Tutu's & Cowboy Boots (Part 1)

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 27

  Cadence

  What was that all about? Barrick has been overly nice to me today and when I think about it, he has been nice all week. I take my phone out and call Jade.

  “Girl, what is your brother up to?”

  “Look, trust me on this. You’ll have fun.”

  “Seriously? That’s all you’re going to give me?” I ask.

  “Yeah, and don’t be a bitch. He doesn’t do stuff like this often.”

  “You’re going too, right?” I confirm.

  “Nope. Aaron and I already had plans.” Shit.

  I hang up with Jade and call for Mom to come to my room.

  “Mom, I’m going out. I don’t know where, but Barrick just demanded that I get ready. He’ll be back in an hour. Do you know anything?” I question.

  Mom stands there and looks at me. “I have no clue. Mom! Come in here!” she yells. Oh my gosh! I don’t need the entire peanut gallery in my business.

  “Mom, Barrick asked Cadence out.”

  “’Bout damn time,” Gran says with a smirk.

  “He did not!” I exclaim as they both turn to look at me. “He told me to go get ready and he’d be back in an hour. That is not how you ask a girl out on a date. I just wanted to know if you knew what he was up to?” I say to them.

  They both shake their heads no as Gran takes a step toward me. “Barrick’s a good boy. He sees good in everyone, and I’ve watched how he looks at you. He sees what your mama and I know is in here,” she says, pointing to my heart. “I also think he knows you’ve got a bigger problem. Maybe he wants you to have fun ‘cause we all know you never go out. Have fun, but be careful,” she says as she pulls me into her arms.

  “Cadence, you might want to hurry up. The clock’s ticking and I know you,” Mom says with a laugh.

  “Couldn’t you at least tell me what to wear,” I yell after them. I just hear them giggle as I turn to my closet to find something to wear.

  He left me no clues about what we were doing. The air is chilly at night, but not like home. I finally decide on leggings and a long top. I pull out my designer boots that stop just above the ankle. Straightening my hair, I look in the mirror. I look exhausted and sad. Maybe they are right. Maybe I need to have some fun, but I wish I could have fun in New York, not Delight.

  Barrick

  Jade is waiting for me when I get home.

  “So she’s already called me and is totally confused about what is going on. I mean. I think she’ll have fun, but she’s not a girl from ‘round here. Take it easy on her.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It means take her to do something you know she’ll like then go ahead with your plans if there’s time. Not to mention, she’s not going to be dressed for it. It rained this week.”

  “I didn’t think about that.” Then it dawns on me, I’ve got one more stop before I pick her up.

  “Can I ask you something, Bare? Why do you feel like you have to do this? I mean, she’s my friend not yours.”

  “Jade, since the day she walked into the barn I knew she was different, but there’s something in her soul that’s hurting. I have no clue what it is, but today she was furious. She’s always got an attitude with me, but this was different. For the first time, her irritation wasn’t aimed at me, or the farm, and it really bothered me. No one should have to keep that inside.”

  “I know.”

  “What do you mean? You agree or you know what she’s pissed about?” I ask, fishing for details.

  “I’m not sure I know exactly, but I think it has to do with her dad. She’s mentioned him to me, but never goes into details.”

  “Yeah, well the way she went off after getting a text today tells me something definitely ain’t right. I better get ready. Thanks, Jade.”

  “No problem. Oh, and please don’t kiss her! You’re liable to be six feet under,” she giggles.

  After I shower, I slide on a pair of clean jeans and a button up. I grab boots and my hat from the closet. I slide the hat on my head and look in the mirror, then I take it off and leave it on my dresser as I walk out of the room.

  As I walk downstairs, I hear Jade whistle. “Stop it,” I say to her.

  “Where’s your cap? You never leave home without it, not even on Sundays,” she says.

  “Very funny,” I say to her as Mom enters the room.

  “Barrick, you look nice. Where are you goin’?” Mom asks.

  “I’m taking Ms. Mae’s granddaughter out, but it’s not a date,” I say sternly because I know Mom will eat this up.

  “Oh, okay. Be careful, and don’t forget that we’re eating at Memaw’s tomorrow for Thanksgiving around two.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I say as I hug her and walk to my truck. Looking at my clock, I know that it’s going to be cutting it close, but the feed store isn’t far.

  When I get to the store, I find exactly what I’m looking for. My only concern is the size. I quickly text Jade and she is able to help me out. She then requests to see what patterns are available. I send her a quick picture, but don’t wait for her response. I quickly pay the cashier, who looks at me funny, and I hide them in my backseat.

  Arriving at Ms. Mae’s, I debate whether I should wait in the truck or pick her up at the door. I decide that even though this isn’t a date, I’m still a southern gentleman and Cadence needs to see how country boys do things.

  Just before I knock on the door, it flies open. “Let’s go,” she says as she hurries out the door and pulls it shut behind her. So much for that idea. I manage to open the truck door for her and help her in. Once we’re both settled in the truck, I take a look at her. She’s absolutely stunning, and I wonder if the outfit cost more than my paycheck.

  “Are we going to go or what?” she snaps.

  “Yeah. You okay? You kinda ran outta the house.”

  “I’m fine. I just don’t want Mom and Gran to get the wrong idea.”

  “What might that be?” I ask for kicks.

  She cuts her eyes at me like a knife. “Like a date.”

  “Yeah, this isn’t a date.”

  I turn onto the main road and drive toward Asheville. I park downtown where all the shops are located. Cadence opens her door and looks around.

  “I thought you might want to check out some of the galleries and shops. Jade loves to come here, and they have some pretty awesome restaurants.”

  “Oh, it’s very different than Delight,” she says as she walks next to me.

  “That’s for sure. It’s a decent-sized town, but not as big as where you’re from I’m sure.”

  “True,” she says as the sun beams down and warms the cool air. We walk toward the first store, and I follow wherever she leads.

  Cadence

  I’m absolutely blown away by the art that I’ve seen, but I’m even more amazed that Barrick thought to bring me here. It’s almost as if they’ve taken a fancy exhibit from New York, broken it down into segments, and placed it in different stores. I take my time admiring the works and trace my fingers over some.

  As my stomach begins to rumble, I hear him laugh. “You hungry?” he asks.

  “Yeah, I kinda skipped lunch,” I reply.

  “Me too. Come on,” Barrick says as he places his hand on the small of my back and guides me toward a side street. Walking down the road, I see several restaurants, and as we approach The Lobster Trap he pauses. “How’s this?” he questions.

  “It’s fine,” I say and see an uneasiness cross his brow.

  Once we are seated, Barrick tells me all his favorite meals. I skim the menu and know exactly what I want—a steam bowl.

  Barrick asks me questions and keeps the conversation moving as we wait for our food. When the food arrives, we stop talking and eat, and as we finish Barrick asks if I want dessert. I tell him no, but I would love to stop by the bakery. I can’t turn down a freshly baked croissant. Barrick insist
s on paying for our dinner. He keeps telling me that’s what guys around here do. Well, I think that’s ridiculous. I’m very capable of taking care of myself.

  Once again, Barrick holds the door open for me when we get to the bakery. It’s kind of nice, but strange. It feels like something out of an old movie. Walking to the counter, I’m in heaven. I take out my purse and grab my debit card. Glancing in his direction, I ask him if he wants anything, and when he tries to pay for it, I tell him this is the least I can do. I’m amazed when he actually lets me win this battle.

  “I’d like to mix a dozen.” Barrick looks at me like I’m crazy. I turn toward him. “A good croissant is hard to find, and I’m sure Gran and Mom will want one, too.”

  “You know you’re going to have to hide those in your room,” he says with a laugh, and I elbow him as I tell the cashier I’d also like a maple bacon cupcake for Barrick. Yuck!

  As we walk out the door, Barrick holds it open again and I waste no time opening the box to try a chocolate drizzle croissant.

  “Hmmmm,” I say.

  “Good?” he questions with a smile.

  “Yeah, you want to try it?” I say offering it to him, and when he takes a big hunk out of it, I gasp. “I meant tear a piece off,” I say in disgust.

  “Sorry. You were waving it around at my face so I thought you were sharing,” he says with a shrug.

  We walk back to his truck, and I have to say Barrick Carpenter has turned my terrible day into a sweet one… or maybe it was the croissant.

  Barrick

  We leave Asheville for our final destination. We sit in silence and listen to the music playing through the speakers. As we get closer, I’m unsure if I made the right decision. She’s not a country girl and this is definitely not something that happens all the time. I decide to go for it as I turn down a two-lane road. She looks at me with concern.

  “You’re not taking me out to the middle of nowhere to kill me, are you?” she says in a serious tone and then gives me a half grin.

  “No, but we are going somewhere else. Have you ever been on a hayride?” I ask her.

  “No, well not unless you call riding on the Gator one.” I shake my head no. “Barrick, I appreciate it, but I don’t think it’s my thing.”

  “How do you know? You’ve never been.” There’s no way I’m turning around. I haven’t been out here in years and Jade swore it was a good idea. She doesn’t answer and I continue to drive in silence until we see a sign for the farm.

  “I thought you said a hayride. That’s a sign for a pumpkin patch. Halloween was last month.”

  “Yeah, but they continue to do hayrides and a corn maze through the end of November. I promise it will be fun. You can actually enjoy the country life without having to work on the farm.”

  We turn down a muddy dirt road and I can see the horror flash on her face.

  “Um Barrick, I am not getting out in that. You can turn around now.” I pull my truck into the makeshift parking lot and turn off the engine. “Did you not hear me?” she snips.

  “I did, but I’m prepared.”

  “What the hell do you mean prepared?”

  “Hold on a sec.” I reach behind my seat and tell her to close her eyes. She is reluctant, but finally listens. I take the pair of paisley print galoshes and set them on top of the console.

  “Can I open them now?”

  “Yeah.” I’m terrified as I wait for her reaction. The fashion queen herself is either going to love or hate my gesture.

  “You got me rain boots?”

  “Yeah, I knew it was kinda nasty out here, and thought you wouldn’t want to mess up those expensive shoes you have on. I also notice that Ms. Mae’s shoes are a few sizes too big, and I knew you wouldn’t spend your money on something like this.”

  “They’re paisley,” she says as she turns up her nose.

  “It was either that or chevron and from what I’ve heard, that’s as bad as monogramming everything,” I say.

  “Good point and smart choice,” she says with a smile. “Do you really think they’ll fit?”

  “They should,” I say as she slides them on. “Well, what do you think?”

  “They fit, but they feel so weird.”

  “Well, let’s go try them out,” I say as I help her down from the truck.