Page 46 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I catch movement out of the corner of my eye as Carson comes around the corner of the house. “Hey, man.” He plops down beside me, the rotten stair creaking under our combined weight. “Got our playlist going there?” He listens to the end of the song. “Good choice.” He studies me, like he can see what’s happening in my brain.
“I tried to think like Coach would. And figured turning on our praise list was what he would do.” I blow out a frustrated breath. “This was supposed to be a good day. Raegan’s party first. Then ours, then hanging out at the Rolling R.” I drop my head, shoving my fingers through my hair. “Why? What does he even want? I didn’t matter before, and now suddenly I do?” My palms slide down my forehead and I grind them into my eye sockets.
“Maybe he had a come to God moment?”
I bark out a laugh. “Ha, fat chance of that. He cheated on his wife, abandoned his kids…” The chances of George Thomas finding God… There’s a higher chance of snow in the desert than that man finding God.
“Paul was at Stephen’s stoning, and look how God used him.”
“Yeah, that was like, what, two thousand years ago? You really think God is into those kinds of miracles today?”
Coach’s voice intrudes into my angry little party. “With man it’s impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” He sneaked up silently. “I know you’re reeling. This is unexpected, and not the best timing for you. So how ‘bout we say a quick prayer and go have this party. Afterward you head off to the Rolling R and have yourself a good time. Leave it in God’s hands for now.” He rests his hand on my shoulder. “Give your emotions time to cool, and when you’re ready, go talk to him. But don’t rush it or force it.”
His eyes watch me closely, filled with concern, but also authority. I know that he’s wiser than me, he knows more, knows better. I give him a nod and he bows his head and prays for me, and for Dad.
“Thanks, Coach. Just think, the old Austin….” I laugh. “I’d be in there throwing punches.”
Coach chuckles and shakes his head at me. “Well, I’m sure glad you met God, and me. As much as you’ve learned and grown, so have those around you.” Coach starts heading toward the church. “Let’s go celebrate your graduation. I’m hungry.”
I follow silently, begging God to help me with my dad. It’s time to celebrate this milestone.
Chapter 20
Austin - The Past
Whatarollercoastertodayhas been. After the run-in with Dad, I’m mentally exhausted. I kept it civil. Instead of fighting, both physically and verbally, I stuck to keeping my distance and glaring at him from across the room.
I’m not exhausted enough to skip out on the senior class celebration at the Rolling R though. Especially not when I have permission to drive Raegan there.
The radio plays softly in the background, and I’m content with the silence. Raegan's hand is warm and soft in mine where they lay intertwined on the seat between us.
“You doing a little better now?” Her words are quiet, almost as if she’s afraid to ask. Her thumb rubs a circle over my one knuckle, sending a thrill of warmth to my chest and a smile to my face. “I debated saying this…” I hear her swallow. “I can see the resemblance to your dad.” Her other hand comes over and rubs my bicep. “But you’re more handsome, and you have abetter heart.” I tear my eyes from the road to take a quick peek at her. “And I love you more for your heart than for your looks.”
It stings that I look like the man I hate. Maybe that’s too strong a word, but I certainly despise him. But I am glad that she sees more than just my looks. But she does think I’m handsome, so there’s that.
I add my truck to the long line of trucks lining the drive of the Rolling R. I know that I’ll be by Raegan's side all evening, but this is my chance to sneak in a kiss or two.
I pull the key from the ignition and twist in my seat, taking Raegan in, illuminated by the glow of the sunset. She’s still wearing her flowy pink dress. Her cheeks and lips are pink to match it. And her gray-blue eyes are focused on me, a softness to them that I only see when it’s just me and her. I’m assuming that the softness is the look of love.
Her outward beauty might have been the first thing I noticed ten months ago, on that first day of school. But there’s also her spunk, her wit, her kindness, and her love for God that attract me to her as well. She’s compassionate, caring, smart. And dang, can she bake and cook. Everything I want in the woman I spend the rest of my life with.
Using my index finger, I push a lock of hair behind her ear, then slide my thumb to her chin. My eyes flit from her eyes to her lips and back in silent permission. As I lean toward her, she reaches up and cups my cheek. Her lips, warm and soft under mine. They move in a slow dance, speaking emotions that we can’t find the words to convey.
One of her hands grips the back of my neck and the other slides down and rests on my thigh. A flame sparks there, and fire flows from her fingertips, spreading through my whole body. I can’t help but deepen the kiss, my tongue skimming her watermelon flavored lips. My pulse takes off like a rocket and Ilift a hand to bring it to her waist. But she pulls away before I get the chance.
“We should stop.” Her words are a throaty whisper. Her forehead rests against mine, and her eyes are half-lidded with a desire I’ve never seen there before. I know what it means. We need to leave the truck before we step outside the boundaries.
She flings her hand away from my leg, as if it were on fire. I watch as it trembles, before she sets it on her heaving chest. “Let’s go see what everyone is up to.”
This moment just now is as far as we’ve ever gone in our physical displays of affection. Even though I know it’s wrong for us to go any further, I can’t help but want it. Can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if she’d left her hand on my thigh.
I nod and slide out of the truck as I pocket my keys. Holding out my hand, I help her slide across the bench seat, then grab her waist and swing her around before setting her on the ground. She still has on the heels that Jaimie convinced her to wear earlier. Even with them on, she’s still shorter than me, but I like how much closer her face comes to mine right now.
Without words, we lace our fingers together and walk up the drive. Sharing these secret intimate glances makes my stomach twist around with excitement and another feeling I can’t quite name. We slowly walk up the drive, greeted by the light of the bonfire. Cinders dance in the air. Laughter, music, and conversation reach my ears.
“Raegan!” Chrissy yells from across the yard. “Y’all late ‘cause you were making out?” I watch as Raegan’s cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink. They match mine. We’re both guilty, but I don’t feel bad for doing what we did. We’re in a relationship, and it’s only natural to display our feelings. Yeah, I know that there are limits, but I don’t think we did anything wrong. We’ve neverpushed the line, never gotten to a point where we couldn’t come back from. We’re good. We’re doing it God’s way.
“Wanna grab some drinks? I’m not hungry yet.” Raegan asks as she squeezes my hand.
