Page 11 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
Somuchmakeup.Why?I’m sitting on Chrissy’s bed, pulling on my favorite red cowboy boots. Chrissy and Jaimie are doing their makeup. Mine is done, if you want to call it makeup. Just a brushing of blush. And a swipe or two of mascara.
“Ugh, I’m so nervous y’all. Why are boys hard to read? Like, I know Austin likes me. And yeah, it was like instant attraction. But y’all… I’ve seen him with his little sister, and it’s adorable. And I’ve watched him at church as he asked questions and learned, and now he’s answering more questions than he asks. And the way he spends time with my brothers, and he’s so polite and respectful toward Mom, and works hard for my dad… I like him so much.” I say the words with a swoon. “But then I second guess myself.” I flop back and cover my face with my hands. “I really want him to ask me out or something, just so I know for certain, ya know?” It’s so unlike me to be this dramatic, or to like a boy this much.
Chrissy plops herself on her stomach next to me. “Well… You could always ask him out, unless that’s too embarrassing.” She plucks my hands off my face. “How did your mom and dad start dating? Too bad none of us have older sisters to tell us how to get the guy. If I had a boyfriend I would give you all the advice.” Her shoulders heave as if she’s disappointed in the fact that she doesn't have a man yet. But I know she’s fine waiting for whoever God has for her.
“Mom had to flirt and joke her way into my dad’s arms. Literally.” I giggle, and whack Chrissy with the back of my hand. Mom and I discuss everything. At times I forget that she’s my mom because of how close we are. I love the bond that we have, how I can lean on her, and trust her.
“Maybe it’s time for you to say something to him, ya know, just drop a little hint,” Jaimie says as she helps me up off the bed.
I smooth out the tulle skirt of my dress. “Help me think up something cute to say, and let's get that party started.”
It’s the biggest barn I’ve ever seen. And I thought my dad had some big barns. Purple and orange lights are strung from the rafters. Along one side of the barn there are tables and chairs, and, closer to the entrance, tables filled with food and drinks. Pretzels, chocolate brownies, meatballs, those delicious mini hot-dogs in sauce and plenty of drinks. The tablecloths match the lights, along with streamers hanging on the walls and between some of the rafters. There’s even a sparkling disco ball hanging in the center over a space cleared for dancing. The barnwalls and roof are metal and intensify the volume of the voices and the music playing from speakers at either end of the barn.
Dressed in our white cowboy hats decorated with ribbons, glitter, and sequins to match our dresses, us girls step into the barn. We’re Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. I’ve got my tulle wrapped securely under my chin and around my neck–this hat won’t be going anywhere. In my opinion we all look amazing. With a grin, we all crack our magic glow wands and shake them so that they start glowing.
Chrissy giggles and gives hers an extra shake. “Gosh, these are amazing. Genius idea for these, Raegs. Y’all, we look absolutely splendiferous.” She spins in a pirouette. “We need someone to take pictures of the three of us.”
I take a glance around the room and finally spot Austin walking in. My breath vacates my body, and a sparkler shoots through my veins. Chrissy notices my starstruck awe and nudges me. “Go ask him to take our pictures, then y’all can hang out the rest of the night.”
The muscles in my cheeks twitch from holding my smile as Austin and I eye each other. I glide across the floor as best I can in my cowboy boots.
“Austin.” My cheeks burn as I look him over and bite my lip. “I love your costume.” But it’s not just his costume. It’s his presence, the way he carries himself. Confident, but not proud. He’s dressed as Dr. Strange and his blue tunic with its popped collar makes his green eyes more intense than usual. They’re like magnets drawing me in.
There’s so much energy between us, enough to supply the electricity for the lights. He reaches out and fingers the brim of my cowboy hat.
I watch his eyes travel from my hat to my boots and back up. I have to spin for him, I just have to. He laughs and his eyes light up as he watches me.
“You look... amazing.” I can hear the catch in his voice. Leaving no doubt about the attraction between us. He moves closer, and I tilt my head up to look at him. I love our height difference. If he were to lean down any closer my hat would hit the bridge of his nose. His fingers brush my wrist as we stand there just staring into each other’s eyes. I wonder if he wants to hold my hand. I’m tempted to just grab his hand.
This connection between us. This charge, whatever it is. Ugh. Can I melt into a puddle on the floor? I swear we’ve just stood here staring at each other, not talking. Just staring.
He makes me blush so much. Makes my pulse race. My lips instantly lift into a smile whenever he’s around. Whatever is between us… It’s more than hormones, more than just physical attraction. It’s been four weeks since he told me that he got saved, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe… Maybe he’sthe oneas I’ve watched the grumpy city boy turn into a relaxedalmostcountry boy.
He’s changed so much since I first met him. He was aloof, quiet. Grumpy in a way. I don’t think it’s me that’s changed him. It’s God. I got so excited when he texted me that evening, telling me that he’d accepted Christ as his Savior after watchingFacing the Giantswith Coach and other guys from our youth group.
Chrissy and Jaimie gather around, interrupting our closeness. I’m pretty sure Austin and I could make eye babies all day. So why in the world was I questioning our relationships earlier?
“Austin, can you come and take some pictures of us by the hay bales and Happy Halloween sign over there?” Jaimie asks us with a wide grin. “I’ll take pictures of you and Raegan in return.” She winks at me. I’ve never been one to take pictures wherever we go, but it will be nice to have all these memories with Austin stored somewhere other than in my mind.
“Yeah, sure. Guess I should get some pictures with the guys too,” Austin says as he grabs Jaimie’s phone.
The amount of poses she has us get into are ridiculous, but I know we’ll look back and laugh and be glad we took these pictures. Next Austin and I take several photos, never too close, but close enough that I can feel the heat of his body, and the way it makes me warm and fuzzy inside.
The guys, as I’ve started to call Jesse, Brantley, and Carson, show up. Austin gives me a be-right-back look before scooting closer to talk with the guys.
I listen in as they greet Austin and tease him. “So, you gonna dance every dance with Raegan?”
Austin’s brows rise. “Well, do church kids dance? Are they allowed to?”
Wait, he thinks I don’t dance? I’m not the best out there, but I’m not anti-dancing.
Carson laughs, his face scrunching up. “For real?” He smacks his thigh. “Dude! This isn'tFootloose.” They both glance over at me, and my cheeks heat even though I’m not embarrassed. “Just because she goes to church doesn’t mean she doesn’t dance.” He raises his brows, waiting for me to answer.
“Dancing is allowed.” I scoot closer. “And,” I drop my voice close to a whisper, “my dad even drinks alcohol every now and then.”
Austin doesn’t hide the surprise that crosses his face. “Back in Atlanta there were a few kids at school who weren’t allowed to attend the school dances and their parents said alcohol at any age was wrong.” He shoves a hand through his hair. “So being a Christian doesn’t keep people from dancing or drinking?”
Carson squeezes his shoulder. “It’s up to each person and their conscience.”
