Chapter 19

We enjoy our ice cream and then check into the hotel before ordering in pizza. We all pile into one room for a little fellowship and food. I text Cash when we finish eating. He lets me know they are in the hotel half a mile down the road. He says that Mama and Tessa are in one room and he, Dustin, and my dad are in another. That should make for an interesting night. My dad with the two guys that hold his little girls’ hearts. I’d love to be a fly on the wall tonight. We talk for a few minutes, and I tell him I’ll see him tomorrow. He knows how important this meet is for all of us. He also knows that he will hold me in his arms tomorrow night.

I share a room with Tori, Georgia, and Sarah. We relax, talk about anything and everything, turn on a movie, and finally fall asleep. We are exhausted from the adrenaline rush that we have all felt today.

When the alarm buzzes in the morning, I want to chunk it across the room. That sound gets worse and worse each time I hear it. We gather our items and meet the team downstairs for a continental breakfast of champs. I devour a boiled egg, bacon, and a bowl of oatmeal before leaving for Southern States.

The arena is already beginning to fill with people in the stands this morning. It is very evident that today is going to be a lot wilder than yesterday. We repeat the same events from yesterday, even down to where we sit. I guess you can say we are all a little superstitious.

After warm-ups, we take our place in the stands and wait until it is time for our events. My family, Cash, and Dustin arrive and give us a wave. Ten minutes later, I see Piper and Joe. It dawns on me that I didn’t see them much yesterday, and then I realize that Piper is having her own version of a walk of shame in front of my parents, even though it’s not really a shame. She smiles and has a glow about her. Glow! I know what they did last night! The last time she looked like that was a night she let Justin go a little too far, and she liked it! Joe says hey to my parents, and he and Cash give each other a welcome and take a seat. Piper looks my direction, and I press my lips together and smirk. I can’t wait to talk to her tonight!

Georgia must be reading my mind because she gives her eyebrows a raise, and I giggle. For someone who still has her V card, she sure knows when someone else has done it. I grab my iPod and focus, because today is a day for giving everything I have and more.

The list of events is pretty close to the same as yesterday. Today’s meet will fly by due to there only being one to two heats of each event, unlike yesterday, when there were five to six. I wait patiently for the 200-meter backstroke.

When it’s time for me to make my way to the pool deck, I am caught completely off guard by several signs being held up in the fan section. They all read #TeamDylan. I get sick to my stomach just looking at them. I feel the blood drain from my face, and I hurry to the trashcan to lose all the contents within my stomach. That sick bastard is still trying to scare me. The problem is, I’m not going to let him.

Instead of getting sick, I pull all the fear, anxiety, heartache, and nervousness to my core and walk to stretch with my head held high. What I’m not prepared for is Joe to turn around and yell at those people. I see Cash stand, and all I can think of is him getting in trouble. There is little time to think about what is going on, especially when I see my dad stand and turn as well. He takes a step up the bleachers, and even though I can’t understand what he is saying, I know it has to be epic, because after about thirty seconds, they sit. They still hold their sign, but they are quiet, which is what I need to continue to focus on the prize at the end of the race.

As the announcer calls the event, I realize that it is now or never. It’s time to make them all stop talking for once and for all. I relax my body and listen for the moment to enter the water. When that happens, it’s game on.

Pointing my toes as they enter the water first, I come up and grab the start block. Once the buzzer sounds, I tunnel my thoughts and body toward winning this race, but not against anyone in this pool; I focus on beating myself.

With each lap, I dig deeper for more strength to continue to pursue my goal, and by the final lap, I know that if anyone is anywhere near my time it’s nothing short of a miracle from the big man upstairs. As the tips of my fingers tap the time pad, I pop my head out of the water and look directly at the time board. Throwing my arm in the air, I yell with excitement. 2:11:02! Holy freakin’ cow! I just beat my record, Southern College’s record, and Southern States’ record. Pushing myself up out of the lane and water, I’m greeted by my coach and teammates. They embrace me, and we all squeal with excitement.

Once our freak-out moment is over, I look toward the stands to see my entire support system on their feet celebrating. Then, I look to the #TeamDylan crowd, and they have their sign hidden and are no longer saying a word. All I can think to myself is mission accomplished as we make our way back to the stands.

My fan club stays where they are this time, even though I know it is about to kill them. They realize if they move, then their fabulous seats will be taken since the meet isn’t over, and there are still events to win. We can celebrate later.

Grabbing a towel, I turn to sit down and take my phone from my bag. Of course, there is a text from Cash.

Cash: You were unbelievable! Those ppl shut up quick after turn one! Love u!

Me: :) Love u 2! I’m glad they shut up, & I’m going 2 give them more reason 2 be quiet soon!

We spend the remainder of our time cheering on our teammates and preparing for the relay. We are seated beside Davidson again, and we all look at each other. Nothing like a repeat of last night.

When the individual medley relay is called, we all take our places and blow them out of the water again. This time it is almost too easy. As we glance up to see the clock, I hear that bitch from the locker room making a smart-ass comment. We all turn to look at her.

“Are you still talkin’?” Tori asks firmly.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says with an eye roll.

That’s when Tori looks at me and has that I’ll whoop her ass look.

“Exactly, you don’t know what you’re talking about. You know nothing about the situation. Dylan is a piece of work, and if you think your comments bother me, they don’t. In fact, I feel sorry for you, because not only are you insecure, you can’t put your mouth where the pool is.” I walk past her to the stands with my head held high. I take my bag, shower, change, and watch the rest of the meet.

Southern College places first overall in girls. Coach is ecstatic and wants to celebrate, but all I want to do is get back to Southern so I can celebrate with the Kluft girls and Cash Money! Before we leave, I tell my parents bye, and inform Tessa, Dustin, and Cash that I have to ride back with the team.

“Char, I think we’re just going to go back to Grassy Pond. Piper can drive your car,” Tessa says.

“Why would y’all wanna do that?” I question.

“Probably ‘cause I can’t get in to Hank’s, and even if y’all can sneak me in, there’s no way they’re going to let Dustin in.”

I’m surprised that I hadn’t even thought about that. I don’t want her to leave, but I have no choice really. “Well, that sucks!”

“Charley!” Mom says. “What am I gonna do with you two?!”

Tessa and I just look at each other and shrug our shoulders.

“I don’t want y’all to go, but that does make sense. Piper, will you take the Honda?”

“Yeah.”

I give Tessa and Dustin a hug before they leave with my parents.

Cash, Piper, and Joe stop to eat on the way back, and it’s going to be a fun night at Hank’s Tavern tonight.

We stop to eat on our way back to Southern, and we are able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the time as a team. Coach is the finest lady I know besides my mama. She is classy at all the right times and a little redneck when needed. She knows each of us, and regardless of our pasts, she loves us all. I guess she’s like our mama away from home. She is a little cooler than my mama, if I do have to say. ‘Cause there’s no way my mama wouldn’t give me crap if she knew I partied and was hung over. Not to say, she wouldn’t fix a killer breakfast to get me over it, but I’d pay one way or the other.

Once we finish eating, Southern picks up the tab, and it’s time to get back. I can’t wait to be back in Cash Money’s arms, let alone spend the night dancing in them. I must be staring out the window when Georgia breaks my thoughts.

“Char, whatcha thinkin’‘bout?”

“Just that I can’t wait to go to Hank’s tonight.”

“Yeah, I bet not!” Tori pipes in.

“Y’all, hush! I mean, I know y’all are jealous of my Cash Money, but he’s mine.”

After a handful of eye rolls, Georgia asks the question they all wanna know the answer, “So…um…are Piper and Joe an item?” Not really sure how to answer this, I take a second, but that’s a second too long because Tori puts in her two cents.

“Oh, they’re an item all right! I don’t know how exclusive, but they are for sure to-geth-er!”

“Y’all, I don’t know the official answer, but I do know they have it bad!” I say.

“Well, let’s just see if she does a walk of shame in the morning.”

We all chuckle because we know beyond a doubt that is going to happen.

Before we know it, we are pulling into Southern. Coach parks at the gym, and we pile out. She informs us that she will see us for a team meeting next week to discuss off-season workouts and plans for next year, and then she tells us to enjoy the night and to call her if we need a ride.

I text Cash as we make our way back to the dorm. He informs me that they are in Joe’s room, and he will come that way. Walking to the dorm, we can hear the party has already begun on campus. Music is being played from dorm to dorm, we can hear people talking, and the stoop is packed with people sitting there with cold ones in their hands already. As we walk up the steps, we are all greeted with congrats, hoots, and hollers. I get the most attention from everyone. We stop and talk for a minute before making our way to Kluft.

Once we are upstairs, we notice Caroline and Hayden waiting on us with Caroline’s famous PJ in hand and empty cups. Knowing we can’t disappoint them, we each fill a Solo cup and chill for a minute before we head to our rooms and get ready to continue our pre-game before Hank’s.

Tossing my bag and coat onto the ground, I honestly want another shower because the smell of chlorine is still very evident on my skin, but I don’t know if I have time. Taking a sip of PJ, I toss the thought aside. I begin to look through the closet when there is a light knock on my door. “Come in!” I holler.

Cash, Piper, and Joe enter. They each have a drink, and I know this is going to be an epic night. The question is, who is going to be the DD? Cash typically doesn’t drink when I do, but for some reason tonight, we are both letting loose. I can only hope that this is in more ways than one.

“Celebratin,’ are we?” I question.

“Well, I figured I could have a couple before we leave then I can drive back,” Cash says.

“I have a better idea. Why don’t we let Sarah drive the Love Machine, and we all let loose?”

I can see the struggle in Cash’s eyes. We both need to let go, but there is the underlying factor that this isn’t over with Dylan yet. Piper and Joe look at each other and take a step in the hallway and excuse themselves to Caroline’s room.

I set my cup on the dresser and move closer to Cash. Placing my hands on his chest, I look into those eyes that tell me what he’s thinking in his soul.

“Cash, one night. We have everyone we need by our sides. He can’t touch us tonight. Please, let’s forget about everything and live in the moment.”

“Char-coal, this is something I promised myself that I’d always do for you. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again. Never,” he says as he brushes his hand in my hair.

Looking into his eyes, I beg him, “Please, Cash Money. Just tonight. Let’s forget everything and focus on us because we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future.”

“I know what’s going to happen in the future, and I’m staring into her eyes right now. I have no doubts about court, our future, or us. You are it. End of story.”

I bat my eyelashes and smile a little more seductively, while Cash shakes his head before giving into me, because he knows as well as I do a Southern girl always gets her way. Then, he seals his statement with a kiss. Taking me by the hand, we go to see what everyone is doing in Caroline’s room.

As we enter, all eyes turn to us. “What?” I question.

Hayden proceeds to say what everyone else is thinking. “So, are y’all finally gonna live a little? Seriously, this mushy lovey-dovey mess is getting old. I mean, it’s time to, ya know,” she says as she stands and starts to move her hips in a way I never want to see again, but can’t help but crack a smile. The entire room erupts in laughter, and I go to fill my cup again. It doesn’t take long for the effects of the alcohol to fill my veins. I decide to stop after this cup. I want to have fun, but I still need a little control.

Once we finish our cups, we all excuse ourselves to get ready for Hank’s. Cash goes with Joe to his room while Piper and I get ready. This way I can finally talk to her about what is going on. We tell the guys not to be gone long, and as soon as the door is shut, I’m on Piper like white on rice!

“Start talkin’,” I say as she begins to grab her clothes from her bag.

“What ever are you talkin’ about?” she asks with just a hint of sarcasm.

“You know damn well what I’m talkin’ ‘bout. Now, spill it.”

She plops onto my bed. “Ohmygosh! Char. It. Was. Ah-mah-zing!”

“Uh hum… so, are y’all exclusive?”

“I sure hope so! But anyways, Char, never in my life have I met a guy who can make me feel that way. I mean, I know this is kinda fast, but I totally get what you mean about just knowing when you’ve found the one.”

“It’s hard to believe that Little Miss Pull ‘Em on a String has found her match!”

“Charley! I can’t believe you just called me that, but I guess it’s true. I just don’t want to leave and go back to school.”

“Girl, we’re in the same boat except mine is leaving me. It’s gonna be fine; at least you have me here. Joe and I might help keep each other sane. I think we need to make this a night to remember, whatcha think?”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she says as she pulls out a way too short skirt and halter-top.

“You do know it’s winter, right?”

“Yup, but I have my man and alcohol to keep me warm.” She winks and then begins to get dressed.

I, on the other hand, have to search my closet. What to wear? What to wear? As I peruse the closet, nothing catches my eye. Then, I think maybe I should be a little more like Piper. I know it’s Hank’s, but I’m also with Cash, and I want to make a lasting impression since he’s leaving tomorrow.

As I glance over the skirts and tops in my closet, my eyes land on my denim skirt, and I pair it with my camo racer back that I wore my first day on campus. I add my boots to complete the wardrobe. Cash isn’t going to know what to do with me.

When I take the outfit from the closet and toss it onto the bed, Piper reads my mind. “I know what you’re tryin’ to do, but do you think it’s gonna work?”

“Hell no, but I have a feeling I might get a tiny piece of action.”

“Somethin’s better than nothin’,” she says.

“Exactly!”

We turn up the iPod and sing a little Pistol Annies when Hayden bursts through the door. “What the hell is this shit?”

“Pistol Annies, ya know Miranda Lambert!” Piper says.

“Um no, but I swear I teleported to like fifty years ago.”

“Hayden, you don’t know what you’re missin’! The Pistol Annies kick ass and take names,” I state.

We proceed to sing “Hell on Heels.” Hayden just stands there speechless. When the song ends, I wasn’t prepared for her revelation.

“Now that’s some serious shit! You mean, that’s how y’all country girls really roll?” she asks in her attempt at a Southern accent.

“Yup, that’s how we roll,” we say together.

Once we finish getting ready, I send Cash a text, and he informs me that they are on the third floor of Irvin, and it’s getting pretty wild around there. Wild? We might need to check that out. I tell him we will just come over there. Piper and I gather everyone from Caroline’s room and decide one more glass of PJ will set the night off. With the Kluft girls in tow, we make our way to Irvin, and sure enough, when we hit the third floor, wild is an understatement.

Music is blaring through the hall, and the bass is vibrating the windows and echoing down the stairwell. The lights are out, but there are lamps from the dorm rooms to help guide us down the hall. People are everywhere, but as soon as we make our way down the hall, all eyes focus on Piper and me. We all look fabulous for a night at Hank’s, but I will admit that Piper and I are a little over the top. That’s when I see him. Cash is standing there with a PBR in hand wearing a fitted T-shirt and jeans with his boots and the cutest damn baseball cap ever. Every muscle in his arms is bulging from the shirt, and honestly, I want to bypass Hank’s and have an exclusive show in my room. Wishful thinking… I know.

As soon as our eyes meet, I grin from ear to ear, and even though I can feel more than his eyes on me, I know that his are the only ones that matter. I walk with confidence, hope, desire, and angst of what the night will hold and what the future will bring us. Cash nudges Joe, but Joe has already noticed Piper as well. Who would have thought the two guys that I tried to have my cake and eat it too are friends, but better yet, we all have found happiness.

Once I’m within arms’ length of Cash, his hand extends to mine, and our fingers dance together. I glance into his eyes, and he gives me a wink before whispering into my ear, “You do know you’re makin’ it hard for me to keep my promise, don’t you?”

“Maybe that’s what I’m working toward,” I say as I whisper into his ear and give it just a little nip. I feel every muscle in Cash’s body stiffen. Exactly the reaction I hoped for.

“Char-coal, you better watch it if you know what’s good for ya.”

“You sure you know what’s good for me?”

“I’m just sayin’ with you doin’ stuff like that, I might get pushed to my limit on what I can say no to.”

“Well, then I hope I make you break.”

Cash tries to change the subject. Yup, this night is going to be one for the record books because if he’s struggling now, I can only imagine what’s gonna happen after a night at Hank’s.

After finishing our drinks, laughing at some drunk soccer girls, and knowing the time is right, we all stumble our way to the Love Machine. Cash guides me to the van and makes sure I get in gracefully. I probably should have stopped after glass number two, but, oh well. It’s too late now.

Our ride to Hank’s is loud. Everyone is talking, ya know, the kind when all intoxicated people are trying to out talk each other. At some point, Sarah yells for us all to shut up or we can walk. We try our best to be quiet, but after a minute of silence, it’s impossible. Once one chuckle escapes Hayden’s lips, we all erupt, and Sarah can’t help but laugh as well.

As we pull into Hank’s, I notice that nothing has changed. It is still the wooden frame club we all love on a Saturday night. One of the streetlights is flickering, and they have poured new gravel into the parking lot. Sarah pulls us in on two wheels, and we exit and walk toward the entrance.

Cash pulls open the glass door, and this time they make sure to place an “X” on our hands for underage. Damn. I look confused when Tori makes it in without an “X.” Once we are inside, we make our normal first stop at the restroom, and ask Tori to explain.

“Hey, it pays to have a cousin that could be your twin. I just got in free and can drink.”

“You do know you’re buying mine, too?” Anna states.

“Already in the works.”

Once our makeup is checked, we head to the dance floor. I notice that Cash and Joe are both propped up near the pool table. Piper and I make our way over to them and guide them to the dance floor. It’s not like it takes much effort because we all know they both love to dance as much as we do.

As the crowd grows, the closer we all become, and before I know it, there is no space between Cash and me. The DJ continues to play typical Hank’s Tavern music where you never know if it’s going to be hip-hop or country, but with every beat, my hips match it and Cash follows along. The heat from the crowd coupled with the heat that’s building between the two of us is almost enough to make us combust. As the DJ switches up the set, I know the song as soon as I hear the first beat. It’s “Bottoms Up” by Brantley Gilbert. This is going to be fun. This song has a slow but evident beat. It’s like the perfect country girl’s make-a-guy-drool-all-over-ya kinda song, and that is exactly what happens.

Cash sings every word, and I can’t help but dance with just a little more emphasis as I roll my hips from left right with my bottom up in exactly the right place. Cash then places his hands on my hips and follows them as they move to the beat of the music. With each word and beat, Cash and I fall more in tune with each other. I lift my hair off my neck as “Damn” escapes his lips. He turns me to face him as he sings directly to me. Every word brings us closer until there is nowhere for me to go. Looking into his eyes, I can see what he wants, and he wants me. I do what any girl in my position would do; I push him to the point that I hope he breaks.

Not being able to fight me any longer, Cash takes the back of my neck and brings me in for a kiss that is filled with want like I’ve never felt before. I meet him with each move, and before I know it, he is guiding me away from the dance floor and out the back door.

The winter air brushes my glistening skin, but I’m not cold. Instead, I feel a fire burn deep inside. Cash presses me against the outside wall of Hank’s. My arms wrap around his neck, and he moves his mouth from my mouth down my neck.

“Hot damn,” I say because those are the only words I can manage. My body is starting to have feelings that I never thought could happen, and Cash is struggling to keep his promise as he begins to graze the hem line of my skirt, and as he starts to venture to a place he promised not to go, we are brought back to reality when the back door flies open.

Cash stops what he is doing and leaves his hand on my thigh as his forehead falls against mine. “Damn,” he says breathlessly.

“Damn is exactly right,” I say quietly.

Cash removes his hand, takes mine in his, and starts to pull me back toward the door. Knowing that’s not how I want this to end, I stop him and pull him back toward me, leaving him breathless one more time.