Chapter Six
Gentry
I think being a dick is a sickness at times. I never plan on it and then it just flares up uncontrollably. I had never taken a woman to the cabin before. Never stood there with a female who was not of blood relation. It just felt like sacrilege, until today that is.
I felt magnetic to her the minute we walked through the door. I shouldn’t of used those harsh words. Should never have touched her.
Should never have said what I just did. I thought about turning around, almost did before I stopped myself. ‘It would be better if she hates you. Better if she thinks you’re not wanting her here. It will be easier once she’s gone,’ I told myself.
No matter the front I had put on near ten years ago, her leaving had hurt like hell then. Least now I know that’s where it’s headed.
I turned Doc into the closest and most secure lot to run off some more steam. I slammed the gate and marched to the house. Bad idea.
I opened the side door to a scent assault of what I could only assume was Ed’s cooking. We were barely passable cooks but Uncle Ed had been practicing more the last few years. He had only one truly decent dish and that was his taco chili. But it was spicy as all hell only meant to be cut with about ten gallons of sour cream.
“What the hell are you doing?” I asked looking at the mess.
“Carla was busy so I though an introductory dinner was in order. Make a meal for everyone on the ranch and introduce them to Krystina.”
“Pass,” I said washing my hands in the sink and pouring me another cup of coffee.
“You can’t pass. She’s our guest I’ll not allow it.”
“Krys and I don’t exactly see eye to eye. It’s best if we avoid each other.”
“Better for who?” Ed asked staring me down. “What the hell happened between you two?”
I shrugged. “We grew up together. She was Gloria’s best friend. She left for Boston and never looked back. She ain’t meant for ranch life,” she didn’t want it then she doesn’t deserve it now – I added silently.
“Krystina DeLuch was always a good, sweet girl. She has been nothing but today either. You will be civil and kind while she is here.”
“Either way I’ll run into town tonight,” I argued back draining my coffee and heading for the door.
“Fine. I’m sure everyone’ll have a better time without you. Those cowboys will take real nice to Ms. Krys.”
I froze for an instant at the doorway thinking of Boots over friendliness just a few hours ago.
“What’s a matter boy?” Ed asked as I stayed paused at the door.
“Nothing. Not a damned thing.”
***
I had heard about it in the locker room. Danny South was seen asking Krystina DeCuchie out. I felt bad that the name had stuck from a year and some change before. She had been right, it was dirty when others said it.
She and Gloria were sophomores, I a junior and Danny a senior. Player wasn’t the right word for Danny. Danny gave players a bad name. I would have broken his nose had he asked Gloria out but I didn’t have that kind of right with Krys.
Nothing had happened after our kiss by the pool. Mainly because I was stupid. She was right – I was too cool. I was the freshman who blew past JV and started varsity. No bench warming for me. My friends were older, mobile and had cool hot girlfriends. I was the only freshman boy to be asked to senior prom. Sure, her boyfriend had dumped her the week before but still. Like a lot of prom dates, I hadn’t come home a virgin.
I was an idiot.
So I confronted Krys. Slamming her locker door shut and making her jump.
“What the hell is with this shit I hear about you and South?”
“I’m sure the gossip vine has more elaborate stories than I. What did you hear?”
“Just that you two are going out after the game Friday,” I said following her as she started to walk away.
“How boring – I expected better. But it’s true.”
“I told you to stop hanging out at the park on lunch. All that contact buzz isn’t good for you.”
Krys fake laughed.
“I’m not kidding Krystina.”
“Oh, sweet mercy, my full name. Danny is your friend, Gentry.”
“But he’s not a good guy. Danny South wants one thing and that’s it.”
“Yeah inside Krys DeLuch’s red lace thong,” she stopped me outside the school as she had been heading to the parking lot. “Look it’s none of your business what I do Gentry. Maybe I’m bored with my virginity. I’m sixteen in the spring, hell of a lot older than you when you shucked yours because you were bored.”
I had no response but to stand there dumbfounded. Wondering if she had meant it and feeling sick to my stomach.
But I was there two days later when Danny got handsy at the party after the game. Turns out Krys wasn’t as ready as she acted.