Page 15 of Something More

“We’ve all seen you sniffin’ around her?” Bo smirked. “Surprised you thought about going back down that road.” He gave me a knowing look. Bo’s been here almost as long as me. He remembers when Codie left, and what I went through. He was there taking to bottle out of my hand on several nights down at Tumbleweeds, the local bar.

“It’s not what you think,” I muttered as I pushed past everyone and made my way over to my bunk. I sat down and rested my elbows on my thighs. Bo was right on my heels.

“You sure you know what you’re doin’?” He lowered his voice.

“No.” I shook my head as I let it drop between my shoulders. I could feel beads of water running down my back. “I can’t freeze her out. Not after what happened. I can’t let that little boy grow up without a man in his life.” I grabbed at my hair and pulled.

“She left you, remember? She walked away with no note, no nothing and left you here wonderin’ what happened. You need to get your answers before you go runnin’ off that cliff you’re so intent on headin’ for. She owes you that.” He pointed to my forearm.

I glanced down at the ink. It was worn, but still legible. I traced it with my fingertip, the figure eight made out of our names. “You loved her enough to put her name on you. Does she respect you enough to give you answers?” Bo stood and stared me down. “Just sayin’.” He walked away, and I continued to trace the ink. Codie and I had gotten these as soon as she turned eighteen. We’d said that we’d always be together, forever. The infinity sign was supposed to remind us of this. All it reminded me of was a hurt that wouldn’t go away. I’d thought about having it removed over the years, but part of me couldn’t do it. It was the only tangible thing I had of us. If I got rid of it, it would be like we never happened.

It was a bright sunny day and the summer heat was baking us in the field. It didn’t seem to bother me as much today, because today was Codie’s eighteenth birthday. She was old enough that we didn’t have to hide anymore. We were going to go on a real date tonight, and just the idea of being seen out was enough to make me work extra hard.

As I tossed bales onto the trailer, I thought about snuggling up to her in the bed of my truck under the stars after we’d had a nice supper out. “You’re like a machine today.” Jeff laughed.

“He’s got a hot date.” Bo snickered. “Won’t tell us who it is, though.”

“Because it’s none of ya damn business.” I growled at the two of them. I didn’t need anyone telling boss man I was dating his daughter. I wanted to be the one to do that.

That night, Codie was waiting for me where the two drives meet between the bunkhouse and the big house. She was wearing a pretty, pink flowery dress. The fabric was so thin that her silhouette was visible. Her blonde hair was tied with a ribbon, and she’d painted her lips a deep rose color.

I’d just put on my best jeans and a gray t-shirt. The navy ball cap shadowed my face so she couldn’t tell I was starin’ until I got closer. “Happy Birthday.” I hopped out of my truck and reached for her hand. She smiled before jumping into my arms and wrapping herself around me.

“I love you!” tumbled from her lips before she pressed them to my mouth. I stumbled around the front of the truck and over to the passenger side, setting her on the bench seat before breaking the kiss. She nibbled her lower lip. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.” She grinned as her gaze traveled down my body.

“S’ok.” One side of my mouth turned up as my shoulders shook with a stifled chuckle. “I was thinkin’ we’d get somethin’ to eat and see where the night takes us.” I braced my hand above her on the roof of the truck.

She nodded as she turned to pull her legs into the truck, her brown cowboy boots bumping my legs in the process.

I remember that night like it was yesterday. We’d had dinner, and while we made out in the back of my truck, Codie got the bright idea that we should get matching tattoos. I was so lovestruck and infatuated with her that I’d have done pretty much anything she asked back then. I probably still would, but I’d think it through more now.

I ran the pad of my thumb over the black ink. I wondered if she’d kept hers too, and how she’d explained it to her husband. I shook the thought from my head, and quickly pulled on some clean clothes. I needed to get back over there for movie night before Jack started to worry that I wasn’t coming.

“Have fun,” Johney called to my back as I shoved open the door. I lifted my arm over my head and flipped him the bird before turning on the path that led to the guesthouse.

*****

I could hear laughter coming from inside as I approached. I stood there by the door, trying to decide if I wanted to back out of this. I could pretend I forgot and go right back to the bunkhouse for poker night. I lifted my hand to knock just as the door flew open.

“You’re late.” Jack scrunched his nose as he looked up at me, not wearing jammies. His eyes slowly scanned my legs.

“I didn’t know I was supposed to wear jammies—” I shrugged “—and I needed a shower. I was all sweaty from fixing the hoop.” I pointed behind me.

“That’s ok.” He stepped back and held the door open.

When I came inside, the TV was paused and the screen for Disney+ was showing. I could hear Codie in the kitchen, and Jack bounced over to the couch. “No girlie movie, I promise.” He laughed.

“What’d ya pick, then?” I sat down beside him.

“Inside Out.” He clapped happily.

“He’s seen this like a hundred times.” Codie laughed lightly as she rounded the couch, carrying a giant bowl of popcorn. “I’ll be right back.” She handed the bowl to Jack.

“I’ll sit in the middle so we can all reach.” He kicked his feet as he slid back against the cushions. “Can I have a Coke?” he shouted.

“Already got that.” Codie rounded the corner carrying three sodas. A Coke for Jack and a diet for herself and me. “I have beer if you want that instead. I usually just have soda for movie night.”

“Diet Coke is fine.” I took the soda from her and cracked it open before settling back against the couch. “So this is a weeklything.” I glanced over at Jack. He was happily munching on popcorn and slurping soda.

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