“Chicken is hardly the word to describe protecting you from a potential murderer,” he scowled.
“Maybe that was not a good description,” I agreed. “You’re just wrong.”
“Elliott, it’s not that simple,” he said. “And what if you are wrong? You have to know who I am, who I could be – I wouldn’t want my own daughter sitting here with someone like me – with what I know is in me – with what I saw my father do,” he said.
“We are simply having dinner, Griffen,” I said. “I hardly think you’ll come across the table and get me here.”
“You know what I mean,” he said, angrily. “Don’t tell me that what I said didn’t scare you this afternoon. I saw your face.”
“Yet here I sit,” I said and stared at him. This time it was my turn to touch his face. Just for a moment, I held his chin.
“Don’t think you are the only one in the world that gets angry. Anger is normal. You just have to use it wisely,” I said.
“We’re not talking about normal, Elliott,” he snapped. “Don’t you see? I don’t have a point of reference for normal.”
“Oh, please, you do, too,” I said sardonically. “You know how to act. You’re not some sociopath that runs around shooting things when you get mad. If you are, do please tell me and I’ll gladly take my leave.”
He did not smile. I changed tactics.
“You have something else in you, too, Griffen. You just told me that. And I know He’s much more powerful than your anger and your uncertainty. I can see Him in you when you talk about those kids. You just have to choose to use His power to keep your anger in check when it threatens to overcome you,” I said. Griffen’s eyes softened slightly. He looked like he wanted to believe what I was saying, but he said nothing.
The waiter brought him the check and he stood to leave. “Well then, time for our next adventure,” he said. “I still think you’re crazy to come with me.”
“Let’s go prove you wrong,” I smiled as we returned to his truck.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter 14 - Delta Nights
Early morning – Delta mist. Galloping from warm fields into dense slews, the musty baked smell of summer fried leaves mixed with defoliant – Happy New Hunting year – fall is here.
Griffen was quiet as he walked me to his truck, opening the door and helping me in. I leaned against the seat, soaking in the smells of new leather, wet dog, and Delta mud. And, of course, that distinct smell of him.
We rode a while in companionable silence – just being close to him felt so easy, so natural. As long as I did not look at him and he kept his fingers to himself…
“So, Elliott, your turn,” he said. “Tell me about your sisters.”
“You, too, then?!” I said, giving him a playful punch. Oops, keep my hands to myself – keep this light. “Every guy I know always wants to know about them.”
“Oh? Are they something I’d like to watch on a horse, too?” he smiled.
“Not exactly. They would certainly be amusing on a horse, in fact, maybe you would want to watch – but they would never ride at a hunt. They are more the beauties-go-to-college and party girls – they love to be in the action,” I said.
“Do you see much of them?” he asked.
“We talk about once a week. I love them, but they don’t really know what to do with me. Their whole lives center on who is dating whom, and what place has the cutest outfits,” I said. “And they do wear those outfits well I’m told!”
“What about your mother?” he asked. “How is she handling having all of you gone?”
“She stays involved – really involved – in what’s going on still. Mother’s so easy to talk to and is my best friend. I’m lucky to have her,” I said, feeling a bit of edge in the air as soon as the words were out. Touchy subject.
His face darkened a bit, but I saw no tension in his profile. What a magnificent face and that mysterious mind beyond it…I could gaze at it all…stop it – now’s not the time.
“And your father?” he asked.
“He’s my biggest cheerleader in whatever I want to do. He sounds a lot like your uncle. He’s always encouraging me to find my gifts and passions and enjoy every moment of the time we have to make a difference in our lifetimes. He and I like to look at the big picture, I think, more than my mother and sisters. They’re just enjoying the ride,” I said.
“So what’s in your big picture?” he asked.
“Well, right now, it’s school. I’m a biology major and I may go on to be a doctor. I’m not sure yet. And, of course, the foxhunting.
I’m so glad to get to be staff. That takes most of my time,” I said.
“You know how unusual it is to be staff so soon? You must really be dedicated,” he said. “William talks about you all the time.”
The unexpected reminder that he’s been thinking about me all year caught me off guard, and I looked down so he wouldn’t be able to read my expression. My heart did a little flutter, but I did what I could to stay away from that subject.
“I just love everything about hunting – the feel, the fun, the camaraderie, the sense of family, the fact that kids ride and adults, and that some whole families even ride together at hunts. And the analogy of the hounds working together listening to their master, the huntsman – just like we learn to hear our maker – and know His voice like the hounds know their huntsman. That’s so cool. But you know that already,” I smiled.
“How well I do,” he said. “The hunt, mostly William and the hounds, became my family after I lost mine, and they still are, really, to this day. And even the hunt in Nashville – they, too, are like extended family.”
“You and William are really close, then?” I asked.
“He’s like another father, and so patient and wise,” he said. “For a troubled teenage boy, there was nothing better for me, at least.”
“How did you get involved?” I asked.
“My uncle knew William well, even though he did not fox hunt. He knew I loved horses and hoped that having something besides school to keep me busy would be helpful. I never was that interested in the typical team sports scene, and studying only takes up so much time,” he said.
“I am sure he was glad to have the help,” I said.
“He was. His and Sylvia’s kids had long since left to start their own families and they had no interest in hunting. They, nor the hunt, had the money to hire professional staff, so help was always appreciated. Helping with the hunt was so good for me. No constant cell phones, no blaring television, nothing but horses, hounds – and, of course, the fox. So simple yet complex, so timeless yet never dull, so fulfilling,” he said. “And, like my uncle, William took me in, anger and all.”
“He knows you well, then?” I asked.
“Probably better than anyone,” he said.
“And he’s not afraid of your temper?”
“No, what do you mean by that?”
“Well, you make such a big deal about your background and your reaction to me – what about towards others?” I asked.
“I’ve never thought about it that way,” he said. “William’s not defenseless, like you would be. And it’s not the same.”
“I don’t think I’m exactly defenseless, Griffen,” I said. “And if you can control your temper around your uncle and William, why not with me?”
“I don’t know the answer to that, Elliott, because I’ve never been around anyone like you,” he said and looked over at me, eyes smoldering in the dim light of his truck.
We let that thought hang in the air for a while.
“So, that was your meanest, most terrifying look,” I teased, trying to keep my voice level and breathe.
“You are not making things easy, you know,” he said.
“I just don’t buy that you’re some maniac that’s going to do something stupid if I look at you wrong,” I said. “I think you’re the one being dramatic.”
“Elliott, it’s just that I don’t know what to do beca
use I have never felt like this before about anyone – how many times do I have to say that?” he growled and his knuckles were white against the steering wheel.
We rode in silence for a minute. Then he picked up my hand – and softly smoothed his fingers over my bites.
“Your parents, Elliott,” he asked. “Do they argue…at all?”
“Oh yes, but, nothing about that has ever, well, frightened me,” I said. “Mother and Daddy never really fight in front of us, but I know they have plenty of disagreements. They’re a good team, though.”
“So, they never hit each other or say – things – bad things about each other when they fight?” he asked.
“No way – they may fight, but they never get physical or say anything mean to each other or about each other or anything like that. That would be really bad, and I couldn’t imagine that,” I said. “Now, my sisters and I are another story.”
“Really?” he asked, intrigued.
“Oh yes. Growing up with two older sisters was a challenge, especially since we’re all so close to the same age,” I said.
“I just can’t imagine having to argue with people you supposedly love all the time,” he said.
“But Griffen, when one of my sisters wants to wear my outfit, and I know she’s going to trash it, I’ll stand my ground and refuse to let her but refrain from clawing out her eyes. She is, after all, my sister and someone I deeply love,” I said. “I’ll rant about what she’s planning to do, but never attack her physically or say something mean about who she is. That would be punching below the belt. Besides, it would’ve gotten me grounded!”
“I thought you didn’t care about clothes,” he smiled. “That hardly illustrates a real reason to argue.”
“Hurricanes start with raindrops, Griffen,” I said. “It’s your reaction to each raindrop that counts.”
~~~
Suddenly we were pulling in to Stanford Hall. How fast had he been driving? The house was even more imposing at night. White tents were set up around the lawn where mountains of intriguingly displayed and aromatic food invited us to explore the arrangements – or what was left of them. Most had already been desiccated by the guests.
I was not ready to stop hearing him talk and wanted him to myself for just a little longer.
“Let’s sample some of this and sit for just a few minutes,” I said.
“You can’t possibly be hungry,” he said and smiled.
We put some food on the plates and walked to a table. He left to get us drinks and we were actually able to sit alone. The party was so crowded that no one had noticed our entrance.
“Griffen, you mentioned earlier that your uncle took you hunting. Are other types of hunting like this, too, you know, like foxhunting?” I asked, still puzzled by the thought that going out for the purpose of killing could be anything like just going out for the chase.
“I’ll take you duck hunting and let you decide,” he said. “Then you can see Panzer in action. I think you’ll really like watching a creature like him bred for generations do what he was born to do. Like the hounds, and our horses. It’s great – if I can keep you warm,” he said, relishing the double meaning and making me blush again.
“I never thought about it like that,” I said, hoping he didn’t see that blush and feeling ridiculous.
“Then it’s a ‘yes’?” He asked.
“We’ll see,” I smiled. I would walk barefoot to Texas for him if he asked, but he certainly did not need to figure that out yet…if ever.
We arrived in perfect time, for the band was just getting started. Most of the guests had had their fill of food and drink and were ready to play. Musicians were set up on the lawn with cypress trees standing sentinel and a full moon glowing overhead. This had to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
They started with a slow warm-up song and couples moved to the lawn into the moonlight. Griffen guided me towards them and pulled me close. The smile I nodded at Ben as he was dancing with Ashley was not returned. Here we go again...couldn’t he just be civil?
“Elliott, I’m so glad you agreed to come with me tonight,” he whispered into my head as I laid mine against his chest and filled myself with his presence and his glorious scent.
We danced to a few songs, and I was glad his arms held me steady, or I am sure I would have collapsed. This was truly heaven – being with him like this.
The music livened up, and Griffen left to get us drinks. Everyone was dancing with everyone else in one giant mob and I joined them – what a fun group of people – our crazy hunting family. Christopher was here with Leslie – I guess Ashley pulled that one of…I forgot all about that. They look like they’re having fun. I’m glad.
Round and around we went – the festivities really warming up – too much fun fun fun, and I could do this forever! No worries, just fun with friends and everyone flirting and dancing and spinning all around to the music while the inky black darkness echoed our laughter. I saw Griffen returning with our drinks, but before I could reach him, the music slowed and Ben directed me back to the lawn. He guided me swiftly and expertly away from Griffen, and I raised an eyebrow playfully at him behind Ben’s back. Griffen saluted his acquiescence to my neighbor’s request.
“Well, hello to you, too, Ben,” I said my voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Elliott, this is no time for joking around,” Ben said in a not-so friendly voice.
“Whatever are you talking about?” I asked, truly confused by his reaction.
“Griffen Case – that’s what I’m talking about,” Ben said. “What are you doing here with him?”
“We’re on a date, Ben,” I said, surprised and more than a little annoyed at his reaction to my being here with Griffen.
“So he just busts up in here after leaving for a year having done who knows what to you in the woods that leaves you hospitalized and you drop everything to go out with him?” Ben asked, incredulously. “You told me yourself you don’t know anything about him – about who he is.”
“Ben, this is totally uncalled for,” I said. “We discussed this earlier already, and I am just on a date. Whatever difference does that make to you?”
“I care about you, Elliot,” he said. “You have to know that. And he’s an arrogant jerk.”
“You care about me like a sister I hope, for Ashley’s on her way over here, and I would hate to think that you pinioned me out of petty jealousy.”
“A guy does not have to be after you, Elliott, to care about you,” he snapped. “I happen to be your friend. I’m sorry that you choose to ignore that.”
Ashley’s face showed no sign of overhearing Ben’s words, but his actions were unmistakable, to her, too. I felt the bullets zinging and knew I would hear about this later.
“Elliott, I thought I saw you arrive with Griffen,” Ashley smiled viciously. Oh how well I know that smile. Ben would be paying for his reaction. “Or, maybe you two just happened to arrive at the same time. Tell him ‘hello’ for me.”
“Hello, Ashley, Ben,” Griffen said. He had appeared without us noticing. How does he do that? The look he gave Ben was not at all cordial, but to Ashley he was all charm.
He gripped my arm a little too tight as he moved me across the lawn before they had time to reply. “What was he doing?” Griffen asked. “You looked like you were about to punch him.”
“Oh nothing, really,” I said. “He’s my neighbor as you know and often takes that a little too far. I guess he thinks that gives him license to be my big brother, or something.”
Griffen stiffened. “You have a fan club, dear Elliott, and you don’t even know it,” he chuckled. My knees wobbled – hold up… breathe. “Just let me know if I need to knock him into another county – he looked more like a jealous boyfriend than a big brother – to Ashley, too, I think.”
I could hardly stand this – Griffen was holding me so close and I could feel his heart thumping as he swirled me under the stars. But I certainly had sensed his anger – at
Ben probably, when he moved me away from them and into him. He was probably just being gallant and protective.
The music livened up again breaking us apart. Griffen used the excuse to refill our drinks, and I was free to run around and dance with the others. Christopher and I managed to dance a few times and he placed us right by Ashley and Ben and the band. By this time, those who were not sticking to soft drinks were really into the party. I glanced over to find Griffen and saw Lydia circling him. What in the world was she up to? She looked like she were about to pounce on Griffen, but he was aloof, and I think that was making her much angrier than he could see.
At that moment, someone slammed into me knocking me into Christopher. His drink covered me on its way to the floor.
“Sorry, little lady,” he slurred. “Dju mind dancin’ wit me for a bit?”
“I think I’ll go over and get a refill,” I said politely, turning to escape his lecherous leer. “Maybe later.”
“Yea, well, whatever little prissy,” he said loud enough for ears around to hear. “Maybe yore boyfrien’ should come back over heah before I haul you off into this swamp for a little romancin’.”
Ben was immediately between him and me – all business. “It is time for you to leave,” he said politely, but with much authority.
“Now now Mr. Big Boy, who’s telling who what to do here in my own town?” the man slurred, straightening up in an effort to look more like a menace in the presence of Ben’s bulk. He was dressed impeccably in a starched shirt and khaki’s, but the effect had been sabotaged by his garbled speech and clumsiness. It looked like he was old enough to be my father, but he certainly did not seem to care. All I could think about was getting away.
The music was really loud and Ashley was oblivious to what had transpired; she had only seen that Ben was next to me…again. She positioned herself between Ben and me and started to walk Ben back to the beverages.
“Now that’s some sugar cane I’d really like to taste,” the man shouted ogling Ashley’s impressive figure as she passed by him a little too close. “Ha!”
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