by Scott, S. L.
He comes in with that sexy smirk on those kissable lips and runs those big hands over my waist, then settles on my hips. “I do love you, Meadow Soleil. But you love me more.”
Tilting my head, I give him my best smirk right back. I run my fingers over his shirt, and ask, “How do you figure that?”
“You left me the last Ding Dong.”
“What? No, I didn’t. I finished off the box. A little midnight snack.”
“Man,” he starts, pretending to be offended. “I found one still in there, but now I hear it wasn’t meant for me. Cruel. Just cruel. First, no spaghetti. Now, no dessert. I’m hungry. What do you suggest I eat?”
Easy answer. Me.
* * *
“Andrea Andrews.”
Looking around, I try to spot Dave or Stella, but the stadium is too big, and I have no idea where they’re sitting. I receive a text from him: You know what love is? Love is wanting to see the sunrise in your green oceans.
I snicker to myself, my neighbor looking at me like I’m crazy. I am. Crazy in love with that man in the stands, wherever he is. Me: You know what love is? Love is a box of Ding Dongs.
.
.
.
“Kim Carters.”
I relax back, knowing it’s going to be a while, and send him another text. Me: Love is both of us thinking we’re the lucky one.
Dave: Love is sitting in a stadium full of people to watch your girlfriend graduate.
Giggling, I read it over and over, thinking about him hiding from fans in plain sight. For me. He’s doing it all for me.
.
.
.
“Leonard Downey.”
Grabbing my phone from the small purse under my graduation robe, I check it. There’s a message with their location. My row is asked to stand and we’re led to the side of the stage, so I look for them once more. But there are too many people here for graduation to find my people.
.
.
.
“Meadow Fellowes.”
I walk across the stage when my name is announced. Shake hands. Take my diploma. Smile for the camera. I release the breath I was holding when I reach the edge of the stage.
This is the moment I’ve waited for, the payoff for all my hard work and the hours and years dedicated to my studies. Through tears and pain, I fought for this, and I’ve earned every glorious moment. I, Meadow Soleil Fellowes, am now the proud recipient of a Business in Marketing degree. Watch out, world. I’m coming for you.
I’m tempted to keep walking right out of here. We’ve been stuck here for over two hours already, and I’m ready to go and spend time with everyone. I walk back with my row and file back in, hoping this ends soon or I’ll leave anyway.
The last name is called an hour later. Thank God.
Hats fly into the air, and I immediately work my way through the crazy crowd to find my family. I search through thousands of people, hurrying through reuniting families in the direction where they said they were. But when I reach the edge of the celebration, the stadium ahead is empty.
My shoulders sag, wondering how I’m ever going to find them in this mass of chaos. I turn around and check my phone once more.
Me: Love is sitting through four hours of a graduation ceremony when all I want to do is celebrate with you.
Dave: It’s not too late to celebrate.
Me: Where are you?
Dave: Look up.
Twenty feet in front of me with a Crow Bros. hat pulled down low in the front, stands what I love most—my own personal rock star in the flesh. I run, wanting to hug him, to cover him in my love, to drown in a sea of all the emotions that fill me. He catches me in his arms and spins us around. With those pillowy lips against my ear, he says, “Love is finding the love of my life in a crowd of ten thousand because she’s the only one who exists to me.”
Love of his life?
My head drops to his shoulder as my tears fall. “I love you.”
“I’m so proud of you. Congrats, graduate.”
As soon as my feet hit the ground, I hear, “Meadow?”
My sister.
I turn to see Stella running toward me with Rivers behind her. Not too far behind him is Tulsa carrying Alfie on his back, and Jet with Hannah. “How is everyone here? They’ll be seen.”
“They wouldn’t miss this.”
Stella crashes into me and hugs me so tight, I beg for air. Squeezing my cheeks, she says, “You did it, little sis. Congratulations.”
An arm comes around my head as Rivers hugs me. “Way to go, Meadow.”
By the time Tulsa reaches us, Alfie has been set down and is already in my arms. “Hey, little dude. Thanks for being here.”
“It was really boring, but Uncle Tulsa promised me a Frosty if I was good.”
Tulsa gives me a side hug and a proud smile. “You’ve done good, Meadow. Congratulations.”
Patting his arm, I reply, “Thanks. Thanks for being here. This is such a surprise.”
Alfie says, “Dad said he had to come. I earned three bucks from that conversation.”
“Ha. Ha. Ha.” Tulsa grabs Alfie by the back of the shirt, pretending he’s mad, and then leans down eye level with him. “You’re a quick learner.” High fiving him, he says, “If you can’t be nice—”
“Be funny,” Alfie finishes, cracking the two of them up. “Nailed it.”
“You guys are ridiculous.”
Hannah reaches me first and embraces me. “Congratulations. We’re so happy for you.”
Jet takes over after her. I’m lost in his bear hug, feeling the love. “This is a great accomplishment, and you’ve made us all proud.”
“Thank you.”
Stella says, “We should probably separate again. We’re starting to get attention.”
Hannah takes Alfie’s hand. “We need to head back to California. Rochelle’s watching Violet.”
“Wait. You flew here for the graduation and are leaving right now?”
“We wanted to be here for you just as you’ve been there for everyone else.”
Dave rubs my back, and then says, “They insisted.”
“You guys are going to make me cry again.”
Hannah touches my wrist. “Don’t cry. Go celebrate and enjoy your special day.”
One more hug is exchanged before they leave, Tulsa in tow with the other Crows. Stella and Rivers stay with us, but before we leave, Dave says, “Do you have a minute?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Come over here.” He takes my hand and leads me toward a section of seats near the stage.
I start crying as soon as I see her. Lisa Carson sits next to her husband. I rush to her and am gentle when I give her a hug. Kneeling in front of her, I ask, “Why are you here? You should be resting and recovering.”
Touching my cheek, she smiles. “This is an important day for you and David, so it’s important to us.”
His dad says, “This is the closest we might ever get unless this band thing goes south.”
I feel Dave bristle next to me, and my heart breaks. Even here, in front of me, with possibly other witnesses around us, he still shoots his arrows at his son. And it makes me angry.
I want to ignore him like Dave does, but I can’t. “I’m not sure why you feel you need to say this here at my graduation or anywhere.”
“Meadow, don’t. It doesn’t—”
“No, Dave. This should be said.” I stand and with my eyes still directed at his father, I say, “Your son is an exceptionally talented singer, songwriter, and musician. He’ll never be a lawyer as that has never been his dream. He is fulfilling his dream, though, and outstandingly. He’s loyal, strong, selfless, and kind. I love him, and it has nothing to do with his career choice, so I have no clue why you can’t feel the same when he’s your own flesh and blood.”
“Look here, young lady. You shouldn’t—”
Lisa’s small sob catches his attention, and I see the instant chan
ge in him as he looks at her with a tenderness I am stunned by.
This man is just as capable of loving wholeheartedly like his son. It’s in her eyes, and it’s in his for us to witness. After a quiet, wordless conversation, he nods at her and strokes her cheek. “Seems like David’s found a woman like you, Lisa. Fearless. One with backbone.”
“Yes, he has.”
His father turns to Dave, and I can’t say there is pride in his gaze—baby steps and all—but I don’t see judgment or disappointment. His father’s hand runs along his wife’s shoulder, and he says, “Your mom helped me download your two albums the other night.”
“Really?” Dave seems surprised.
“You’re not a lawyer. You’re a band man. Your mom always loved music, so if you take after her, I’d say we all win.”
His mom’s hand covers her husband’s hand and Dave takes mine, then asks, “What did you think of the music?”
I guess, like me, he still fights for that glimmer of acceptance, something that will bring pride to his dad’s eyes. I almost hold my breath, but his dad answers too fast, “They’re good. I liked seeing your name on there. Showed my partners at the firm and anyone else who would listen.” He steps forward and hugs his son. “I’m proud of you, but I’m more proud of the man you’ve become.” Clapping his back, his father beams with pride. “A chip off the ole block, I say.”
I think Dave’s too stunned to react, so I do. “I think you probably have more in common than you realize. Maybe you can find some common ground over a cup of tea.”
Dave laughs. “Or coffee.”
His dad agrees. “See? We’re finding common ground already.”
Lisa says, “This is better than Christmas.” When her eyes find me, she mouths, “Thank you.”
38
Ridge
I never thought I’d see the day that Nielsen David Carson would change his mind in regards to me after making it up years ago. But my girl held him accountable and broke through his stubborn views to make him see the light for the first time where it concerns me.
My girl did that. For me. For him. For our future. “You didn’t have to go to bat for me, Meadow.”
“I did. That what’s family does for each other, even when it comes to ornery family members.”
She’s right. She never ceases to blow my mind with her big heart.
Though it’s been a great day, I feel like I’ve been waiting for tonight since I woke up. The sound of her sister and the others fill the living room. Behind a closed bedroom door, I set the box on the bed and wait.
Dragging her fingers along the dresser, she stops, sets her glass of champagne down, and steps out of her heels one by one. “What is it?”
“Open it.”
“I’m nervous.”
“It’s not an engagement ring or anything. I’m smart enough to know not to tie you down.”
Walking barefoot over to me, she sits on my lap, and says, “You can tie me down one day.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” But I want forever.
She takes the box and tugs the ribbon with a big smile on her face. “What’d ya get me, rock star?”
“Something I’ve wanted to give you for a long time now. I was just waiting for the right time.”
Lifting the lid, she asks, “Now’s the right time?”
“Like no other.”
The smile softens, but there’s no less happiness invested. Pulling the paper from the box, she opens it and reads, “Redo.” Her eyes meet mine. “What would you like to redo?”
“The road trip.”
“You want me to go on a road trip with you again?” When she tilts her head, her hair falls to one side, tempting me with a view of her graceful neck.
“Through the desert. Austin to LA.”
An arm comes around my shoulders and she leans back to get a better view. “You sure you want to do that? It didn’t turn out so great the last time.”
“That’s why we deserve a redo.”
“We do, don’t we?” Standing up, she takes a sip of her champagne. “When do we leave?”
* * *
Four days later, and fifteen hours into the road trip, I find the place where we went wrong last time. Pulling off the highway, I take the detour and park far enough off the highway not to be seen overnight. We’re not in a hurry, but it’s been a long day, and I’m getting tired. The memory of us together last time we were here has carried me this far.
Her gaze is glued out the window, and she smiles. “There are a billion stars out there.” Playfully pushing my arm, she adds, “And one in here.”
She mocks the celebrity thing lovingly, but I’m reminded how she never talks about money either. Eventually, we’ll have to address it. There is nothing normal about the money I’ve made or how our lives will be changed. I also overheard her tell her sister on the phone once that she had enough to survive. Two hundred dollars.
The girl is going to survive off two hundred bucks until after graduation. For how long? Even if she starts a job tomorrow, she won’t get paid for weeks or upward of a month. Thank God Stella and Rivers are paying the bills, or she’d be out on the streets.
She pokes me again, and that brings me back to how great the past eight months have been. I say, “You’re the only star I see.”
“You always did have a way with words.”
The door is opened, and she’s out of the SUV, spinning under the stars. I cut the engine and turn out the lights before joining her. “You did that last time. We also danced in the moonlight.” I hold out my hand. “Will you dance with me, Meadow Soleil?”
Taking my hand, she squeaks when I spin her in. I hold her tight, right against me. “Where do we go from here?”
“You wanted a redo. I want to give it to you.” She pulls me back to the 4Runner that I owe Rivers for letting me borrow again.
* * *
“I thought college students were supposed to be able to hold their liquor.”
Three hours later into the wee hours of the night, she’s not holding her liquor at all. “I’m tired and tipsy, thinking I can fall asleep right here under the stars if we don’t go to bed soon.”
“Come on, let’s get settled in the back before you fall asleep on me.”
“I like being on you.”
“And you call me insatiable.” I stand, then lean down to help her up.
When she pops up, she says, “You’re the rock star of boozing it up. I see where I went wrong now.”
“I see what you did there. Good one.”
“I have plenty more where that came from. You should hang out with me more.”
“Be careful what you wish for.”
She snorts. “Was I wishing?”
Walking her back to the SUV, I reply, “I’m good at reading between the lines.”
We crawl into the back of the 4Runner, and I lie on my back. Meadow climbs up and relaxes on her side, holding me while I hold her. We can hear the wind whistling through the cracked open window with a backdrop of insects singing.
While her fingertips run along my bare chest, her breath warms my neck. Just when I close my eyes, she whispers, “I got a job offer.”
I’m now wide-awake. She can feel the beat of my heart, so I try to regulate it from beating out of my chest in a panic. “Really? That’s great.” When I trust myself to sound normal, I say, “Tell me about it.”
“It’s in London.”
Fuck. Closing my eyes, I catch my arm tightening around her, never wanting to let her go. “What will you be doing?”
“Marketing. For the firm where I did my internship.”
“You liked it there?”
“I did.”
I turn enough to bury my nose into her hair and inhale. Please don’t leave me. “There’s nothing in Austin?”
“The job came to me.”
I just got you back. “What do you like about it?”
“It’s a good opportunity. I’d be working for a highly respected interna
tional investment firm. I know some of the staff already, and that makes the transition a little easier. What do you think?”
“Is this your only option?”
“The pay is good, considering I’m a new graduate. Do you think I should take it?”
I kiss her head. She’s put me in a spot that either makes me the bad guy or the hero. I’d rather be the hero of her story than a regret she once made. “You need to follow your gut.”
“What if I can’t decide?” Then stay. Stay with me.
“Only you’ll know if it’s the right or wrong thing to do. It will come to you.”
When her body relaxes again, she kisses my shoulder. “Thank you.”
I listen for her breathing to calm like her body. When she falls asleep, I don’t. I can’t, just like I can’t lose her. Not again.
But how do I stop her without being an asshole?
I can hold her here, guilt her into staying if she decides to go. I’m not sure she’ll choose London. She went once because she had to. Now it’s a choice she’ll be making.
Shifting, her leg comes over mine. When she settles back into her slumber, I think about the two ways this can play out. Either way, I lose.
If I support her, I lose her.
If she stays, she’ll hate me, and I’ll lose her.
That means there’s only one way this can go. I have to support her, no matter what.
The tips of her fingers come to life, running across my chest. Her hand slips around the side of my neck, and she moves on top of me. With sleepy eyes and a sleepier voice, she whispers, “I want to make love.”
She’s on top of me, leaning over me, bare breasts, soft hips, and pink lips that need to be kissed until they’re swollen. Aphrodite come to life. “We’ve already made it.” I run my finger over her collarbone and lower, pressing my hand to her chest. “It’s in here.”
A languid smile spreads, and she lifts up to slide down on top of me. She will never feel less than incredible, her heat fighting the chill in the SUV. “Babe,” she says, her head falling back as her long hair hangs down, hiding too much of her from my view.