Chapter 6
Addie Mae
AS MY ALARM SOUNDS, I quickly shower and get ready for the morning. I can’t wait to take Madelyn to have a girls’ day. Taking a cup of black coffee, I sip the warm liquid and take a moment to soak up the country air on the front porch before driving to her house.
Pulling into the drive, I’m met by Tate.
“Mornin’, Tate. Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“Tell Sawyer I need him to meet me at the pond no later than twelve thirty. We’ve got a lot to do and a little bit of time. Actually, I’ll text him real quick, but can you make sure it’s done?”
“I can’t make any promises. He’s a grown ass man, Addie Mae.”
Shaking my head, I slide out my phone and start to text him when Madelyn comes out the front door, ready to rock and roll.
“Girl, get off that phone. Time’s wasting and we’ve got to catch up.”
Laughing, I hurry to finish my text and it isn’t two seconds later that my phone starts to buzz in my pocket. Why is he calling instead of texting back?
“Mad, I’ve got to take this. Go ahead and I'll be in the truck in a sec.” As soon as she’s out of ear shot, I answer. “What? I can't talk right now.”
“Damn, California has made you lose your manners. Look, I’ve done everything you asked and I’m not helping decorate for this baby shower. I can put some tables out, but that’s it. I’m done.”
“Go figure. I knew I couldn’t count on you. Put the tables out and be there before two. I might need you to help stock the coolers if that’s bearable, but I don’t want you to break an arm doing a twelve-ounce curl or anything.”
“Oh, no worries there’s. I do plenty of those each weekend. I can make sure the Yetis are ready to go. Do I need to make sure you have some fancy wine or something? Wasn’t sure if you were still a cold beer kinda girl. Thought that might be a little below ya.” My veins start to boil and it pisses me off.
“Look. Think what you want about me, but I’m still a girl from Mason. I prefer cold beer to wine any day of the week, but I also prefer a southern gentleman rather than a cocky son of a bitch when I’m having a conversation.”
The line goes silent. “Shit, I’m sorry Addie Mae. It’s just I’ve had a lot going on, but with at least one win, a little pressure is off. I’ll have the tables and coolers ready.”
“Thanks.”
Hanging up, I try my best to get myself together before hopping in the truck. As I shut it, Madelyn wastes no time.
“Girl, who has your panties all in a wad?”
“No one.”
“Don’t give me that. I’ve not seen you have that much attitude since my brother cock blocked us at that field party.”
“Uh, he’s always been an ass. Anyways, let’s go have some fun.”
She pauses and looks at me. “You were talkin’ to Sawyer, weren’t you?”
“Why would I do that?”
“You tell me,” she crosses her arms and I’ve got to come up with something good.
“It wasn’t Sawyer. It was this guy named Mark that won’t leave me alone. I swear, I went out on one date with him and he can’t take no for an answer.”
“If you knew it was him, why did you answer?”
“Because he would have kept blowing up my phone. Anyways, it’s over. Let’s go enjoy the morning.”
“If you say so,” she says, not believing one word of what I told her.
* * *
Sawyer
That girl knows how to work someone’s nerve. I plainly told her I was done and that wasn’t good enough. I should have known. Pulling up to the field house, I’m met by Tate.
“Who pissed in your cornflakes?”
“Addie Mae is who.”
“Well, don’t shoot the messenger but…”
I toss my hands up, “I know. I’ve got to get the tables and put the beer on ice. I told her I was done after that.”
Tate laughs and we walk inside. After reviewing the film and prepping for next week’s practice, we go our separate ways. I drive straight to the pond, survey the scene, and ride up to my parents’ to grab tables.
“Sawyer, y’all need help with anything today?” Mom asks.
“No, I’ve got to do the tables but Addie Mae will handle the rest. I’m done dealing with her fancy ass.”
“Sawyer Gram Jackson! I’ve raised you better than that!”
“It’s the truth. She’s been barking orders at me for months and today she’s taking sis to have some spa day while I work my ass off. Heck no. I’m not her slave.” Mom starts to giggle, “What’s so funny?”
“You.”
“Well, I’m glad I could be your entertainment this morning. Want to help with the tables?”
“Sure, but you might want to get those chairs, too.” She motions toward the side of the barn.
Rolling my eyes as I turn from her, she knows what I didn’t. Guess that’s why women plan these things and not men.
After an hour of sweating my ass off in this Texas heat, I go to the corner store and pack the coolers with cold beer and ice. Saving one out for myself, I put it in the console and drive back to the pond. Once they are in place, I take my fishing rod and sit on the dock. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet before the storm of Addie Mae arrives.