Chapter 7
LAST NIGHT, AFTER OUR POST-DINNER walk with Underpants, Shane and I found Vera and Sam sitting on the back deck talking and eating cake. Refusing to be left out, I cut a large piece of the cake for each of us, and we joined them. The cake was ridiculously rich and amazing. I made sure Shane knew a visit to the bakery would be part of the deal in us spending time together. He agreed.
This morning, I will admit to a little more pep in my step. It may have had to do with the goodnight kiss Shane and I shared by his truck when he was leaving. Or, perhaps it’s from the text message I woke to this morning, wishing me a wonderful day. Either way, Shane is responsible for the jovial mood I’m in.
I successfully avoid Vera’s attempts at an interrogation about my seeing more of Shane all morning. But, when I take a break after the lunch rush and check my phone to see three text messages from Shane, my smile gives me away in a heartbeat.
Shane: I’m thinking I need to take you on a sunset ride tonight.
Shane: With a picnic. On a blanket. And your kissable lips.
Shane: Too much? That was pushing my luck, wasn’t it? You aren’t responding. Shit. Just the ride.
I laugh at the last text message. There was about an hour between message two and three. I’m sure he thought I was ignoring him. Poor guy. He has to know I would be busy.
Me: Sounds perfect. I wasn’t ignoring you. I was WORKING! Chill out, friend.
I pause before sending the reply. Is using the word “friend” too friend zone, or is it keeping it casual? I have to keep this causal, but the way Shane makes me feel is much more than friends. Not willing to take the risk, I delete and revise.
Me: Sounds perfect. Sorry it took me so long to respond, it’s been busy! Tell me where to be and what time! I’m all yours.
Before I can second doubt my choice of words, I hit send and stare at the screen waiting for a response. When one doesn’t come immediately, I assume Shane is working too and put the phone in my back pocket and get back to work. By the time the last customer leaves and Vera switches the open sign to closed, I have the broom in my hand and am sweeping when she starts singing one of my favorite songs, “Free Fallin’.”
“That’s one of my favorite songs,” I tell her.
“I’d hope so, your ass is singing it,” she deadpans, and I realize my phone is ringing. Oh hell.
“Hello?” I ask without looking at the screen.
“All mine you say?” Shane replies flirtatiously. I can envision his dimpled smirk, and my stomach does a little flip.
“Who is this?” I tease.
“Mercy.”
“Shane.”
“Girl, don’t play. You know I’m teasing.”
“I know. Gosh, what kind of girls have you been hanging out with? Did none of them have a sense of humor?”
“Mercy, no other girl has ever compared to you.” Oh boy, he’s laying it on thick. “I’m picking you up at five o’clock. Be ready and wear something you can ride in. And bring a jacket or something; it gets chilly when the sun goes down.”
“Sounds good. Should I make us some sandwiches or something?”
It takes some prodding, but Shane finally agrees to let me pack us a small picnic. It’s the least I can do. Plus, Vera said I can make them here and take some of the potato salad we have left after today’s special. By the time we get home from the diner, and yes, my stop by Earl’s for a status report, I only have about thirty minutes to get ready before Shane arrives.
A quick hop in the shower doesn’t leave me time to wash my hair so another braid it is. I swear, I’ve worn my hair pulled back more since arriving in Mason than I have the last six months in Lexington. That’s the difference in the two jobs I’ve had. Working as a cocktail waitress, half my uniform was looking cute and flirtatious to pull in the bigger tips. Working here at Maye’s I don’t have to bother with all of that, and it’s liberating. I will admit that I miss spending a little time on my appearance. Next time we go out, I’m going to spend time on my hair and makeup. Next time. I can’t be planning things like that. I can’t get attached. To Shane, Vera, or this town.
I grab my sweatshirt from the pile of clothes I have sitting on a chair in my room and hear Shane’s laugh fill the empty space of the house. He and Vera are talking and teasing each other when I walk into the living room. Tonight, Vera is giving herself a facial and pedicure. She’s currently covered in a green mask that makes her ability to smile difficult, and it’s hilarious.
“Hey, beautiful,” Shane says, greeting me with a kiss to the cheek. “You about ready?”
“Yep, let me grab our dinner. I put it in a cooler.” I turn to walk toward the kitchen when Shane grabs my hand.
“Already in the truck. Let’s hit it. I don’t want you to miss the sunset. It’s beautiful. Miss Vera, we’ll see you later. Careful with that stuff on your face, you wouldn’t want it to stick for too long” Shane says, gesturing before his own face and smiling at Vera who throws a pillow at him.
About an hour after Vera tossed that pillow at Shane’s head—and missed—we are both on our respective horses, making our way toward what Shane has promised is an epic spot to watch an even more epic sunset. I teased him about his use of the word “epic” twice but he just shrugged. I like that about him. He tolerates my sarcasm and teasing without it bothering him.
We come to a clearing, and I’m in awe of the beauty before us. As far as I can see, is a vast piece of land with trees for days. Amazing. “Wow, it’s beautiful.” My voice is a whisper.
“I think this is a good spot; what do you think?” I nod in response and Shane quickly dismounts and helps me off my horse, Chocolate Chip. Once we’re settled onto the blanket, he pulls out our sandwiches and salads then hands me a bottle of water.
“This place is amazing. How long have you worked here?” I ask, taking a bite of the turkey sandwich made exactly how I like it: extra mayo, extra cheese, and no tomatoes.
“It really is kind of great. I’ve worked for the Mathews family off and on since I was in high school. After I graduated from UT last year, I came home and picked up where I left off. I’m very lucky.” I watch as Shane takes a hearty drink of his water. His head is thrown back and his throat pulses with each drink as the cold water slides down his throat. Drinking water should not be an aphrodisiac, but it is. I suddenly feel flush and put my own water bottle to my head.
“You feelin’ okay?” Shane asks with concern.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Totally. Just felt flush. So, UT?”
“Okay. If you’re sure.” I hate that he’s concerned but hell if I’ll tell him watching him drink water has me hot and bothered. And damn me for wearing this long-sleeved Henley and jeans. That’s not helping me cool down.
“I’m fine. Tell me about UT,” I suggest, changing the subject.
“Well, Austin is only a few hours away, so it seemed like the best choice. I’d still be close to my folks but get my education. I liked college life, but Austin was too much of a city for me. I prefer this,” he says, waving his arm toward the rolling hills before us.
I let Shane’s comment about the city stew a little while he gets a lantern and turns it on. The sun is setting and in just minutes it will be dark. I clear my sandwich crumbs and toss our garbage back in the cooler before taking the last few minutes to take in the vast array of colors that dance across the sky. Blues, reds, and a hint of gold are like a perfect kaleidoscope of layers so enticing I wish I could reach out and touch them.
I pick my hand up to see if they are in fact three dimensional when Shane snuggles behind me, pulling me close to his chest. Nestled in his arms, feeling the beat of his heart on my back, I’m content. Completely relaxed and at ease. A shiver of anxiety skirts my spine as I realize how easily I could fall into this routine with Shane. I’ve known him days, only spent hours with him, yet I feel like it’s been years. A lifetime.
“Did my comment about the city upset you?” I turn my head toward Shane, confusion marring my face. He plants a quick peck to my lips and I turn back around, settling into his warmth.
“Not at all. I just realized how different our lives are. What did you study at UT?”
“Business. Boring and basic but I figured it would benefit me regardless of what I decided to do in the future. For now, I’m happy working until I figure out what the future holds. Heck, I’m only twenty-three; I definitely don’t know what I’m doing in six months, let alone in the future.”
“No kidding,” I say shifting a little in his embrace. “I don’t feel like I have anything figured out. I just know the moment I encounter whatever it is I’m meant to do, to be, I’ll know.”
“And, you believe the answer to those life questions are in Austin?” he asks as I become more restless.
“I don’t know.” I sigh. His arms tighten around me, causing me to cease my restless movements and lean back into him. I loop my hands under his arms so my hands rest on top of his, just below my belly button. “I mean, I’ve always wanted to go to Austin. It’s kind of like a bucket list item, ya know?”
“Of all the places in the world, Austin, Texas is on your bucket list? Not London or even the Grand Canyon?”
“Oh sure, I’d love to travel to Europe. Get lost in the Italian countryside or sit and people watch in Paris, but that’s not my reality. I’m just not that girl. Austin is about it for me.”
“Why do you sell yourself short? If you want to go to Paris, you should go to Paris.” Shane seems so confident in his answer. It once again proves how different our paths are.
“Maybe Paris, Texas but not France. I’m a waitress for goodness sake. Heck, I’m not even really employed right now. I have no business dreaming of faraway places. Besides, I don’t really have a life plan. I’m kind of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. And, a poor one at that. Heck, I don’t even have an apartment or job in Austin, but I know I’ll find one; I’m resourceful and determined.”
Shane and I sit, wrapped in an embrace for a while, silence enveloping us. Comfortable silence. I don’t feel the need to fill the space with unnecessary chatter and am simply enjoying the moment. I’m lost in thought when Shane clears his throat.
“You know, I said UT is only a few hours from here. I could drive you in to the city tomorrow, and we could check it out. What if you hate it and don’t want to be there? Maybe you’re meant to be here.”
I contemplated his words before speaking. “You would do that? Take me to Austin?” I lifted up to face him. “I mean, that would be a huge help. I could answer a few job listings in person and maybe look at a few apartments or ads for roommates.” My giddiness is evident, and Shane simply smiles.
“We’ll do it. I’m sure Vera will be fine with it.” I pause, hating to leave Vera in a pickle with the diner. Lost in my thoughts, I don’t notice Shane rubbing his thumb over the top of my hand as he speaks, “Now, how about some of that kissing we talked about? Our time together is limited, and you promised.”
Smiling, I rise to my knees before lifting both legs to straddle his lap. Wrapping my hands around his neck, I coyly respond,” Who am I to back out on a promise?”
“Maybe you should pack an overnight bag. We can go out for a nice dinner,” Shane says as he places a chaste kiss to the corner of my lips.
“Where would we stay?” My voice is raspier than usual, and it must catch Shane’s attention.
“That’s why they invented hotels, babe.” I pull back just as he’s about to lay his lips upon mine. “Babe” is a term of endearment. One that is used for couples. For people in a relationship.
“Well, babe, I don’t know what kind of girl you take me for . . .” I begin before Shane’s face gets serious and he looks me in the eye. Gone is the smirk and smoldering look in his gaze.
“I take you for my girl as long as you’ll have me, babe.” A small smile fights to appear on my lips. Shane relaxes at my response and slides his right hand up my back, tugging on my braid a little. “I’ll behave. It’ll be fun. Say yes and pack the bag, Mercy.”
Instead of responding with words, I kiss Shane. It’s a kiss of acceptance. Not a kiss of promises or a future but of the here and now.