Southern Perfection Read online

  Southern Perfection

  By Casey Peeler

  Copyright © 2014 Casey Peeler

  All rights reserved.

  This book is a written act of fiction. Any places, characters, or similarities are purely coincidence. If certain places or characters are referenced it is for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  The author recognizes all copyright and trademarks that are mentioned within this work of fiction.

  For Pawpaw, thank you for always believing in me, teaching me what was right, and for never sugarcoating anything.

  Prologue

  Raegan

  Standing at the front of the old wooden church in a black dress and patent leather shoes, I am surprised by all the people. Every time I think the line is coming to an end, another set of people enters. I guess that’s what happens when your family owns the largest farm in town. At the age of five, I’ve lost everyone that is important to me, except for one person, my grandaddy.

  As my kindergarten teacher approaches, my grandaddy takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze.

  Mrs. Talent bends down to my level, places her hands on my arms, and begins to speak with her sweet and tender voice.

  “Raegan, I’m so sorry about your mama, daddy, and grandma. The class misses you, but you take your time. Thumper, the bunny, really misses you.”

  I begin to smile. I just love Thumper, and he loves me, especially when I bring him an extra treat from the farm.

  She stands and looks at my grandaddy. He’s not a man of many words, but he does wear his emotions on his sleeves. He’s lost not only the love of his life, but also his only son and daughter-in-law.

  “Mr. Lowery, we are truly sorry for your loss. Please let the school know if there is any way we can help you or Raegan.”

  “Mrs. Talent, thank you for everything y’all have done thus far. Raegan and I will be okay. Might take some gettin’ used to, but we’ll be a’ight.”

  Finally, the end of the line is near. I’m tired and just want my mama to tuck me into bed and read me a story. Oh, wait. She can’t. Thinking about her makes me sad. I miss her so much already, and it’s only been a few days.

  As the church clears, the men in suits approach Grandaddy, telling him we can leave. We do. Grandaddy puts me in the front of the truck, and we head to the farm. The ride to the farm is quiet, except for Johnny Cash coming softly through the speakers.

  As we turn onto the dirt road, the two-story plantation style house is well lit from the full moon above. Every time I used to visit this farm, I’d get excited. Tonight, I’m not excited, though. I’m terrified of what life will be like now. I’m thankful I still have Grandaddy, but I want my mama and daddy. The Lowery farm is now my new home, not just Grandaddy and Grandma’s house.

  Chapter One

  Twelve Years Later

  Raegan

  Hurrying back into the house from my morning routine on the Lowery farm, I check the clock. Crap. Thirty minutes to get to school. I run to my room, throw on my cheerleading uniform, slap on my makeup that people swear takes me hours, and pull my long, chocolate-colored hair into a high ponytail and attach a bow the size of Texas. I double check my Vera Bradley backpack and hustle downstairs to eat breakfast with Grandaddy.

  Lying on the table are fresh scrambled farm eggs, sausage, and toast with homemade pear preserves.

  “Raegan, do you want coffee or tea this mornin’?” Grandaddy asks as he pours his coffee that is black as tar.

  “Coffee would be great!” I say, already eating.

  He makes his way to the table in his pointer overalls, paired with a short-sleeved t-shirt. He sets down my cup and takes his seat. This has been our morning routine since I can remember, well, minus the coffee.

  “How were the chickens this mornin’?”

  “Same as usual. They pecked the crap outta me!”

  “Ah, they’re just showin’ their love to ya. Was Cole already down by the barn?” Cole is my grandaddy’s great-nephew.

  “Yeah, he was.”

  “I’ve got a lot to get done around here today, but I plan on going to the game tonight. You think you’ll be home after school?”

  “Of course, aren’t I always? Do you care if I spend the night with Jordyn tonight?”

  “I don’t see why not. You deserve a night off from the farm, and don’t worry about this afternoon. Cole and I will take care of it. It’s a big game tonight. Now, you better take that toast to go, or you’re gonna be late. I can’t have that!”

  “Yes, sir.” Standing, I straighten my cheer skirt, and Grandaddy gives me the look.

  “Hey, I didn’t pick the length,” I say as I toss up my hands.

  “Well, make sure you walk close to the wall when you come down those stairs in the cross hall.”

  I laugh. “I can’t believe we still call it that, too. Some things never change around Pleasant Hill.”

  After dropping my plate into the sink, I turn off the stovetop, kiss him on the forehead, pick up my backpack, and walk to my truck. It’s sticky hot in mid-September, so I crank up the air conditioner and the local country station. Crap! Ten minutes!

  Putting the pedal to the metal, I make it to school with a few minutes to spare. Everyone is still in the parking lot, taking their time getting to class. I glance in the rearview mirror for any spare sausage floating around before walking into the building and heading straight for my locker.

  Staring into my locker, I try to pull myself together for another day at Cleveland High. Thank goodness it’s Friday. I’m exhausted. I just need to make it through the game tonight, and maybe I can catch a break.

  As I grab my physics textbook, my train of thought is put to a halt.

  “Hey, Rae! Are you ready for the game tonight?” Jordyn says bubbly.

  “Yeah, Jordyn, I am.”

  “Are you all right? You seem a little spacey.”

  “Yeah, I’m just tired. You know I had to get up with the cows this mornin’.”

  “Gah, I’m so glad I don’t live on a farm.”

  “Oh, and what do you call yourself, a ‘city slicker’?” I ask with a laugh.

  Pleasant Hill is exactly what it says. The size of a hill. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating just a little, but there are five thousand people in this town, tops. Most people live outside the city limits, produce their own means of food, and live like good old country folk.

  When the bell rings for the end of first block, I make my way into the hall and notice that Jace is waiting for me. Great! He can’t take the hint. I have no time for him and his cocky-jock-self.

  “Hey, Raegan, I heard there’s a party at the Phillips’ farm tonight after the game. Are you goin’?” he asks.

  “I’m not sure. I’m stayin’ at Jordyn’s tonight, so it’s whatever she wants to do.”

  “Oh, y’all will be there,” he says too confidently.

  “What makes you so sure?”

  He smirks and glances down the hallway to find Jordyn getting a little close to Ridge Parker in the hallway.

  I start to laugh and shake Jace off before heading to my next class. I’m so ready for a break, a weekend with my best friend, and just acting like a teenager instead of “Miss Perfect” all the time.

  Glancing at the clock, I know lunch is next on the agenda. I’ve got to see what the plans are for this weekend. Jordyn knows how I feel about Jace. If she’s gonna be shacked up with Ridge, then I need a new game plan. I will not look like Jace’s arm
candy all night. With the buzz of the bell, I make my way to my locker, exchange books, and wait for Jordyn. When I see her walking down the hall, I join her.

  “Hey, girl! Are you ready for tonight? Ridge wants me to go to the Phillips’ farm tonight. You game?” Taking a cleansing breath, I look at her, and she already knows what I’m thinking. “I swear, Rae. I won’t leave you with him all night. I pinky promise!” she practically begs.

  “Fine, but I swear, if you disappear for more than thirty seconds, I’m out!”

  “Yes, Mama.” She giggles.

  We walk to the cafeteria and get in line. This is the best meal all week— school pizza! While Jordyn talks about her attire for tonight, all I think about is helping Grandaddy this afternoon, even if he told me I don’t have to.

  “I think I’m going to help Grandaddy and Cole this afternoon. I know they both wanna go to the game, and it will be faster if I help, too.”

  “Seriously? Why are you so damn responsible? I mean, you make it hard for girls like me to function in this town.”

  I twist my head toward her in confusion. “Huh?”

  “Rae, you don’t realize how much people look at you. You are the all-American Southern Belle, minus the blonde hair. You are smart, great looking, and a hard worker, no matter if it’s on the farm, school, field, or whatever. The fact you almost seem out of reach by guys doesn’t help either. I swear, why won’t you go out with Jace? He’s hot, and he’s been begging for, what, like three years now?”

  I stop mid-stride as she finishes her sentences. I’m speechless. I’m not that girl she’s talking about. Yeah, I might look like I have it all together, but I do what has to be done in life. I will not let down my Grandaddy. He’s all I have left in this world.

  “Jordyn, that’s so not true. I’m far from that. You know an all-American girl has both parents to make an all-American family, and I don’t.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I just mean, at some point, you’ve got to have some fun. Ya know, hook up with a guy, go out on a date, and live a little besides a few beers every now and then.”

  “I just can’t.”

  We make our way to the table. Ridge, Jace, and a few other football players are sitting together and waiting for us. Jordyn snickers as we walk over, but when my eyes land on the new guy sitting there, I want to turn and run the other way.

  His aqua eyes look up from his plate and meet mine. Ohmygosh, it’s Emmett Bridges. When did he move back to Pleasant Hill? A smile widens across my face, and I’m glad he’s back. He used to love to kiss us girls on the playground when we were growing up, and that’s one thing I’ve never forgotten. What I remember most is when my parents passed away, he brought me a stuffed bunny that looked like Thumper, our class pet. That was the day I realized everything would be okay, because I knew people cared about me. A grin escapes my lips, and he does the same. Maybe a night at the Phillips’ farm might be fun after all.

  Jordyn and I make our way to the table and park our trays between Ridge and Jace, like we are expected to do. Jace wastes no time introducing us to Emmett. I think he’s pretty clueless to assume we don’t recognize Emmett.

  “Hey, Emmett, long time no see,” I say sweetly.

  “How are you, Raegan?” he asks with tenderness in his voice.

  “Really good. How ’bout you?”

  “I’m better, now,” he replies. I can’t help but wonder exactly what he means by that.

  Jordyn and I finish our food quickly before she asks the question I already knew was coming, and of course, it has to be in front of Jace.

  “Rae, did you decide what you’re going to do after school?” Jordyn questions, and for some reason, I think she’s up to something.

  After nodding, I fill her in, “I’m gonna help Grandaddy and Cole. I’ll just meet you at your house before the game. That a’ight?”

  “Really, Raegan? You’re gonna go work on the farm before the biggest county game of the season?” Jace asks with anger in his tone.

  “I hate to tell ya, Jace, but the world doesn’t revolve around football. Some people have to work hard for a livin’.”

  With little else said, Jace makes his way outside. I swear, I don’t understand him. I’ve told him time and time again I’m not interested.

  “So, Emmett, have you seen Cole yet?” I question.

  “He’s supposed to pick me up today. My truck is in the shop. We’re goin’ to the game tonight.”

  As the bell rings, I stand to throw away my trash. “Ya know, I can just take ya if you want. It will save him a little time, and he might get done on the farm earlier.”

  “Are you sure? I mean, Jace might kick my ass.” He smirks.

  “No worries about Jace. We’re not together.” Why did I just say that out loud? I’m sure he couldn’t care less.

  “A’ight, where should I meet ya?”

  “Meet me at my truck after the second bell,” I say as I make my way down the hall to third block.

  Emmett

  “Hey, Jace, thanks for giving me a ride this mornin’. My truck should be fixed tomorrow.”

  “No problem,” he says with a pat on the shoulder as I walk the halls of Cleveland High School for the first time. I can’t believe I’m back in the town I never thought I’d live in again. It’s the size of a damn peanut. “I’ll catch you at the game. I think Cole’s gonna get me after school.”

  “A’ight, I wish your ass would have moved here two months ago, but then, I might be on the bench.” Jace laughs.

  Ignoring him, I walk into the main office, meet with the counselor, and get my schedule— calculus, physics, weight training, and AP English. You’ve got to be freakin’ kiddin’ me! This schedule is no joke. I thought transferring would mean new classes, not the same ones I already had.

  Shaking it off, I head down the hall and into calculus. I find a seat in the back after I introduce myself and prepare to barely pass. Who am I kidding? I’ll pass, but I just want to be here, not actually have to try. The faster I can get out of this Podunk town the better, but it sure is better than living with my dad and his new wife.

  When the teacher begins to speak, I realize I’m ahead of them, so I’ll just listen and refresh my memory. Within minutes, my mind is wandering to the clock, the game tonight, and getting to see Cole, my stepbrother. Jace is right; I should have moved here at the beginning of the summer, but I was too busy being stuck up my ex’s ass.

  With the sound of the bell, I make my way to physics. The hallways aren’t near as crowded as my school in Georgia. Taking the schedule in my hands, I look at the room number and start to walk in that direction when I hear the sweetest and most familiar sound, but I can’t place it.

  Shaking it off, I round the corner to the hallway where the science rooms are located, and I hear the voice that goes with the laugh. Who the hell is that? Then, I see her dark hair pulled up with an ugly ass bow on her head and one short as hell uniform, talking to none other than Mr. Superstar, Jace McCoy. It takes all of two seconds for me to realize who is standing in front of me… Raegan Lowery.

  Trying not to act like I see her, I make my way into the physics classroom without being noticed. Raegan Lowery is who every guy dreams about, but can’t have, because Jace has told me over and over.

  The teacher asks me to sit up front and introduce myself to the class. Damn, I hate being the not-so-new guy. They all know me. I’ve only been gone for a few years. Once that is over, I take my seat, front and center, and get ready to learn about static electricity. The only thing I can think about is the jolt of electricity when I saw her.

  After class, I meet Jace in the cafeteria. I swear, school cafeterias are always the same. You have the nerds, outsiders, and popular students all separated. Once I grab my tray of food, I take a seat across from Jace. He’s rambling on and on about the game. It sucks not to be playing, but I guess that’s my fault. That’s when I glance up mid-bite and see her talking to Jordyn. Her chocolate brown hair is pulled back
so that her eyes attack you with their sharpness, but she looks upset. I try to ignore her, but I can’t.

  “Emmett, man, what the hell’s wrong with you?” Jace asks with attitude. Then, he looks over his shoulder and sees her. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “She’s grown up… a lot,” I say, and Jace smirks.

  “Yeah, she has,” he replies, trying to imply other things, but I know better. That’s not the Raegan I knew.

  As she makes her way to our table, I ignore her and wait for Jace to introduce us. He introduces me like I’m the new kid on the block, but I’m not. She realizes what Jace is doing and lets him know that she knows exactly who I am, and that feels damn good to know.

  While I finish my lunch, Jace gives Raegan a hard time about working on the farm. He just doesn’t get it, but I guess he wouldn’t, considering he hasn’t had to work hard a day in his life. He just gets pissed and leaves. He doesn’t deserve her, and it’s obvious. That’s when Raegan does the unthinkable. She gives me a means to get close to her by way of Cole.

  “Yeah, Cole’s pickin’ me up this afternoon.” Then, she offers to let me ride with her to the farm, and there is no way in hell I’m not.

  Chapter 2

  Raegan

  “Girl! What the heck? Jace is gonna be spittin’ fire this afternoon!” Jordyn exclaims when I take my seat in English beside her.

  “Really, J? I’m just taking him to Cole.”

  “Yeah, you keep tellin’ yourself that. I saw the way you looked at him, and believe me, he noticed you long before you saw him.”

  “Whatever,” I say as I grab my notebook and pencil.

  I spend third block listening to a lot of rambling about Shakespeare and learning some stupid memory pegs. I bet I will be doing them in my sleep tonight. My last class is chorus, and it’s my favorite part of the day. It doesn’t take effort, and it's an escape from reality.

  When the bell rings for the end of the day, I hurry to my locker and stare into it, lost in thoughts of Emmett waiting for me. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I turn and am greeted by Jace.