Along for the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  “Aw, hush! So, y’all wanna head to the bus? We have to sign a few autographs real quick.”

  “Sure, honey,” Mama says. As they walk to the bus, Jake and I make our way to fifty screaming fans that are here for Jake and not me.

  When the last autograph is signed, security whisks us away, and it doesn’t take long to realize how tired I really am. I can’t wait to see my family, but honestly, I just want a caramel frappé and my bed. Being on the road is exhausting, but then I realize tomorrow I get to sleep in my own bed.

  “I’ll let you have some time with your family. What was it that you were gonna say earlier?”

  “Oh, I was thinkin’ ‘bout goin’ home for a few days or so. I just need a little groundin’, ya know? I didn’t know what you were planning, but thought if you were in need of some home cookin’ and a real bed, you might wanna come, too.”

  Jake stops, and I turn to face him.

  “If you can promise me that I won’t have a million teenage girls after me, we have a deal.”

  “Well, I can make that promise because there aren’t more than a couple hundred teenagers total in Lattimore.”

  “You should be a comedian, ya know?”

  “I’ll keep that in mind if this gig doesn’t work out,” I say as I walk up the stairs to my bus.

  “Just be ready in the morning and we will head that way.”

  “A'ight.” He turns and walks to his bigger mansion of a bus.

  Jake

  What in the world have I gotten myself into? I’ve spent the past six months trying to keep things strictly professional between Belle and me. I’ve done pretty dang good at it except that one night in Tulsa. Once we finished our sets and autographs, we decided to eat pizza and watch a movie on my bus. Needless to say, she decided to get comfortable and she was sexy in a little tank top and yoga pants. I did my best not to focus on her perfect butt, but the moment her eyes stayed on mine a little too long, my hand found her flawless cheek and we were about two inches from crossing that line.

  Shaking that thought from my mind, I walk toward my bus. Taking one step at a time, I tell Randall, my driver, he’s going to have to hold the bus down since I’m taking off for a few days. Once inside, I head straight for a cold beer and a shower.

  Chapter 15

  Belle

  Once I reach the top step onto my bus, Laurel hounds me.

  “Did I just hear that right? Jake Bryant is comin’ to Lattimore?”

  “Yes, but if you so much as post it on any social media site, I’ll kill you! You got it?”

  “Easy, killer,” Chase says.

  I give Chase a hard stare, and he gives me one right back. That is why he is my favorite person. He keeps it real and looks out for me at the same time, whether we were at Joe’s or even in school.

  “Well, I just don’t want a million screamin’ girls going goo-goo for Jake Bryant while we’re trying to enjoy a break.”

  “Please tell me that y’all aren’t dating?” my mama asks. She has never been one to sugar coat anything.

  “No, Mama! We aren’t dating, sleeping, or doing anything together. We are just friends, and I plan on keepin’ it that way no matter what those magazines are trying to make people think.”

  Beau almost chokes on his beer at my comment. He’s always loved how I tell it like it is, and he’s always tried to keep things quiet around our parents. Leave it to me to spill every party being thrown in Lattimore, who was dating whom, cheatin’ on whom, or anything else that happens in a small town. I’m sure that being the older brother he is, he was probably ready to kill me six out of seven days a week 'cause bless, he had to take Sunday off.

  “Good to know,” Daddy says. “Well, I guess that means we need to get home and make sure things are ready for not one, but two big stars to come to town.”

  “Daddy! There ain’t nothin’ special about us. We just got lucky, that’s all.”

  “Oh, there’s plenty special about you, sweetheart, and don’t you forget it.”

  Mama, Daddy, and Beau go home while Laurel and Chase hang around for a little while longer. We brew a pot of coffee, sit, talk, and enjoy a night like we used to every Friday night after Joe’s closed, except I’m currently in need of the golden arches to make it perfect. I love these two, and honestly, every day is hard because they aren’t a part of my daily life.

  As the clock approaches four in the morning, they stand to leave, but I can’t let them drive at this time of night.

  “Y’all just stay. I’m leavin’ in the mornin’. It’s late and I’ve missed y’all,” I tell them.

  Laurel looks at Chase. “Whatever you wanna do, Laurel,” he says.

  “Well, I’ve never stayed on a famous country star’s tour bus before, so yeah!” she exclaims.

  I loan Laurel some pajamas and we get ready to watch a movie before going to bed. Within ten minutes, Laurel is ready to call it a night, and I tell her to take my bed. She doesn’t argue and shuts the door behind her. Glancing Chase’s way, he shrugs and we continue to watch the movie.

  “I missed you,” I whisper.

  “Same here, Bella Blu. Life’s not the same without you at home, but this is what you were born to do.”

  “You really think so? This could all be gone in the blink of an eye.”

  “Possibly, but you’re amazing up there. The crowd loved you and it’s like you were at home.”

  “Maybe, but for me home will always be a town that doesn’t even have a stoplight.”

  Chase

  Listening to her talk about home lets me know she does miss life there. I’ve been worried about her; between the texts and tabloid magazines, my mind has been all over the place. She assures me that she’s okay and handling everything well, but I know her and I know that living this life isn’t as easy as she is making it out to be.

  “So he’s really coming home with us?”

  “Yeah, I think it will be good for him. I swear, if he’s got family they don’t get along or something. It’s weird.”

  Without another word, we focus back on the movie and within minutes, I feel her breathing slow. When I look down, the most beautiful girl is sleeping sweetly in my arms. Her sunshine-colored hair is cascading down her face; I move it and place it behind her ear as I watch her sleep. She’s as close to perfect as anyone I’ve ever seen.

  Debating, I decide not to wake her. There’s no need and I know she’s exhausted. Instead, I do my best to get comfortable, toss my ball cap on the table and close my eyes. As I say my prayers, I thank God for Bella Blu and making her dreams come true.

  Chapter 16

  Belle

  As the sun begins to shine into the front cabin of my house on wheels, it takes me a few moments to process where I am and what is going on. Why are there arms around me? Oh gosh, what did Jake and I do? As my heart rate picks up, I pray as I open my eyes that I have my clothes on, and that’s when I’m brought back to reality. That’s not Jake, but Chase. What was my mind thinking? Maybe I was dreaming or something. Silently, I let out a sigh of relief then plan my escape from his strong arms.

  Trying my best not to wake him, I attempt to slip from between his arms as he begins to mumble something that I can’t understand. Then, his arm starts to squeeze me like a boa constrictor. That’s when I realize he’s no longer asleep and just being the pain that I love.

  “I can’t breathe, Chase! Let me go!”

  “I’ll let you go when you scream to the world that I am best man on Earth.”

  Without thinking, I do exactly that. I yell those words, and Laurel pushes open the door like the smoke alarm just sounded. Her hair is all kinda crazy. “What was that?” she asks.

  “Oh, you know. It’s just me professing how Chase is the best man on Earth, because if I don’t, he will squeeze all the air outta my lungs.”

  “Lord, can y’all fall in love already?” She turns around and returns to bed.

  Chase and I look at each other like she’s lost her mind.
That’s one thing I know about Chase and me. We are just friends and the fact I thought he was Jake proves that even more.

  Chase finally lets go of his death grip as there is a knock at the door. I make my way over and open it. Jake Bryant is there, packed and ready to go to my hometown. Who would have ever thought that I’d take a country music star home to the podunk town of Lattimore?

  “Hey, Jake. Come on up.”

  Once he’s on the bus, he has a confused look when he notices both Chase and me still in our clothes from last night.

  “Chase and Laurel stayed last night.”

  “Well, I hate I missed the slumber party,” he says as he eyes Chase.

  Shaking my head, I say, “Give me ten minutes and we’ll be on the road.”

  Hurrying into my room, I tell Laurel to get moving and also inform her that the country god is on the bus.

  “Oh sweet Jesus! I can’t go out there like this!” She begins to panic as she looks in the mirror and I stand back and watch. I’ve never seen a girl move so fast in my life.

  “What?” she asks.

  “Um, he’s just a guy.”

  “To you, maybe, but I’m no dummy. I see the way he looks at you. In fact, if I were you, I’d act on that if I had the chance.”

  As I stuff some clothes into my bag, I answer her, “Whatever. You know that would never work. I can’t go there. Do you know what will happen to this tour if we go there?”

  “Yeah, I do. Y’all would share one bus and make pretty babies one of these days,” she says seriously. I chunk my pillow at her.

  “You can’t be serious! He’s hot and sweet, but my career depends on this. I can’t get caught up in him.”

  “Belle, it’s only for three more months. Then after that, you know you’re going to get asked to headline. I say let whatever happens, happen. What’s the worst thing that could happen?”

  “It would make things weird, and I don’t do weird. You really think I’ll headline? I don’t think sales are there yet.”

  “Yes, they are. You’re everywhere on TV and the radio. You're ranking in the top ten of country music downloads. It’s your time, and if they don’t see that, they are idiots.”

  “Awww, I love you, Laurel.”

  “Back at ya! Now, what should I wear? There is a country hottie out there!”

  “Um, you don’t have clothes?” I motion toward her attire from last night.

  “Exactly, I’m swiping something from your closet.”

  “Shorts and a tank. That’s how I’m rolling home.”

  Within a few minutes, we’re dressed and make our way to the living area. Chase and Jake seem to be engaged an in-depth conversation. They both look like they are ready to throw blows at each other.

  “Everyone ready to go?” I ask to relieve the tension. “Chase and Laurel, Jake and I will follow y’all.” I have to say that it’s nice that Jake has his truck handy, because I honestly hadn’t thought that part through. I guess I would have ridden home with Chase and Laurel or called Beau to pick me up.

  Walking Chase and Laurel to his truck, I tell them I’ll see them shortly then walk to meet Jake at his truck.

  Jake

  Watching her walk my direction, it is almost impossible not to notice her natural beauty. She’s the kind of girl your mom prays you find one day, especially if you're in my boots. Good and trustworthy girls are hard to find in my line of work. They are all about status and more worried about getting seen with me than actually being with me.

  As she walks toward the passenger seat, I make a decision. One I might regret, but I have to try. I know she’s worried about her career, but the chemistry between us is undeniable and after walking onto that bus this morning, I know I’ve got to make a move because it’s only a matter of time before Chase refuses to only be friends. I saw the way he looked at her last night and to know that they shared last night together, even if it was innocent, is driving me crazy. So this weekend, I plan to make a move. One that will make her realize we work together and it can last.

  Closing the door, I’m pulled from my thoughts. Looking her direction, I turn the ignition then wait before cranking my diesel engine. Putting the truck in drive, we exit the amphitheater and head toward her hometown.

  “What can I expect in this place called Lattimore?”

  “Well, it’s like any other redneck town. Everyone knows your business. We have the best burgers this side of I-85, a pool hall, and let’s just say, we know how to get down on the farm.”

  “Nice. Sounds exactly like where I want to spend my break. Chase and Laurel live there, too?”

  “Yeah, I’ve grown up with them my entire life. Chase has been my best friend since elementary school, but we all started really hangin’ out when we were old enough to go to Joe’s. We learned every country line dance, partied hard on 1-2-3 nights, and when amateur nights started, they put me on stage and that’s been all she wrote, but you know that part already,” she says with a smile.. I will never forget the night I heard her voice and when I walked out into the crowd and saw her standing there, that moment will forever be chiseled in my mind. The way those shorts stopped on her legs just right and how her hair looked like ocean waves as it hung down her back, and the innocence that radiated from her.

  “I played there when I first got signed. You know that’s what people do, right? They play the small country bars from city to city and hope and pray the fans love them.”

  “I know. I do believe that I saw a Jake Bryant there not so long ago,” she says with a smirk. “I’ve seen anyone from Florida-Georgia Line to Blake Shelton there. That was always the plus of us workin’ at Joe’s. I always got to meet people, and they were normal, just like you and me.”

  “Now, how did I manage not to meet you when I played there?”

  “Probably because you wouldn’t have noticed me with the groupies all over you.”

  “That has to be the worst part. You know, most guys would kill to be in my spot, but I just want someone to like me for me, not because I’m this country music god that you say I am.”

  “I won’t say that I didn’t have a total fangirl moment once I realized I’d be touring with you. Well, actually both Laurel and I did. Chase laughed his butt off at us that night, but then I was over it. I realized we were professionals, and we need to keep it that way.”

  With that comment, the inside of the truck is quiet for a few minutes, and then I break the silence.

  “I’m thankful they got you up on that stage, Belle. When we walked in, I heard your voice and had to have you on tour with me. You were a voice to remember, and not so bad to look at, either,” I wink.

  “Well, I love music. I always have, and there is just something about connecting with people because your song touched their heart.”

  “Can I ask you one more thing?”

  “Shoot,” she says.

  “What’s really going on with you and Chase? It’s none of my business, but I see the way he looks at you.”

  “Nothing. He’s my best friend.”

  “Right, if you say so.”

  “Why does everyone have that same reaction?” Jake turns toward me as we stop at the stop sign.

  “Because I see the way he looks at you, and if you want me to be honest, I look at you the same way. I know you want to keep this relationship professional, but I’m not makin’ any promises this weekend.”

  Chapter 17

  Belle

  Completely floored. That is what I am. Maybe bringing Jake Bryant home isn’t a good idea, because as much as I want to say that it needs to stay professional, I know deep down that I want a little bit of what’s in those jeans.

  As we pull up to the two-story brick house on seventy-five acres, I see the wheels turning in Jake’s mind.

  “Whatcha thinkin’?” I ask.

  “I think this is beautiful. You described a rinky-dink town, and this house isn’t rinky-dink. Do y’all own all this land?”

  “Yup. It’s been in
the family for years. See that small cracker box of a house?” He nods. “That’s where Laurel and I were living. Now she kinda rented out my room to Sarah, my brother's girlfriend, so we’ll be staying with my parents. You see that little farm house right there?” I point out the window to the right. “That’s my mawmaw and pawpaw’s. They bought this when my pawpaw came home from the war. He always wanted his own farm like his dad but bigger, and that’s what he got. Daddy loved it just as much and decided to build on the land and run the farm with him. We sell cotton to all the local factories within the southeast.”

  “In other words, people know exactly who y’all are in town,” he responds.

  “No, it’s not like that here. Lattimore is a tight-knit community. We all work together, and my family provides a lot of jobs for people in town. We aren’t the biggest farm in town, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

  Pulling up to the house, Jake puts the truck in park. He is in complete awe, and it totally throws me off guard. What is his deal? His house outside of Nashville is a mansion, but for some reason, he’s blown away by a farm in podunk Lattimore.

  “Jake, it’s just a house that cotton built. There’s nothing fancy here. I promise once you walk through those doors, you will feel at home. My mama ain’t the best housekeeper, but she can cook. Daddy works from sun up to sun down, and Beau, well, that’s another story. He’s tried his best to make it outta here, but for some reason, he keeps getting pulled right back in.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that I didn’t expect this.”

  “What’d you expect? A single-wide?”

  “Um, maybe,” he says with a laugh.

  I do believe this is the first time that he has ever pissed me off. “Back up, Jack. First off, let me tell you that if I lived in a cardboard box, I’d still be proud if it was all my daddy could afford. Secondly, what gave you the idea I was trailer trash?”

  Jake is dumbfounded because I have never spoken like that to him, but he has struck a nerve.