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JohnGreenGirl - Beta reader for this chapter. Have fun with your fireworks!
Rocky Road – Chapter 4
Julie daydreamed of all the adventures she could have with her newfound spare time. Quitting her lifeguard job this morning was definitely the right decision. Knowing The Swede was out of her life for good, made a temporarily stagnant bank account totally worth it.
Julie swung her feet up onto the coffee table in the lounge room. Her channel surfing stopped, once she found a 90's made afternoon movie. A corny but watchable low budget film was just what she needed to relax. A cold breeze blew through the sliding door. Julie wished she had a warm body to cuddle up against. Tim was the first person that came to mind. She chuckled to herself. Somehow, she couldn't imagine him watching 'Stolen Innocence' with her.
Bring-Bring, Bring-Bring.
Julie muted the television and walked over to the telephone. "Hello."
"How's one of my beautiful girls doing?"
She checked the clock, the man was punctual. "I'm okay."
"How's school going?" Every time the same question.
"Okay. It's school Dad."
"How's Matt?"
Julie hadn't told him about the split. He wasn't around anymore. He'd come home to visit less than a handful of times all summer. He didn't deserve to know. It worked out well not having her mother at the school. They were both out of the loop.
"He's... happy." Adding under her breath, "With Lauren."
"Anything new I should know about?"
The truth. She broke up with Matt. She briefly dated an older guy and now she's single. All communication with her mother was tense after 'the slap'. She was interested in getting to know Dillon's fullback.
"No." The lie was easier.
"Is there a reason you only grunt one or two-word answers to me?"
She huffed into the receiver. "Everything's the same as it was last week when you called. What do you want from me?"
What was one more lie?
"Julie. You know something, I'm getting sick of that little attitude of yours."
"Maybe you should stop calling then." She was unable to hold in a small laugh.
"Put your mother on the phone!" he commanded.
"She's not here. Is that all you wanted? My show is back on." Adrenaline coursed through her veins. She had never spoken to her father disrespectfully, it was liberating.
"I swear... When will your mother be home?" He didn't know how to handle her when she was like this.
"I don't know, she was gone when I came out of my room this morning."
"She would have left a note."
"Actually, she didn't. My guess is she's spending time with Gracie and Glenn, her new family. She's doing me a favour. I get the house all to myself. I could invite over some company, Matt maybe. Same time next week?"
Julie hung up the phone before he could respond. She had been fighting the urge to rile him up for weeks. Her resolve to abstain had weakened with each passing day he was MIA.
Bring-Bring, Bring-Bring.
There was no way she was answering, to have her ear chewed off.
Bring-Bring, Bring-Bring.
Julie felt lighter somehow. Unloading on him had released some of her pent-up anger. When was she ever going to matter more than football? He had just up and left this time. It wasn't enough that her childhood was constantly disrupted for football, moving from one town to another.
Bring-Bring, Bring-Bring.
Julie put her feet back on the coffee table. She turned up the volume on the television to drown out the incessant ringing.
Julie listened to music as she laid on the bleachers and watched the sun track across the sky. After dinner yesterday, she had been expecting her Dad to call again or her mother to unleash a verbal tirade but it was business as usual. Nothing happened.
Julie figured her parents must not have spoken yet. She did not want to be around when they did. Her cowardice got the better of her and she hightailed it out of the house nice and early.
Julie knew she should be practising, not cloud watching. This year Lois and her were front and centre in the new dance. The teacher had awarded them the privilege of adding their own choreography for a small section of the routine.
Julie lifted her arm to check her watch and groaned. The doors would be unlocked by now. She traipsed down from the bleachers and headed towards the dance hall.
"Julie."
She turned around to see Lyla jogging up to her, hair perfectly in place. Not another one of Tim's exes.
"Hi, Lyla." She was always so well spoken and well presented. It bugged Julie.
"I know we aren't close..."
Meaning, I've only ever said a few words to you but I feel like I should tell you how to live your life. "Mm," she mumbled waiting for Lyla to continue.
"Since I've become more involved in the church I feel it is my duty to impart the Lord's wisdom."
Julie bit onto the side of her cheek to stop from smiling.
"I know you're a good girl… and Tim… he can be very persuasive."
Julie wasn't sure what exactly went on between Lyla and Tim. She did however not believe the towns' story in which the sweet and innocent Lyla was corrupted by the evil Riggins boy. She had cheated on Jason when he was in the hospital, no less. Now she was preaching to Julie. What a hypocrite.
Lyla and her weren't friends last year and she couldn't see anything changing.
"Tim and I were just talking... I have to go or I'm going to be late for dance... ah, thanks, I guess?"
Julie scurried off, thankful Lyla didn't know when practice actually started. Why was she there early anyway?
Julie stopped in front of the dance hall and grabbed the door handle. She heard laughter in the distance. Through the small glass window in the door, she spotted Jason and Lyla talking. Julie momentarily paused mid-stride. She was taken aback at how chummy they seemed after everything they'd been through.
She continued through the doorway once the shock wore off and closed the door behind her. It made her reflect on her relationship with Matt. Sadly, they hadn't said two words to each other since the split. At some point, she hoped they could be friends.
The quiche smelt so good while she waited in line for her lunch. Julie's stomach growled and she hoped no one else heard. The cafeteria line started moving and she grabbed two serves of quiche leaving the wedges behind.
Julie was enjoying her first mouthful when Tim joined her. She gulped it down, stunned he was sitting with her again.
"My lunch buddy skipped school yesterday."
His lunch buddy. Where did that come from? "I wasn't feeling well... Are you okay?" Lois had texted her yesterday to let her know Tim collapsed at practice.
"News spreads quickly," he shrugged.
They looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds longer than necessary.
"I'll be fine." She nodded, doubting he was being honest with her.
Julie took another bite of her quiche and noticed the table was shaking. She was perplexed until she spotted Tim tapping his foot. The jiggling of his leg sent vibrations through the table.
Julie put her foot over his, softly pressing down to stop the movement. She felt his other leg wrap around hers locking her foot in place.
He ducked his head like he was waiting for her to retaliate.
"You're so crafty," she teased, amused by his antics.
Tim straightened but didn't release her leg. Affection glowed in his eyes when they met hers.
When she was around Tim she found herself lost in their own little world.
"The new coach has it in for me. I never thought I'd miss your Dad yelling at me or his angry scowl. "
Julie remembered all the times she'd seen that scowl directed at her. "I miss him too. He called yesterday."
She gazed out a nearby window staring down to the students below. She could feel Tim's eyes on her and hoped he wouldn't interrupt.
"He's not as intimidating when you can't see his face... The things I said, I've never spoken to him like that before." She looked up at the ceiling trying to blink away the wetness pooling in her eyes. "It's different now... everything's different. Even if he comes back it won't be the same."
Tim softly rubbed his foot against her leg. His subtle gesture providing the comfort she needed.
"I'm thinking about quitting the team."
Julie shifted her eyes back to him grateful for the change of subject. "What? You can't."
Tim swallowed his mouthful of quiche. "It's not fun anymore. I don't like being told what to do, not even by Street."
"He's your friend. I'm not going to lie, I don't understand all the fuss about football but you love to play. I've seen you out there on game nights. You were one of Dad's star players at the state championships. Don't let… whatever his name is, ruin it for you."
His eyes lit up in mischief. "You've been watching me on game nights hey?"
Julie flushed realising what she had said, "I watch all of the Panthers on game night. It's part of my job as the Coaches' daughter and being a Taylor it's mandatory to chat about football for hours."
Tim laughed, taking another bite of quiche. "So, you'll come watch me play this season?"
Julie shook her head. "My Dad's not the Coach anymore. Remember?"
"You can still come. I could use the support, I only have Billy in the stands and you've met him."
She couldn't tell if he was being serious. "I'm sure there's plenty of rally girls and cheerleaders screaming for number 33."
"They don't count. I know you won't turn on me if I miss a block." Tim rubbed his foot against her leg again. "To sweeten the deal, I'll even let you hold my towel."
Julie snorted. "Lucky me! Do I get to hold this sweaty towel for the whole game or is it passed around to other girls?"
He grinned. "Just you Taylor."
He really did want her there. "I'll think about it, on one condition."
"What's that?"
"I don't have to touch that towel." He roared with laughter and she found herself doing the same. A happy Tim was infectious.
"My Mum will be suspicious, me wanting to go watch the Panthers play of my own free will."
Julie stared vacantly at her plate considering her options. Friday night football would get her out of the house. Did she want to spend another year sitting on the bleachers?
"Tell her you're still pining after Seven."
"She doesn't even know we broke up."
"Finished reading plays Matty?"
Matt sat down next to Smash. "For now... Is Tim at school today?" He hadn't seen him at practice this morning. He had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"You know it. He's still trying to work his magic on one Miss Julie Taylor. Coach T would be so proud." Smash gestured towards Tim. His eyes were immediately drawn to the pairs intertwined feet.
"You okay Saracen?"
"Huh." Matt turned to find Jason intently watching them too. He looked back over at Julie and Tim. "It's fine. I mean we're not together anymore. I don't-"
"Mm-hmm sure you are." Smash laughed.
Matt didn't know what to think about them. He had told everyone it was a mutual breakup. Secretly, he'd only wanted it after Julie gave him the brush off during summer. He had Lauren now anyway, he didn't need to think about Julie Taylor anymore. Matts' chest tightened a little as Julie and Tim wore bright smiles.
"Was I right about yesterday? Did you get hassled about us having lunch?" Julie said grinning.
"Yep." Tim sighed. "You?"
"Your exes really don't like you." They both burst into laughter.
"They miss me," he teased.
"Tim…" Julie wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer but had to ask. "Why are you here with me again?"
"I saw you eating alone-"
Julie pointed to a nearby student. "She's eating alone."
Tim gave her the once-over and then did the same to Julie.
Urgh! Was he serious right now? "Tyra said you were a pig."
He raised his hands in innocence. "I'm a guy and it was a joke, you've heard of those."
He was so cocky. If he wasn't going to be straight with her she would make him uncomfortable. A bit of payback for the leering look wouldn't hurt either.
"My Dad once told me guys are only interested in sex."
Tim let out a small laugh. "Sounds like something Coach would say."
"Is it true?"
His expression sobered. "What's the right answer here?"
Julie mimed sealing her lips and throwing away the key.
Tim shook his head at her theatrics. "It's crossed my mind but sex isn't why I'm here. If that's what you're asking."
"He said you'd lie."
Tim peered at her in suspicion. "Did I pass your little test?"
It was fun watching him squirm. Julie shrugged, unsure of what she wanted to hear. On one hand, she wanted him to be attracted to her but she didn't want to be like all the other girls.
"You should go, Lois will be here soon."
He pulled away. The removal of his leg caused her foot to abruptly hit the ground.
"I guess I failed. You want me to leave?"
His green eyes burrowed into hers as she contemplated her answer. Being around him lifted her mood. The downside was the spotlight it created. Julie wanted to stay out of the gossip mill if possible and drift into obscurity.
"Yes," she blurted out.
Tim said nothing mulling over her answer. "Fine by me, I'll go."
Julie opened her mouth about to ask him to stay, but reconsidered. This was probably for the best. She didn't have the best track record picking boyfriends.
He picked up his tray and walked around to her side of the table. He leant down to whisper in her ear.
She could smell his cologne and feel his warm breath on her neck.
"You're getting better, I almost believed you."
When he left, Julie let out a shaky breath she didn't realise she was holding in. Julie glanced over her shoulder unable to keep a smile from appearing on her lips.
Tim headed towards his teammates, the scent of her perfume lingering in the air. She didn't want him to leave. Julie Taylor liked his company. This summer he had felt numb inside. Before, he was literally drunk, and now, he was drunk on happiness.
He noticed Seven subtly peering past him trying to keep an eye on Taylor. Tim sat down at the table affectionately slapping Street on the back. Seven didn't acknowledge his arrival. He played with his posh girlfriend's hair as she sat on his lap.
Seven was lucky his new girl remained blissfully ignorant of the longing glances he directed at his ex.
Tim was lucky Taylor had forgotten all about Seven.
"Struck out?" Smash said.
Tim ignored him. He watched two students nearby playing a game of chess. He hadn't played chess in years, since game night at Street's.
"Girl's sassy and she's smart. What made you think she'd wanna hang out with you Rigg?"
"You should be a comedian," Tim stated blandly, unable to bite his tongue.
"I'd like to hang out with you." Rachel appeared beside him. She was a bottle dyed redhead who he had previously hooked up with. She must have overheard their conversation.
"I bet you would." Tim grabbed her a chair. She sat next to him and he draped his arm over her shoulders. He wasn't remotely interested in this girl. She could, however, be used to prove Smash wrong.
"Good. I'll be glad to tell Tyra you and Julie aren't dating," Landry said.
Like it was anyone's business if Taylor and him were dating. "Tyra scared I was gonna be off the market?"
Landry scoffed, then said, "I'm pretty sure she's over you. In fact, she was over you when you were dating."
"Pretty sure or sure?" Tim winked at Landry.
Smash chimed in, "Yeah, I seem to remember a steamy afternoon in my lounge room with her fine self."
Tim yawned disinterestedly. "She was always easy. You'd know that by now Landry."
"You're a jackass you know," he replied storming off. Tim couldn't help but smile at how easy it was to ruffle his feathers.
He followed Landry's back and saw Julie collide with him. Tim checked to see if she was okay, stretching a little taller than his teammates' heads. He watched her pick up the books she'd dropped. Taylor glanced around the room. Her eyes darted from Tim's almost as quickly as they had met. His glow of happiness was fading fast at the sight of her back and cold reception.
He felt fingers caress his neck. Rachel. He had forgotten she was sitting there. That was why Taylor barely looked at him.
Tim distanced himself from her, striking up a conversation with Street. He acted as though he didn't hear her moan of protest. Tim knew how to give a cold shoulder. Just ask Billy, Jason, Tyra... well most people had been on the receiving end at one point in time.
Julie Taylor was the only girl he wanted touching him.