Chapter Nine
Alma
I was sitting on the back porch rubbing Hewitt’s belly. This dog could easily win the best dog of the world award. I have spent the past two days avoiding Austin as much as possible. Along with my father. However, he was harder to get away from, especially when he brought, yet another, male to the house to win over my affection.
It didn’t happen.
“How’s Dad?”
I glanced behind me to see Austin lowering himself next to me on the step.
“He’s napping. I think I worked him a bit hard today.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Better. He’s always been strong so it’s working in his favor now.” I kept my focus on the hound dog.
“What did you do last night?”
Part of me wanted to lie and tell him my night had been outstanding, but I opted for the truth. “Papa and Mama brought home another suitor.”
“I guess you had a good night.” His tone sounded sad.
“If you mean did I have a good night staring at some strange guy’s unibrow and listening to Papa talk about his future grandchildren, then it was a blast.” I sarcastically state.
Austin chuckled. “It does sound like a grand time.”
“What about you?” I turned to him. “You have a hot date?”
“Nope. Well, unless you count myself sitting in front of a computer working on spreadsheets, then yes I did.”
This time I laughed. “I’m jealous of your hot date. It sounds better than mine.”
“What are you planning on doing with Dad this afternoon?”
I shook my head. “I’ve been working him a lot the past couple days. I’m going to let him rest and catch up on his TV.”
“He still watches Days of Our Lives. Even though he’d never admit it.” Austin teases. “Well, I need to get to work.”
“What are you doing?” I jumped up with him. “Something I can help with?” I wasn’t sure why I volunteered. Maybe because I wanted to spend time with him. I shouldn’t want to as much as I do, but here I was acting as if I was sixteen again.
“I’m painting the shed.”
“No, I don’t want to paint.” I turned up my nose. “I think I’m going to run a few errands and come back this evening to check on your dad.”
“Have fun.” He smirked and headed off toward the back of the field.
I could watch him in those jeans all day long.
I didn’t go home at all. I spent my day in the mall, purchasing clothes, I really didn’t need but wanted desperately, and new shoes. Also, items I didn’t need but needed.
I pulled into my usual spot in the driveway and walked into the house. I have no memories of knocking on this door as a child. I would always just run in and out as if I owned the place. When I walked into Mr. Chambers’ room, he was fast asleep with Dateline on the TV. I covered him up and started making my way back outside.
“I should have texted you. He crashed right after dinner.”
Austin was leaning against his truck.
“I told you I’ve worked him hard these past couple of days.”
“You did.” He stepped up to me. I tried to keep my breathing under control, but it was difficult. He looked delicious in his tight Johnny Cash t-shirt and jeans. He traded his cowboy hat in for a baseball cap. “What are your plans for tonight?”
“Nothing.” I choked out not realizing my throat had closed up from his hotness.
“Care to join an old cowboy out for a late night drive?”
“Old? Cowboy?”
“Me, silly girl.” He smirked.
“Sure.”
He held out his arm toward the passenger side of the truck. He opened the door for me, as he’d always done before. When he got into the driver’s seat, he took off toward the back of the property. We didn’t speak until he stopped in the wide open space.
“What are we doing?” I asked as he opened the door for me.
“Come on.”
He dropped his tailgate and in the back, there were several pillows and blankets.
“What’s this?” I watched him hop up into the bed of the truck, and he held out his hand to me.
“This is what people do. Star gaze.”
“Really?”
“Okay, no. However, it’s a clear night and I want to hang out with you.” He confessed.
My body moved before I could take a second thought. I gripped his hand tightly and he easily pulled me up. Together we rearranged the pillows and blankets until it wouldn’t be uncomfortable for us.
I laid down first and sighed against the softness. Austin was close to me when he laid down. He was right, there were a million and one stars and not a cloud in the sky tonight. I remembered we did this several times when we were secretly dating.
“There’s the Big Dipper.” He pointed out.
“The Little Dipper.” I pointed. We laid in silence staring up at the night sky.
“When was the last time you took time for yourself?” he softly asked.
“This afternoon. I went shopping.”
“Shoes?”
The giggle escaped me before I could stop it. “Maybe.”
“Maybe? Oh the Alma I remember would want to bale hay in heels.”
This time I laughed louder. “No not in heels. Just elevated boots.” I corrected him.
“They were nice… boots.” He winked.
“I couldn’t help it. You’re very tall.” I nudged his shoulder.
“You know what they say about tall men.” He smiled.
“You can reach the top shelf.”
Together we laughed so loudly it almost echoed. Once we settled down we watched the movement above us. It was almost hypnotic.
And then I felt it.
I felt the love we had between each other.
It rushed memories of our past to the forefront of my mind. He was brushing the back of his hand on the back of mine. It was a simple touch, and it sent the butterflies inside of me aflutter. My hand didn’t move, enjoying the touch.
Soon he took mine in his, and it fit like two puzzle pieces. We were a perfect fit.
“I miss you.”
Three words. Not much unlike how could I sent me over the edge.
“You don’t have to say anything, but I thought you should know.”
Should I confess I missed him too? Or say nothing?