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“I'm afraid her dance card is full tonight, Buck,” Darcie interjected. “You'll have to make due with me.”
“Oh, now this isinteresting.” He moved over to me, and I could tell he wanted me to say more, but I ignored him, focusing back on the floor below. Simon and Slade entered together, and I simultaneously felt elated and rejected when I saw them. My feelings were all over the place, and I realized how right Babs had been today. I couldn't keep ignoring this, not if I wanted to move forward in life. Hiding only gave power to my demons.
“Damn. Well, at least I know it's not me.”
“Hm?” I asked, turning to Buck, his face softening, and I saw real emotion behind his eyes.
“All this time, I thought you were just blowing me off, but now I see your heart’s already taken. I'm just not sure to which one.”
“Yeah, me either,” I mumbled. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to Darcie and hugged her, promising to be out later to watch her dance if things didn't blow up in my face.
“No worries, girl. Catch up with me if you can. Besides,” she leaned in, whispering, “it looks like I might get to console Buck tonight. I think he was really crushing on you.Who knew?” She pulled back, winking, and I turned to look at Buck and caught him staring, a sad smile on his face. Waving, I walked out, not sure what to make of that. Hopefully, a night with Darcie would cure his feelings toward me.
I hadn't seen Thane yet, but it was close to the time, so I hoped he'd be here soon. I headed to the room Darcie had reserved for me, hopeful things would finally be clear.
Thane
Everything spunout of control as I watched Lennox walk down the stairs and head toward the room she'd texted to meet in. My breathing increased, becoming labored as I envisioned them touchingmy girl. I guess Lennox had decided to face her fears finally. Tugging at the ends of my hair in frustration, I paced the small alcove I stood in, debating my next move.
At lunch, I’d thought Lennox had finally been convinced to leave them once and for all. Her hurt had been so visible on her face, I didn’t think she’d ever be able to forgive him. I’d hated to do it, but I’d been saving those pictures for the perfect moment to show her Slade’s betrayal, the last thing in my grand plan to win her over to me.
Apparently, even his lies were more of a draw thanme.
I'd wanted to do this the old fashion way. Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl live happily ever after.
But Lennox continued to make this harder than it needed to be.
If she proceeded to test me, then I'd have to remind her what was at stake. If she still didn't fold, I'd have to make her, even if that meant taking her.
It wasn't ideal, but it was better than the alternative. Lennox James would be mine. The amount of others who had to perish before it happened depended on her.
Stomping down the stairs, I couldn’t wait to get out of the filth-ridden bar. In my haste, I bumped into Darcie before making it out of there. I didn't stop, though, powering down the stairs needing air.
I had plans to make, and playing Mr. Nice Guy wasn't in them at the moment. Quickly, I pulled out my phone and texted Lennox I couldn't make it. I had to forcibly stop myself from lashing out at her, asking why she brought them here. I'd punish her later for the subterfuge.
The crowded street blurred together as I focused on my new plan. It was time they remembered Lennox James was mine.
Pen Pal Letter
NOX TO THANE
Sweet Blaze,
Since you asked if I was okay, then you’re forgiven for laughing.
I’ve never traveled further than a few hours from my home. I sound so boring compared to the life you’ve lived. But I like the concept of getting the feel for a place.
Here, that’s Miss Patti’s baked goods, the subs at Mancino’s, and the lemon shake-ups at the fairs. It’s the sound of the cannons on Friday night when a touchdown is made, and the band during their halftime show. It’s the sound of Corvettes, and laughter at Beech Bend Park.
It’s sitting on porches and swinging, catching fireflies with your neighbor, and taking a meal to someone when they’re grieving. My town’s small, but the people here have big hearts. It’s the best part about the south.
Just look past most of my peers and all the gossipy women, that is.
The good people are there and I see them.
I couldn't imagine losing a parent. I complain about mine at times, but losing one of them, I don’t know how I’d cope. What’s your secret? How do you manage that pain?
There’s a school dance this week, but I don’t think I’ll go. I made my dress because nothing at the stores that fit my body was cute. You won’t know this, but the clothing industry is sizeist. They make clothes for curvier girls in either a block shape, or in heinous colors. Beware when it’s both! Just because I have curves, doesn’t mean I don’t want to look cute, or want to be in fashion! But I digress… I made a dress, but so far, no one has asked me to go. Before you ask, I did ask someone and they said no. So, that sucked monkey balls.
