"We definitely need to do it again," I told Thomas as we worked together to finish the last side of the house.

"I'd like that," he agreed.

"I just don't think I've been reading as much as I used to," I admitted. "I used to read at least every other day and now it feels like ages."

"We could do it here," he offered. "Just take some time at the end of the day with a book to wind down."

"That sounds lovely," I smiled at the thought. "I should get a reading lamp," I thought aloud.

"One thing at a time," Thomas chuckled. "Maybe finish the house first, then the garden."

"Right, yeah... and I've been thinking about replacing the fence around the edge."

Thomas shrugged," Yeah, I mean it could use an update."

"Exactly, so that'll be after I start the garden," I fit it on my mental list of plans.

"No one will recognize his place once you're done."

"I don't want that," I dropped my head. "I just want it to be the best version it can be.`

"It will be, I'm excited to see the lemon color you picked."

The thought brought a grin to my lips,"I think you'll like it, it's bright but not blinding."

Thomas I finished and rounded the house, touching up certain places to make sure we had a completely blank canvas to work with.

"Here we go," I giggled with excitement as I splashed the first tint of yellow onto the siding, I looked over to Thomas who was watching it with wide eyes.

"Woah...," he was stunned.

"I told you it was yellow."

"Yeah, that is really yellow," he nodded.

"You don't like it," I felt my spirits drop.

"No, no, I do. I like it, really."

"Really?," I looked back to the yellow strip.

"It certainly lives up to it's lemon name," Thomas chuckled.

I puffed my lower lip out," See, when you say that it sounds like you don't like it."

Thomas turned his head to me," No, Caroline, it's great. It's very you... very lemon-y."

"Yes it is," I grinned. "Let's get started."

That's what we did for the next 2 days, we finished the house, did a second coat and got it all touched up. I had also bought a small can of white paint to brighten up the shutters and trim. I stood on the street looking up the driveway at the small yellow house, it was so crazy to see it all come together. I remembered coming here not so long ago and pulling up the lawn full of gnomes and walking into the trashed, cigarette and whiskey stained house.

"It's beautiful," Thomas told me.

"It really is," I agreed.

"You did a great job," he kept his eyes on the house.

"You helped," I nudged him.

He smiled," Yeah but this is your vision and now it's real."

I relished in the moment of my new house, really my own and completely personalized to me. I couldn't believe it, I felt a sense of pride, a real joy to have done this for myself. I owned a house, my own house.

"Sometimes I wish I could grow like sunflowers, taller and brighter than this world. They whisper to me in the depth of the night that I already glow the brightest gold. I pick my petals and I breathe in all that I am," Thomas recited the poem quietly.

"Thank you Thomas," I leaned my head onto his arm, since his shoulder was pretty much at my eyes. "You helped make this possible."

"You're welcome, Caroline."


The night was here, I was ready. I decided to go casual, I wore some jeans and a cute black spaghetti strap tank top. I put on my shoes and put on some more mascara. I hadn't worn much makeup since arriving here, so I did a little eyeliner and blush, just for the special occasion.

"What time are they coming?," Thomas asked.

"I think they're coming around 7," I glanced up to the clock, it read 6:43.

"You seem nervous," Thomas chuckled.

"I am," I admitted, bouncing my leg. "What if I screw this up?"

"You won't," Thomas shook his head. "Mama is right when she says Savannah is good people, she is nice, always has been."

"Yeah, but you're not her husband's estranged cousin."

"No, I'm not, but I am the village idiot and she's never been mean to me."

My leg stopped bouncing," Thomas, don't say that."

He shrugged and looked into his lap, I was ready to strike down the harsh things he said about himself before he spoke again. " I am my own, nothing more or less. I cannot hide from the life bestowed on me, my destiny follows me wherever I go. To live with a smile, I must embrace it and grow from within. Nothing more can I expect of others, I must expect the most from myself."

Wow...

"That's beautiful. Who wrote that?," I leaned onto the table basking in the beautiful words.

Thomas sat back with grin," I wrote it."

"Thomas, it was amazing. You should look into being a writer. Wait, you told me you don't write! But that was beautiful!"

He shrugged," Like I said, there is no hiding from this life."

I shook my head," I don't except that. I don't believe that defines you at all. And that still doesn't answer my question."

He then turned to look at me directly," Do you really not see me as more than just some stupid kid? I'm sure you hear what people say about me, what the small minds of this town whisper about me?"

My mouth dropped, I was almost offended," Of course not, Thomas. You are so much more," I reached across the table to take his hand. "You are so smart, way smarter than me. You know about, animals, plants, literature, and carpeting. It's more than the average person could say, a lot more than I can say for myself. And no one talks about you, not to me at least."

Thomas looked across the room and his jaw tightened," Just give it time," he said quietly.

"Hey," I called his attention back to me. "I don't give a fuck what people say about you. They don't know you, I do. Nothing they could say would change who you are, Thomas, you're my friend."

Thomas took in a slow deep breath before swinging his neck to look back to me, that's when I saw it. It was that glimmer, something he wanted to say but was holding back on. It was that secret, it was bubbling to the surface and it was lingering on the tip of his tongue. I held my breath, I was ready to hear, ready to help and support him.

Just tell me, I silently begged.

Headlights flashed in the front window and the sound of tires on gravel filled the silence between us. Thomas stood up, taking his hand from mine, he looked to he window and then back to me.

"You're friends must be here."

My eyes darted to the clock: 6:57. Right on time, I rolled my eyes. I would much rather have heard what Thomas was holding back, I could tell he needed to talk to someone about it, but he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

"I wouldn't call them that," I stood up and pulled my top down to cover the strip of exposed skin above my pants.

"Well whatever they are, they're here for you," Thomas rubbed the back of his head. "I need to head home anyway."

"Thomas, I-..."

My voice was cut off by the hard knocking symphony on my front door. I bit my tongue and went to open the door, on the other side of the screen was Savannah.

"Heyyyy!," she laughed. "Ready? Oh you look so good!"

"Uh, yeah. Just give me one second."

"Wait!," Savannah opened the door. "Tommy Sicelle? Oh my lord, look at you," she gawked.

"Hello Ms Savannah," he looked down to his feet.

"Caroline here tells me you're doin' such a good job up here. I know she's so thankful for all you've done," Savannah winked to me and I felt a flush of embarrassment. "And I wanna say that I had a long talk with Jordan and he knows better 'bout the words he says."

"Well I'm happy to help," he said shyly, refusing to look her in the eyes. "I... I should head home to mama. Night Ms. Savannah. Night Ms. Caroline."

Ms? He never calls me that anymore...

"Goodnight, Thomas. See you in the morning."

Thomas shuffled past us and out the door, I heard a long honk coming from the car.

Must be Sherry.

"Oh my days," Savannah looked around the room. "This is so... wow. Wow...," she blinked a few more times.

"I know it's different."

"Yeah," she was still taking it all in. "The... I like that picture," she pointed to the wildflowers.

"Thanks."

"Uh, come on. We should go," she ushered me out of the house and to the car

"There you are! Come on let's move! I don't want to be late," Sherry leaned over the driver's seat and out the window.

"Oh, we'll be there in plenty of time," Savannah told her and slipped behind the wheel while I slid into the backseat.

"I want to make sure we get a table at least. You know how busy it all fills up," Sherry flipped her visor down to apply some bright red lipstick. She had her hair curled and dark ring of black eyeliner smudged around her eyes, giving her the appearance of a raccoon. "Hey," she told me absently.

"Hey Sherry," I replied as she kissed the air to make sure her lipstick looked good.

"Kurtis will probably get there first."

I saw Sherry roll her eyes in the mirror," Not the way Andy drives."

"Not that it'll matter, Sher. It's barely 7."

Savannah then looked to me in the rear view mirror," We're going to Dock's. It's the best bar around, good drinks and they have karaoke."

"God, we are not doin' karaoke, Sav."

"You're no fun."

"Did you say Kurtis is coming?," I asked nervously.

Savannah bit her lip for a second," Yeah, we got a babysitter last minute... well not really. It's my momma, she practically came and stole the kids from my house," Savannah laughed. "Kurtis has been working hard, you know... and with everything he wanted a night out too. And since there really is only one good place, he and Andy are comin' with."

Sherry turned around in the seat," But don't you worry. Plenty of hot men to prowl on."

"I'm sorry to spring it on you," Savannah added.

"No, no it's fine," I felt my stomach knot up.

"But ya'll are all friends, not big deal," Sherry turned the volume up on the radio. "YES! I LOVE THIS SONG!"

"Down by the river on a Friday night
A pyramid of cans in the pale moonlight
Talking 'bout cars and dreaming 'bout women
Never had a plan just a livin' for the minute
Yeah way down yonder on the Chattahoochee" Savannah and Sherry bellowed along with song while laughing.

Chatahoochee? What even is that?, I wondered to myself as we drove out of Baxter.

"Do you not know this song, Caroline," Sherry asked like I would be the stupidest person alive if I didn't.

"Uhh, no, I've never heard of it."

"It's the newest Alan Jackson song!," Savannah told me.

"Oh, it's great," I told her as Sherry cranked up the volume louder and rolled her window down.

"But I learned how to swim and I learned who I was
A lot about livin' and a little 'bout love!," She screamed out the window.

"Sherry," Savannah yanked her back into the car by her shirt laughing. "We're not 16!"

"Coulda' fooled me," she laughed.

We pulled into a gravel parking lot past a row of motorcycles and up to an almost porch looking section on on side of the building. People were out in the parking lot talking, playing music from their cars with beers in their hands. I was very happy with myself that I chose jeans and not a dress because most girls were wearing short shorts or miniskirts. It was hot, so my tank top was a good choice, but shorts would also have been smart.

We hopped out of the car and I heard a whistle pierce the air.

"Sherry! You lookin' good girl," a man leaning against a truck called to her.

"Drop dead, Bryce," she flipped him off. It wasn't my cousin Bryce, this one was wearing a jean vest and had a thick mustache.

"Who's your friend," he eyes landed on me.

"FUCK OFF," she snapped back.

I saw Sherry's full outfit, it was a tight white miniskirt and a zebra rhinestone top. It made her bright nails and lipstick stand out even more than when I only saw her face in the car. Savannah was wearing a loose pair of shorts and high school football shirt, she looked way more casual than Sherry did. We walked into the bar, it as crowded, lots of face and smells to process. A thick cloud of smoke hung in the air as people laughed and drank, Savannah pulled me into it all as we both followed Sherry.

"Babe!," Sherry ran ahead and I saw Andy and Kurtis in a booth against the back wall. Sherry climbed onto his lap and planted a steamy kiss on him. "You look good," she gripped his shirt.

"You look good too," he said, before turning to us.

"Hey babe," Kurtis got up and kissed his wife, letting her slide in to the wall and he sat on the end.

"Here," Andy slid over to the wall making room for me, since Sherry had chosen to sit on his lap.

"Thanks," I sat down.

"You look great" Kurtis smiled to his wife.

Savannah giggled," I'm wearing the shirts for last year's football fundraiser."

"It never looked better," he flirted.

"Shut up," she slapped his chest lightly and then kissed him sweetly.

They really are a cute couple, I was slightly envious.

"Babe, I saw the house. Caroline has completely changed it."

"Is that so," Kurtis' eyes rested on me and I felt my legs tighten.

"Well... I just updated some stuff."

"Hey," Andy raised his hand to get the waitress' attention, she weaved her way to us.

"Can we get 5 beers and 5 shots," Andy asked.

"No problem," she whisked away.

I felt like someone was staring at me, maybe it was paranoia, but I turned and scanned the room. No one seemed out of place or like they were watching so I turned back to the conversation.

"Shots? Andy...," Savannah groaned. "I am not young like that."

"We can take one shot, right? Back me up Caroline."

"Shots of what?"

Andy shrugged," I guess whatever she decides."

I chuckled and looked out to the room, there were people playing darts and a few pool tables up on a higher level. I didn't feel as out of place as I was thinking I would. I could hear the rock music lingering underneath the loud conversations and I felt kind of happy to be out.

Sherry twirled her finger in her hair," Babe..."

"Yeah," Andy took another swing of his beer.

"For my birthday I want a necklace."

"A necklace."

"Just get her a diamond necklace," Kurtis laughed.

Savannah laughed," But instead of a necklace make it a ring."

"Ohh, that sounds nice too," She purred into his ear and then licked his earlobe. Her eyes flickered to me for a second and then she leaned back.

"You're birthday isn't until October."

"Still, plenty of time to think ahead."

"Here you go," the waitress came back placing the large mugs of beer on the table and lining up the brown shots. "I'll open a tab."

"Thanks Melinda," Kurtis said reaching for his second beer.

"This shot makes me wanna gag," Savannah sniffed it and then set it down.

"Come on, come on," Andy grabbed his and handed on to Sherry who giggled as he readjusted her on his lap. "To the night," he raised his shot.

"To the night," we all repeated and I poured the disgusting scorching liquid into my throat.

"BLECH," Savannah gagged and shook her hands and Kurtis laughed.

"Tastes like honey," he grinned.

"Chase it with the beer," Andy encouraged.

Savannah grabbed the mug with both hands and took some large gulps.

"Aww, look at her nurse it," Sherry teased.

Savannah pulled the beer away and set it down," Do you not realize I haven't been out like this since before Hailey could talk?"

"It has been awhile," Kurtis looped his arm over Savannah shoulder.

"We have to make the most of it," she said and went back to her beer.

"Whatever you say, boss," he chuckled and took a large swing.

"Do you want to sing with me later," she leaned into her husband.

"Oh no," he looked to Andy with guilty smile. "How did I know?"

Andy and Sherry laughed," We're gonna see singin' Sav tonight," Sherry cheered and raised her glass.

I felt it again, like someone was watching me, so I surveyed the clouded room once more. This time I did see them, it was man playing pool, our eyes met and he kept his gaze on me for a moment longer before looking down at his game. He was a decently tall guy, he was husky, a mix of muscles and extra weight. He had a black beard and short black hair.

"You aren't drinking?," Savannah leaned over the table to me.

"Oh," I looked to my untouched beer. I picked it up and chugged as much as I could, using an open throat technique I learned in college I was able to down about half of it.

"Damn," Andy gaped.

"Slow down," Savannah smiled.

"Mhh," Sherry almost pouted. "I have to pee," she looked to Andy and then me. I stood up to let her out and she grabbed Savannah as they ran to the bathroom together.

Great... I slid back into my spot.

"So, Caroline," Andy said after a long drink. "This place anything like you've seen before."

I shrugged," I've seen my share of dive bars, but this place is nice."

"Oh, Melinda," Andy flagged her down, reaching past me. "5 more shots please, this time Tequila."

"Be right back," she told us.

"Tequila, man," Kurtis shook his head.

"Mixing dark and white liquor is never smart," I agreed.

He held a finger to his lips," Shh."

"I just hope she brings us limes or I don't know is Savannah has the stomach for it."

Again the eyes of the stranger lingered on my skin, I looked up and he did not even trying to hide the fact he was looking at me. Bold move, I thought as I chose to ignore his gaze.

"So you're going to propose to Sherry?," I asked taking a drink.

Kurtis let out a sharp laugh," In Sherry's dreams."

"So no?," I turned to Andy.

He let out a deep sigh," It's all complicated," he leaned into the table.

"Everything is with that girl, I don't know how you've put up with it so long," Kurtis checked over his shoulder to make sure they weren't on their way back.

"We've been together so long," Andy groaned.

"But on and off, not the whole time. Besides all that shit she did."

"Let's not get into it," Andy looked at me and then back to Kurtis. "So you guys know each other from childhood."

My eyes widened and my body tensed, what do I say to that?

"Yeah, Caroline and I've known each other for a while. She was good friends with my mom."

"Oh, cool," Andy nodded. "Really awesome you took over the farm."

I nodded and decided to drink instead of answer. I looked out again to the pool table to the man and was almost taken aback when I saw Sherry over there talking to him. Savannah took the spot on the end now

"Where's Sherry," I asked, my eyes darting to the man.

"Here ya'all are," Melinda set down the shots and walked away.

"Oh god, what is that," Savannah inspected the shot. "Oh lord, is this tequilla," she looked accusingly to Kurtis.

"Wasn't me," he chuckled and picked up the shot. "But look," he pulled the lime wedge from the rim. "It came with a lime."

Her eyes landed on Andy," Are you trying to kill me?!"

"Who said it was me," he chuckled. "Coulda been Caroline!"

Sherry skipped up to the table," You guys wanna play some pool?"

"After this shot," Andy reached for his own.

Sherry picked up the one in front of her and slammed it, setting the glass back on the table. "Let's go."

"Ugh," Savannah lifted the tequila and grimaced as she bit into her lime, Kurtis grinned and followed her.

I slide my glass closer to me, tequila and I had a dark history.

"Cheers?," Andy held out his tony glass, I clinked it with mine and we took it together.

"Oh fuck," I sputtered and felt the white hot pain on my throat.

"Let's go!," Sherry cheered and we all left the booth to head to the gaming area. She danced around the table" So Andy and I versus Sav and Kurt," she grinned.

"What about Caroline?," Savannah picked her cue stick.

"She can play Jeremy," Sherry offered.

Jeremy? Where do I know that name?

I turned and saw the black hair bearded man, he had green eyes and now that I was closer I could see his tan skin and smell his scent of evergreen and cigarettes.

"Hey," he gave me a confident grin. "I'm Jeremy," he held out a hand.

"Caroline," I shook it.

"I call break," Sherry announced.

"We are now openin' up the karaoke stage," someone announced over a microphone.

"Kurtis!," Savannah jumped at the chance.

"Absolutely not," he shook his head.

Jeremy pulled out a cigarette and held open the pack to me," Smoke?"

I took one and he lit it for me," Thanks."

"You play a lot of pool?," he asked, setting it up.

I shrugged," Not really."

"Well, I'll go easy on you," he said it almost like he was taunting me.

I could tell I was feeling a buzz, I almost enjoyed his flirtation.

"How you been Jeremy," Andy asked.

"Doin' good," he said with the smoking stick hanging from his mouth. "How bout yourself sergeant?"

"Fine," Andy nodded. "Uh, Jeremy is Sherry's brother."

"Oh, right...," I remembered Janna mentioning her son at the Jamboree. "So Janna is your mom."

"That's how siblings work," he handed me my stick.

"Andy! Babe, it's our turn, come on!," Sherry beckoned him.

"So your the famous Caroline, living up in Del's old place."

"That's me," I told him as he broke the triangle of balls, a striped one falling into a pocket.

"Well, the town's gossip doesn't do you justice," he said, hitting another stripe into the hole.

"What gossip would that be?," I leaned onto my cue pole.

Jeremy shrugged," Just of the mysterious beautiful woman moving into town."

"Mysterious?," I repeated.

He raised an eyebrow," You hung on that? Not the beautiful?," he sunk another stripe.

"I really don't stand a chance in this, huh," I laughed and took another drink.

"I can teach you," he rounded the table to get the angle he wanted and I took a drag on my cigarette.

"Good job babe!," Sherry cheered and kissed Andy for sinking his shot.

"So, having Sherry as a sister sounds exciting."

"That's one word for it," he leveled up his next target. "You got any of 'em?"

"Nope. Only child."

Jeremy gave the ball a quick jab but it bounced off the corner pocket and rolled away.

"Wow, I finally get a turn," I grinned and looked at my options. Pool was not a strong suite of mine, but I knew how to play. I lined up and shot the white ball towards my solid closest to getting in but I missed and now it was Jeremy's turn. I picked up my cigarette and took a drag before finishing my beer.

"Want another one?"

I nodded," Yeah."

"Oh, we getting another round?," Savannah leaned over to our table.

"I'll get it," Jeremy offered, he signaled the waitress and help up six fingers, she nodded understanding his code and went back behind the bar. The place seemed super packed, I hadn't noticed the flood of people until I looked out into the crowd again.

"Thanks Jeremy," Savannah smiled.

"Anytime," he said and sunk another ball.

"This is not fair," I gawked. "How often do you play?" He shrugged and I chuckled," So it's fair to say that you come here often?"

"Is that a pick up line," he flirted with me.

"More like an intuitive statement," I kept my eyes level with him.

"Fair enough," he caved and looked away. "Yeah this is my home away from home, good place, good music and usually good people."

"Usually?"

"Occasionally a bar fight, but what's new?"

"Oh," I looked over as our drinks arrived and Savannah took her greedily, drinking like she hadn't had anything in days. "Thanks," I smiled as I took mine.

"You're welcome honey," she told me.

"Oh, Melinda," Andy came over. "Shots. Let's have 6."

"Andy," Kurtis gave a tone of warning.

"No, no, no! I want to do shots!," Savannah begged, gripping his shirt and giving him puppy dog eyes. Her new opinion on the matter was sure sign of quick intoxication.

"I'm the one that's got to carry you home, little lady," he arm wrapped around her.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she stood on her tip toes and planted a soft kiss, then they swayed together.

"Whiskey. And 6 beers. You want another one Jeremy?," he looked over his shoulder.

"We just got these," I looked at my full mug.

Jeremy shook his head," Got to drive home."

"5 beers," Andy confirmed and Melinda was off to the bar again.

"Whiskey? Are you trying to kill us?," I joked.

He shrugged," Hey, I guess Vermont can't hang with us in Tennessee," he laughed.

"Funny cause one of us seems drunk the other not so much," I watched him stumble for a second and then chugged half of my beer.

"Well one of us is on shot 6, one is only on 3."

"Damn, man," Jeremy came up behind him. "6 already? It's barely 11."

"Live while your young," he turned back to me.

"Babe!," Sherry stomped her foot. "Come on!"

Andy rolled back to his partner while Jeremy and I watched.

"You know, I give him credit. Sherry is pistol."

I nodded," I would agree with that."

"Hey now," he tone got sharp. "That's my sister."

"Oh..." I felt a little fear rush through me. "I.. I"

Jeremy then smiled," I'm just playin'."

"Oh," I tired to laugh it off, but it genuinely had worried me for a second. "I.. I have to go to the bathroom," I excused myself.

"Bathroom break," Savannah saw me slink away and joined me, Sherry following close behind. We were waiting in the line outside the bathroom when Savannah nudged me. "So Jeremy?"

"Yeah?"

"You like him?"

"Oh... he's nice."

"I see you flirting with him," Savannah leaned onto me and laughed.

Woah, she is drunk.

"Oh..."

One girl came out and Savannah rushed in," I really have to go," she said as an excuse.

I looked to Sherry and she stared back at me.

This is awkward.

"You wanna fuck my brother?," she asked me blankly.

"What? No, I'm just-..."

Sherry stepped closer to me," Well, I don't care. Just leave Andy the fuck alone," she said icily.

"Sherry, I... I don't..."

"This is the only warning I'll give you. Andy is mine, if you don't stop sniffing round, I'll mow your ass down you hippie dippie slut," I could smell the liquor staining her breath and I had nothing to say back to her.

"I... I don't want Andy" I managed to tell her.

"Good," she spat her response and took the next stall available.

Holy fuck, what was that? That was... that was intense. I leaned against the cool wall... oh damn, I am getting drunk. If I take a shot, I'll be there... and then I have a beer too... damn.

I finally got to pee and when I made it back to the pool table as our shots had arrived.

"There she is," Andy raised his drink, but I didn't reciprocate. I did not want to add fuel to Sherry's fire.

I grabbed my own shot an tilted my head back, it was hard, the whiskey was strong. I must have made funny expression because Jeremy just laughed at me.

"They not have whiskey where you're from?"

"They do," I countered. Now I'm drunk. The liquor was now in control, but I didn't mind as I sipped my fresh new beer. I deserve to cut loose Fuck Sherry for trying to fuck up my night. I'm here for Savannha and Kurtis, not her.

"Your turn," he gestured to the table.

I lined up a new shot and missed. "God this hard," I whined and dropped my head.

"Here," Jeremy cane up beside me. "You need to get level with it," he demonstrated, " so you can get a clear line to the shot. Since this is across the board, you need to get it a good jab, really pack a punch in the hit."

"Pack a punch," I repeated and went in for the shot, missing the white ball completely. I stood up and laughed," I think I might just need to stick to darts."

"Darts? We can do that."

"I've seen him, when he awakens in the mornin'," I heard Savannah's voice over the speaker. I turned to look at the small stage on the lower level of the bar to see her standing in front of the mic. I hadn't even heard her slip away.

"WOAH SAV! GET IT!," Sherry cheered.

"He lights the flame of desire and makes me want him," she kept her eyes on Kurtis, who was standing front and center watching her.

I looked back to Jeremy," Wow, she's got a nice voice."

Jeremy nodded," Sav used to sing in the church choir."

Andy came over to us with his beer and Sherry followed him quickly, slinking an arm around him.

"This is their song," he told me.

It was a little different than the atmosphere of the bar, the song was slower. But the poeple of the bar paid attention to her while she sang, focusing on her while she sang to her mn.

I looked back down to Savannah,"It doesn't have to be right to be called love when he gives me more lovin' that a lifetime of looking could ever find."

"That's really cute," I felt another prick of jealousy followed by a sense of loneliness.

"I'll be back babe," Sherry kissed Andy's cheek. "I need some air."

"Alright," he said as she skipped away.

"Darts?," Jeremy asked.

"Yeah, sure," I smiled and followed him, Andy came with us.

Savannah's song ended and we all clapped, she jumped off the stage and into Kurtis' arms planting a sloppy kiss on him. No one else went up to the stage so the rock music came back on to fill the holes in people's conversations.

"How are things with that girl?," Andy asked Jeremy. "Kristi?"

Jeremy chuckled," You know well as I, that I ain't ever been with Kristi."

Andy shrugged and sipped his beer," Sherry told me you'd been bringing her 'round more often."

Jeremy was silent for a minute," Kristi and I ain't together."

"Sorry to hear it," Andy said and then glanced to me.

Savannah and Kurtis came back to us hand in hand.

"That was really amazing," I told her and she blushed.

"I just love to sing."

"She coulda been a big star if she gave herself the chance," Jeremy smiled.

"No, no, no," she giggled then hiccuped. "I love my life now," she leaned into her husband who kissed her hair. "Where's Sherry?"

"Outside," Andy told her.

"Let me go get her, come with me Caroline," she grabbed my hand.

"Want to play a round," Jeremy offered Kurtis and they both grabbed darts.

Savannah took me through the crowd and we made it outside, the feeling was amazing, I could finally breathe pure air and not smoke. I took in a deep breath and Savannah cupped a hand over her mouth.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, you find Sherry. I need to get to the bathroom," she ran back inside.

Well shit... I wandered over to the car, but Sherry wasn't there then I went over to the smokers, but she wasn't there either.

"Hello there beautiful," a man stumbled over to me.

"Uh...," I backed up.

"You are one mighty fine lady. How come it is I ain't never seen you before," he slurred.

"Uh, I'm just looking for my friend Sherry."

"Well she ain't here," he stepped closer. "but I am."

"Paul, back off," I turned to see Andy walking towards us.

"So you know the sergeant," Paul nodded and took a step back.

"Maybe go home, huh?," Andy told him sternly.

"Ain't no business of yours where I go," he mumbled and slumped away.

Andy turned to me," You okay?"

I nodded and brushed my hair behind my ear," Not the first drunk asshole I've met."

Andy smiled and looked down to his shoes," I'm sure that's true," he pulled out his pack of cigarettes and offered me one. I took and he lit it for me, I took a long drag to help myself relax. Drunk men were always wild cards, I needed to be careful especially since I didn't know anyone here.

"Where's Sav?," Andy asked.

"She had to run back inside."

"Not you?"

I shrugged," I like it outside better," I blew the smoke out.

I looked around at the cars, one on the other side of the lot was rocking slightly and I laughed. Most everyone else had wandered back inside the bar, but there where some people further away and harder to see.

"Yeah, people get a bit rowdy."

"Shouldn't you arrest them for public indecency?"

He cocked his eyebrow," We're all little indecent, ain't we?"

"I guess that's true," I took another drag.

"So is Sherry's plan workin', you fallin' for Jeremy yet," he looked away as he said it.

I let out a sharp laugh,"Why does this not surprise me that this was her plan all along."

"She can get a bit jealous," Andy took a puff.

"I can see that," I looked to Andy.

"So... you... you like him?," he asked softly.

"Yeah, I mean he's nice," I shrugged. "Not saying I would marry him tomorrow but he's nice."

"See, she's pairing you with him because she thinks you like me," Andy stepped closer to me.

Oh fuck... this is not good, I told myself but the whiskey told me everything was fine.

"Should she be worried?," he asked me.

"No," I told him tossing my cigarette into the gravel.

Then Andy kissed me, he hands were wrapped around my face and his lips pressed against me hard. I froze for a moment, not knowing how to react and then I pushed him off.

"Andy!," I gasped.

He stumbled back and then stood in front of me with wide eyes and his jaw loose, I looked around to see if anyone had witnessed what had happened but no one was near.

"I.. I..," he stumbled on his words. "Caroline, you're s-so beautiful. When you came in tonight my eyes went straight to you, y-you are j-just..."

I turned and walked away from him, heading around the side of the building, I needed space to comprehend what had just happened. I didn't have the mental state to listen to whatever he was saying to justify why he had decided to kiss me so suddenly.

Holy fuck. Shit, shit shit, the alcohol couldn't hide how fucked I was. Sherry is going to kill me, I thought as I rounded another corner to the back where the dumpsters where at.

I heard a low moan from the back of the dumpsters and I stopped walking.

"Did you hear that?," a girl asked.

"No..." a man responded and the sounds of passionate kisses resumed.

My curiosity peaked, I knew what was happening, but that voice. Was it Sherry?

"I have to get back. He'll come lookin'," the girl spoke.

I peaked my head around the corner and there she was, it was Sherry. She was pressed against the wood fence, her shirt was pulled down, both of breasts were exposed in the dim lighting. A man was sucking her left titty while she moaned and gripped his hair.

"No, no," she pulled his head away. "I have to go," she started to pull her shirt up so I ducked out of view.

HOLY SHIT! OH FUCK FUCK FUCK!

"Sherry pie," the man said sweetly. "Tastin' like Cherry pie," he kissed her again and they resumed.

"Bryce," she moaned and I slapped my hand over my mouth.

BRYCE! THE MAN FROM THE PARKING LOT! WHAT THE FUCK!

"You know that blue blood can't make you cum the way I do," I heard him whisper lustfully.

My drunk curiosity was way too intrigued to leave now, so once again I peaked over the corner to see.

This Byrce guy had now lifted her skirt up and moved her panties to the side, sliding his fingers in and out.

"Oh Bryce," Sherry threw her head back to look up at the sky.

"He'll never know you're pussy like it do," he moved his mouth to her other breast.

"Oh... oh god," she moaned and then covered her own mouth in an attempt to be quiet.

Bryce then lowered his head and licked her clit," Mmmm, cherry," he told her.

I can't believe she would cheat on Andy! After threatening me!

Sherry was panting heavily, she looked down to him.

"Baby... don't tease me," she pouted. "We have to be quick."

Bryce then stood up and unbuckled his belt, Sherry's hand disappeared below the waistline and they kissed again.

"I'm gonna fuck you so hard, they next time he fucks you, you'll scream my name."

"Please baby," Sherry begged him and Bryce shook his jeans lower and reached into his boxers to pull out his dick.

Oh no, I looked away again. I cannot watch this, I slowly went to leave but I felt too noisy so I froze.

"Ohhhhh," Sherry moaned and I heard him start to drill her, the fence even shook. "Fuck me," she told him.

Shit shit shit, I crept away, practically running back into the bar. I went back to the darts game in a haze until I saw Jeremy's face.

"Hey, you alright?," he asked.

"I.. I, yeah. I'm fine."

"Did Andy find you?," Jeremy asked.

"Uh... yeah I... I saw him, he's still smoking," I felt the urge to vomit building. "Where... Where's Savannah?"

Jeremy chucked," She's throwing up, Kurtis is taking her to the car now."

"Oh.. I.. I should go then," I turned away and was bumped into my some guy, Jeremy caught me from falling over.

"Are you sure you're okay."

I tried to laugh it off," You know, probably that southern whiskey."

"Come on, I'll take you out," he helped guide me through the crowd and smoke back outside.

"Oh, I was just about to come get her," Kurtis nearly ran into us. "Did you find Sherry?"

I shook my head, afraid to answer.

"I'll go check the bathrooms," he passed us.

At the car, Andy was sitting in the passenger side, he didn't turn to look at me while Savannah was laying in the backseat.

"I... I don't think Kurtis can drive," I turned to Jeremy.

He sighed," You're right. I can take you all home and then come back for my bike."

"Bike?"

"My hog," he pointed to a large green motorcycle.

"Oh... it's nice."

"Only problem is, all of you won't fit in one car."

"Well, someone is sitting on someone else's lap... and it's not me."

Jeremy chuckled," I'm sure Sher or Savannah will volunteer."

Sherry rounded the corner and I looked away so we wouldn't make eye contact.

"We leavin'?"

"Sherry, where were you?," Jeremy asked.

"What are you, my mom?," she sneered.

Then Kurtis came out," I don't think she's... oh you found her," he clapped.

"Okay, give me the keys, I'm drivin'," he told Kurtis.

Kurtis didn't hesitate to hand his keys over to Jeremy and slid into the back seat, scooping Savannah up into his arms.

"Baby," Sherry whined. "Come sit in the back with me," she sent me some daggers but I looked down.

Andy complied silently, getting into the backseat and Sherry started to whisper and kiss his neck.

"Shotgun I guess," I sat in the front beside Jeremy.

"Lucky you," he smiled and turned the key in the ignition.

The drive was quiet, I rolled down my window to let the cool wind hit my face. Jeremy dropped off Kurits and Savannah first, he carried her into their house and waved a goodbye. Next was Andy and Sherry, Sherry complained she wanted them to go back to her place, but Jeremy said Andy's was closer. Sherry tugged Andy from the car, not bothering to said goodbye, I saw Andy open his mouth but decide against it as he was drug up the steps.

"So, Del's place."

"Well, it's my place."

Jeremy chuckled," Fair enough."

Jeremy made a nice conversation with me as we drove, talking about some music star I never heard who was singing on the radio; it was mostly one-sided.

We pulled up and Jeremy whistled,"Haven't seen the place in a while. Looks good."

"Thanks," I unbuckled my seat belt. "Thanks for driving us home."

"No problem," Jeremy opened the door and got out of the car.

"I'm pretty sure I can make it," I told him, walking up the drive.

"I'm sure you can too, but a gentleman always walks a lady to the door."

"How could I forget southern manners," I said sarcastically as I went up the steps. "Thanks again," I turned to him.

"It was really nice to meet you Caroline," he stood on the same step as me.

"Yeah, you too."

"Now I can help spread the truth."

"What truth?"

"That you are a beautiful mystery woman," he kept his eyes locked on me.

Oh god... he wants to kiss me. God damn it, why? He is cute I guess... and he was very sweet tonight, but after what Andy did. It was too late now, Jeremy was leaning in but I had time to reject it.

"Jeremy," I said his name and he stopped.

He got the message and straightened up," Would it be alright it I took you out sometime?"

"Like a date?"

"Like a date," he confirmed.

"Well, I... I mean, you are so sweet. Sure... sure," I nodded.

He beamed happily," I'll call you," he gave me one more look before jumping down the steps. I went into my house and locked the door.

Crazy to think that before I left, I thought I was ready for tonight.


A/N: SORRY FOR THE SUPER LONG CHAPTER! TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!