen up or whatever. It smells like dinner will be ready shortly,” he informs as he turns to head out of the room.
I catch him around the waist before he makes it out the door, “Thanks Dad, this is more than I ever could have imagined.”
I feel him stiffen, and then relax, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. He kisses the top of my head. We stay like that for a moment. We both seem to just to want to take
it in. Relish in the moment.
Garret releases me and placed a hand on either cheek, staring directly me, “Welcome home Gemma,” he said. He kisses me on top of the head again and heads for the door. He gives me a look over his shoulder before he closes the door and heads back down stairs.
I walk around the room again trying to take in all of its features. It all seems too good to be true. There has to be a catch somewhere, I’m just waiting for the ball to drop. I lay down on the bed for a minute, not intending to go to sleep, just rest a moment after our long trip.
I let my mind wonder. Dad told me who each room belonged to, I couldn’t help but notice they were all guys. Who are these people? Are they relatives? Friends?
Not to mention, who was the guy downstairs? I could feel his eyes on me as we ascended the stairs. It was like pins prickling my skin, and I felt the same flutter bugs from earlier. Who was he and why didn’t Dad say anything? I guess I will find out eventually. I just seemed kind of odd.
He mentioned dinner was going to be ready soon, I figure I might as well clean up a little bit. I don’t feel like unpacking my bags just yet.
I grab my bag with my toiletries and go to the bathroom to wash my face. I’m brushing my hair when there’s a knock at the door. I open it immediately expecting to see my father. Boy was I wrong, in front of me is the man from the kitchen. He’s a mountain of a man, tall and broad with short black hair that’s styled on top. He sports a slight tan, covered by a simple black t-shirt, well worn jeans, and brown boots. What captures my attention more than anything are his stunning emerald green eyes.
When his eyes meet mine, I feel my heart thunder in my chest. My breath has momentarily been shocked out of me. It would probably be a good idea to close my mouth at this point. As if on cue, he smirks noticing my interest. I feel his eyes pursue me as well. I tingle, itch and burn every place his eyes run over.
He clears his throat, “Gemma, Garret sent me up to tell you dinner is ready.” He holds out his hand for a shake, “My name is Weston, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I shake his hand a little longer than necessary. I can’t seem to pull my eyes away from his. I feel a blush creep up from my neck to my cheeks. “Likewise,” I manage to reply breathlessly.
I couldn’t believe his room is going to be across from mine.
I drop my eyes from his, Dad is going to kill me.
Weston holds out his arm for me to lead the way downstairs. W head down the stairs and towards the dining area. The slick, dark dining table is lovely. There are six place settings around the table.
Weston leads me to the last one on the right. I notice Garret is placed at the first one on the left.
Across from Garret is a guy I would guess to be about twenty-four or twenty-five with brown hair that touches his ears, light skin and glasses. I don’t want to call him nerdy, but I can’t think of another term to describe him. He’s tall, with long strong arms.
Garret decides to make introductions, “Gemma, thank you for joining us.” He points across the table, “This is Chandler Byland,” he says.
He then motions to the person beside him. This guy is tall but not as tall as the others, he has dark brown hair that close cropped on the sides and longer on top. He is more broad than the others. He flashes me a bright white smile and nods his head. “This is Jake Nichols, and,” he points across the table to the person beside me, “This is Jason Nichols. Jake and Jason are brothers.”
They might be brothers, but they don’t look anything alike. Where as, Jake is short and stocky, Jason is super tall and lean. He has close cropped blonde air, bright blue eyes, and what I hope is not a permanent scowl on his face.
“Hello,” is all I can seem to muster.
Garret, refocuses my attention to the last person, who is across from me, “And last but not least, I believe you have already met Weston Marks.”
Weston nods his head to me. He still has that small knowing smile from earlier. I can feel my blush creeping back up.
I glance at Garret. He looks at me, then at Weston, but he doesn’t say anything. However, if I was a betting girl, I would place my money on him seeing right through us both.
Garret motions to the food, “Please help yourself, ladies first of course.”
I smile, feeling a little embarrassed and awkward going first in front of all these strangers. Especially, when it feels like they are dissecting my every move.
Dinner is spaghetti with meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. It smells divine.
Once everyone has filled their plates we commence eating. The guys all chatter amongst themselves. I don’t really pay any attention to what they are saying. I’m sure none of it pertains to me. That is until I hear my name.
“So, what do you think Gemma?” Chandler inquires.
“I’m sorry?” I reply, now even more embarrassed from being spaced out.
Chandler chuckles, “So are you going to be joining us at the shop?” he asks.
I look to Garret for help, confirmation, denial, I really don’t know what. In truth, I don’t have the answer to Chandler’s question. So, Garret answers for me “I am hoping she does, we have much to discuss though.”
“Ok cool,” Chandler replies seemingly satisfied with Garret’s answer.
Next Jake looks to me, “Is that your car outside?”
“Yes,” is all I can force out. They probably think I have a very limited vocabulary at this point.
“It’s a sweet ride, how long have you had it?” He asks with his head tilted to the side. I realize all eyes are on me at this point.
“My whole life, it’s been around since I was little. My grandmother gave it to me when I got my license,” I reply.
Curiosity evident on his face, “And you didn’t trade it for something else?” he questions.
“No, I love that car. I don’t want anything else. If I did, I would still keep that car. It’s never going anywhere.” I reply
Jake smiles and nods, “I don’t blame you, it’s pretty bad ass.”
Garret clears this throat, he looks to me and then glances at the others, “The car was mine. I left it with Amelia before Gemma was born. Amelia always loved that car.”
My breath catches and I just stare at Garret. I really don’t know what to think, but one thing is for certain, I am NEVER getting rid of the car. I always knew it was special. It looks like I was right. I’m glad my grandmother held onto it for me. I will forever be thankful, I have the feeling Garret will be too.
The guys continue to chitter chatter when we finish supper. I feel their glances and curious stares every so often.
I volunteer to wash the dishes since they prepared the food. Chandler volunteers to help as well.
I am rinsing the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher. While Chandler puts away the leftovers and wipes down the counters and table.
“So, how has your trip been so far?” He asks.
“So far, so good. It’s a lot to take in.” I reply.
“I’m sure, I really do hope you like it here though. I’ve never seen Doc so excited,” he says with amusement.
“Doc?” I question, a little confused.
“Garret, we call him Doc most of the time. He’s usually the one who fixes everything.” He goes on to explain.
“Huh,” well that’s interesting I think to myself.
“So, he hasn’t talked to you about the shop yet?” He asks.
“No, he hasn’t said anything about it.” I confirm.
“Well, we all work at the shop. It’s kind of how we all came together. We’re a family. Our own family. Sometimes the best families aren’t those built by blood, but those built by choice, trust, and loyalty. We worked together to build this house. Doc started the shop and brought each of us on one by one. I was the last to arrive. Well, now there’s you. Weston was first. Then, Jake and Jason. I’m not going to go into detail, it’s their stories to tell. But I was lost and alone. Sometimes when you are desperate you can find you
rself in a world of trouble. I came from a home that was very broken. So, when I got the chance, I left. But, I didn’t realize how hard it is to try and make it on your own. I work on electronics, anything from computers to cars. Doc spotted me a Mel’s Diner one day. I guess he recognized a lost soul. He offered me a job, I took it and never looked back. I’ll always be grateful to him and the others. There’s no telling where I would be if he hadn’t come along.” He tells me. I see all sorts of emotions cross his face, anger, sadness, longing, but most of all peace and acceptance.
“That’s really great, I’m sorry about before though. But, it sounds like Dad is lucky to have you.” I reply.
I see his eyes light up when I refer to Garret as ‘Dad’. Garret must really mean a lot to him. I can’t help but wonder if that’s how he sees me, as a lost soul that needed saving. I like to think not. I can’t help but wonder though.
Chandler must guess my line of thoughts, “Doc has been talking about you every day ever since he found your location. He never stopped you know, looking for you. Your grandmother must have kept you hidden for a reason. I must say she did a hell of a job. We were only able to find you after she passed and you applied for a full-time job.” He scratches the bad of his head. It seems to be a nervous jester of sorts. “The day he found you though, I’ve never seen him so happy, or determined. He really is a great guy, I hope you give him a chance. I hope you give all of us a chance for that matter. This is a great group of people and you don’t have anything to be afraid of,” he continues.
“I’m not afraid,” I retort.
“It’s ok if you are,” he replies.
“Overwhelmed yes, confused yes, out of sorts yes, afraid no. Trust me, I know he’s not going to hurt me, at least not on purpose.” I tell him.
I feel more than hear someone enter the kitchen, I look around and Garret is standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. He offers a small smile and glances at Chandler.