“Dude, you seriously need to stop with the grinnin’. You’re not supposed to smile so much.”
Glancing up at my twin, I flip him the bird. “Why can’t you just be happy for me?” He knows I’m joking with my playful tone, but Cason can never take a joke.
“It’s not that I’m not happy for you, it’s just … weird. You’ve been walkin’ around for three days with your phone attached to your hand, and that stupid shit eatin’ grin on your ugly face.”
“Hey if my face is ugly, then yours is too. Twins remember?”
“Like I could ever forget,” he says in a monotone voice.
“Lighten up, buttercup.” Cason glares at me, and I flash him an even bigger grin. “Come on, Cas. Be happy for once in your life.”
He lets out a huff then says, “Yay. Happy.”
Bursting out in laughter, I smack him on his shoulder. “Very convincin’, bro. I’m sold.” I’m really not, but at least he tried. Cason wasn’t always this serious, but he sure does make it fun to fuck with him.
“I’m just sayin’. I don’t want you getting’ your hopes up about this chick because if it doesn’t work out, then I’ll be the one to pick up the mess.”
“Your concern for me is endearin’, but I’ve got this one in the bag.” And I do. I just have to figure out a way to keep her. It’s only been a few days since I last saw Savannah, but I’ve been texting her nonstop since that night at Tampico Bay.
Cason sighs deeply as he shakes his head, then gets up from the couch. It’s been a rare lazy day for us, but I’m getting antsy just sitting here. “Alright I get it. Get your rocks off then cut her lose like all the others.”
“As much as I’m enjoyin’ this conversation, I’m goin’ to have to stop you, bro.” Cason stops before he gets to the front door to give me his full attention. Getting off the couch, I walk over to him and place my hand on his shoulder. He glares at me again, and I think better of it and slowly remove my hand. “She’s different, man. I can’t really explain how I know. Maybe it’s my inner chick comin’ out.” Shrugging, I add, “Either way. She’s not like the others. Just wait until you meet her and then you’ll see.”
Cason narrows his eyes at me for a moment before he nods. “I just don’t want to see you hurt like before.”
“Awe my baby bro is lookin’ out for me.”
“Don’t push it, dipshit.”
“Come on, say you love me.”
“I’m leavin’ now. You’ve ruined the moment.”
“Oh come on. Don’t be such a wet blanket!” Placing my hands on my hips, I call after him. He flips me the bird over his shoulder, and all I can do is shake my head as he slams the door shut behind him. “What a crybaby.” Huffing out a breath, I walk back over to the couch and prop my feet up on the coffee table. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed my twin so far, but his concern isn’t needed. I know there’s something going on with Savannah, I just haven’t figured out what it is yet. More research is needed. Okay maybe not so much as research, but I have this need to know more about her. What makes her tick? I wonder what it would take to make her smile again because Lord knows her smile can light up a room. It does seem a bit out of character for me to be wondering so much about one woman, but I can’t deny what my instincts are telling me. Not to mention, her eyes tell me she’s lost. There’s a sadness in them, and I’m determined to find out all her deep dark secrets.
Glancing over at the clock, I decide I’ve waited long enough to text her again. Shifting to my side, I grab my phone out of my pocket and notice my little Sassy Savannah never responded to my last message I’d sent earlier.
Me: What are you wearin’?
Placing my phone face down on my leg, I turn the TV on to catch up on the news. I honestly hate watching the news, but it’s something to keep my mind busy while I wait for her to respond. Thankfully she doesn’t make me wait very long.
Sassy S: Clothes.
Me: What kind of clothes?
Sassy S: The kind you buy at the store. Duh.
A grin forms as I read her message, and I think once again maybe I have met my match.
Me: What store did you buy them from? Let me guess … The sexy store?
It takes her a few minutes to respond, and for a moment I’m afraid I pushed her too far. I do have a habit of doing that.
Sassy S: Sexy store? What’s that? Another name for Wal-Mart?
Me: How about I take you to the “sexy Wal-Mart” sometime? ;-)
Sassy S: In your dreams maybe.
Me: How about dinner instead?
Smooth Caden. Real smooth. Never in my life have I been so nervous waiting for a chick to respond back to a date request. But in the short amount of time I’ve gotten to know Savannah, I know she’s worth the wait. Even if my balls feel like they’re lodged in my throat.
Sassy S: I don’t know. You did blackmail me into agreeing. Doesn’t seem fair.
Letting out a breath, I realize I can work with this. Yes, I did sort of blackmail her, but I really wanted a chance to get to know her. And mainly to get her phone number.
Me: Don’t make me come arrest you. Cause I will.
Sassy S: Why does that sound fun and less of like a threat?
Me: Oh it’ll be fun for the both of us.
Sassy S: You’re so full of shit.
Me: Funny. All my brothers say the same thing.
Me: Come on. One date and if you still don’t like me then I’ll leave you alone.
Not hardly, but one little white lie won’t hurt.
Sassy S: I’m not sure I believe that, but fine. What the hell.
Me: It’s a done deal. No take backs.
Sassy S: LOL I wouldn’t dare be an Indian giver. ;-)
Damn this woman is made for me. Letting out a breath, I try to play it cool. For some reason, she makes me feel like I’m sixteen again.
Me: All-time favorite food?
Sassy S: Pancakes.
Me: I’ll pick you up at seven.
Sassy S: Today? I have to work.
Me: Call in sick.
Sassy S: I can’t do that!
Me: You can and you will. Come on. Live a little.
Sassy S: Fine, but this date better be worth it.
Me: Oh it will. That I can promise.
I wait a few moments to see if she’ll respond, and when she doesn’t, I turn off the TV and quickly race to my room. It’s only after three in the afternoon, and I know I have a lot of time to kill, but this just gives me more time to plan the perfect date. I’m sure a quick phone call to Mama will help my situation because I’ll admit, I might have tooted my own horn a little. But I do want this first date to be epic. I want Savannah to know without a doubt, that after this, there’s no stopping me from making her mine.
With having so much time to kill, I decided to forgo calling Mama and instead, I’m parking in my parent’s driveway. Quickly turning off the truck, I hop out and make my way to the front door. I don’t even bother to knock and walk inside my parent’s home as I yell, “Mama, your favorite son is here.”
“Well make yourself right at home.”
Smiling as I make my way to Mama’s voice in the kitchen, I respond back to her. “Now, now. Is that any way to treat your favorite son?”
Mama smirks as she glances at me from making something that smells divine. “I do not have any favorites. I treat all you boys the same.”
Walking over to her, she leans into me as I give her a kiss on her cheek. “It’s okay, Mama. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Won’t tell anyone what?”
Jumping away from Mama, I clutch my chest as I let out a breath. “Sweet baby Jesus, Shel. Where did you come from?”
Shelby gives me a sideward glance as she says, “The bathroom. Why are you so jumpy?”
“I’m not jumpy.” Dropping my hands, I walk over to the other side of the kitchen bar and pull out a stool. Taking a seat, I add, “I didn’t know you were here, and I’m guessin’ Mama has been teachin’ you some of her ninja moves.”
Mama tries to hide her smile before saying, “Maybe I should be chargin’ for these ninja lessons.”
Shelby snickers as I add, “You should. That’s where the money is nowadays.”
“As much as I’m enjoyin’ this strange conversation, I know there’s a reason why you’re here, Caden.”
Ah and here I thought Mama’s sixth sense was gone. “No reason,” I quickly respond. There is a reason why I’m here, but now that I realize Shelby is here, I’m not so sure I should delve out all my secrets. She would tell Carter, then Carter would tell everyone. He can’t keep a secret for shit. Deciding to switch the topic away from me, I turn to Shelby to ask, “Why are you here? Gettin’ tired of the old man already?”
Shelby rolls her eyes because she knows I’m dicking around with her. Everyone knows how much Carter and Shelby love each other. “I’m learnin’ if you must know.” Turning to Mama, I notice she’s getting a whisk out of the drawer. Resting my chin on my hand, I take in a deep breath hoping I’m around long enough to taste test whatever they’re making. “I’m goin’ to surprise Carter later with a peanut butter cake.”
“Homemade of course,” Mama adds.
“I figured as much.” Mama nods proudly because since I was old enough to talk, Mama always said homemade is the best way to bake. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen her bake anything from ol’ Betty Crocker. “Where’s my cake then? I at least get to taste it to make sure there’s no poison in it.”
“I would never poison Carter,” Shelby says loudly as if I’d really thought she would.
“I’m still waitin’ for my cake.”
Mama huffs out a long breath, then hands the whisk to Shelby. While Shelby works on the task at hand, Mama walks over to the oven. Angling my head around Shelby, I watch Mama closely because I’m hoping whatever is in the oven is for me. “Here,” Mama says as she brings over a batch of freshly made brownies. “Save some for your brother.”
I don’t even bother waiting for a fork or a knife to cut them with. Diving in with just my fingers, I scoop out a handful of hot brownies and quickly stuff my mouth. “Oaf, ifs wike eaven in my outh,” I try to say but damn these brownies are delicious and hot.
“What did you say? I couldn’t hear a word you said, and stop talkin’ with your mouth full,” Mama scolds.
Taking another bite, Mama shakes her head and walks over to the fridge. Shelby is still whisking, but she’s laughing at me. Taking one last bite of the best brownie Mama has ever made, I moan loudly when Mama sets a glass of milk in front of me. Gulping the milk down, I swallow a few times before I say, “I was just sayin’ that brownie is like heaven in my mouth. Best. Brownie. Ever.”
“Sounds like you enjoyed it way too much,” Shelby says sarcastically.
“Oh, I enjoyed it. Almost better than se— I mean it was good.” Darting my eyes away from Mama, I begin to whistle hoping she didn’t catch my almost slip up.
“I’m goin’ to pretend I didn’t hear what I thought I did,” Mama claims.
“That’s probably a good idea, Linda,” Shelby tells her.
“Now that y’all have made this visit awkward, I’m going to need three more brownies to make up for it.”
“Oh no you don’t.” Right before my sticky fingers can grab more of the chocolate heaven, Mama quickly takes the pan away. “I said to save some for your brother.”
“But … but … Mama, those are for me. Cason doesn’t even like sweets!” He does, especially brownies, but I want some more. One little white lie never hurt anyone. “This is no way to treat your favorite son.”
Mama stares blankly at me because she knows I’m full of shit. “No more brownies for you until you tell me why you’re really here.”
“Ooh, well played. Well played indeed.” Mama grins, and I have to hand it to her. I did play right into that one. “What makes you think I’m here for a reason? Can’t I just come chill with my awesome and lovin’ Mama?”
“You forget,” Mama starts. “I know you. I raised you too so don’t be givin’ me any of that crap.”
“You should just spill the beans, Caden.”
“Thanks, Shel. You’re so helpful.”
“I’m just sayin’. Whatever the reason, your mom and I will help.”
“Yeah, then tell the whole family about it.” I deadpan.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Shelby pipes back with a grin.
“Boy, don’t make me get out my whoopin’ spoon.”
Holding up my hands, I plead, “Please don’t. Anythin’ but that freakin’ spoon.” What can I say? That damn thing hurts. When I still don’t tell why I’m actually here, Mama moves to the counter by the stove to grab her wooden spoon. “Okay! Alright! I’ll tell y’all why I’m here.” Mama stops but doesn’t move from the counter. Shelby laughs again, and I narrow my eyes at her. “Geez y’all sure know how to get a secret out of me.”
“Just spit it out already,” Shelby says with a heavy sigh.
“Fine, but y’all have to swear this doesn’t leave the room. I do have a reputation to uphold.” Mama crosses her arms, and Shelby rolls her eyes as they wait for me to open up. This isn’t something I would normally have problems with, but I want everything to be perfect for Savannah. “So there’s this woman,” I begin.
“Is this is the same girl you met a few weeks ago?”
“Simmer down, Shel. I thought you wanted to know?” When she goes back to making her goodie for Carter, I lean on the counter and let out a sigh. “Anyway I got her to agree to a date.”
“By doing what?”
“Jesus H Christ, Shel.”
She shrugs as she asks, “What? I’m just askin’.”
“Are you done?” Damn, she’s very nosey today. “As I was sayin’, she agreed to a date, but I sort of promised it would be perfect. Now I’m doubtin’ myself.” And that’s the truth. I want everything to go smoothly and make Savannah want to go on many more dates with me. First dates aren’t really my thing because, well, I was a manwhore as my brothers would say. But I’ve changed in the past few months, and I knew when I met Savannah, she’s the only one I want to pursue. “Y’all can understand why I don’t want anyone to know. My street cred is solid, and somethin’ like this will ruin me.”
“Your street cred?” Shelby asks.
“Yeah, infamous ladies’ man remember?”
“In your dreams maybe.”
Before I can respond back, Mama cuts in. “What exactly is it you’re askin’, Caden?”
I was beginning to wonder if Mama would ever say anything, and I know she’ll help me once I ask for help. Looking at her, I take a deep breath before saying, “I want tonight to be perfect. I want Savannah Owens to think it’s a perfect date.” Mama’s eyes widen as I continue. “She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever been around, and bein’ with her is so easy. She’s witty and hilarious. I’ve seen her twice, but when I think of her and her smile, I know I have to be the one to make her smile and laugh again. She’s stunnin’ and has a bangin’ body,” I stop when Shelby snorts, and I cut my eyes to her. “Well I’m just sayin’. She does.”
“Everythin’ you said up until that was actually very sweet, Caden.”
“I only speak the truth, and I’m a very sweet guy. We’re getting’ off track here.”
When I feel a hand on my shoulder, I glance to my right seeing Mama standing by me. She has a wide grin, and I swear her eyes have a twinkle or something in them. Is she about to cry? “You want to know what we think a perfect date is?”
“Well yeah.” Mama pats my shoulder before giving me a squeeze. She slowly walks around the kitchen island and takes the bowl of cake batter away from Shelby. She doesn’t speak a word as she does so, and Shelby and I watch her closely. My heart begins to pound because when Mama gets this quiet, it could mean two things: One, she’s madder than hell, and it would be a good idea to run for cover. Or two, she’s about to say something epic and wise as shit.
When she turns back to me, I hold my breath hoping I haven’t done something wrong. Because I’ve been known to put my own foot in my mouth not even realizing it. “Shelby, you might want to go get a pen and paper.” My eyes dart from Mama to Shel as she runs off to grab what Mama asked for. “I need you to listen very closely, Caden.” Glancing back to Mama, I sit up tall and give her my full attention. “I’m goin’ to tell you what to do, and you’ll have to follow everythin’ to the letter. Are you ready, Caden?”
Shelby walks back into the kitchen as I say without hesitation, “Yes, ma’am. Tell me the ways to woo the woman of my dreams.”