Along for the Ride Read online

  “Now children, keep our hands to yourself or if not, at least get a room.”

  In unison, we both turn our heads toward her, “Shut up, Laurel!”

  Without another word, Chase puts the truck in drive, I crank up the radio and we cruise down the interstate to Joe’s. It’s time to leave the small town of Lattimore behind like we do each and every Friday and Saturday night.

  Chase

  The moment Laurel pulls that mess, I know it’s time to go. There is no reason to even keep my hopes up about Bella Blu and myself. The closest I’ve ever gotten to a date with her was at the Harvest Festival dance when we were seventeen. Oh, who am I kidding? That was the best night of my life, until she woke up and friend-zoned me again. Here we are as grown adults and still best friends. She’s made it very clear that’s all we will ever be, but there are moments like what just occurred that make that little piece of hope trapped inside my heart begin to flicker. I know what her perfect lips taste like and the look in her eyes when she wants more than what she’s willing to admit. Did I mention that sucks?

  I’m trying to focus on the radio, but it’s no use. When her sweet but sultry voice sings along, my manhood starts to spring to life. Down boy. She’s off the market for us. Glancing her way, I can’t help but stare because she’s the simple kind of beautiful. She’s one that doesn’t realize that when she walks into a room, all the heads turn. When she takes her guitar and begins to sing, all eyes go to her, but most importantly when she spends her free time helping young kids in our community learn to play the guitar, she steals everyone’s heart. Problem is…she stole my heart a long, long time ago.

  As Miranda Lambert’s newest release, “Tin Man,” plays through the speakers, I know I’m done for. Laurel taps me on the shoulder, knowing this is about to be amazing. She’s right and so am I. As she closes her eyes and takes in only the music, I watch as she becomes one with the song. The hurt, soul, and power that comes through that sweet person beside me shows how truly powerful she has become.

  When the song ends, she is transported back to reality and looks my direction with a smile. “ You singing that one tonight?” Laurel questions.

  “Maybe,” she says, holding my eyes a moment too long.

  “If you do, there won’t be dry eye in the house,” she finishes.

  “I think you’re right, Laurel. That’s the perfect song tonight for amateur night. If it doesn't make the crowd stop in their tracks, I don’t know what will.”

  “Oh stop it, y’all! I’m not that good.”

  “You keep tellin’ yourself that because one day, Laurel and I are going to say we knew you when.”

  She shakes it off like she always does, but there are big things in her future.

  Chapter 2

  Belle

  As Chase pulls into the deserted gravel lot, I check my makeup one more time as Laurel does the same.

  Closing the mirror, I see Chase looking in his rearview. I know exactly what he’s up to, a brake check. I quickly put the top on my lipstick and try to warn Laurel, but it’s too late. He slams on the brakes and Laurel squeals a high-pitched squeal that I’m sure has called every animal within a hundred-mile radius, then a few choice unlady-like words follow. “You jerk! Now look!” she announces, pointing to her face.

  As I turn around, I do my best not to laugh at the black line of eyeliner crossing her cheekbone.

  “I don’t have a clue what you’re talkin’ ‘bout,” he giggles and before I know it, I’m laughing right along.

  “A’ight, y’all two. It’s all fun and games until my makeup gets messed up. Let’s see if I slip either of you a free beer tonight.”

  Chase pauses and turns to her. “However will I survive? No beer from good ol’ Laurs? I guess I’ll have to suck up to Tina the beer babe tonight. Dang, that sucks.”

  “Oh, don’t act like that wasn’t your plan already,” I announce. “You’ve been sucking up to her since the day her and her big ol’ tits got hired. She’s like every dude's dream.”

  “What is that, Bella Blu? Are you jealous?”

  Rolling my shoulders back, I let my own pair of girls stand up at attention, “No, I’ve got my own pair. I don’t need hers.”

  “Good point, but you don’t walk around in an American flag bikini top all night either.”

  “That’s exactly right. My mama taught me you gotta o have some respect. Heck, why buy the milk when you get the cow for free?”

  “Who and what?” he says, confused. Laurel and I shake our heads as we hop out of the truck. I try to help her remove the eyeliner but it’s no use, she says she’ll fix it inside. I grab my guitar, shut the truck door, and walk toward the employee entrance. Looking around, there’s not a car or truck in the parking lot. No music is beating through the tin walls and it looks as if only ghosts come here to play, but looks can be deceiving. It’s a ghost town when the sun’s blazing in the sky, but the moment it goes to bed, all the good ol’ country folk come out to play. Tonight, you can take your pick on the action—hot as molasses country boys, drunk girls riding the bull, two-stepping, liquid courage running high and strong, but most importantly, I get to do what my heart beats for daily. It’s amateur night, so instead of working the merchandise station, I get to take the stage.

  Walking inside, we’re greeted by Mark, the manager.

  “Hey, y’all,” he pauses as he looks at Laurel. “What happened to your face?” he says, stating the obvious.

  “Him,” she says, pointing to Chase, “decided to brake check in the parking lot. Now I’ve got to pray that I can fix it with bar soap and a paper towel.” Chase starts to laugh and I swear if her eyes were daggers, he’d be dead now.

  “I feel for you, Chase,” Mark says as he looks at Laurel. “Belle, looks like tonight's going to draw a good crowd. I know that a lot of folks are already in town for race week, I’ve got a feeling tonight’s going to be a packed house.”

  We all look at each other, “Um, Mark, it’s 1-2-3 night. No worries here,” Chase says, stating the obvious.

  “Nah, I’ve got a feeling that something different is coming, or better yet, someone is coming.”

  “Oh, okay,” I say, reassuring him because Mark says this each week. It’s his way of speaking to the country music gods that be. Joe’s is known for a great time, amazing concerts, and once you’ve visited here, you’ll never forget it. However, amateur night has just been that. It’s local people on stage with great talent. No big breaks. No special guests. It’s just plain ol’ country folk like myself.

  Chase

  For the past two hours, we’ve made sure that all the beer is stocked, the bathrooms have toilet paper, and Belle has double-checked the merchandise table three times and given Julie, her fill-in, specific instructions on how it works. I can’t help but smile at the pride she has in anything she does. Tonight is her night. It’s her night to shine, not work like the rest of us. She gets to take the stage with the house band, sing like the star she was born to be, and the best thing about it is I get to watch her shine day in and out, both on and off stage.

  Glancing at my watch, I know it’s about time to get the party started. I notice Tina has her washtub of beer fully stocked and still has her shirt on. She looks my direction and I give her a wink. She’s hot, but she’s not the girl I’ve got my eyes on. Chance or not, I’m not giving up on Bella Blu.

  Chapter 3

  Belle

  As the house lights dim, it’s showtime. The house band is warmed up and ready to go. As they finish their last note, the sound of Jake Bryant’s newest release plays through the speakers.

  Taking a seat at the bar near Laurel, I motion for a cold one. She ignores me and walks around the bar to speak to Oliver who operates the mechanical bull. Shaking my head, I know she’s just trying to pay me back, but she also might be trying to get a ride from Oliver Fox because that country boy is scrumptious and the way he knows how to ride a bull can only mean one thing.

  “Quit staring
. It’s not nice,” a voice whispers in my ear as I jump off the stool. Chase begins to laugh and I turn to smack his arm, knowing it will do little good.

  “I wasn’t starin’. I was admiring a beautiful view,” I counter back to him.

  “Right, that's what they call it these days,” he says with a laugh, “and I don’t look at Tina’s tits.” Shrugging my shoulders, it’s stupid to try and act like I wasn’t picturing Oliver Fox, professional bull rider, shirtless on that mechanical bull. “That’s what I thought. So, is Laurel ignoring you?”

  “I think so, but I think Oliver’s just a distraction. Let’s see what happens when she finishes with that customer that just walked up.”

  “Crap. Guess I better get to my spot,” he says.

  “Yeah, you better. Mark will have your head.”

  He shrugs his shoulders and in that moment, Chase looks like a little kid. The boy that stood up for me when Tommy Sanders pushed me off the playground swing, the guy that made sure to tell me I had a voice of gold, but more importantly, the guy that has always been by my side through thick and thin. After the night at the trestle, he took it upon himself to protect me even more. Finally, Laurel makes her way past me and continues to ignore me. That hussy! “Hey, bartender. I did help you fix your face, remember?” She smiles and goes back to work.

  “If I remember correctly, it didn’t work out so well and I had to come inside.”

  “True, but at least I tried and was trying to warn you. I just wasn’t fast enough.”

  “Good point,” she pops a top on a cold one then slides it my direction.

  “Where’s mine?” a rich voice says from the corner to our right.

  “Over there with the American flag,” Laurel motions with a straight face.

  “Just thought I’d check before I walked over there. I’d hate to waste a few steps and good quality time with my girls for a pair of boobs and a beer.”

  We roll our eyes, “Yup, better get to steppin’.” We both laugh as Chase walks over there, I swivel around on the stool to watch. This is going to be great free entertainment even if his choice of women sucks. Over the years, I’ve heard enough to know that he’s had plenty of experience in the female department.

  Chase walks all tall and macho boy to her and when I look at Tina, I can see the excitement in her face. Dear heavens to Betsy! She is clueless. He’s just in it for the show and free beer. “Lord, if dirt was stupidity, she’d cover an acre,” Laurel says as she takes a sip of a concoction in a plastic cup.

  “That’s not very nice. I know she’s not the brightest, but she’s nice.”

  “Yeah, nice. There’s nothing great about being nice. The only thing that’s gonna do is get you run over by a bulldozer.”

  “Good point. Pass me another one, will ya?”

  “What do I look like your beer maid??”

  We start to laugh because tonight that’s exactly what she is, or more like water after this one. I’ve got a stage to focus on and alcohol will do nothing but make me look like a fool.

  Turning our attention back to Chase, I give him a whistle when she starts to grin like an opossum and then hands him a beer. He turns his back to us and I notice Tina looking our way. Quickly I spin around and burst out laughing.

  “I hate to know what she thinks about the two of us.”

  “She better recognize. It’s a package deal. Don’t think we won’t bust up all in their conversation to piss him off and show her who’s boss,” I say and start to laugh, but stop mid-laugh when I realize that Laurel isn’t laughing with me. “What?”

  “No. Y’all two are a package deal. I don’t have a pot to piss in with the two of you.”

  “Whatever. You know we love you.”

  “Back at ya. What’s the plan for tonight?” Laurel asks.

  “Whatcha mean?”

  “Like, anything new? Are you going to cover someone or another original?

  “I think I might sing "Tin Man" for starters and depending on how many people sign up tonight, I’ll turn it up a notch with something upbeat.”

  “Well, you might as well make a set list because you know Mark’s going to have you up there as much as possible. I don’t know why he doesn’t just add you to the house band anyways. You’re way better at that than selling merchandise.”

  Taking my beer, I take a long pull, “Good point.”

  Chase

  Those two are seriously up to no good, and as much as I want to give Tina the time of day, I’m a sucker for a girl with golden hair who’s sitting at the bar. This lets me bide my time and give Tina what she wants for a few minutes.

  “So, want to go grab a bite after we close tonight?” she questions.

  “I’d love to, but if so, I’ve got two tag-a-longs,” I motion across my shoulder.

  “Oh,” she says flatly. “Y’all always ride together?’

  I take another swig of my beer, “Yeah, it makes sense. No need to waste all that gas.”

  “I guess, but don’t you ever just want to go out or heck, hook-up?”

  My eyes go wide. She did not just say that out loud. Lord, those two will have a field day with that one.

  “Well, every now and then it’s nice to be alone, but usually I’m so worn out from working all day then coming here, I’m ready to call it a night.

  “Oh.”

  “I mean, don’t take that the wrong way. I’m honestly not a hook-up kind of guy.” Her face flushes and I feel terrible.

  “Oh gosh, I wasn’t meaning that. I mean…” As she begins to ramble, I do the gentlemanly-like thing. I come to her rescue.

  “Tina, you’re beautiful and fun to talk to. Any guy would be stupid not to want to go out with you. You are worth more than a hook-up. Remember that,” I say with a wink as she smiles. Excusing myself, I walk back across the bar toward my location for the night. Glancing toward Laurel and Belle, I lift by beer in a cheers motion, smile when they do the same, and get to work.

  Chapter 4

  Belle

  Finishing my beer, I excuse myself to the powder room. Giving myself my normal pep talk, I get ready for the night. Walking back out into the bar area, I notice that the first performer is up there. It’s a young guy with a belt buckle the size of Texas singing his best karaoke version of Garth Brooks. You’ve got to be kidding me. Shaking my head, I walk back toward Laurel and grab my bottle of water then walk toward Chase.

  “You good?” he questions.

  “Yeah, I still get nervous even though I could sing in my sleep.”

  “Well, sometimes you do, you know?” he says, nudging me.

  “Hush, you know that was a long time ago. I don’t do that anymore. Besides, what were we, like ten, and I was wore out from swimmin’ all day.”

  “True, but even in your sleep you sing perfectly.” Taking my hands, I make a heart and place it over mine and look at him. He has a way with words that soothes my soul. After two more performers and a few covers by the house band, they take a break. I walk around the bar, check on Julie, and then walk back toward Laurel.

  As I make my way from the entrance to the other side of the room where she is located, I’m stopped by a very tall, blond, and scrumptious country boy.

  “Miss, would you like to dance?” he asks. Lord knows he’s cute, but I don’t have time right now.

  “I can’t right now. Sorry.” He invades my space and I take a step back.

  “Come on, it’s one little song. I’ve seen you around but you’re usually workin’.”

  “No merchandise tonight. I’ll be singing after while. Maybe later?”

  “Sure,” he says but his eyes tell me more. Without glancing over my shoulder, I already know who it is. In fact, I couldn’t tell this hot country boy yes because of what song was coming through the speaker.

  “Promise?” He nods and I turn to see Chase standing there waiting for me. Glancing back, I notice that the hottie has moved on the next girl and didn’t think twice. Smiling, he reaches his hand out to min
e, and I take the dance floor with him as Tim and Faith’s “It’s Your Love” continues to play. I’m sure you’re all thinking what in the world, but you have to understand something. Long before we started working here, we used to come and be the drunk folks that partied here. One night a guy wouldn’t leave me alone and Chase stepped in to save me. I didn’t ask, he just did. This was the song that was playing and from that moment forward, it was our song. It’s stupid, cheesy, and we both sing it and act a fool while it’s playing. Not once ounce of romance with it at all. It’s who we are and why I love him and couldn’t ask for a better best friend.

  Chase

  The moment I see that idiot talking to Bella Blu, I motion toward the sound booth. They know the drill. It’s not like I’m trying to block every guy from her, but let’s face it. All the guys here tonight want one thing- sex. I can’t have her getting sucked into that world. I know we’re not kids anymore, in fact, we’re grown adults, but I still feel like it’s my duty to protect her.

  As she dances in my arms, we both sing louder than we should and the couples around us look at us like we’ve lost our minds. We ignore them, and as the last verse begins, I do what I always do. I pull her in and sway to the music.

  When the song vanishes, I hear Mark begin talking on stage. I know what’s about to happen. She’s about to prance right up there and steal the show like she does each and every time.

  When the lights come to her, I let go, give her a smile and root for her on stage, then I make my way back to my location to work for the remainder of the night.

  Chapter 5

  Jake

  Hot, tired, and wore slap out. That is my reality. Today I was lucky enough to perform at Race Street as a headliner, but once my set was done, so was I. There’s only one thing stopping me—Joe’s.

  Six years ago, I performed on that small stage with dreams of making it big. I had signed with a label, promises were being made, and I had high hopes. However, I had no idea that a few small little bars could change my life. This was one of them. I owe Mark and the locals big. It was my first sold out spot on the tour, and I’ll never forget the sound of people singing with me in the crowd, especially the songs that weren’t on the radio at the time. So tonight, it doesn’t matter that I’m tired, it’s my duty as Jake Bryant, a current headliner, to pay my respects to my roots.