Tutu's & Cowboy Boots (Part 1)

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 14

  Cadence

  Holy crap. Gran is going to make us go to that hillbilly two-step place tonight. Just awesome! I can’t wait to finish so I can call Lauren and tell her how exciting my life has become.

  Barrick leaves after he finishes shucking and taking care of the cows once more. Mom and I have to continue to clean the corn for the remainder of the afternoon. I swear it’s like Bubba on Forrest Gump with all those types of shrimp. I’ve see corn on the cob, off the cob, creamed corn, and made corn relish. Who knew there were so many ways to prepare corn? I thought you took it out of a can.

  As soon as I’m excused, I hurry to my room, close the door, and call Lauren.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey girl!” Lauren squeals. “What’s going on?”

  “Oh, nothing except being elbows deep in corn and hardly getting any time for myself.”

  “Grouchy much?” Lauren states with a hint of sarcasm.

  “You would be too. I’m stuck out here in the middle of nowhere. It’s hot as hell. I ruined my favorite pair of shorts. I drink milk straight out of a cow tit and to top it all off, I caught Mr. Farmhand watching me dance.”

  “How old is he? Is he hot? Did you get that picture yet? Please tell me he looks like Scott Eastwood in, what was that movie?”

  “Don’t know, don’t care, no, and The Longest Ride.”

  “Damn, I’d be bitchy too. Why don’t you move in with me?”

  “Lauren, we’ve already tried that. Mom vetoed that quickly. I wish you could come visit here at least.”

  “Well after that fabulous endorsement, it sounds like so much fun,” she says sarcastically. “So tell me, what’s really bothering you?”

  “Well, I haven’t left Gran’s except for a tour of the town and the only person I know is Barrick, who drives me insane and really seems to want to stick it to me. Gran is being a hard-ass and won’t take me to the dance studio and Mom won’t stick up for me and school starts next week. On top of all that, they want to take me to some dance hall and subject me to country music. I mean it’s like they don’t even care what I want or about the stuff I like. I mean country music? All that whining and sad shit? It’s not my fault we’re here so why do I have to accept all their crap? They’ll probably want me to dance with some guy with no teeth!”

  She starts to laugh and I laugh with her. It feels good. “I miss you, Lauren.”

  “Same here, girl. My solo just isn’t the same as when we worked together. On a lighter note, what in the hell are you going to wear to a country dance hall? A tutu? Ballet shoes? Oh I got it! How about a tutu and cowboy boots?” she suggests and starts laughing.

  “Oh that would be a sight, I’m sure! I’m just going to be me, but there’s no way in hell I’m dancing.”

  “Oh, I bet they are going to have some of those line dances. Oh my gosh, they are awful. Can’t they do any real dancing? Well, I’ve got to go. Call me tomorrow and tell me all about it.”

  “You know I will. Love ya, girl.” We disconnect and I feel like a little hole that’s been missing in my heart has been filled.

  Placing my phone on my bed, I begin to contemplate what I’m going to wear. I want to be me, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing. I open my closet door, look down at my bubblegum pink Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, and know exactly what I’m wearing.

  I take a shower and take my time getting ready. After curling my hair and pinning it in place, I take out my Vionnet paint-splattered crop-top-and-short set. It’s sassy, stands out, and accents all of my assets perfectly. If I’m going to make a first impression in this town, it’s going to be one that lasts. I slide on my sandals and buckle them in place as I hear Mom call for me to hurry up.

  Grabbing my matching clutch, I glance in the mirror one more time and hurry to the stairs. Barrick is at the bottom talking to Gran. What the hell? I thought he went home already. He stops mid-sentence and meets my eyes while my good mood quickly fades.

  “Hey Cadence, looks like you’re ready for a night out on the town but I’m not sure you’re ready for The Loft,” he says.

  I just smirk and walk into the kitchen where my mom is waiting.

  As soon as the door is shut, Gran is on my case. “You listen to me missy! You might not be from ‘round here, but in my house we are respectful. That was not respect. So drop the attitude. I will not tolerate it. Do you understand?”

  “Yeah,” I huff.

  “Excuse me?” she says, looking at Mom. “I know my daughter didn’t raise a girl to be rude to others.”

  “No ma’am, I didn’t,” Mom says like she’s a child being scolded. “Cadence, that’s enough. I’m not sure what your deal is, but drop it,” she says as her eyes plead for me to play nice.

  “Really? You don’t? You took me away from my friends, my home, and the stuff I love and you don’t know what’s wrong with me? How about being in the middle of nowhere working next to a guy that seems to want to stick it to me? How about not having any friends here and school is about to start?”

  “Cadence, I understand you are upset but you should still be respectful.”

  Gran doesn’t say a word and heads to the door.

  I toss my arms to my side, let out a deep breath, and walk down the steps. Let’s get this over with already.

  Thankfully Gran lets Mom drive the Suburban. I wasn’t looking forward to ruining another outfit. The ride to The Loft isn’t too long, but my mind is reeling from what just happened and I have no idea what to expect at this Loft place. The one thing I’m positive of is that Barrick will not be there tonight. He was just heading home in worn out jeans and a shirt and couldn’t possibly be ready for a night out.

  Arriving at The Loft, I notice it looks completely different than when we drove past the other day. The parking lot is full of cars and it’s well lit. Once Mom puts the Suburban in park, Gran grabs her arm.

  “Let’s have a good time tonight. What do you say?” she says to Mom and then looks at me. Mom agrees and I plaster a fake smile on my face.

  Entering the doorway, I take in my surroundings. No farm life – that’s a plus. Beautiful, detailed beams running above the dance floor with strings of lights attached to them – another plus. It almost looks like something out of a movie and I think it might actually not be that bad. That thought is dashed when a lady, who doesn’t speak proper English, asks us ‘how many’ while smacking her gum loudly. She’s even wearing a plaid shirt and boots. Ugh! She needs a serious lesson in fashion. I glance at Mom who smirks, and must be thinking exactly the same as me.

  Gran tells her how many, and she leads us to a table with a view of the dance floor. There isn’t anyone on it, but country music is playing in the background. Lord, help me. The hostess tells us the specials. I look at the menu and figure I’m safe with a salad. When I place my order I swear Gran rolls her eyes.

  We sit and talk about what has been going on. Mom talks about her job, and as much as I hate that it’s not as glamorous as her job in New York, she does seem happy. Mom asks if I’m ready to start school on Monday and if I have everything I need. Of course I’m ready. I don’t have a choice. I only need a few school supplies but what’s there to stress about?

  Gran chimes in our conversation. “I thought we could go check out the studio on Monday. If you like it, you could go a few days a week after school. What do you think?”

  “Gran, why can’t I go to a big city like Charlotte or something?” I question.

  “Because the studio in town is best of the best from what I understand. You should give it a try.”

  “I think I’ll pass for now.”

  Mom looks at me. “I thought that’s what you wanted, Cadence?”

  “I want to dance somewhere with prestige and there’s no way that is it. I’m better off dancing in the backyard at Gran’s.”

  “Heavens to Betsy, girl! You’ve got to get over yourself.”


  We finish eating and pay for our food. I’m impressed to see Mom drink a beer straight from the bottle. I think I’ve only ever seen her drink wine in a glass.

  “Come on, the band will be starting soon,” Gran says with excitement. What happened to a DJ? We move from our table, to one closer to the dance floor and wait for the band to begin playing. With the first pull on the fiddle, my ears feel like they are being attacked. As the music gets louder so do the people, and before long the dance floor is covered in people attempting to dance. I notice a few groups of girls my age. They are in frayed, cut-off jeans, tank tops, and boots. Seriously, that’s the style here? After people watching for as long as I can stand, I excuse myself to go to the restroom, but I’m not prepared for the looks I get as I make my way there. Every eye is on me. I smile, sway my hips a little harder, and hold my head high. I said I was going to let them know Cadence Lewis had arrived, and I’ve damn well succeeded. Bring on Monday, bitches!

  Barrick

  After arriving at The Loft, I stand outside and talk to my buddies for a little bit until the band begins to play. When we hear the music start, we make our way inside and stand near the bar. As I scan the crowd, I see Cadence sitting with Ms. Mae and Regina. Man, she looks hot and I was right, she doesn’t fit in at The Loft. I can’t imagine what everyone will think of her. I hope they show her a little southern hospitality because let’s face it, her attitude isn’t exactly sweet.

  I watch her and am pulled from my thought by one of my boys.

  “Who you staring at?” Aaron questions.

  “No one. Just tired’s all,” I say playing it off, but at that exact moment, she stands. I wait to see how long it takes for people to notice her. As she walks across the dance floor toward the restroom, all eyes are on her. I do my best not to stare, but she’s making it damn near impossible in those heels and short shorts. Holy shit. I’ve never seen anything like that and neither has this town.

  “Who the hell is that?” he asks.

  “Ms. Mae’s granddaughter.”

  “You’re kidding right?” I shake my head no. “Damn. Where’s she been hiding all these years?” He smiles.

  “NewYork.”

  “Well when she gets back, this country boy is going to show her a good time,” he says as he rubs his hands together like he’s about to win the lottery. I don’t say anything. Deep down I want to tell him he doesn’t have a chance in hell but, where’s the fun in that? I’d rather stand back and watch.

  Within a few minutes Cadence has returned to her table. Ms. Mae gets asked to dance by an older gentleman and her mom gets asked by Hamilton Parks. Aaron smiles at me as he makes his way to Cadence. I prop my arm on the bar and watch the scene that’s about to go down.

  Cadence

  Oh crap! Mom and Gran have left me alone to dance with these hillbillies and now I’m under attack. I put on a smile that’s laced with venom.

  “Well, hello ma’am,” he says as he takes a step toward me. I smile yet again. “I’m Aaron. What’s a pretty lady like yourself doing all alone?” Oh. My. God. Please tell me this doesn’t work on girls around here.

  “For starters, I’m not a ma’am. Don’t ever call me that again, and I’m just hanging out waiting on those two,” I say trying to show a lack of interest as I point toward Mom and Gran.

  “Would you like to dance?” he asks as he places his hand out for mine. I look at it, and politely tell him no. He looks as if I just stole his puppy, and I laugh to myself. I said I’d come here tonight, but I promised myself I wouldn’t dance to this awful music. That is one promise I’m keeping. He takes my no in defeat and moves on to the group of girls I saw earlier. One with long, dark hair smiles from ear to ear and follows him to the dance floor.

  After a few songs Mom and Gran join me, and then everyone in the place gets on their feet to participate in a line dance. Who is this lady I call Mom and what has Delight done to her?

  I look in their direction and point toward the door. I grab Mom’s keys, and decide that I need some peace and quiet. I take a seat in the Suburban. Rolling down my windows, I realize it’s not as sticky as earlier today and there is a slight breeze. It feels good. I take my phone and check social media, text Lauren, and see that Dad has yet to contact me.

  As I’m thinking about school, I hear a group of people talking and I eavesdrop on their conversation. It’s the girls, as well as a few guys, from earlier and they are talking about me. Are you freaking kidding me? Then suddenly I hear his voice.

  “Maddie, can’t you give the girl a break?” Barrick asks.

  “What’s your deal, Barrick? You like her or something?” She laughs and the other girls follow suit.

  “Shut up. You don’t know her,” he says defensively. I take my hand and place it on the door handle and debate whether to say something or not. I decide I need to say a few choice words so they know who they are dealing with.

  Flinging the door open, I make my way to the other side of the truck. “So Maddie is it? Seems you have a lot to say about the new girl, care to say any of it to my face?” I ask with my arms crossed. She looks like she’s seen a ghost as her mouth hits the floor. “That’s what I thought. I’m Cadence by the way. That way you don’t have to call me that girl who’s not from ‘round here’,” I say with a country accent before smiling at Barrick and walking back to our vehicle.