Page 16 of Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

I hear Seraphina in the background calling for Teaganne. “I better let you go. Give love to the kids. Take care of yourself.”

“I will. You, too. Don’t forget to live in the now. Love you Bee.”

“Love you, too, Teag.” The phone line goes silent and for a moment I just sit and think. I miss her. Life was simple the last time Rocker was a part of it. So much changed in our time apart. I also don’t want to jump the gun and assume this is a second chance for us because it’s not. I can never give him what he wants, and I know that, but the other day on the football field I was shocked to say the least. Standing there in front of Rocker, I felt like I was sixteen all over again. It almost felt as if nothing and everything had changed between us at the same time. However, the comfort he made feel years ago was still present. I feel the inkling of a crush redeveloping, but I know it’s not a possibility. He’s had the spotlight, models on his arms and the world at his disposal. I wasn’t even sure how long he planned to stay in Blue Ridge, so I need to keep reminding myself to not get my hopes up.

The rest of my day I busy myself around the house until I get a text from Rocker. We’ve been texting, so I’m not sure why I’m surprised to see his name on my screen. All I know is it does surprise me and even causes some butterflies. I quickly read the text. Crap! I forgot that we are going to Bushels of Fun this afternoon. I look down and see I’m a mess after cleaning out the garden. I run inside with Sassy on my heels and head straight for the shower. Once I’m clean, I rush around grabbing cute but comfy clothes and applying a little makeup while attempting to do something with my hair.

In no time I hear the crunch of his vehicle in my driveway. My heart rate speeds up, and I have to remind myself to breathe. The doorbell rings out through the cottage and I rush to the front door. When I pull it open, I’m relieved to see that Rocker didn’t dress up for this occasion. His simple denim jeans, black boots, black t-shirt with red and black open flannel shirt looks better than anything I could have conjured up in my head. He smiles and those dimples appear. Every bone in my body turns to jelly. His red baseball cap is backwards just the way I always loved. “Hello, beautiful,” he greets me, as he pulls one sunflower from behind his back.

I feel my skin heat with a blush. I’m always blushing like a maniac around Rocker. “Always the sunflowers with you, isn’t it?” I tease him.

He shrugs. “Sunflowers for my sunshine.” Rocker winks.

I laugh. “That was cheesy as hell.”

“I know. I can’t always be on the top of my game though.”

Shaking my head, I step aside to let him in. “Come inside while I drop this in some water.” Sassy comes running over to Rocker. She starts to rub against his ankles. “Well, apparently my cat likes you and she likes no one aside from Teaganne.”

“Well, well, well,” he says, as he bends down to scoop her up into his arms. Sassy purrs like I’ve never heard before. “Does this little beauty have a name?”

“Sassy but I’m thinking of trading that for Traitor at the moment.” I head for my kitchen with the sunflower. I search under my sink for an empty vase. When Rocker enters, I can feel his presence.

“Aww...are you upset that she likes me?” he asks, his tone teasing.

I shake my head. “Not upset, just shocked. I know most cats are super independent, but she gives it a whole new meaning.”

“Sounds like her mama,” he replies. He places Sassy on the floor and comes towards me. “Your house is really nice. Very inviting.”

“Thanks, I kind of like it.” I take one look at his shirt and instantly feel bad. “Oh, Rocker you’re covered in Sassy’s hair. Let me grab my lint roller.” After I grab the lint roller from my bedroom, I find Rocker in the hallway staring at the pictures lining the wall.

“Teaganne still looks the same,” he comments. I nod my head and turn him to face me so I can get the hair off his shirt. Being this close to him causes heat to rise in my body. I’m regretting this oversized, turtleneck, taupe sweater I picked to battle the autumn air tonight. Thankfully, I picked my distressed, black skinny jeans and taupe booties instead of fleece lined leggings.

“There, I think you’re all set,” I say a little breathless, as I step back from him. The scent of his cologne follows me into my bedroom. I’m surprised to find him still standing in the same spot of the hallway when I return.

He clears his throat. “Are you ready for Bushels of Fun?”

“Yeah, sounds great,” I tell him, as I grab my purse. As we head out the door, Rocker places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to his passenger side of his truck and opens the door. Rocker is always the gentleman. The cab of his truck smells like his cologne and leather. It’s intoxicating and I know I’m going to have a hard time keeping things straight.

SEVENTEEN

Rocker

Ididn’t expect to be this nervous tonight. I’ve played in front of thousands of people sitting in stands either rooting for me to help my team win the game or for me to fumble, and lose the game and I’ve never been this nervous. Warbee has always been a different experience for me. She’s always made me feel so much that it’s overwhelming. She’s tested my beliefs and changed my life. She opened my heart and shattered it, but it only took one look from her for me to forget the hurt and only remember the way I felt within her presence. Warbee made me feel like I was on top of the world, I could conquer anything. She gave me the same feeling I got every damn time I stepped out onto that football field for a game. The difference was she gave me that feeling every day of my life.

Now, that she’s sitting in my truck it feels just like old times except things are different. We’re older and wiser. We’ve been apart for eleven years. I don’t know this Warbee, but I want to. I have a surprise for her before we head to Bushels of Fun. Slowly, we make our way through town. Over the past week, it’s been decorated for the season. Scarecrows, pumpkins and anything else that counts as a fall decoration can be seen. Leaf garlands wrap around the downtown light poles along with white Christmas lights. It really is beautiful. I slow as we approach our first stop.

Every day this week, I’ve come into Bee’s Batter for my breakfast. I’ve even made a few stops after work just to grab some of the tea they serve. I’m not much of a tea drinker, that was always Warbee’s thing but for some reason I’m a bit obsessed with these teas. It doesn’t help that every time I step inside some memory from my time with Warbee comes back to me. Parking is easy enough which is odd, but then as I scan the buildings, I realize most of the buildings are closed. “What are we doing Rocker?” Warbee asks.

I sigh. This is an epic fail on my part. “Well, originally I was going to bring you to the bakery. They have this awesome tea, and it changes every few days, but all of it that I’ve tried has been amazing. I figured since tea was your thing, you’d enjoy it. I mean, you probably already know about it because you live here and it’s your granny’s building, but it was just an idea.”

Warbee is silent and when I chance a glance in her direction, her head is tilted to the side as she studies me. Her hair has fallen over one shoulder and the lamp light behind her along with the setting sun casts a golden glow around her. She’s got a smile on her face that she’s fighting. “Since when did you become a fan of tea?”

I shrug with a chuckle. “To be honest, I’m not sure.” Warbee nods her head before climbing out of the truck. Where in the world is, she going? It’s obvious the place is closed. In a hurry to catch up, I climb out of the truck and jog to catch up. The pain that shoots through my knee is the instant reminder of why my football career ended. I slow down and limp the rest of the way. “What are you doing? They’re closed.”

“Yeah, they are for the opening night of Bushels of Fun. The owner here tries to participate in everything the community does. She doesn’t like to over work her employees.” Warbee looks over her shoulder while she rummages through her purse. She notices my limp. “Did you hurt yourself?”

In my attempt to play it off, I wave off her concern. “Yeah, a while ago. A career ending injury, but I’m fine.” She bites her bottom lip, and I can see the questions flying around behind her glasses, in those intelligent hazel eyes.

---