Beyond the Lights Page 3

  “Nah, we’ve got it covered.”

  “Great! Madelyn, I’m picking you up tomorrow at nine. We’ve got a girls’ day planned. It’s time for the mommy-to-be have a little pampering.” Rolling my eyes, I hate to see what she has in store. “Oh and no worries Tate, I’ll have her home by lunch. What time’s the cookout?”

  “Starts around four.”

  “Great. I’ll see y’all then,” she says as she turns and walks off like she’s up to absolutely nothing.

  Chapter 6

  Addie Mae

  AS MY ALARM SOUNDS, I quickly shower and get ready for the morning. I can’t wait to take Madelyn to have a girls’ day. Taking a cup of black coffee, I sip the warm liquid and take a moment to soak up the country air on the front porch before driving to her house.

  Pulling into the drive, I’m met by Tate.

  “Mornin’, Tate. Can you do me a favor?”

  “Sure.”

  “Tell Sawyer I need him to meet me at the pond no later than twelve thirty. We’ve got a lot to do and a little bit of time. Actually, I’ll text him real quick, but can you make sure it’s done?”

  “I can’t make any promises. He’s a grown ass man, Addie Mae.”

  Shaking my head, I slide out my phone and start to text him when Madelyn comes out the front door, ready to rock and roll.

  “Girl, get off that phone. Time’s wasting and we’ve got to catch up.”

  Laughing, I hurry to finish my text and it isn’t two seconds later that my phone starts to buzz in my pocket. Why is he calling instead of texting back?

  “Mad, I’ve got to take this. Go ahead and I'll be in the truck in a sec.” As soon as she’s out of ear shot, I answer. “What? I can't talk right now.”

  “Damn, California has made you lose your manners. Look, I’ve done everything you asked and I’m not helping decorate for this baby shower. I can put some tables out, but that’s it. I’m done.”

  “Go figure. I knew I couldn’t count on you. Put the tables out and be there before two. I might need you to help stock the coolers if that’s bearable, but I don’t want you to break an arm doing a twelve-ounce curl or anything.”

  “Oh, no worries there’s. I do plenty of those each weekend. I can make sure the Yetis are ready to go. Do I need to make sure you have some fancy wine or something? Wasn’t sure if you were still a cold beer kinda girl. Thought that might be a little below ya.” My veins start to boil and it pisses me off.

  “Look. Think what you want about me, but I’m still a girl from Mason. I prefer cold beer to wine any day of the week, but I also prefer a southern gentleman rather than a cocky son of a bitch when I’m having a conversation.”

  The line goes silent. “Shit, I’m sorry Addie Mae. It’s just I’ve had a lot going on, but with at least one win, a little pressure is off. I’ll have the tables and coolers ready.”

  “Thanks.”

  Hanging up, I try my best to get myself together before hopping in the truck. As I shut it, Madelyn wastes no time.

  “Girl, who has your panties all in a wad?”

  “No one.”

  “Don’t give me that. I’ve not seen you have that much attitude since my brother cock blocked us at that field party.”

  “Uh, he’s always been an ass. Anyways, let’s go have some fun.”

  She pauses and looks at me. “You were talkin’ to Sawyer, weren’t you?”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “You tell me,” she crosses her arms and I’ve got to come up with something good.

  “It wasn’t Sawyer. It was this guy named Mark that won’t leave me alone. I swear, I went out on one date with him and he can’t take no for an answer.”

  “If you knew it was him, why did you answer?”

  “Because he would have kept blowing up my phone. Anyways, it’s over. Let’s go enjoy the morning.”

  “If you say so,” she says, not believing one word of what I told her.

  * * *

  Sawyer

  That girl knows how to work someone’s nerve. I plainly told her I was done and that wasn’t good enough. I should have known. Pulling up to the field house, I’m met by Tate.

  “Who pissed in your cornflakes?”

  “Addie Mae is who.”

  “Well, don’t shoot the messenger but…”

  I toss my hands up, “I know. I’ve got to get the tables and put the beer on ice. I told her I was done after that.”

  Tate laughs and we walk inside. After reviewing the film and prepping for next week’s practice, we go our separate ways. I drive straight to the pond, survey the scene, and ride up to my parents’ to grab tables.

  “Sawyer, y’all need help with anything today?” Mom asks.

  “No, I’ve got to do the tables but Addie Mae will handle the rest. I’m done dealing with her fancy ass.”

  “Sawyer Gram Jackson! I’ve raised you better than that!”

  “It’s the truth. She’s been barking orders at me for months and today she’s taking sis to have some spa day while I work my ass off. Heck no. I’m not her slave.” Mom starts to giggle, “What’s so funny?”

  “You.”

  “Well, I’m glad I could be your entertainment this morning. Want to help with the tables?”

  “Sure, but you might want to get those chairs, too.” She motions toward the side of the barn.

  Rolling my eyes as I turn from her, she knows what I didn’t. Guess that’s why women plan these things and not men.

  After an hour of sweating my ass off in this Texas heat, I go to the corner store and pack the coolers with cold beer and ice. Saving one out for myself, I put it in the console and drive back to the pond. Once they are in place, I take my fishing rod and sit on the dock. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet before the storm of Addie Mae arrives.

  Chapter 7

  Addie Mae

  WALKING INTO THE SALON, MADELYN gasps. “Amazing, right?” I question.

  “How did I not know this place existed?”

  “Stuck in Mason, I guess,” and as I giggle, she doesn’t. “I’m kidding. I actually googled it and was shocked that this place was so close. I can’t wait to see what they offer but I knew mani and pedis were a must.”

  “You have no idea. My feet are swollen up the size of this state and I can’t wait to put on something other than these ugly ass shoes. I’d give anything for a pair of cute sandals or boots. These rubber boats are hideous.”

  “I’m surprised you’re not going barefoot.”

  “Well, Texas law doesn’t allow it in public places, but at home, they are the first things to go.”

  As we finish talking, a cute and trendy blonde approaches us and asks if we have an appointment. I give her my name and confirm the appointment. She quickly takes us back to the pedicure chair and as we sit and talk, she offers us wine and sparkling cider. Clinking our glasses, we toast to friendship and this new little boy on the way.

  Sitting back in the massage chair, I close my eyes and relax for the first time in months. It feels amazing to have someone pamper me instead of being on the other side.

  As I’m about to drift off to sleep, someone approaches the nail technician. “Shannon, my ten cancelled. I’m going to run and grab something to eat. You want anything?” Opening my eyes, I smile at her and she goes to talking then she looks at me again. “Excuse me if this is out of line but that color is phenomenal. You can’t be from around here.”

  Madelyn and I both start to giggle. “Oh, I’m from Mason but work in LA these days. I love it, too, but miss my old color. It was more me, but in my line of work, you’ve got to stay with the trends.”

  The stylist looks at me and then to the nail technician. “Oh my goodness! You’re Addie Turner?”

  I flash my pearly whites, “In the flesh. Nice to meet you. By the way, that blow-out looks amazing.”

  “Thanks! I love having it done. I’ve got time if you’d like one.” Looking at Madelyn, she smiles and I figu
re why not, but what I really want is to take this platinum and trade it in for a more natural look. “Any way you have time to make my platinum more dimensional, with it leaning more toward my natural blonde?”

  “Are you serious right now?”

  “As a heart attack because when it comes to my hair and skin, I don’t joke around. Madelyn, do you care?”

  “We’ve got all that time in the world. Well, except the cookout this afternoon. I don’t know why Tate insisted we be back by lunch.”

  Glancing at my watch, I know she’s got plenty of time to work some magic and when the technician finishes with Madelyn, she takes her to the nail table to give her the perfect manicure. I thought about asking if Madelyn wanted a massage or something else, but the look on her face says this is perfect. A little pampering and girl time is exactly what she needed.

  After an hour of processing and the most amazing blow-out ever, she spins me around and I’m speechless. The undertones of platinum shine through the variations of blonde but they have almost vanished. It’s a natural but trendy look that is perfect for work and Mason. I love it.

  “It’s perfect. Thank you so much! Madelyn, what do you think?”

  Looking my direction, a smile spreads across her face. It’s gorgeous and to think, you didn’t even have to go all city to look like it.”

  I pay for both of us and we drive back toward Mason. Stopping at the bakery, we grab a donut and coffee before taking Madelyn back home.

  Pulling into the driveway, Madelyn says, “I had the best morning. It’s been forever since I did something for myself, but also with someone that gets me. Thank goodness you didn’t get me a massage. I would have died.”

  “I know, girl. I had a blast. I’m going to go home and visit before the cookout. I’ll see you there.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  The moment she’s in the house, I put the truck in reverse, hurry home, grab everything I need, and hurry to set up for the best baby shower ever.

  Pulling up to the pond, I see that Sawyer has come through with the tables and cooler. I also notice that his Jeep is parked down by the pond. Gosh, I’d give anything sit on that dock and toss in a line.

  Opening the door, I slide out and grab an arm full as I walk toward the table. Within thirty minutes, all tables are decorated and everything is perfect. Taking a step back, I let out a deep breath. “It looks good,” I hear coming from behind me and jump out of my skin. Turning around, I see Sawyer.

  “Thanks for getting the tables and cooler. Look, I’m sorry if I added more to your first week coaching. I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just you were here and I needed someone she wouldn’t suspect to help me out.”

  “No problem.” He pauses and smiles. “Anything else we need to do?” What in the hell is wrong with Sawyer and why is he all of a sudden trying to be helpful? Looking around, I know that I need to grab the picture booth out of the truck.

  “Can you help me get one more thing out of the truck?”

  He starts to walk to the truck without a word. Sliding the picture booth from the bed of the truck, he looks at me confused. “It’s a picture booth. We’re all going to take pics and then write a note to little man. People can be as silly or serious as they like. I thought it would be fun.” He shrugs his shoulders, but helps me with the task at hand. Once everything is set up, I take another look around and am impressed with how well it’s come together. Glancing at my watch, I know it’s almost time to get changed, “Come on, let’s test it out.”

  “Huh?”

  Grabbing Sawyer by the hand, I grab a few signs and props. Grabbing his ball cap, I remove it from his head. “What the hell are you doing?” Smiling, I put the helmet on him, hand him the blue bib stick, and I slide on his Mason football hat, hold the defense sign, and set the timer on the camera.

  “How is it you get to look normal and here I am with a freaking baby bib?” he says as he turns to look at me and all I can do is laugh.

  “I’ve always been a pain in your ass, why stop now?” I say with a smile. While we wait for the picture to appear, we put everything back in place and I give Sawyer his hat back. When it finishes in the printer, I take it in my hand and he quickly snatches it first. “Hey! Let me see.”

  He looks at it a moment, shrugs his shoulders and passes it my way. He begins to turn to walk back toward the cooler.

  “Where you going? You’ve got to sign it and put it in the scrapbook for little man.”

  “We’re going to leave that for him to remember us by?”

  “That’s the point. Plus, it will let him see who put this shindig on.”

  “Fine,” Sawyer says as he walks over to the scrapbook and begins to write. Glancing over his shoulder, I’m surprised to see what he’s written.

  He passes me the pen, “You really think he’s going to call me Aunt Addie?”

  “I don’t know why he wouldn’t,” he says as he walks toward the cooler.

  I finish signing and look at my watch. Crap. I’ve got to get moving. “You going to hang out here?”

  “Yeah, I’m going to get the grill going in about twenty minutes.”

  “Great, I’m going to go and change, but I’ll be back before it starts.”

  Arriving home, I quickly freshen up and look in the mirror. My makeup screams Cali, but my heart cries for Texas. Turning on the local country station, I wash my face and take my time reapplying my makeup, but today, it’s a more natural look that matches my long flowing hair. Going to my suitcase, I pull out the dress that I had planned to wear. It’s not overly fancy but more than a Texas cookout. It feels as if it’s too much for today. I want to wear something cute, comfortable, and me. Going through my closet, I pray for something that might be in style and still fit when there’s a knock on the door.

  “Come in,” I say as I continue to rummage through the closet.

  “Betsy and I went to the local boutique today while you were out. I saw this and thought it looked like you.” Looking at my mama, I see her holding a royal purple off the shoulder dress that hits above the knee. It has a gold lace trim and screams college tailgate. Smiling, I realize it’s perfect.

  “Thanks, Mama.”

  “You are so welcome, and you’re boots in there will be perfect. Oh, and I love the hair.”

  A smile escapes her lips as she leaves me alone while the country music continues to play. Today isn’t only about a baby shower, it’s about a day I get to be me. Plain ole Addie Mae Turner.

  * * *

  Sawyer

  This shower starts in twenty minutes and Addie Mae has yet to make it back. What in the hell is taking her so long? I think as I look at the time on my watch.

  “Did you get the score of the Longhorn game?” Kyle asks.

  “Yeah, 14-7.” I glance at the time again. “I’m going to go grab the radio so we can listen instead of eating up my phone data. I really wish my parents would put a TV out here.”

  “That would be pretty awesome.”

  Walking to the barn, I grab the radio and turn on the football game. As we take another beer from the cooler, I glance up to the drive. Still nothing. Downing the beer in about three gulps, I can’t help but wonder where the hell is she? Kyle showed up early for the beer and Jessie will be back after she runs to town for one more last-minute gift.

  “Calm down, Sawyer, she’ll be here. You know she had to get all gussied up and Hollywood on us,” Kyle states with a laugh and just then the laugh stops as the truck pulls into view, but it’s what we see when she steps out that makes me completely speechless. “Damn, that’s no Hollywood, that’s like Sweet Home Alabama right there.”

  “Yeah, if that’s what you like.” Knowing right now in this moment, Addie Mae looks like the most perfect Southern Belle I’ve ever seen. I swear, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was heading to an LSU tailgate in that dress. Moving toward the beer cooler, I grab another cold one to quench my thirst and that’s when I sense her standing behind me. “Sorry, ge
tting ready took longer than expected. Can you pass me one?” she says and I count to three before turning around. Something about the way she looks today is different. I’m not sure if it’s the way she wore my ball cap in that picture or if it’s that she’s not all flashy and made up. She’s more natural, more Texas, but she ain’t Texas anymore and I don’t know if this is real or just all for show. Passing her the beer, she smiles and it’s that smile she used to flash when we were kids. The one that said I think you’re cute, but you are off limits. It’s also the one she would show to a few of my teammates and when they’d talk about what they’d like to do with her, I’d have to let them know she and Madelyn were off limits. As much of a pain in my ass she’s been my entire life, I’ve always felt that I needed to protect her. She’s a good girl and deserves to have a man that knows what he’s getting. A girl that knows what she wants, works hard to reach her goals, and one that will stop at nothing to be the best in everything she does.

  As she pops open the top, I could swear I’m living in a damn Bud commercial. She looks like a piece of heaven right here in Mason, and when I hear my name called, I turn to see Madelyn waddling down here with Tate by her side.

  Raising my beer to them, Addie Mae looks to them as well. “I guess it’s show time, Sawyer. You ready?”

  “For what?” She starts to giggle and I know I’m in trouble. She has something up her sleeve, that’s for damn sure.

  Following behind her, we walk up to my sister and it takes a moment for Madelyn to begin to take in the scene around her. Tears start to well up in her eyes and she looks between us.

  “Oh my gosh, it was you this morning on the phone.” Putting her hands on her hips, I prepare for a lashing. “Both of you are up to no good! This isn’t a cookout, is it?”

  “Um, look around, Mad, and you tell me,” she says in the sweetest tone. My sister pauses and her hand goes to her mouth. She walks away from us and begins to wander around the tables. She picks up the decorations and looks back at us.

  “Y’all, this isn’t a cookout, it’s a baby shower!” She squeals and Addie Mae hurries over to her. “I take it back, y’all were up to so much good! Tate, did you know, too?”