Attainment

by J H Cardwell

  “I’m sorry, you know I don’t do parties with booze…too much of a chance for trouble…not to mention those dang phones with cameras and the pile of mess they can get you in. Maura, you remember just a few months back don’t you?” I asked.

  Maura covered her face with her arm. “How can I forget? I may never live down someone taking a picture of me after I had had a couple of wine coolers, leaning over Brian Rierson like we were about to do something. God knows that wouldn’t have happened with HIM in a million years.” They all laughed, but knew it was serious.

  Elle announced she was coming back there after Reese’s date with Tate. Then they all agreed, although a bit reluctantly, to hang out in the cabin. Elle gave me a wink, saying more without words than either Maura or Chloe could imagine.

  ***

  “Make sure you invite Reese and her friends to your party Finn,” Tate hollered. “I want to bring her over after our date.”

  “Don’t worry man I’ve already mentioned it to Chloe, so she would tell the girls. But I hate to break it to you, she’s probably already got plans with Carter.” Finn gave a cheesy grin and punched Tate in the arm. Tate punched him back.

  Finn fit his name to a ‘T’. He was the good-looking surfer type. Sort of a 70’s looking hippy for the 21st century. He was tall, muscular, but not bulky muscular like Tate. And he had hair nearly shoulder length that he always kept in a ponytail. He also had a couple of tattoos already. His parents gave him free reign and he perfectly abused it. He was always having parties. As wild as he was, he was twice as loyal. He always bailed out his fiends…especially if he was the one that got them into trouble in the first place. He knew every hard rock band from the 90s and loved to go to the concerts, always dragging his buddies along. Pretty much he was the life of the party. Luckily with all that partying, he kept good grades and was great at baseball just like his best friend Tate. They too grew up together, and had been stuck like glue for years. Finn was planning on a Wake Forest scholarship for baseball, just like Tate.

  “I mean you heard they went out to eat last night, right?” Finn asked as he marched over to grab a basketball and shoot some hoops. Tate had the coolest house in the neighborhood. His parents were both lawyers and they could afford the best of everything; including a true basketball court beside their four car garage.

  “Man you’re yanking my chain. Reese would have told me about it…hell, she would have asked me first, surely.” Tate said as he did a layup and swooshed the ball. He just knew Finn had to be wrong…wasn’t he? All of a sudden, he felt Reese slipping through his fingers. He couldn’t wait for dinner tonight to probe her about such crazy accusations.

  “I’m not worried about tonight anyhow; I know Reese wouldn’t see Carter after a date with me. She’s not like that.”

  “Don’t hold your breath man. They have a lot of history…Elle says they were in love.”

  Tate’s eyes grew angry and dark.

  “How in love could they have been if she started dating me?”

  Finn gave a little laugh “he blew her off, that’s how. But now he’s back and I’m sure he will play it up like he didn’t like the distance. Look man, I don’t like him, I mean there is just something about him…but I will say, be careful Tate, you can’t mess with history.”

  Tate turned to Finn “unless it’s bad history, then you run from it.”

  “I’ll be glad to help you kick his ass if you want.” Finn started jumping around punching in the air like he was boxing. “You know he would never mess with her again, if we just taught him a lesson.”

  “I’ll keep that in the back of my mind Finn. But I know if that happened and Reese found out, I would probably lose her anyway.”

  No, he wasn’t going to plan to beat him up…for now, but he would get to the bottom of it. As Finn said, there was just something about Carter that he didn’t like.

  Chapter 4

  As usual, Vino's smelled like pizza and steak and cheese subs. It was the hang out of many a nights after games. Basketball season was long over. Now baseball was in full swing, and nearing the end. Their team won the Thursday rivalry against Belton High. Tate was the number one hitter and second baseman. There were scouts now at every game, with Tate and Finn being a shoe-in for a scholarship. Tate was hoping and praying it was for Wake Forest so he could go there with me.

  I tapped his arm (he had insisted on sitting on the same side of the booth as me like we were in the 50’s). “What are you thinking about Tate?” he gazed up as I spoke, with what appeared to be contentment and what…love?

  “Just about us Reese and how glad I am you came with me tonight." His eyes were so endearing. "Also, how happy I’ll be when you tell me you’ll let me take you to Finn’s party after this.” Tate had a goofy grin plastered on his face…He didn’t seem to acknowledge the group of giddy girls that had just passed our booth, hoping to grab his attention with their short skirts.

  I turned to face him. “Tate, you know I don’t do parties. Why do you keep asking me? Why don’t you ask one of your other girls…you know the ones who worship you?” I glanced over my shoulder, “they obviously love to party.”

  Tate winced like he had been punched in the stomach. “Is that really what you want Reese? You want to push me in the arms of another girl? Or is it I’m the one not good enough for you?"

  Ouch, that stung. What is wrong with me? I reached over and grabbed his hand rubbing my thumb over his knuckles. “I’m sorry Tate I shouldn’t have said that…Of course I don’t want you to go with someone else…I just don’t do those types of parties anymore. I know I used to…”

  “I know Reese, what happened to you? What changed you so much since last year? I guess I don’t understand.”

  “Look, I don’t want you to worry about me. I actually had already planned on having my girlfriends over again tonight. We didn’t get to do the pedicure thing last night after we got out of the hot tub, so we want to make up for it tonight.”

  Tate squeezed my hand and slid a little closer to me. He raised his eyebrows “hot tub…now you’re talking…what time should I be over?”

  I slid my hand over Tate’s and threw my head back. I felt the same electricity I used to feel when Carter held my hand, only I can honestly say even more so with Tate…

  He put his arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear “I guess I should be glad you aren’t coming to the party then. I won’t have to worry about fighting dumb dudes. I mean that dress is amazing Reese. I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only one to think so.” He was leaning his head up to mine.

  “Oh please, Tate. You have all the guys scared of you. Nobody would even glance my way” I said, confident that I was right.

  “Um, I know of one who would.”

  “Really, who?”

  “Carter, he’s back home right? Why, I’m not sure. Is there something you want to tell me Reese?”

  My heart started to race…it really was innocent wasn’t it? But if it had been so innocent, why didn’t I tell Tate about it already? My emotions were bordering a breakdown. I could feel it.

  “So you already know?”

  “About your dinner date?”

  “It wasn’t a date Tate, I swear….”

  Tate spoke quickly cutting me off. “I know it wasn’t a date Reese. You were there with parents. But, why didn’t you tell me? I am an adult now, I can take it… I didn’t say it wouldn’t hurt, but I want to know what you’re up to. I really hate having to hear it from someone else.” He looked around at me when I dropped my chin towards the table.

  I flinched with his words. I hated to hear he had been hurt by me.

  I looked up at him and rubbed his cheek softly with my hand. “Do you think we could go outside and stand for a little while? I really don’t want to have this conversation in here. Okay?” I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I did feel like I wanted to be honest with Tate. I did love having him near me. I didn’t want him to feel like I didn’t.

  “Sure
. Let me pay and we’ll go outside,” Tate said.

  We walked out quickly…Tate’s hand resting on my lower back. The night was seasonably warm and the stars had just begun to cover the sky. Tate ran ahead and turned the radio on to a Kenney Chesney song, and rolled his windows down. We leaned up against Tate’s new white, Ford F-150. I felt so good being with him, relaxed and safe.

  He reached over and pulled me in front of him, his arms low around my waist. “Is this okay Reese? I want to hold you and look at you while we talk.”

  Was it okay? Of course it was okay. My God how I loved the feel of his biceps rubbing up against my arms...Wait, did I really just think that? I have to admit I felt unusually safe in his arms.

  “Of course Tate…” I instinctively batted my eyelashes.” I like this,” I said as I lowered my head to his firm chest. We swayed to the music.

  “Well, I hope I don’t regret asking about this, but what are your feelings toward Carter?"

  "Wait, before you speak,” Tate’s words were slow and measured. He reached for my chin and held it softly between his fingers. “I have to tell you I don’t know if my heart could stand for you to still be emotionally involved with him Reese. I don’t think I have to tell you that I’m falling hard for you. You are everything I ever wanted. You are sweet, loving, beautiful, kind. You come from a great family of wonderful values, and I know you have big goals to achieve,” he swung his arm slowly in the air to insinuate endless possibilities. I tried to speak but he put his finger to my lips “Reese you are all I need. Please think about what he did when he just left you hanging. He broke your heart. And I would kill him if he did it again…hell, I should kill him for doing it the first time. I have had this sort of bad boy meets good girl image since we met, but seriously…I can’t think about you hurting."

  Oh Tate, if you only knew, I thought. There was a long silence.

  “Now can I talk?” I lightly chuckled as he took down his finger. “I thank you for saying all of that about me. I think that you are amazing. How did I get so lucky to have you want to protect me? I…” I reached up and put my hands on his chest again. "I really do think you are pretty awesome.” I couldn’t stand it anymore…his words…his actions...I reached up and kissed him. I left my lips slightly parted and then the kiss grew firmer, more intense. He lightly caressed my tongue with his tongue and put his strong hands on both sides of my neck drawing me nearer.

  Our bodies seemed to melt to one. No one else seemed to matter. It was like I couldn't get enough of him. I felt his breath catch, and his hands seemed to tremble on my face. Oh Tate, do I really do this to you? You could have anyone else you want. We continued for what felt like minutes, until he inched his body against mine, and I felt like I couldn't take it...I forcefully drew back, my eyes wildly searching his.

  “Oh my God Reese, are you okay? That was…that was amazing. I…I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted you to do that. Why did you stop? Oh God, do you regret it?”

  After a few seconds of catching my breath I looked up at Tate “Of course not silly, I…I really enjoyed it…actually…” He started to move in closer again for another kiss but I put my hands out to distance us. He said “okay, that will have to be enough for me tonight I guess. I’m sorry Reese…I didn’t mean to push you for more. That was just…Wow…I guess I feel better now about our talk of Carter, after that.”

  “Speaking of Carter, Tate, I promised to meet him for coffee in the morning, and I just wanted you to know.” I looked down at my feet, then reached up and grabbed two handfuls of Tate’s shirt.

  “Seriously…Ahh, why do you have to see him at all?” Tate looked down at me with a pained look on his face.

  “Well, I guess I wanted to have a little closure, you know. Find out what was going through his head over the last year. There is something different, I can’t explain it.” I looked up at Tate with expectant eyes.

  “Okay, but will you call me afterwards, you know so I know everything is ok…with us?"

  “Don’t’ worry Tate. It’s never been better,” I said as I leaned up on my tip toes and kissed him one last time.

  Chapter 5

  “Details girls…” praised Chloe. “I want details. Come on”…she was pointing to Elle and me “who had the best date? I guess I mean who has the juiciest dish?”

  “Well, mine was great, but nothing fancy or romantic really…we just ate at Bill’s Bar-B-Q and talked a while.” Elle shrugged her shoulders. “But hey, we didn’t even plan on doing anything until a few hours ago, so I’m just glad we went.” She smiled, still remembering them holding hands when he stood to help her out of the booth.

  “Oh good grief…Reese please tell me you have better gossip to give than that?” Chloe waved her arm towards Elle, gesturing that her news was just plain pitiful.

  “Well…I guess you could say that…” I shyly dropped my chin as I spoke in almost a whisper. Then I let a huge grin play across my lips. “We had our first real…I mean real kiss...you know tongue and all.” They gasped all around. “I mean, I will have to say…that it was truly sweet and sensual.” I brought my fingers to my lips with lingering thoughts of the last hour.

  “Ooh…now that is what I’m talking about.” Chloe high fived all the girls.

  “Okay, enough…” I said still giggling and swaying towards the hot tub. Let’s take our usual dip and then do our nails. My mom has snacks in the kitchen for us too. And, she let me set her iPod out on the deck. What shall it be…you know she has a rockin’ playlist…Van Morrison or 38 Special?”

  “Thank God for your mom and her taste Reese…I would have never experienced the 80’s or 90’s if it wasn’t for her,” said Maura laughing out loud.

  I was enjoying my ‘Girls Night In’ all the while thinking about that kiss and if I was honest, I was also thinking about seeing Carter tomorrow. Had I been wrong to tell Tate? Really, am I wrong to be meeting with Carter? Uuhh…I let out a long breath.

  "Hey, so I wonder what they’re all doing at the party at Finn's?" said Elle. I know she had really wanted to go. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't loosen up a little. I had already decided maybe the next party I could go for a little while. I had also decided I would open up a little more to Tate. Maybe kiss him like we did earlier tonight again tomorrow. That was so nice....more than nice.

  "I'm sure they are emptying the kegs as we speak. I would love to be a fly on the wall around where they all get their beer. That's where they do all of their gossiping. More gossip than us girls," said Chloe.

  Afterwards we painted our nails in the cabin and started watching 'Pretty Woman', a movie out of my parents’ movie collection. Chloe had brought blueberry lemonade wine coolers that she had gotten from her cousin, who was already in town on summer break from college. Maura wasn’t drinking. She would be the DD and drive Elle and Chloe back home in a little while.

  “Hey girls, I’m getting tired. You know it’s never as fun when I have to sit here and watch y’all have fun drinking.” Maura gave a half chuckle, half aggravated sigh.

  “I get it Maura, it’s after dark and I’m pretty tired. Besides, this is the third time we’ve seen this movie. I love Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, but luckily I know the happy ending…” Elle said gathering her purse. "We've already seen the part where he catches her flossing her teeth and thinks she’s doing drugs." We all laughed.

  "Yeah, I bet there was some of that at Finn's tonight too. Although he would kick someone's ass if he caught them doing it. He and Tate hate that stuff." Thankfully, none of us ever tried drugs either. So many in our class had...what will they do when they go to college and can do it freely? They’ll get into so much trouble. Lots of people don't ever finish college if they get hooked on it. "That girl Skylar Lincoln had to be sent to rehab last year for cocaine. She won't even get to graduate with us," I said. "Let's make a pact to never do drugs. Ok?" Everyone agreed. I was confident that none of us would screw up our lives like that. Well, I was hopeful at least.

&nb
sp; “You guys go ahead. I’m going to finish watching this, then I’ll lock up and head in, I’ve still got to get my mom’s iPod in too.” I was still laid back in my bath robe on the mini sofa in the cabin. “But text me when you get home so I know you made it ok? I have my cell phone right here.” I raised my cell phone up and shook it in the air, then sat it back on the sofa.

  After everyone was gone, I totally relaxed, finishing off my drink, feeling a little light-headed, but definitely relaxed. I was replaying my time with Tate, when I heard a soft knock at the door. Must be my mom I thought. Oh I hope she doesn’t get too mad about these wine coolers. They’ve said I could drink at home but not anywhere else…since I’m about to graduate and head off to college. I guess they figure I’ll probably have some there. My mom says at least she won't have to worry about me hiding it from her if I'm so adamant about doing it sometimes. I guess I would be the same way when I have kids. My dad says if you are old enough to fight in wars, you should be responsible enough to make choices about drinking.