Cash made it home all right and informed me that he and Tessa will bring back my car next weekend at Southern States. He also told me that I might want to call Tessa because she seemed a little too happy when he saw her. That can only mean one thing; Dustin finally got in touch with her, and I’m beyond happy for her.
Giving a little time lapse between now and calling Tessa, I take a quick shower, glance at my class schedule, and relax. Afterward, I call her. Of course, she answers right before it goes to voicemail.
“Hey, Sis! Whatcha doin’?” she says very perky.
“Um…well, a little birdy told me you were in a very good mood, and I just wanted to see the reason behind it.”
“Charley Anne Rice! Do I have to have a reason to be in a fabulous make-your-heart-wanna-melt mood?”
“No, but I know you well enough to know that something has happened. Either you got outta doing chores for the rest of the year or Dustin has made your day.”
“Gah, why do you always think that it has something to do with getting’ outta work? But, you are right! He called!” she squeals. In all my years, I’ve never seen Tessa like this, and I hope and pray that Dustin is her forever like Cash is mine. I know it will make for interesting family functions in the future, but with love, anything’s possible.
“What did he say?”
“He said that now that his parents have had time to cool off, they can’t stop him from seeing me. They did ask if we would keep it low key until after the court stuff, but regardless, they aren’t goin’ to stop us from being together.”
My heart leaps out of my chest with excitement for Tessa and Dustin. They deserve to be happy despite what has happened between Dylan and me. The fact that Dustin wasn’t willing to just let her go makes me love him, too.
“I’m so happy for y’all! Have you seen him yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, I have an idea. What about if y’all take the club for the night or two? It’s not like I’m going to be home to use it, and I know Cash won’t care.”
“Yeah, let me see what he thinks. Char, thanks for everything. I don’t tell ya enough.”
“Anytime. Love ya, Tess.”
“Love ya, too.”
We disconnect, and I text Cash the news as well as Joe and Piper. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Joe much, but I guess it’s because he’s giving me some space with Cash. As suppertime approaches, the Kluft girls and I make our way to the cafeteria. A million eyes meet mine, and I’m pretty sure that I’m the current talk of the school.
Without missing a beat, we all walk inside with our heads held high, acting like nothing happened over break. I see Joe sitting with his teammates, and he smiles. I’m glad that everything has worked out between us because he truly is a friend for life, and I know that now. Knowing he was willing to risk losing me in order to save me means the world. The fact that he loves Piper just seals the deal with him.
After grabbing a tray, picking out what mystery food I’m going to eat, and taking a seat, I finally breathe. The eyes are no longer on me, but back to everything going on around us. I feel relieved that the initial shock of everyone knowing what happened is over. Word definitely travels fast at a small school. We finish eating and head back to the dorm. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day with new classes and practice. We watch TV in Tori’s room and then call it a night.
After calling Cash, I fall asleep and dream of our happily ever after only to be awakened by that awful buzz from my alarm clock. Time for practice already? Rolling out of bed, I hear a light knock at the door. Cracking the door open, I see Georgia ready to go. I tell her to give me a second, and we are on our way. Practice is refreshing, and I take my time getting ready for class. Coach was smart enough to give me nine o’clock classes instead of eight. I’ll have to thank her later. The day goes quickly, and one or two Kluft girls are in each of my classes. We sit together and make a plan for passing this semester, not that it’s going to be a big deal. Once our day is over, we make our way back to Kluft, but I stop to talk to Joe. I feel like I just need to talk to him.
“Hey, Jackalope Joe, you got a minute?”
“Yeah, what’s up, Squirrel?”
“Not much. I just wanted to make sure that everything’s good. I haven’t had much time to talk to you with everything going on. You’re important to me… and Piper.” The mention of Piper’s name makes him smile.
“We’re good. Oh, as in you and I or you and Piper?”
“Both. Thank you.”
“For what?” I ask.
“For coming into my life. I thought that it would be you and me together, but little did I know that you would lead me to the girl of my dreams,” he says with a nudge.
“She is pretty awesome. After me, I mean. You know I’m at the top of the awesomesauce list.”
He shakes his head. “So, not to bring up the subject, but when will everything be over?”
“As long as they don’t continue it, we should be done within a month or two at the latest. I’m just worried about the verdict.”
Joe stares at his feet as we walk. “Yeah, me too.”
I stop walking. “Why are you scared? You’re in the clear. I’ve made sure of it.”
“I know, but you know they might put me on the stand.”
“That is highly unlikely because this has to do with an event that occurred before you were in the picture.”
After remaining quiet for a moment, Joe responds, “I guess I know that, but honestly, until it’s over I won’t be sure.”
“Well, as Cash told me, God’s got a plan, and we’re in it. He will make sure it all works out.”
We continue to walk until we are back at Kluft. We make a little small talk before I go upstairs to my room. This has been a pretty good day to a new semester. I’m praying that it’s foreshadowing what is to come… only good things.