by Casey Peeler
Me: That would have been k 2 :) I’m going to zoo 2day
Cash: Really? Fun w who?
Me: Joe it’s my bday present & part of that pass/fail project
Cash: K, I don’t like it but I know u <3 those stinkin elephants! Be careful
Me: U know me 2 good! I’ll send ya a pic of those stinkin elephants
About that time I hear a knock on my door. I open it and Joe is standing there looking sexy as hell in an aqua Lacoste tee and pair of white Bermuda shorts. His hair looks a little messier than normal but perfect nonetheless. I invite him in, grab my purse, phone, and send one final text to Cash.
Me: He’s here, gotta go ttyl love u
Cash: Love u 2 :)
I have to admit, I feel bad for texting Cash with Joe in the room, but I shouldn’t. They both know about each other, and I have nothing to hide. We walk to Joe’s Jeep Wrangler. This is totally his style. The top is already down, and I’m glad I decided to wear my hair up today. He opens the door for me then jogs around to the other side and off to the zoo we go.
Our ride there is relatively quiet. We arrive and walk straight in. We start at the birds and continue to work our way around the zoo. I am in hog heaven. When I see the sign for the elephants, I point and Joe just laughs.
There are four elephants when we get there. I just love to look at them. Yes, they aren’t the most beautiful creatures, but I’ve loved them since the first time I watched Dumbo. Joe goes to the food machine and brings some elephant food over to me. I place my hand out and feed Zoe. She is the smallest one out here.
“Joe, you gotta get a pic of her and me! We can use that for class!” I hand him my iPhone and smile purdy. I finish feeding her and rub her cheek one final time before we move on.
“Joe, Tony the tiger’s coming up.” I laugh.
“How do you know his name is Tony? It could be Zeus you know!”
“Well, just a hunch ‘cause that is what the map says. See.” I show him. Joe puts his hand on the small of my back. I look up at him and smile.
“Come on, Charley. Let’s go see Tony the tiger.”
“You hate it when I’m right, huh?”
“Nah, it’s cute, but nothing can compare to you and Zoe. I can totally see you working with animals.”
“Well, I hate to burst you bubble, but I’ve been around animals all my life. I figure I’ll be back at the farm in four years working for my daddy if I tell the truth.”
“Why’s that? You don’t want to live somewhere else?”
“I just always thought that’s what I’m supposed to do. I love our farm. I’m actually studying business at Southern so I can take over the bookkeeping for my parents.”
“That’s great that you know what you want to do, but what if like you decided to stay here or go to a different city.”
“I don’t see that in my future. I need my family, Joe. I can’t just leave them. I can promise you that my sis Tessa isn’t going to take over. She barely does her chores now.”
Joe takes me into the gift shop before leaving. We’ve had a great day. There is a stuffed elephant. He grabs it and puts it on the counter. I look and see a pic of Tony the tiger. He is so getting this to put in his dorm room. We make our purchases and walk back to the Jeep. On the way, I send Cash the pic of Zoe and me.
We arrive at Southern with time to place our drink order with Lucas. We grab a bite to eat in the café so we can get ready for another night at Hank’s. Once we reach my door, there is a little awkward silence.
“Hey Squirrel, I had a great time today. I’ll see you at Hank’s.” He pulls me in for a hug and looks me in the eyes. Hell, I’m a goner with those make ya wanna melt eyes. He gives a half smile and then closes the distance between our lips. His lips touch mine, and it is all I can do not to pull him into my room and forget Hank’s tonight. I pull away from him first, place my hand on his chest, and tell him I’ll see him after while.
As he is about to leave, he says, “Squirrel, it’s you and me tonight on the dance floor.”
Eeeeeeekkkk! That boy’s got moves, and I can’t wait to dance with him tonight!
The Kluft girls have our Saturday night ritual of drinkin’, getting dressed up, and going to Hank’s. I am not the DD tonight, and I plan on having fun.
We arrive at Hank’s; it is still redneck meets ghetto fabulous as usual. The only difference tonight is that I feel a little giddy and am ready to dance my ass off with Joe. All the girls make our way to the dance floor, and by the time three songs have played, I feel a very familiar body behind me. I know exactly who it is, and I know exactly what I want to do.
I lift my arms above my head and place them around his neck. I immediately know that Joe likes this because he puts few kisses on my neck before whispering in my ear. “You know if you keep this up all night, you’re not going to your room alone.” I look and smile seductively at him. I would love for him to hold me in his arms all night, but I’m sure that is not what he is expecting.
“Just so you know, Joe, I’m not that kinda girl.”
“Um hum, if you say so.” This makes me nervous. I don’t do well alone with guys the way that he is thinking. Cash is different, but other guys, I just can’t do it.
We dance the night away and before I know it, it is time to go back to Southern. Joe holds onto me even after the house lights are up. I can see the hunger in his eyes. I feel the need too, but I’m just not ready. Even with the alcohol, I know this isn’t what I need. Not yet.
Joe and I walk outside hand in hand. I try to go to Tori’s Explorer, but Joe asks me to ride with him and another few people from school. I ask him if he’d rather just ride with me. He agrees within a second. We hurry to the Explorer and get in the back. There aren’t enough seats, so we make our own. Jenny is the DD tonight; I feel safe with her, the Kluft girls, and Joe in this car. I know where it is going. I have control.
We arrive back at Southern, and Joe asks me to come back to his room. I agree only because I know I have the choice of when I leave. I honestly do not feel that he would push me to do things that I don’t want to do. We make our way to Irvin. His roommate has gone home for the weekend. He has the bottom bunk; we get comfortable. I take off my shoes and cuddle up to him.
We turn on the TV, but don’t bother to watch it. Our hands are all over each other, and I can’t get enough of his lips on mine. He begins to unbutton my shorts. I realize what he is doing, and I can’t go there. I won’t. I pull away from him.
“Joe, I can’t do that with you.”
He looks at me with puppy dog eyes.
“I’m sorry, Joe, I can’t. I will make out with you all night long, but you’re not taking my clothes off,” I say it sternly. He has to know I mean business.
“Okay, I won’t take your clothes off. I promise you; I respect you more than that.”
I don’t say a word. I just grab his shirt and pull him to me. I haven’t had this much action in a while, and I plan on enjoying it!
I wake up the next morning and decide to make the walk of shame from Irvin to Kluft. Not that I’ve done anything to be embarrassed about but people will assume I’m sure. I mean I am walking across campus in the same outfit from last night.
I make it to Kluft, get a shower and relax the reminder of the day. This week is going to be a rough one: practice, class, and going home. I can’t wait till Friday. I also can’t wait to get my lips on Joe’s again, and that is exactly what we do when we have to meet for Freshman Seminar on Wednesday.
Coach has been kicking our ass this week at practice, but I’m getting back into shape. We have our first meet in a little over a month. I spent so much time out of the water, I’ve got to get where I use to be. I don’t talk to Cash much this week because of everything going on.
On Thursday, I decide to text him and Piper. I know Piper said she isn’t coming home, but I just want to double check. I miss her.
Me: Piper u decide to come home?
Piper: I’m going to pass hu
ge party here this weekend
Me: K have fun :)
Well dang! I have to admit now that Joe and I had such a great week, I’m beyond nervous about seeing Cash. I don’t have a choice. He knows all my secrets, and it’s time to let one out of the envelope.
Me: I’ll b home by 3 2morrow
Cash: Sweet! Can’t wait!
I grab my duffle bag and pack for the weekend. I grab a variety of clothes. Not sure what we will do, but I know it will involve mud and trucks. The thought of that gets me excited to go home.
Friday morning I go to Bio and meet Joe. He looks sad when I tell him I’ll see him Monday.
“Don’t forget about me this weekend. I’m sure Cash is going to be waiting on you. Just remember I want to get to know you, too. He’s had eighteen years and has an advantage. Just don’t mark me off the list yet, okay?”
“Okay.” I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and go to my room. I get my bag and tell Georgia that I’m heading home. I’m about to walk down the stairs when I realize I left the envelope in the closet. I turn around, grab it, and head to the Honda. Just the thought of carrying that envelope with me makes me sick. I don’t know what the hell is in there, and I’m not sure if I want to know.
I throw my bags in the trunk, put on my shades, open the sunroof, and head home. Traffic isn’t near as bad as I thought. The worst part is when I get close to Grassy Pond. I don’t know why the Department of Transportation wants to put a stoplight every 100 feet. I begin to get excited as I drive through what little bit of town we have. I can’t wait to see Tessa, Mom, Dad, Blue, and Cash.
When the Honda hits the gravel road heading to our farm, I grin from ear to ear. As I pull onto the dirt road, I can see my daddy on the tractor in the field. Mom must be at work, and Tessa must not be home from school yet. I start to grab my bags when Blue rubs up against me. I give him some good lovin.’ Oh, how I’ve missed this dog. I rub his ears and give him a kiss on his head.
“Come on, boy. Let’s go unpack.”
Blue and I go in the house and I take it all in. I have only been gone a couple of weeks, but I feel like it has been forever. As I walk in, I can smell the familiarity of home, the smell of cows outside, sound of my daddy’s tractor, Blue’s touch as he nudges me, and the smell of my mama’s cookin’. I make my way to my room. I unpack my bag and decide the safest place for that god awful envelope in my purse. I don’t know when I’m going to open it, but I do know I will be with Cash when I do.
Me: I’m home :)
Cash: :) I’m fixin the fence by the club u can come help if u want
Me: c u n min
I better change really quickly. I know better than to go help on the farm in “good” clothes. I throw on a pair of old cut-offs, ratty t-shirt and my old Araits. I start to walk out the door when I see Tessa making a beeline straight for me. Oh shit, I think she’s gonna run me over.
“Char! Char!”
“Tess, I’m right here.”
She greets me with a big ‘ol hug, and then starts being Chatty Kathy. She tells me everything that has been going on, what’s expected at the game tonight, how she went to the pool hall and Cash went too, and then she finally looks at me. “Sorry, Char, I just got so excited! I haven’t seen you in like forever and I miss your face!”
“I miss you, too.”
“What are you about to do, Char? ‘Cause I know that wasn’t what you wore home. I know you better than that.”
“’Bout to go see Cash. He’s fixin’ the fence by the club. Wanna go?”
“Hell no, I’m gonna leave that to you two alone.” She giggles.
“Shut up! It’s not like he’s gonna attack my face or anything.”
“Yeah, whatever!” She smiles and walks inside the house.
I walk to the shed to grab my four-wheeler. I can’t wait to get on it and punch the gas. I know I better stop by Dad before going to the club. As I get close to Dad, he stops the tractor and jumps down.
“Hey Char!” He gives me a hug, and asks how I am.
“I’m good, Daddy. Just about to help Cash fix the fence by the club.”
“Okay, you’re going to the game tonight, right?”
“Yeah. I should be back at the house soon.”
Dad gets back on the tractor and I take off. As I approach the club, I can see Cash. I know he hasn’t noticed me because he hasn’t looked up. Damn! I feel like my heart is about to jump outta my chest! Cash is squatted down with a 2x4, hammer, and nails. He is shirtless with a perfect tan and pair of Carhartts. He stands up to wipe the sweat from his head. There is just something about a hot and sweaty country boy. All I can think about is getting in those arms. He looks up and does a double take. He puts down the hammer and jumps over the fence with little effort. He walks toward me with that half grin of his. Oh lawd! Maybe Tessa was right! I put the brake on the four-wheeler and hop off.
Cash and I continue to approach each other. After about three seconds of me trying to act like I’m not excited, I take off in a full out sprint. Cash starts to laugh, and when I reach him, I jump into his arms. Cash holds onto me for dear life and spins us around. He hugs me like he will never let go.
“Well, Char-coal, that’s one way to know you’re glad to see me!”
“Cash Money, I’ve missed you so much! It’s just not the same not seeing your face every day.” I smile.
He looks into my eyes and shakes his head. He gives me several quick pecks on the lips before putting me down.
“So, you gonna help me or not?”
I shrug my shoulders, “I guess.”
“Well, that damn Joker is the reason I’m out here anyways. Last time he jumped the fence he took part of it with him.”
I just laugh. That damn goat. He has the perfect name. I walk with Cash to the fence. Cash holds the 2x4 while I hammer it in place. We have always made a great team.
Once the fence is fixed, we take just a minute to sit there and take everything in. The farm is gorgeous today. The sky is clear, I can hear the pigs in the distance, Dad on the tractor, and I have Cash beside me. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Around 4:30, I decide to head back to the house to get ready for the game and visit with Mom and Tessa.
“Alright Cash, I gotta head back to the house to see Mom and Tessa before the game. You riding with me to the game?”
“Um no, you’re riding with me,” he says with a wink. I get up to head toward the house. Cash stands up as well. He pulls me into his arms, looks me in the eyes, and brings those lips toward mine. He starts out soft and sweet, but before it’s over, he is devouring my lips with his. I can feel my insides begin to heat up. At this rate, we aren’t going to make it to the game. That thought makes me giggle like a little girl.
“What’s so funny?” Cash says while he is still kissing me.
“Nothing, just think we might not make it to the game at this rate.”
He starts to grin and slows his kisses.
“Alright, I get your point. So I’ll pick ya up at six.”
“Okay, I’ll see ya then.” I kiss him quickly once more and ride back to the house.
I walk into the house, and Mom’s in the kitchen. It smells like heaven. There is nothing better than the smell of country cookin’. She has my favorite meal in the works, country style steak, mashed potatoes, corn, and homemade rolls. Yum!
“Hey Mama!”
“Hey sweet girl!” Mom wipes her hands on the dish towel before walking over to give me a hug. “You hungry?”
“Yup! Nothing like doing a little work on the farm to give ya an appetite.”
She walks back to the stove to finish supper, and I sit down at the bar. We talk about school, swimming, and what has been going on at home.
“Charley, hun, if you’re going to the game, you better get ready while I finish supper.” I look at my watch, oh crap. I go upstairs to get a shower and get ready for the game.
The Dixon-West game is the biggest rivalry of the season in Grass
y Pond. It’s been that way since the schools were built. Tonight every store will close, every person in town, and those that are from West High will arrive in our little rinky dink town to watch two great teams go head to head to see who comes out on top. Tonight after the game, we all hope to celebrate a win at someone’s farm or the pool hall. But regardless of a win or loss, there will be a party somewhere.
I get ready and decide that I’m going to wear my old Dixon High Tigers t-shirt that I have totally cut up, added ribbons and made original. I grab my favorite pair of Miss Me jeans and my boots. I leave my hair down, add make up, and I’m ready to cheer on the Tigers.