Chapter 13
Cassy
Three weeks passed. I didn’t spend much time with Ivan except during our work in the farm. He’d been busy helping his brother get a job while he was on a break from school. Meanwhile, I’d also been preoccupied designing clothes for women in town. Word got around fast here, which was doing wonders for my business.
What was more, the high school cheerleaders had gone gaga over my designs. It had taken them a while to decide. I sewed one piece which they loved, so I actually got the services of two other local dressmakers to make the rest.
A knock came on the door. “Cassy?” Aunt Ellen called. “Ivan’s downstairs to pick you up.”
It was a sunny Saturday, a very special day for me because of two reasons--- I was going to watch the cheerleaders perform their halftime routine wearing my design, and I was going there with Ivan on our sort of first date.
I smoothed down my skirt and retouched my lipstick before going down.
I remembered how Ivan had casually mentioned about the football game and the cheerleaders’ performance. I’d been so ecstatic I almost threw my arms around him. But I hadn’t.
For weeks, we had both been careful not to touch each other or be left alone. I really don’t get it, but it was all good because I didn’t think I’d want to have an affair with someone right now and get into all that emotional shit. And with Ivan, it was always more than physical. There was something there that we were both afraid to explore further.
Then he’d offered to pick me up and go to the game together. That had been quite surprising. I’d hesitated, but eventually said yes. It wouldn’t really be a date. It just sort of made sense because he’d been there since Day One of this project.
“Hey,” he greeted when he saw me. He seemed to appreciate how I looked, but didn’t say anything. I was a little disappointed.
He looked really handsome with his hair brushed up in a tousled way and his intense brown eyes drilling a hole into mine. There were stubbles growing on his chin again, which complemented his rugged features and made him look more irresistible. I think I was more drawn to this version of him than the shaved one.
He was wearing a simple black collared shirt and jeans, but radiated like the star that he was. Even though he hasn’t been on the playing field for long, his aura of confidence was still apparent.
“Gotta brace myself for your fans again,” I kidded while we were on the road.
He chuckled. “Well, can’t blame them.”
That made me groan. “You are so full of yourself, Willard!” I said with exaggerated disgust, punching him lightly on the shoulder.
Through the weeks, our banter had turned into something friendlier. Even when he would insult me or call me names, I didn’t get offended anymore. Maybe we just got used to each other.
Just as I had expected, we had to weave our way through a crowd of raving football fans who recognized Ivan. Most of them wanted pictures taken with him, so I slipped off to settle on the bleachers where Jenny and her new local boyfriend were seated. I surely didn’t want to see the women swooning over Ivan. It was gross. Or was I just jealous?
Right before the game started, Ivan plopped on the seat beside me. “Hey, you disappeared,” he said to me. “Sorry I got trampled on by the fans.”
I made a face at him, which made him laugh. “Oh, don’t apologize for your stardom,” I said in a sarcastic tone.
He was about to make a retort but was interrupted by another couple joining our group.
“Alex, my man!” he greeted the muscular guy who had arrived with his pretty girlfriend. They were actually both good-looking. “Glad you made it,” Ivan said.
“Told you we’re staying in town,” Alex answered.
Introductions were made. I found out that this was the other superstar in town, the first one who’d gotten into the professional football league in the city. And he was now the quarterback of Windfield Warriors, which made him an even bigger name than Ivan.
Suddenly, Jenny gave a little scream which startled us all. She held up Rosie’s hand where a shiny diamond ring was sparkling from her ring finger. I wasn’t an expert on jewelry, but I could tell it was an expensive one.
“I can’t believe you guys are getting married,” Jenny gushed. She and Rosie hugged and laughed while the guys each gave Alex a slap on the back.
“Congratulations,” Ivan said. “Settling down, huh?”
“Yeah,” Alex said, grinning. “What about you? Anyone special yet?”
“Nah,” Ivan replied. “Nobody worth my time and attention.”
Alex laughed. “You’re gonna grow old and wrinkly alone, dude.”
Hearing what Ivan had said made my heart sink. Had I actually been hoping I meant more to him than just someone he had to babysit or someone he could pick on?
My mood shifted to a much better one when the game began and the cheerleaders came out on the field, looking chic and dandy in my original design. The uniforms were short cutout dresses in black, blue, and gold that brought out their sexy figures and made their legs look longer.
“Oh, my gosh, Cassy,” Jenny said. “They look gorgeous in those outfits!”
“Wow!” Rosie exclaimed. “Their cheerleading outfits are awesome. Those must have cost a fortune.”
Jenny laughed. “Rosie, their fashion designer’s sitting right with us.” She pointed to me, and I gave her a little smile.
“You designed that?” Rosie said, obviously surprised.
I nodded. “Just starting my fashion career, though.”
“Wow, I’m impressed,” Rosie said genuinely.
“Thanks,” I said.
The game was beginning, and the crowd went wild already as the football team members got into position.
“Let’s talk later after the game,” Rosie whispered. “You might just be the answer to my prayers.”
I wondered what that meant, but it sounded promising. I smiled at her as she intertwined hands with her fiancé. They looked really happy together. I began to wonder how it would feel to have someone special like that.
I tried to focus on the game, but I couldn’t really understand a thing. It looked like a bunch of big guys trying to tackle everybody else, which didn’t really excite me. It was, after all, the very first football game I had ever watched. Nope, I never stayed long to watch even our own team’s games back in my high school and in college. I only went to the games when I was dating one of the players.
Finally, halftime came. I leaned forward with renewed interest as the cheerleaders did their dance and stunts smoothly and gracefully. The crowd went wild. I beamed with pride, knowing that the outfits somehow contributed to their wonderful performance.
After the game, as we were leaving the high school’s open stadium, the head cheerleader caught up to me.
“Miss Cassy?” she said. “I wanted to personally thank you for designing our new uniforms. The whole look is fantastic, and the design allows us to move more freely. The material you chose is perfect too.”
“That’s great,” I said, smiling from ear to ear. “Just call me Cassy, please.”
“Okay, thanks again, Cassy!” she said.
When she left, Ivan gave a low whistle. “Somebody’s going to be busier in the coming month,” he said, grinning.
“And I’ll finally be able to pay you back.” I told him.
“Don’t even think about it, Cassy,” he said. “I told you that’s supposed to be a gift.”
“But you already agreed to let me pay you,” I insisted.
“Fine, it’s up to you,” he said, conceding with a look of annoyance on his handsome face.
“You guys make a really cute couple,” Rosie remarked, giggling.
Ivan and I exchanged an uncomfortable look. I heard Jenny and her boyfriend snickering, though.
“We’re just friends, Rosie,” Ivan said.
“Actually, we’re more like friend-nemies,” I added.
“Oh,” Rosie said with a puzzled look on her face. Then she broke into a smile and said, “Even better then!”
Before we could react further, she changed the topic, talking about her wedding plans which they planned to hold in town soon.
“When are you getting married?” Jenny asked in an excited tone.
“In two months,” Rosie answered, her eyes lighting up and her face glowing.
“Oh, I’m so excited,” Jenny enthused. “You’re having it on your horse farm? It’s gonna be sooo beautiful!”
Rosie nodded. “I know. I’m getting the jitters, but really excited about the wedding. And of course, life with Alex.”
We headed straight to The Creamery for an early dinner where we talked more about the wedding. I was utterly shocked when Rosie turned to me and asked how I’d feel about designing a wedding gown for her.
“Me?” I said, not sure if I’d heard her right.
“Yes,” she said with a smile. “Just show me some designs so I can weigh more options. I really want a local talent to make my dress for this big day.”
“Oh, but I’m not originally from here,” I told her. “I grew up in Windfield. It’s my dad and his sisters who are from this town. I’ve been staying with my Aunt Ellen for more than a month now.”
“Her dad owns Diamond Industries,” Jenny added.
Rosie’s eyes grew wide. “Wow. The IT company. I’ve seen their main tower in Windfield.”
“Tell me more about your dream dress and the theme you want for your wedding,” I told Rosie, veering away from the subject of my dad and his company. I didn’t want to be associated with it for now because I wanted to make a name in a different field, without any help whatsoever from my parents.
As she spoke, I leaned forward, listening intently. I could picture the scene she was describing as if it was happening before my very eyes--- a western-themed wedding with touches of rustic elements and country flowers. The bridesmaids would be wearing cowboy boots with their dresses, while the groomsmen would have cowboy hats on their heads.
With my chin perched on my hand, I twirled around a strand of my hair as Rosie went on. It was just a habit, I guessed. But when I glanced to the right, I caught Ivan staring at me. He quickly looked away, though, while my heart began to beat very fast.
My fingers shifted to my ear. That’s when I realized with alarm that my earring was missing. I touched my other ear quickly. The other one was still there.
“Oh, my God,” I whispered in panic. “My earring’s missing. I must have dropped it on the bleachers.”
“Is it expensive?” Jenny asked, her eyes shifting to the one that was still on my ear. Her eyes widened as she gazed at the remaining gold hoop earring with real rubies and diamond studs.
“Yes,” I answered. “My dad gave it to me.”
“Let’s check the car first,” Ivan suggested. “Come on, Cassy.”
“You want us to help?” Jenny offered.
“No, it’s fine,” I said. “Just stay here, guys. It’s okay.”
I rushed to Ivan’s car with him. Without exchanging a word, we immediately went through every inch of the interior and even the surrounding area of the car. It didn’t turn up.
I then retraced my steps back to the ice cream shop, but I didn’t see it either. Going back to Ivan, I told him, “It’s not here.” I knew I had a worried look on my face. Losing the earrings would be another reason for my parents to say I was irresponsible. Besides, they were worth a fortune, given to me during my university graduation.
Why did I even want this jewelry? It reminded me of that special moment in my life, my graduation, during which my dad had been away on a business trip. He had not made time for me then. But when he’d gotten home, he’d apologized and given me the gift. As he had embraced and congratulated me, there’d been a hint of pride in his tone of voice. That had meant the world to me, despite everything.
“Let’s go back to the football stadium,” Ivan said. “If nobody had picked it up yet, I’m sure it’s still there on the bleachers.”
“But it’s getting dark already,” I said.
“Then we have to go now,” he said firmly, ushering me into his car and getting into the driver’s seat. He actually placed a hand on top of mine. “We’ll find it, Cassy.”
I nodded wordlessly, the memory triggered by the earrings mixing with my confusing emotions about my dad and about Ivan.
There was still light when we arrived at the empty stadium. Together we went through the path I’d taken going up the bleachers where we had sat. We scoured the areas we passed, but no sign of it still.
“This is stupid,” I muttered. “We’re just wasting our time.”
Ivan acted as if he hadn’t heard me. He just kept on looking on the seats and flooring. It was a good thing the bleachers were solid unlike others. There were no open spaces or gaps on the floor. But even if no one had picked up the earring, it could have been kicked over and over. It might have tumbled to another area, and it would be nearly impossible to go through all the rows of seats.
“Come on, Ivan,” I urged, tugging on his shirt. “Let’s get out of here. It isn’t that important. It’s just a stupid earring, anyway.”
Ivan touched my hand and gazed into my eyes. “Cassy, it’s not just a stupid earring. I can see it in your face. It means a lot to you.”
I stopped, taking in a deep breath. “So what? What is it to you?” I said, my heart running faster as I waited for him to answer.
Time seemed to be suspended even as the sky had finally turned dark. Ivan straightened up and faced me squarely. “Cassy, we’ll find it,” he simply said, before turning away and resuming his search.
I sighed, feeling annoyed and disappointed at the same time. Why would he go to all this trouble to help me find the earring just because he knew how much it meant to me?
For a while there, I saw the genuine concern in his eyes. But perhaps he’d never admit it. There was an undeniable spark between us that even I couldn’t brush off anymore. Maybe it would stay that way--- just a spark.
Night had fallen. It was becoming impossible to search for the earring, even with the use of the flashlight Ivan had brought along. “I give up!” I said loudly, throwing my hands up in the air.
Ivan quickly faced me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “No, Cassy. Never give up unless you’ve tried absolutely everything.”
“Hey, it’s my earring!” I protested. “I can give up whenever the hell I want. I don’t care anymore if we find it or not. It’s not as if I’m giving up on my dreams!”
I guessed all my emotions were beginning to get to me. But surprisingly, Ivan wasn’t being an asshole. He was struggling to remain calm and patient.
“I’ll turn on the flood lights,” Ivan said.
As he turned to leave, I suddenly caught a glint in the dark coming from the space between two seats in the lower row from where we were standing. I followed the sparkle and saw the hoop earring wedged between seats. Unexpectedly, relief washed over me as I took it and turned it over in my hand.
“Wait, Ivan!” I shouted. “I found it!”
He turned to me from the aisle. “Really?” he said, a smile on his lips. “I told you so.”
I found myself smiling back as I made my way toward him. “You just wanted a reason to tell me ‘I told you so’.”
“Yeah, you’re damn right,” he agreed with a chuckle.
I took off my other earring and placed the pair in my skirt’s pocket. Good thing the design of my skirt had a pocket with a zipper.
Looking up at him, I felt a sudden surge of emotion welling to the surface. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him. He was taken aback, but eventually he embraced me back too. I closed my eyes, relishing his warmth and the feeling of security it gave me.
Suddenly I felt fat drops of rain splattering on my head and arms. Opening my eyes, I looked up to the sky just as the spray went down faster in large drops.
“Let’s go,” Ivan said, pulling me by the hand.
We ran down the bleachers and went under them to take shelter. I hugged myself and rubbed my arms to keep myself warm, watching the downpour go full blast.
Beside me, Ivan took off his wet shirt and hung it from a loose metal part on the slanting wall of the bleachers above us. I glanced at him and found my eyes shamelessly going over his muscular chest and the little hairs on it. I remembered how his chest and broad shoulders had felt under my hands during our intimate moment in the barn. The thought ignited sparks of electricity inside me, causing my heart to beat fast too. It seemed like such a long time ago.
Ivan looked up and caught me staring. For a while, our eyes were just locked on each other in that dark little space. We seemed oblivious to the raging rain around us and the loud pitter-patter of it on our temporary roof.
My heart began to race.
Then in one stride, Ivan took me in his arms, pulling me close and pressing his lips on mine. I opened my mouth slightly as I kissed him back, our lips eagerly reuniting as the friction of our bodies took away the cold.
Our kiss turned to hungry in a few seconds, our tongues meeting in explosive passion. I raised my hands as he lifted my shirt above my head and threw it to the side. With one snap, he unclasped my bra and took it off too, allowing my breasts to tumble out with their nipples already taut partially from the cold and partially from my arousal.
Quickly, his lips dropped down to my neck as both his hands cupped my eager breasts, his thumbs playing with my nipples. Our breathing was raspy, coming in short, quick pulses.
His tongue and lips soon found my breasts, devouring each one while my hands tangled in his hair. I moaned and leaned down to nibble on his ear and flicker my tongue inside.
He straightened up, his lips reunifying with mine. Our bodies burned with desire, the heat spreading across and between us. His hands caressed my back, my breasts smashing against his torso. I could feel my wetness growing, my whole body intensifying with my desire to be with him.
Without wasting any time, he lifted my skirt and pulled down my underwear with his hands. His fingers then began to stroke my wetness, making me moan with no reservation. We were hidden from the rest of the world, tucked in a dark space where it felt like it was just the two of us. The rain dulled our loud moaning and utterances of pleasure.
As we continued to kiss, he inserted two fingers into me, moving them in and out through my lubricated opening, escalating my carnal desire. I was now soaking wet.
Working quickly, I unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, snaking my hand beneath his boxers and stroking his length. I put my thumb on the tip, circling it sensually for a while.
In response, he inserted a third finger into me. His fingers gently pressed against my walls, imitating sexual intercourse. But soon, they moved to my clit, concentrating there and pushing me to erotic bliss.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I hastily pulled down the rest of his clothes. He kicked off his pants and boxers while kissing my neck and breasts. We were both naked without a care in the world. Anytime someone might find us, but that was the farthest thing in our minds.
We stumbled backward to the flat wall on the other side. He positioned his hands on my butt, getting ready to lift me up and press me on the wall. But I suddenly remembered his knee. I placed a hand on his chest to stop him, gazing into his eyes with a fiery look of desire.
“Your knee,” I whispered. And before he could protest, I turned around and leaned forward, my palms flat on the wall in front of me. I turned my head just enough to meet his eyes, my drenched locks flipping to one side. That’s when I caught the look of craving on his face, just before he stepped forward and inserted his rigid cock into my entrance.
My eyes rolled up as I moaned loudly. I felt him go deeper as his hands held onto my breasts, pressing and caressing. His thrusts grew harder and faster, aligning with my pleasure that was quickly climbing into unbelievable heights.
I opened my eyes and turned around slightly again to watch him just as he was coming. The expression on his face was one of immense pleasure, all the more intensifying my own. Both of us exploded into torrents of erotic pleasure, the sensation swathing my whole body as I shuddered in his grasp.
As he pulled away and began dressing, I tried to catch my breath.
The rain had turned into a drizzle now. Panting, I grabbed my own clothes strewn on the grass at our feet. I got dressed quickly in silence, my mind now sprinting with possibilities and various scenarios. As for my heart, it was still beating at double speed, greatly stimulated but more confused than ever before.
Looking outside, I said, “We can make a run for it now, I guess.”
“Yeah,” he agreed.
I could sense that both of us were hesitant to talk about what had just happened.
“Cassy…” he began, but I was already running toward his car. He followed behind and got into the car too without another word.
He drove me home in silence, both of us unsure of what to say. I texted the others that we had found the earring, but couldn’t head back to The Creamery anymore because Aunt Ellen might be worried. The truth was I wasn’t in the mood anymore to hang out with our friends. My thoughts and emotions were too chaotic.
“Good night, Cassy,” he said softly once we got to the house.
“Good night, Ivan,” I answered, smiling faintly. “Thanks for everything.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.
“Sure,” I said, opening the door to climb out before he could say anything else. I wasn’t ready to talk about it, whatever it was.