Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) (11 page)

              “You always did think you were better than the rest of us, didn’t you?” she said.

              “Far from it, Paisley. You were the one making my life a living hell, not vice versa.”

              Right as we were getting in the throws of our verbal spat, Mr. Bucket approached out confrontation.

              “Ms. Parker will see you now.”

              Not saying another word to Paisley, I grabbed my briefcase and made my way to Kiki’s office. Reaching for the doorknob, I could hear the faint sounds of a man’s voice.

              I couldn’t make out the words, but leaning closer I almost fell on my face when the door opened. Standing in front of me, ready to catch me before I fell on my face, stood Shepley Wilson; Colt’s father.

            “Whoa there, Ms. Mason?”

              I had nothing. I was clearly snooping, and I didn’t know what to say. I opened up my mouth, and the only thing that came out was, “Swell.”

            Swell? What the hell? Are we in the fifties again?

              Chuckling, he stood me upright, not before I noticed the faint residue of red lipstick on his neck. Not wanting to make a big deal out of it, I pretended I didn’t see it and instead turned to face Ms. Parker.

              “Ms. Parker, Mr. Wilson, I’m sorry if I interrupted your meeting.”

              “Nonsense, Carrington. I was just leaving,” Shep said making his way through the door.

              “Ms. Parker. Ms. Mason.”

              “Ms. Mason, how can I help you today?” Kiki said offering a seat.

              Looking up from my documents, I tried to brush off the incident with Mr. Wilson, and decided to press on with my mission.

              “Right, I wanted to speak with you regarding my father’s loan.”

              “Ms. Mason, I am prohibited to talk to you concerning the loan without my attorney present, and even then, I still would not talk to you about it until court.”

              “I don’t understand why you are making this so difficult. I’m sure between you, the development company and myself, we can come up with a comparable solution to allow my father to keep his farm. It’s all he has left. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

              “I assure you there is no comparable solution to this situation.”

              “If you are not willing to compromise on a reasonable solution, we need to talk about the fact you owe my father money for the mortgage payments he made while under the assumption the property was his.

              “As I stated before, you will need to speak with my attorney or wait until we go to trial, Ms. Mason.”

              “Let me guess, my father got the same song and dance?” I said standing up from my chair.

              “Good day, Ms. Mason.”

●

Walking out of Kiki’s office, I heard my text messages go off.

Man of My Dreams
: Hi, beautiful.

After a rough morning, I was so happy to hear from Colt.

Carrington
: Beautiful, huh?

Man of My Dreams
: Of course! I could have used gorgeous, sexy, charming, but I thought that might be overkill.

Carrington
: I wouldn't have stopped you if you tried if that makes you feel any better.

Man of My Dreams
: Yes! Remind me to use that next time.

Carrington
: I've got a few things you can do next time :)

My big mouth is going to get me into trouble one day. Why the hell did I just say that?

Man of My Dreams
: Well, well. Looks like the high and mighty New York attorney isn't so innocent after all.

Carrington
: Who ever said I was innocent?

Man of My Dreams
: I do believe I like this side of you, Ms. Mason. Want to elaborate on this “next time?"

Carrington
: I can't give away all my secrets. A lady has to keep some sort of mystery to herself.

Man of My Dreams
: But why? The alternative is so much better.

Carrington
: “I’ve got moves you’ve never seen.”

Man of My Dreams
: My Best Friend’s Wedding…classic. Excellent reference.

Wow, I didn’t expect he would actually get my reference.

Carrington
: Well done, Sherlock. I applaud your movie knowledge.

Man of My Dreams
: How about this one, “You and I are such similar creatures, Vivian.”

Carrington
: Ha-ha. I’m a chick; of course I know Pretty Woman. You do realize the rest of that quote is, “We both screw people for money.”

Man of My Dreams
: I forgot about the last part. While we’re on the subject, you don’t fuck people for money, right? :)

His sarcasm was endearing.

Carrington
: Last time I checked, no. You don’t have to pay me to have sex.

Idiot! Open mouth; insert foot.

Carrington
: What I meant to say was, I enjoy sex, but you don’t have to pay me.

Not any better, Carr.

Carrington
: I’m making a complete ass out of myself, aren’t I?

Man of My Dreams
: I was going to let you keep going. It was highly amusing on my end. And, I would never pay you for sex. If I wanted it, you would know.

And, I’m pretty sure I just had an orgasm.

Man of My Dreams
: I need to change subjects before I become really inappropriate. Can you be ready around eight tonight?

Carrington
: I can. Anything in particular I should wear?

Man of My Dreams
: Now, that’s one I won’t touch, so to speak; however, I know anything you wear will be beautiful….

Man of My Dreams
…but if I had to put in my two cents, something lacy and pink

Looks like someone isn’t afraid to put himself out there. I can play this game. Let’s see what you got tonight. I hope I’m not being too hopeful. Maybe Harley was right; maybe he’s just looking for a fuck buddy. In reality, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Carrington
: Down boy!

Sweet mother this man has me worked up. I need to stop texting before he gets me into trouble. But then again, maybe I want that!

Man of My Dreams
: I can’t help it. You and your wicked mouth.

Carrington
: I’ll see you around eight, then. Now, go do some work before you get fired.

Man of My Dreams
: Impossible, unless my father wants to find a new employee.

Carrington
: Goodbye, Sherlock…

Man of My Dreams
: Are you trying to get rid of me, Watson?

Carrington
: Not at all, but I do need to find something lacy and pink to buy so, if you’ll excuse me

Man of My Dreams
: Evil woman. See you at eight.

Chapter 9

              “Any luck with your Dad’s case,” Skye asked pulling up to Sadie’s Consignment Shop.

              “No such luck. I have a few options I might explore, but for now, I need to clear my head.”

              “Oh, I got something that could clear your head,” chimed Harley.

              “Only you, hooker,” I replied.

              “Did you find out what you’re doing tonight?” asked Harley.

              “Not a single, fucking clue. I was asked to wear something lacy and pink though. So, that’s exciting.”

              “He said what?” Skye chimed in.

              “We might have gone back and forth flirting this morning.”

              “Then we need to find you a banging outfit for tonight.”

              Stepping into Sadie’s I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Sadie was a slave to Paisley in high school. She never spoke a word when Paisley interacted with me. I guess her “place” was to be seen and not heard. Chalk it up to Paisley’s insecurities, where she needed Sadie and Reva to support her backbone. I often felt sorry for Sadie, and sometimes, I felt she felt sorry for me. I never gave into the notion that perhaps, Sadie was different. I had learned early on to trust a very select number of people, and maybe this was my chance to rebuild that trust with Sadie.

              Walking around Sadie’s shop, I had to admire the vintage collection of dresses, china and furniture among other things she kept. They were beautiful and reminded me of Granny and Mama. There were a handful of sundresses I found to be very much my taste. There was a pale yellow dress with white underlay, which made the skirt bounce when you walked. Another was lilac with tiny bluebells on the hem. This dress reminded me of rummaging through Granny’s armoire as a teen.

             
Touching the pale yellow fabric, I was just barely fifteen years old when I found a mysterious note inside my locker one day. “Carrington, meet me at Lucky’s after school for a milkshake.”

              Of course, overprotective Harley immediately questioned its authenticity.

              “Did he give you the note himself?” asked Harley uneasy.

              “It was in my locker this afternoon. I’m almost positive that’s his handwriting, plus he signed it Colt,” I said defending myself.

              “I just want to make sure you’re not going to get burned, sweetheart. Paisley’s been awfully quiet these days. I’m nervous she is up to no good,” Skye joined in.

              “I appreciate you guys looking out for me, but I think I’m good. Now help me pick out something to wear!”

              “Are you sure Granny Bird won’t mind us being in here?” asked Skye.

              She always was the priss out of the bunch, but I guess out of the three of us, we did need a sane head.

              “Naw, she’s out in the garden picking tomatoes and turnips,” I said riffling through dresses.

              On the day I was meant to meet Colton I was dressed in one of Granny’s vintage sundresses. It was a baby blue halter-top that rouged at the chest, and gathered at the empire waist falling just at the knees. The dress looked like it had just come off the shelf of a 1950’s sock hop, which coincidentally fit since we were going to get a milkshake. I wore my hair up in a ponytail and smeared on some jelly belly lip balm.

              Taking my time I walked from the farm to Lucky’s, making sure to arrive at least ten minutes early. When I arrived, I didn’t see Colt’s bike parked outside, so I decided to walk in and take a seat at one of the booths. As I walked in, I waved at Mr. Bradshaw the owner of Lucky’s.

              “Hi, Mr. Bradshaw.”

              “Well hello there, Carrington. You look awfully pretty young lady. Any special occasion?” he asked quizzically.

              Leaning across the countertop, I whispered in his ear, “I’m waiting for Colt Wilson. He asked to meet him here after school.”

              “Is that so? Well, you better get yourself a booth before the school crowd comes in and takes all the booths, sweetheart.”

              As I was sliding into my booth, I swear I saw the chocolate streaks of Harley’s hair, but then again, almost everyone in this town had brown hair. Not thinking anything of it, I slide into the booth facing away from the door. I was too nervous to actually look Colt in the eye when he walked through the door. At least this way Mr. Bradshaw knew who I was waiting for, and would wave him over to my booth. Fiddling with my fingers, I kept wiping the perspiration from my palms; I didn’t want Colt to see me this nervous.

              A couple minutes later, I heard the singing bell of the door ring. My heart began to race and felt like it was drag racing in my chest.

              “Yes, what can I get you,” I heard in a slightly muffled voice.

              Not wanting to look, I kept staring ahead. Relax Carr. You’re going to be fine. You look beautiful, you smell great, and you don’t have a lock of hair out of place. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching my booth.

              “Look girls, it’s Muffin Top Mason. Aww Mason, why so dressed up? Have a hot date?” she said condescendingly.

              “No,” I said curtly folding my arms across my chest.

              “So, you mean you didn’t get a note in your locker asking you to show up here after school?” she asked.

              Harley was right. The Queen ‘B’ herself had duped me. I am so embarrassed. I just want to get out of here.

              “Yeah, that’s what I thought. See, Sadie did me a favor and put a note in your locker after fifth period. So I guess you won’t be having that milkshake after all Muffin. Oh, but wait, maybe you will,” she said as she dumped the contents of a chocolate milkshake all over Granny’s dress, and my perfectly done hair.

              I was humiliated. I tried not to cry, but there was no use. She had done it this time. I was so convinced Colt had written that note, but then again, why would he leave me a note. Just as I began to wipe away the milkshake from my face and clean up the tears, I heard a commotion. Chairs skidded across the floor; I could hear Harley’s voice loud and clear.

              “That’s it, you bitch. Let’s take this outside so I can kick your ass. I am sick and tired of you treating my friend like garbage. She’s never done a single thing to you so why do you hassle her so much?” I could finally peek through my sopping hair to see Harley front and center. Fists up and ready to throw down, Paisley tensed up a bit realizing that I had inadvertently brought backup.

              “Harley, it's a shame you can stick up for your friends, but you can’t stick up for your mama. I heard she tried to steal a bottle of booze from the liquor store last week. Mama said she got angry because the sales clerk wouldn’t take her food stamps. It’s a shame living in such poverty with no daddy to take care of you. That’s if you even know who your daddy is with the way your mama threw herself at every man in this town.”

Just then, Sadie looked like she wanted to say something but decided to slink away instead.

              “Screw you, Paisley. Fuck you, and the plastic posse you rode in with. You don’t know anything about what I’ve been through, let alone what Carrington’s been through. Maybe, if you took the time to get to know either one of us you would realize we are real people. I guess when you have a silver spoon stuck up your ass; it makes it a little difficult. Go ahead, run home to mommy and daddy and tell them what a horrible, trashy, redneck person I was for telling you to go screw yourself. Maybe then, they can stroke your ego a little more and say what a cute little princess you are while they kiss your ass,” Harley said with such conviction.

              Just then, I heard Sadie giggle. Paisley slapped her and told her to shut up.

              “That’s nice. I’m surprised you have any friends by the way you treat them. Run home to mommy and daddy, Paisley. No one wants you here,” Skye added.

              As Paisley slipped out of Lucky’s, Harley and Skye crouched down beside me.

              “Are you ok, honey?” asked Harley in a weak voice.

              “Now I am. Thank you for sticking up for me, guys,” I could barely choke out.

              “What are friends for? Now let’s get you home, and cleaned up before Granny finds out we took her dress.”

              “I love you, guys.”

              “We love you too, Care Bear.”

●

              “Paisley is such a bitch!” stomped Harley around the room like your typical fifteen-year-old.

              “I can’t believe she pulled that bullshit at the diner. Holding up her index finger and thumb, “I was this close to punching that c-bag in the boob.”

              “Yeah, I’m not a violent person, but even I was about to clock that twat,” chimed Skye.

              “Wow, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say twat,” Harley projected.

              “Well, I felt it was warranted, don’t you think?”

              “Oh, hell yes,” Harley yelled. Partly shutting the bathroom door, I stripped away my milkshake soaked clothes and hopped into the shower. I let the hot water scorch my body as my tears were masked from excessive steam.

              “Maybe I deserved it for being so naive. I mean really; why would Colt actually want to go out with me?” I said in a defending voice.

              Harley peeked her head through the bathroom door.

              “Seriously, Carr? Are you really going to defend that bitch’s actions? You are way too nice for your sake,” Har said with disappointment in her voice.

              Poking my head around the shower curtain with shampoo running into my eyes,

              “What do you want me to do, Har? She detests me, and I don’t even know why,” I responded in a timid voice.

              “Does she really need a reason to be hateful?” Skye added.

              “Paisley is a girl that will always be bitter and angry. I partly blame her shitty parents and their obsessive need to make her a walking Barbie doll. But, then again, I think she likes that shit,” Harley inserted.

              “She has this obsessive compulsive desire to control everything in her life. I mean, look at her relationships with Reva and Sadie. Those girls always do her bidding. Sometimes, I wonder if they know how to think for themselves anymore,” Skye added leaning on the doorframe.

              Blindly reaching for a towel, Harley finally placed it in my hand. Stepping out, I caught a glimpse in the mirror. Yikes! I looked like a raccoon, the way my mascara was smeared down my face.

              “Come over here and sit,” Skye shoved me into the bedroom and directed me to my dressing table.

              “See this girl right here,” Skye said pushing the strands of wet hair away from my eyes, forcing me to look into the mirror.

              “This girl is not you. She is weak and lacks confidence.”

              Picking up a cotton ball and putting makeup removal on it, she began cleaning my face.

              “There,” she said presenting my clean face in the mirror.

              “Now, this girl. She’s a ferocious bitch. She’s a badass, who is vicious,” admitted Harley.

              Pulling a brush through my tangled hair, Harley added, “Baby girl, when you graduate, promise us you’ll get the hell out of here.”