Ace's Wild (6 page)

    “No because it’s a pastry,” he replies before scooping up another bite and shoving it into his mouth.

    I roll my eyes at his response, and we continue eating. However, after seeing the way Ace eats his food my appetite has disappeared. We fill in the silence with small talk, although we haven’t talked about serious subjects I think we have a silent understanding that we both have pasts we’re trying to avoid, and we don’t push each other to confess them.

    As much as I want to steer clear of a romantic relationship with Ace it’s blaringly obvious that we have a connection. I can’t deny that, but I’m going to try my damndest to keep it a platonic friendship. I can’t afford to give myself to someone, especially someone with a history like Ace’s.

    Before we leave, I text Sara and ask how she’s feeling. She replies a short time later saying she’s fine and she’s going to hang out with Nate for a bit. As we’re walking back to the car I ask Ace if he can drop me off at home. Sara drove last night and her car is at Nate’s so I’m not worried about how she’ll get home. She hangs out at his house regularly anyways. All of my belongings are already stuffed into my Mary Poppins bag.

    We’re stopped at a red light and my mind wanders to all the questions I have for Ace. Most are too personal to ask so I settle for a less invasive one. “Is Ace your real name?” I blurt out.

    He gives me a sideways glance. “It’s a shortened version of my real name, but if I told you my real name, I’d have to kill you.” He winks.

    My teeth dig into my lip to hide my smile. The one question I do ask, and he evades giving me the full answer. Clever man but I will get the truth out
of him one of these days.

    “Is Melody your real name?” he asks curiously.

    I get a little antsy, because I’m afraid this can easily turn into a subject I don’t want to talk about, but we’re getting close to my house, so I answer more truthful than I would have had he asked me any other time. “Yes. My dad is a musician, and he had an obsession with naming me with a musical name.”

    He nods. “Interesting.”

    I tell him the remaining directions to my house, and before I know it we’ve arrived. I’m thankful that he didn’t ask any questions about my dad, it’s a touchy subject and I’d hate to snap at him for something that isn’t his fault.

    I say my thanks and grab my bag to exit the truck. I begin to open the door when Ace grabs my hand to stop me. The simple touch halts my breath, and my heart hammers against my ribs. I turn my head and look down at his hand softly gripping mine. My eyes trail from his fingers up to his inked forearm and then continue to his lean muscles up to his torso and finally land on his handsome face. His eyes hold a trace of anxiousness but he quickly hides it before dropping my hand.

    “Is it okay if I call you sometime?” Although I felt like he was nervous before it has been replaced with his pure male confidence.

    “Sure,” I reply shyly. I give him one last smile before exiting the truck.

    I walk up to my front door and thankfully it’s unlocked. It’s not normal for me to forget my house keys but I was in a bit of a frenzy getting ready last night. As soon I walk in I go straight back to my room and gather a few essentials before going to take a shower. I have the house to myself for a little bit before my mom and brother get back from his game.

    After I finish washing up I stand under the warm water and let it cascade over my body. I let all of the recent events flood my mind. Ace is on the forefront of my mind, and I can’t help but smile when I think about him. I’m completely mortified at last night’s events, but it makes me feel minutely better that he still wants to hang out with me after all of that. He’s either crazy or he can see something worth befriending. I’m hoping it’s the latter, but let’s face it, there’s always the possibility of it being the former. Not that I think he’s crazy in the least, but I don’t have the best track record with the guys I attract. I also only go into relationships with no intent to make it serious. Ace seems like he’s forever material.

    My mind drifts to my general issues with men and why I can’t just get over all of it. It always boils down to my dad. I’d always looked up to him; even when my parents were going through their rough patches, I never for one second would have guessed he’d betray us like he did. Maybe my mom is right in forgiving him, she seems to be happier now that she is over her bitterness, but I can’t shake it that easily.

    I feel myself getting overwhelmed and rather than stewing any longer I decide to get out of the shower before I turn into a prune.

    As I’m drying off I hear the front door slam and my brother’s excited voice drifts down the hallway—which is a good sign, considering he just got back from his game. I get dressed and finger comb my hair back into a messy bun before exiting the bathroom. I drop my things off in my room and go into the living room to see what all the excitement is about.

    “Mel! Coach finally let me play, and I made a goal!” Lucas says animatedly. He then proceeds to explain and show me the moves that led up to that moment.

    “Aw, I’m sorry I missed it little man.” I scruff his hair, and say, “Maybe I’ll take you out to celebratory ice cream sundaes in just a bit.”

    “Awesome!” He runs off to his room to get cleaned up.

    I plop down onto the couch next to my exhausted looking mom. She pats my knee. “How was your night? Did you guys have fun?” she asks.

    “You could say that.” I cringe and bring my legs to my chest and wrap my arms around them.

    “That bad huh?” she laughs.

    “I kind of threw up on someone.”

    Laughter bursts from her mouth. I give her a minute to collect herself, but it’s looking like I may have to pinch her to get her to shut up. My mom and I have a unique relationship. When I was a teenager we definitely had our ups and downs but as I’ve gotten older she’s become my best friend and my confidant. She was those things when I was younger too but now I’ve come to appreciate it more and not be such a brat toward her. She’s the strongest woman I know, and I can only hope that if I ever have children I can be to them what she is to me.

    She finally collects herself. She lifts her fingers to wipe the tears from her eyes, “Only you Melody Grace.” After a minute her mood noticeably sobers and she looks at me for a moment before talking, “Emma called me today,” she says cautiously.

    I begin gnawing at my lip and shake my head in frustration. Emma just doesn’t quit, she doesn’t get the hint that I have nothing to say to her. What she did was and still is unforgiveable. It’s been years, yes, but the bitter feelings still remain. They may not be as strong as they once were, but they have taken root deep in my soul and aren’t going disappear with a phone call.

    “Why did she call you?” It’s not necessarily the question that I wanted to ask but my curiosity is getting the best of me.

    “She didn’t say,” my mom replies, picking an imaginary piece of lint off of her shirt. “But she said that she wants you to call her back.”

    “Of course she does,” I snap.

    “Don’t get like this Mel. You have to forgive her; you can’t continue to live your life with such bitterness. If you do it’s only going to darken every bright spot in your life. Don’t let that happen, you have to forgive in order to move on.”

    As much as I know she’s right I’m just not in the mood for her forgiveness spiel. I love my mother to death, and she has been through a hell of a lot more than I have, but I’m not her. I can’t forgive so easily.

    I contemplate what she’s saying for just a moment even though I know it’s not enough to change my attitude. I slowly stand from the couch and turn to my mom. “I appreciate that Mom, but I’m just not ready.” She nods her head in acceptance. “I’m going to go take a nap,” I say before walking to my room.

    I shut the door softly behind me and fall back onto my bed. I lay flat on my back for just a moment before grabbing the pillow next to me, hugging it to my chest, and curling into a fetal position.

    Every time my life starts to feel somewhat normal a wrench always gets thrown into things. Usually that wrench is Emma. I refuse to let her take up so much of my energy anymore. If she keeps calling me, I’ll just have to change my number again, and that’ll be that.

    But, no matter how many times I change my number or how far I try to distance myself from her the truth remains- she’s my dad’s wife. I will never be able to separate myself from her until they get a divorce and even then I’d never be able to erase the memories of how she destroyed this family. How do
you forgive your father and best friend for having an affair during your senior year and splitting up your family?

    That’s right, you don’t forgive them. You distance yourself as far away from them as you possibly can and try to forget that they even exist.

Chapter 7

Ace

    It’s been a couple of weeks since the San Francisco fiasco, and even though I haven’t been able to see Mel, we still talk on the phone or text each other daily. Most of our texts consist of memes we find hilarious, but we also like to play the question game. We are slowly getting to know each other, and I have a feeling I know some of the most random things there is to know about her. For example- she hates Barney the dinosaur, absolutely loathes him. Apparently there was a traumatic experience during her childhood and she has yet to forgive him. Also, she has a crush on Tim Robbins, only as “Andy” in
Shawshank Redemption
though.

    Every little conversation we have makes life seem that much easier for me. It’s nice to have a friend to be silly with. I don’t feel like she is
expecting anything from me other than companionship, and I am more than happy to go along with that. As much as I’d love see where this goes, I’m happy if it stays at friendship. She’s someone that I’d like to have as a constant in my life, and she has been just that since the day we met.

    I haven’t been back to the studio, but I have been busy writing music. One song in particular I had Melody in mind to sing with me, but I haven’t asked her yet in fear of her rejection. Every time I bring up her musical talents, she quickly changes the subject.

    There has still been radio silence from the label and my ex-bandmates, but I’ve come to the conclusion that that is probably a good thing. I’m still beyond pissed off about how they went about things, but I’m trying to see the silver lining to all of the recent events. It’s only a faint glimmer, but it’s there.

    Today I plan on going back to my secluded spot to write music. I go there at least a few times per week. I’m still driving Nate’s truck around but I’m going to make a trip to Las Vegas hopefully in the coming weeks to grab a few things, including my car. I love Nate’s truck, but I love my BMW more.

    I stop at the coffee shop before I make my way to Pena Adobe. I blame Mel for my new addiction, but this coffee shop truly is delicious. The best part is that they don’t treat me like Ace the rock star, they treat me like Ace the smart-mouthed customer. Melody knows all the baristas by name, as I have come to learn now as well. She comes in the mornings before school, and I come in the afternoons. There have been a few times that I’ve had M&M cookies waiting for me at the counter with short notes from Mel. Those are my favorite days.

    I’m a couple of customers back in line, but by the time I get to the cashier my Americano is already finished and waiting. Again, I love this freaking coffee shop.

    Today along with the coffee I notice a small note attached to the side and scrawled neatly across the front it says “Hulk.” I chuckle and pay for my drink before walking back to the truck. Once inside I open the small note:

Follow these instructions exactly:

1. Meet me at my house tomorrow at 10AM
   
2. Bring sun block and swim trunks
   

Don’t be lat
e


  
 
I smile from ear to ear. The feelings she’s bringing out in me are ridiculous, the best kind of ridiculous. I quickly grab my phone out of my pocket and text her.

Me- Sunblock and swim trunks? That’s not obvious or anything.

Melody- Oh shut up and be there :-P

Me- No need to get bossy, I’ll be there ;-)

    Like I said, ridiculous.

***

The following morning I’m up at the crack of dawn. By the time nine am rolls around, I can no longer sit still so I decide to go and pick up coffee for Mel and me. I can’t remember what she drinks exactly, but the baristas know what she gets.

    By the time I get back to the truck it’s already nine thirty. I decide that I’m just going to show up early because I’m too excited to wait any longer.

    Her house is welcoming. It’s not huge by any means but it feels like a home rather than a huge soulless space only meant to impress and not meant to actually be lived in. There are flower beds along the front of the house and a huge cherry tree on the front lawn. The house is painted a neutral tan with white trim. I make my way up the walkway and stop at the door. I ring the doorbell, and I hear footsteps quickly approaching and a little boy’s voice yell, “I got it!” The door bursts open and standing on the other side is a kid with big glasses, blond hair, and a Minecraft shirt. His jaw drops as he looks up at me and no sound escapes his lips.

    “Uh, hi. Is Melody home?” The way this kid is staring at me I’d think I was at the wrong house if I hadn’t dropped Mel off just a couple of weeks ago.

    Behind him I see an older woman walk up. She looks like an older version of Melody except she has blond hair. “Hi! You must be Ace, Mel has told me a lot about you.” She smiles and opens the door, welcoming me inside.

    “Hi, Nice to meet you…” I don’t recall Melody telling me her mom or her brother’s names. I’m horrible with names though so it’s very possible she has and I forgot.

    “Oh how rude of me! I’m Anne and this is Lucas.” She gestures over to her son whose mouth is still open. “Come on in, we don’t bite,” she laughs.

    We walk into the living room and sit down. I casually look around and the comfort that the outside of the house holds is apparent on the inside as well, only more so. There are pictures of Mel and Lucas decorating the walls. I even notice a picture of Mel, Sara, and Andy with their arms tangled around each other’s necks making silly faces.

    Anne clears her throat. “Melody will be out in just a moment, she’s finishing getting ready.” She seems a little uncomfortable with this statement. I’m not sure if maybe she doesn’t agree with Melody going out with me or if it’s something else entirely.

    Her mood changes as she makes an attempt at small talk. “So, Ace, how do you like Vacaville so far?”

    I shift in my seat hoping that this conversation
doesn’t steer into personal territory. “I love it. I technically live in Las Vegas, but I’m considering making Vacaville my new home.”

    She nods her head and smiles. “That’s great! It’s really mellow here. The only complaint I have is about the summer temperatures, but I’m sure Vegas is much worse.” She laughs.

    “Yes, summers out there are pretty extreme,” I laugh. Just then Melody enters the room. Her face looks red and her eyes are swollen like she’s been crying. I tilt my head in question, but she gives a very slight shake of her head.

    Anne gets up, walks over to Mel and wraps her in a motherly hug. Melody hugs her back and speaks softly to her for a moment before reluctantly letting go. She picks up her tote back and looks over at me. “You ready to go?” I nod my head and stand up.

     She looks over to Lucas and smirks. “If I would have known once Ace got here you’d shut up, I would have invited him over much sooner.” She playfully scruffs his hair and we’re saying our goodbyes while we walk out the door and to Nate’s truck.

    As we get in, I gesture toward the two coffees, and she all but dives for hers. “Oh my God, I love you!” At her words my whole body stills and I look over at her huddled around her cup. I wonder if she realized what she said. She looks up and sees the look on my face and starts laughing uncontrollably. “I meant I love my coffee, Ace. Chill out.” she laughs.

    I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, “Yeah I knew that.” I laugh.

     “Sure ya did.” She smiles. “Thank you for the coffee.”

    I smile and nod my head in reply.

    The drive to the beach is fun; the beach we’re going to is over an hour away so we make ourselves comfortable and put on music.

    Melody seems to be in a much better mood than when I first saw her. I’m glad that she decided not to cancel, but I’m also worried that something is majorly wrong. It takes everything not to ask her what happened, but I don’t want to bring out the negative when it seems like she’s already in a better mood.

     I peek over at her through my sunglasses every chance I get. Her hair is down in loose curls, and she has a sundress on over her bathing suit. She has her ankles crossed and she’s humming along with the music.

    Damn she’s gorgeous.

    In the last few weeks we’ve developed a friendship that I don’t want to mess up, but it’s hard to ignore the attraction we obviously have toward one another. It’s easy to push aside the attraction when we’re only texting, but being in each other’s presence is a completely different story. As much as I’d like to keep a certain amount of distance it’s becoming clear that’s going to be difficult.

    Once we start getting closer, the roads become windy. I go the speed limit, sometimes even slowing down a bit. I’ve never driven on a road with so many curves before, and it makes me nervous. We begin making the decent down to the beach, and I notice the overcast skies becoming worse. The sun is nowhere to be seen, and the clouds are a dark threatening mass above us. “Did you check the forecast before you planned our trip?” I ask.

    She nods her head. “Yeah, it said it should clear up by noon.” Just as she says this it begins to rain. And I’m not talking about a sprinkling rain, I’m talking full out can’t see shit in front of me rain. According to the GPS, we’re only about five minutes from the beach parking so I continue down the road. The curves in the road have lessened, and it appears that we’re on the outer edge of the town.

    During the drive, Melody mentioned that this was her favorite beach, even though it’s a little more of a pain in the ass to get to. I have to agree with the pain in the ass part, but I’m getting excited to see the beach. I’ve never seen the beaches of Northern California, but I’ve heard that they are beautiful.

    As we drive into town, the small shops lining the streets are quaint. The ocean seems to be visible from every part off the main road. Even though it’s raining, the beauty isn’t lost.

    The GPS notifies me that I need to turn left into the parking lot. The lot is pretty much empty so I park right next to the beach entrance where we can see the ocean from the truck.

     “I packed a lunch for us. Do you want to eat first
and then we can see if the weather gets better?” Mel asks.

    I peel my eyes from the beautiful scenery in front of me and look over at an expectant Melody. The beauty of the blue ocean in front of us pales in comparison to the deep blue of Melody’s eyes. Hell, everything pales in comparison next to Mel.

    The sudden shift feels like an electric shock. Every fiber of my being is hyperaware of exactly who is sitting next to me. I know I’m not the only one affected, because her breaths are labored and her eyes are waging a war between my mouth and my eyes. Our bodies are slowly inching toward each other, every inch bringing a new sense of urgency. She takes her lip between her teeth.

    “Fuck it,” I breathe, giving up all the fight I have left in me. All the friendship walls that we so carefully built come crashing down as my lips collide with hers.

    Her lips are even better than I had imagined, just the perfect amount of soft and sweet. A whimper escapes her mouth as I deepen the kiss. I bring one hand up to her face and rest the other on her leg. This is about the time that I thank the heavens for bucket seats.

    Time ceases to exist as our mouths dance together passionately. I’m losing myself in her so completely that the reasons I had to resist her all but disappear.

    The only thing that slows me down is that I respect her too damn much. She’s like no one I’ve ever met, and I intend to show her. Moving fast doesn’t accomplish that.

    We break from our passionate kiss and take a breath. I kiss the tip of her nose and rest my forehead on hers. Until this moment I wasn’t able to pinpoint the feelings I had for her. Yes, I knew it was different from anything I’ve ever felt, but this is the moment of epiphany when I realize just what we can be. I’m terrified because I don’t want to fuck this up.

    “Wow,” she whispers.

    I clear my throat and peek up at her flushed face. “Yeah, wow.” I smile. My hand finds hers, and we tangle our fingers together.

    She peeks through the window and looks back at me with a smirk. “It stopped raining.”

    Sure enough, I look through the front window and notice that the sun is fighting its way through the clouds. We decide to sit at the benches and eat our lunch since it’s not raining for the time being. We bring our towels to dry off the table before sitting.

    Mel packed a feast, and I’m not sure if I will be able to eat all of it but I’ll damn well try. She made sandwiches, pasta salad, homemade bread sticks, and even dessert. Everything’s absolutely delicious, I eat as much as my body will allow, and I feel like the blueberry girl off of Willy Wonka except, you know, I’m a dude.

    After we’re done eating we pack up and put the food back into the truck before walking to the
beach. The walk from the car to the water is short; we take our shoes off and walk along the shore.