Page 16 of Home in the Country
“Let’s go, babe. Wine waits for no one!” Isla calls, and I just laugh as I reply, “You guys are ridiculous!”
5
FALLON
After nailing the interview with the school and settling into my classroom, I agreed to meet the girls in Blackstone Falls for a rare night out. My parents graciously took Briggs for a sleepover, and I was able to tidy up the house a little before Marlee, Rhea, and Waylon came to pick me up.
As promised, the majority of the Thayers and Cheyenne and Jake came to help move Briggs and me into our rental. I haven’t gotten around to unpacking anything except the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom essentials but it’sours.
A knock at the door pulls me from my musings, and I drag a light hand over the loose curls in my hair. It’s been a while since I’ve been out and even longer since I went out anywhere that required more than just braiding my wet hair.
“Daaamn, girl! Look at you!” Rhea catcalls as way of greeting, and I can’t help the blush that creeps over my cheeks at her assessment.
“You look great too,” I say, and she throws me a wink as we walk to Waylon’s truck.
Short denim shorts show off her toned legs, and her cowboy boots give an extra lift to her small frame. I admire my own boots, which I’d only worn a couple of times after leaving Clementine Creek.
“Hey Fallon,” Waylon greets me as I buckle my seatbelt.
“Hey, thanks for givin’ me a ride.”
“No problem.”
“All About Tonight” by Blake Shelton plays on the radio, and Marlee turns it up while bouncing in her seat. Waylon looks at her with sheer adoration in his eyes, and my heart squeezes in my chest.
I’m not sure that Tanner ever looked at me likethat,but I know another man who did, and I’m terrified of running into him tonight.
Rhea and Marlee sing along as I stare out the window. So much has changed, but so many things are still the same in this part of Tennessee. Cheyenne has kept me up to date on all things related to her husband, Jake, and his now highly successful concert events.
When we pull in to park, trucks and cars already line one side of a massive field. It’s roped off into rows, and we find an open spot between a lifted truck and some sort of crossover.
“Okay! We’re here! Rule for tonight is,” Marlee says as she spins in her seat to look at me, “youwilldance with at least one guy.”
“Why? I’ll do just fine dancin’ on my own or with you girls.”
She squints at me. “It’sonedance.”
“Are you really going to fight her on this?” Rhea asks as she motions to Marlee who is now pouting.
“Y’all are the worst.”
“I’ll take it.” Marlee beams and we all get out and walk around to the entrance.
The field is already milling with people, and food trucks line the area opposite the stage where a local country band is finishing up their set. The mood is fun and relaxed, and suddenly dancing with one guy doesn’t seem so bad.
“Hey y’all!” Isla calls and waves with one hand as a very grumpy-looking Hank holds her other hand possessively.
He is…wow.Hank isn’t my type and is also more than a few years older than I am, but a girl can appreciate rugged, scowling perfection when she sees it.
“There you are!” Cheyenne calls and wraps me in a hug before rocking us from side to side. “Have you eaten? I’m starving.”
Grabbing my hand, she pulls me toward a taco truck and squeezes me again.
“I’m so happy you’re here—not just tonight—but in Clementine Creek.” She squeals, and my heart warms for my friend who has found so much happiness here recently. If there’s anyone who deserves a happily ever after it’s her, and in a way, it gives me hope that mine might be out there too.
We grab food and wine slushies that she promised would change my life and head back to the group only to find several new and familiar faces.
“Oh my goodness! Fallon, darlin’, you haven’t aged a day! And that hair— Lord almighty, girlfriend, your hair is glorious. We’re callin’ it strawberry blonde, right?” Hayden Scott says in a single breath before looking over his shoulder without removing his arms from around me, “Ev, isn’t she just the prettiest thing?”
