Chapter Two
“Jax, you should really do this. You’re a certified champion now and with that elusive title comes certain responsibilities; one of which is doing things you might not like to do.”
Arlene Coulter, Jax manager since he decided to go pro, waited with baited breath to hear what her most important client said regarding her proposal. It wasn’t really a proposal, it was more of a demand, and Arlene had never really demanded much of Jax. So, she waited to see what Jax had to say.
Jax was doing what he loved, wrenching on one of his private cars. He had seven. They were all special to him. And when he wasn’t racing or practicing, Jax spent his quiet time doing what he had done since he was a kid... getting his hands dirty wrenching on a car. Jax had a manager because having one was expected. And he appreciated Arlene because she tolerated him. He tried to listen to her, but he wasn’t liking what Arlene was saying. Did he see the merit in her argument? Of course, but that didn’t mean Jax had to like it.
“When would I have to go,” Jax asked begrudgingly.
“I need you on a plane in the morning. Your flight is already booked. 7 a.m.”
Although he was agitated, Jax waited until Arlene disconnected the line before hanging up. He laid the phone on the front fender of his 2000 Camaro SS and walked around the side of the car. He reached in and turned the volume up on the radio. It didn’t really matter what was on, some rock station. Jax used the music as background noise. All he wanted to do was relax and work on his car. By the time Jax made his way back to the front of the vehicle, Jax’s phone rang again. He was so tempted not to answer it. But when the phone stopped ringing and started back up again, Jax had no choice. When he saw who it was on the caller ID, he knew he really had no choice.
“Hi mom.”
“Jax, how are you, honey?”
“I’m fine mom.”
Jax propped the phone on his shoulder and leaned back over his engine.
“Glad to hear it,” Carole replied. “I want grandbabies, Jax.”
He had to chuckle. His mother was never good at beating around the bush and when it came to her sons, Carole felt no need to. This was a sentiment Jax had heard many times before and every time, he gave his mother the only answer he could. Still, Carole Sutton wasn’t hearing it. It was like her biological clock was ticking for grandbabies and she wouldn’t stop until one of her sons gave her what she wanted.
“I know you do, mom,” Jax replied. “Have you already called Tommy and Pete today?”
Carole chuckled. “That’s beside the point,” Carole corrected. “Right now, I’m talking to you, Jax.”
“What do you want me to do, mom?”
“I want you to give me some grandbabies.”
“Gotta find a girl first,” Jax replied. And Jax wasn’t looking for just any girl. He wanted a forever girl.
“Well what are you waiting on? Find a girl, a good girl Jax. Get engaged, get married, and give me some grandbabies. Love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Love you, too, mom.” But by the time Jax said that, Carole was already gone and moving on with the rest of her day. Jax just hoped he would be able to move on with his, until it was time to pack and return to Chandler County.
The Next Day
It was their monthly girl’s outing’ an indulgence Megan looked forward to. Megan, her older sister, Joanne, and her BFF, Bonnie Wilcott, spent the morning and most of the afternoon shopping in downtown Chandlerville. La Ropa Y Mas, was their favorite clothing store to shop in and the girls were having a great time trying on clothes they knew they didn’t need and playing dress up like they did when they were kids. Some of the outfits they tried on were outlandish, but that was part of the fun.
“Did you see that last get-up,” Bonnie asked, trying to keep from laughing so loud she’d disturb the other shoppers.
“Oh my God, yes,” Joanne giggled. “She looked a mess!”
“I heard that,” Megan guffawed from behind the dressing room curtain. “Your last outfit wasn’t much better, Bonnie.”
The girls finished up at La Ropa and made their way to the town eatery, The Speakeasy. To be a Chandlerville establishment, the Speakeasy was a nod to all things comfortable, with welcoming ambiance, tasty food, and a comfortable environment that made you wanna relax, have a drink, eat some great food, and have a good time without worrying if the bill would be too high or if you’d be rushed through your meal because there were people waiting. Going to the Speakeasy was always nice. You never knew who you would run into, but you would certainly run into someone you knew. Once the girls were seated, the waitress approached the table.
“Good afternoon, would you like menus or do you already know what you want?”
“I know what I want already,” Bonnie chirped.
“I don’t need a menu either,” Joanne said, and Megan agreed. They’d been to the Speakeasy so often, they knew the menu by heart. The trio placed their orders. The waitress returned with drinks and appetizers while the group waited for their entrees.
“Did you hear?” Bonnie asked.
“Hear what?” Joanne asked, checking out some of the rest of the groups in the restaurant.
“Jax Sutton is coming to town,” Bonnie exclaimed.
Hearing Jax name made Megan tune in. “Why,” she asked, trying not to sound too excited.
“The city is throwing a parade for our hometown hero tomorrow,” Bonnie said excitedly.
“Oh, that is exciting,” Joanne said with a smile. Megan didn’t say anything. Then, her cheeks flushed a soft pink against her pale skin, when she felt Joanne and Bonnie staring at her.
“What?” Megan finally scoffed, trying to bring down her internal embarrassment monitor.
“I said Jax Sutton is coming and you went all doe-eyed,” Bonnie taunted.
“I did not,” Megan protested and then covered her face with both hands, hiding the smile that invaded her face.
“Schoolgirl crushing,” Joanne teased.
“Oh my God, it’s so cute,” Bonnie chimed in.
They laughed at and with Megan.
Finally uncovering her eyes, Megan faced the truth. Just hearing that Jax Sutton was returning to Chandlerville did give Megan the willies. But once again, reality set in and the smile that illuminated Megan’s face faded right in front of her friends.
“What’s the matter,” Bonnie asked seeing a vacant look in her eyes after they were so alive with light. Joanne noticed it too. She had her suspicions as to why Megan’s disposition changed so quickly. Joanne hoped what she thought wasn’t true.
“It’s just a pipedream,” Megan said deflated. “He doesn’t even know who I am.”
“Megan, come on,” Bonnie said. “You are no longer the gangly girl from high school, standing in the background swooning over high school Jax.” Bonnie reached across the table and extended an open hand to her best friend, which eventually Megan accepted.
“You are smart, beautiful, and a far cry from a wallflower. Jax Sutton would be lucky to have you.”
“Exactly,” Joanne chimed. “Not the other way around.”
“You guys are just trying to be nice” Megan sighed.
“No, we are not,” Joanne corrected. “It’s the truth and if you want Jax, then you need to go after him.”
“Or at least let him know you exist,” Bonnie agreed.
“You both know Jax Sutton is above my pay grade.”
“Really, Megan? Is that what you think?” Bonnie didn’t like the sound of that and neither did Joanne.
“You are better than this. And like we said before, Jax Sutton would be lucky to have you,” Joanne concluded.
“So, buck up Missy, Jax will be in town tomorrow and we’re going to see him.”
Megan looked from her sister to her best friend and back to her sister again. Megan knew they cared about her, that they loved her and only wanted the best for her. Self-doubt had been crippling for Megan in the past, and in some areas of her life, Megan had gotten past it, developed some self-confidence and moved boldly in many areas of her life. However, when it came to matters of the heart, romance and the possibility of real love, Megan was still stuck, not believing she deserved it at all, let alone with Jax Sutton. But then there was another small, still voice that said, what have you got to lose?
“What time is the parade, again?”