Page 5 of Until Landon
“Did you tell my brother what happened?”
“I only said the asshole was lurking by the ladies’ room. I didn’t give any details. You okay, Kim?”
“I’m alright. That was so scary,” I say, getting in control of my emotions. “Landon is going to give me a ride home.”
Our eyes meet and I nod acceptance of the offer.
“Good choice. We can leave out the back if you want. Wes will let your brother know I’m giving you a ride.”
“I already did. I figured the only sober people here are the bartenders and you wouldn’t want to get an Uber.”
“Oh thank you. Did he think it was weird?” I say, knowing my brother would.
“Shit no. I said you lived close to each other. The bride and groom are drunk too. They bought it. But you should tell them tomorrow.”
I look at the man I have been acquainted with for years and the one I just met five minutes ago. There is strength here. Protection. They saved my drunk ass.
“I will. And thank you, both of you. I just want to get out of here.”
The pounding in my head begins.
Landon keeps the conversation going the entire way home, trying to distract me from reality. He talks about the new house in Memphis, and what it took to save for the down payment. He’s proud. And even though my answers to his questions are clipped, he persists.
He is trying to soothe the vulnerability I feel. Not sure a man ever could. Although I am grateful for the attempt. Tears are a constant threat, but I have controlled them since we left Momma’s.
“Turn right at the stop sign.”
“Wes wasn’t wrong. My dad’s place is close. Less than a few miles.”
When I don’t respond he tries another subject.
“So what do you do for a living, Kim?”
“For now I’m working part time at July’s clinic.”
“Really? So you’re an animal lover. Me too.”
Pointing ahead, I signal to the one-story house on the right. “That’s my place, the one with the swing on the porch.”
“Oh it’s nice. Like the swing.”
I am triggered by the shadows in the night. Coming to a stop at the curb, a new feeling descends. The little house has never looked menacing before. Patterns of tree branches against white stucco look like a scene from a scary movie. The garden deceptively manicured for the imagined horrors that might be waiting inside.Iam spinning. Landon turns off the car and opens his door.
“Let me look around first. Then I’ll come back and get you.”
He reaches under the seat of the Ford truck and brings out a flashlight.
“I’m just going to make sure. You okay?”
I don’t answer.
“Here’s an idea. Get out your phone. We can be talking while I walk the perimeter.”
My ass is stuck to the seat and my hands glued to each other.
“No?” he says.
“I don’t want to stay here. Can you take me to the Ramada? Oh shit! I’m sorry!” My hands cover my face and I unsuccessfully hide behind them.
