Loving Charley Read online

  As I reach for him, the officers remove my hands, and I crumble toward the ground only to be comforted by my dad. When did he get here? I briefly think before continuing to fall to pieces. Knowing that I need to be strong, I pull myself from my self-pity with my dad’s help.

  Standing, I can see Cash being placed into the back of the cop car, and I begin to slowly make my way toward the car with Dad by my side. I have to tell him I love him if nothing else.

  “Officer, can you wait a minute?” I ask between sniffles. He nods.

  Walking to the glass, I place my hand on it, and Cash does the same. I look through the glass into his eyes and tell him I love him, and he does the same. Blowing him a kiss, I back away and watch as the car pulls down the driveway. When I can no longer see him, I turn to my dad and bawl my eyes out.

  Chapter 8

  As I continue to cry, I hear the voice of Mr. Montgomery. They are eager to find out the outcome once Cash comes face-to-face with the magistrate. Wasting no time, they call Cash’s lawyer and make their way to the police station.

  Dad wraps his arms around my shoulders and hugs me close. He guides me to the truck, leaving my four-wheeler, and we drive in silence back to our house. When we arrive, we don’t get out. Instead, Mama and Tessa meet us and get into the truck. It’s time to talk to a lawyer about the situation with Dylan. The sooner this is over, the better.

  There aren’t but two sets of attorneys within Grassy Pond. As we arrive at the small brick building, I notice the place looks pretty well maintained, unlike several of the offices in town. We get out, and Dad tells the receptionist that we are here to see Becky Horn. She picks up the phone, and we take a seat for what feels like an eternity. Finally, we are called back to Mrs. Horn’s office.

  Walking into the office is very intimidating. There is fine furniture around, perfectly placed books, chairs, and the smell of dominance permeates the air. I think I like her already. I know someone strong is going to have to be up for this battle, and Becky Horn is it.

  We take our seats around the long table as she takes out my file. Without saying a word, she reads it quietly and then removes her reading glasses. She places her hands in her lap and begins to speak.

  “Miss Rice, I’m Becky Horn. I’m glad to meet you, but not under the current circumstances. I’m sure you do not want to hear this from me, but before you got here, I was on the phone with the district attorney. We will be working together on the case. He informed me that Mr. Sloan has been arrested as well. He’s getting booked as we speak.” Panic fills my eyes as I look at Tessa. She knows what I’m thinking. Cash is getting booked, too. Now, if that ain’t some shit, I don’t know what is. As if she can read what I’m thinking, she continues, “They aren’t going to be near each other if that is what you are worried about, sweetheart. That has been made sure of already.”

  Relief washes over me, and I’m able to actually listen to what she has to say. “Charley, I wish you would have come to the police about this sooner, but I do understand why you didn’t. These four walls are completely confidential. You need to tell me everything that you can and not hold back any information. I know that we have solid evidence, but the Sloans have big money and are going to do what they can to make you look like the bad guy. No matter what, we are coming out on top. So, are you ready for this?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” I answer.

  Mrs. Horn informs us of everything that will happen once Dylan goes before the magistrate. She believes the judge will not go lightly on him. Even if he has bond, she thinks it will be high with a lot of restrictions. He will most likely not be able to leave the county. I am able to do pretty much what I like, and she believes that I should return to school and keep things as normal as possible until the hearing. My parents, Tessa, and I agree, but I know I don’t want to leave Cash. I ask what might happen to him, and she explains the worst-case scenario. Needless to say, I’m hoping the judge sees that he was defending me.

  Once we discuss a few more items, we shake hands and leave. We won’t have to do much until the court date is upon us, but that will be like a huge cloud lingering above my head. I don’t say much as we get into the car. Tessa takes my hand and just holds it. That’s enough right now. Honestly, it’s not enough. I need to know what is going on with Dylan and Cash.

  Rather than driving back to the house, Dad stops at the general store for a few items for the farm. Tessa and I don’t get out. I stare out the window unaware of my surroundings. I’m brought back to reality when Tessa gets a phone call from Dustin.

  I wait anxiously for her to hang up. She gets very quiet on the phone, and I’m unsure what type of conversation she’s having with him. Uneasiness fills my veins. I know that I will get a few answers, but in my heart of hearts, I’m uncertain if I want to hear them. She hangs up, and I give her no time to process her conversation with him.

  “What did he say?” I question.

  She looks at me, and tears form in her eyes. “He said that he can’t see me right now.”

  “He what?” I ask as I snap my head toward her. “What the hell? It’s not your fault.” Realizing I need to push my emotional roller coaster to the side, I know it’s time to let Tessa lean on me. I slide close to her and let her cry. “Ya know, maybe it’s his parents. You know he loves you, and y’all are perfect together. Just let this pass and see what happens.” She nods, but the tears continue to stream down her face. I don’t bother asking about Dylan or Cash, because right now, my sister is what is important.

  Mama and Dad are taking their time, and I’m glad. Tessa begins to brush away the tears. “I know that’s why; he’s doing what makes them happy. He used to tell me all the time he wished he wasn’t a Sloan. Hopefully, once this is over, things will be okay, but you have to know what else he told me.”

  “You don’t have to, ya know.”

  “Yes, I do. He said that they just got the verdict from the magistrate.” I listen carefully. “You want the good or bad news first?”

  “Bad, I guess.”

  “Dylan is being held on a $95,000 bond with a court date in a month. He can’t leave the county, though, so he can kiss his college career and swimming career goodbye.”

  “Okay, but $95,000 is nothing to his family. I’d be surprised if he’s not on his way out already. So, what’s the good news?”

  “They ran into Cash’s family because he was next in line. They hung out long enough to see what was going to happen to him. He got a $7,500 bond until his court date in a month because they have their own lawyers.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  “What do we do now, Char?”

  “Well, it’s like this. We stick together because we always have and always will. You were my best friend before Cash, and I know that we will always be there for each other.”

  “I love you, Char, even if I don’t say it enough.”

  “You don’t have to because I know. I love you too, Tess.”

  We wait until our parents return to make it back to the farm. I’m dying to hear from Cash or his parents, but I really want to talk to Dustin. I have to know if he’s pushing Tessa to the side because of his family. If so, I have to tell him to fight for her because she’s not worth losing.

  Chapter 9

  Once we are home, all of us try to get back to a normal day. Dad goes to work on the farm, Mama starts figuring out what she is going to cook for supper, and Tessa and I try to keep our minds occupied. Tessa decides that she doesn’t want to stay home and goes to her friend Sally’s. I’m on pins and needles to hear from Cash, but as soon as Tessa’s car is nothing but dust on the road, I try to get a hold of Dustin. Picking up my phone, I call because there is no need to text. I need to hear his voice and know how he feels. Just when I think it’s going to go to voicemail, a hesitant voice answers.

  “Hello?”

  “Dustin, can you talk?” I ask.

  “Hold up a sec.” I hear him fumbling with something and then hear his mama in the background. He s
ays something to her about having to get something for one of his friends and that he will be right back. Once I hear a door shut, he speaks, “Are you freakin’ crazy calling me?”

  “No, I’m not crazy, but I believe you might be. What the hell? My sister is a total mess! I just need to know one thing. Did you mean it?”

  Dustin begins to talk, but then stops. “Things are really bad here right now. I can’t be with her, but it’s to protect her. I have no idea what would happen if she showed up at my house right now.”

  “So, you didn’t mean it? Can I at least tell her that?”

  “Yeah, and tell her I do love her. Give me a few days to see how things are around here. Just let her know as soon as I can see her, I will, but I had to make that look real to my parents. I gotta go.”

  “Okay, I’ll tell her. Oh, and thanks for not being like your brother.”

  We disconnect, and a wave of relief washes over me. Thank goodness! I have got to let Tessa know. I text her to call me ASAP. She calls within seconds.

  “Everything okay?” she questions.

  “Better than okay for you, I’d say. I talked to Dustin.”

  “You did what?!” she yells.

  “Bring it down a notch. You might want to hear what I have to say.”

  “Spill it. We’re about to pig out on ice cream and watch a sappy chick flick.”

  “He still loves you, and he’s gonna call you as soon as he can. Tessa, he just said that because he had to make it look real to his parents.”

  She pauses. “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah.”

  “If it’s true, I hope he calls soon, because as much as I love him, I can’t wait on him forever.”

  There it is. The sister I know. She’s strong, independent, and not going to let anyone, even the one she loves, hold her back.

  “I just wanted you to know.” I inhale a deep breath. “I’m waiting to hear from Cash. I hope he doesn’t have to stay there long.

  “Me either. I’ll see you in a little while. Love you.”

  “Love ya, too.” We disconnect, and I go to pacing the floor.

  I have no idea how much time has lapsed as I continue to pace, running different scenarios through my brain. My mind begins to run wild when the most beautiful voice begins to speak.

  “Slow down there, Char-coal, before you wear the floor out.” I freeze. It can’t be true. Oh my gosh, but it is. I stop, turn on my heels, and see the most perfect man to ever exist on this Earth.

  “Cash…” I manage to utter before he rushes toward me and swoops me up into his arms. We don’t use words; we use actions to show our emotions. I never want to risk losing him again, even though I know that possibility is still in the future. So, until that day, I’m not going anywhere.

  Chapter 10

  Cash and I spend the remainder of the day doing what we do best, spending time with each other on the farm. We take rides on the four-wheeler, fish, and attempt to keep our minds off things.

  As nighttime approaches, we have a decision to make. Do we go home to our own houses, or do we stay here?

  “Cash, you’re not leaving me tonight.”

  “I wasn’t planning on it. I do need to go home for a little while. You wanna go?”

  I nod in agreement, and we make our way to his house. We have been avoiding the conversation about our future. Instead, we focus on the here and now.

  Opening the screen door to Cash’s house, we are hit with the wonderful aroma of his mama’s cooking. Needless to say, she and my mama are neck and neck with who’s the best. I look at him, and he knows what I’m thinking.

  “Wanna stay for supper?”

  “I think that’s obvious, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I figured.”

  Walking in, Cash hollers to let his mama know we are here. We enter the kitchen, and she is drying her hands with a dishtowel. Then, she walks toward me and embraces me in a tight squeeze.

  “Charley, I want you to know I don’t blame you for anything. No one understands why we’re at this point now, but God knows and has a plan. You have always been my Cashy’s favorite; therefore, you will always be my favorite. He loves you, and we do, too. We’re all in this together.”

  “Thank you,” I reply as she lets me go, and we set the table.

  When Mr. Montgomery enters the kitchen, he is taken aback when he sees me. “Charley,” he says with a nod before he excuses himself to clean up for supper.

  I’m uncertain of how to take that, as Mrs. Montgomery gives me her two cents. “He just has a lot to understand, take in, and figure out. Regardless, he feels the same way that I do about you. He is just dealing with things differently.”

  When Mr. Montgomery returns, we all fix our plates and eat. Things are quieter than usual, but not uncomfortable. At the table, they discuss what the plan is for the future and possible outcomes for Cash. I don’t say much; it’s not my place. In fact, I just want to disappear at the moment.

  After supper is finished, we help clean up, and then I walk upstairs with Cash to pack a bag and gather a few other essentials for the club.

  “Are you sure they’re all right?” I ask as I help him stuff a few movies into the bag.

  He stops, walks around to my side of the bed, and turns me to face him. Taking my chin in his hand, he tilts my eyes to his. “They’re fine. It’s a lot to take in. Remember, we are all that matters. When this is over, everything will be exactly like it’s supposed to be.”

  “I just don’t know, Cash Money. I feel like this might make things different.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I feel like after this is over, people aren’t going to look at me the same. Do you think people ‘round here will believe me?”

  He wraps his arms around my body. “I know it’s true, and that video proves it to all that weren’t there. If they don’t believe it, then they’re just as bad as him.”

  We finish getting everything together and go by my house to pick up a few things as well. When we walk inside, Mama has a basket packed.

  “What’s this?” I ask.

  “Sweet girl, I’ve known y’all long enough. I’ll see you in the mornin’,” she says with a wink.

  After I hurry upstairs to grab a few items, we are on our way. I’m so ready for this, and I know Cash is, too.

  Today, we drive his truck out there instead of our ATV’s. There is a chill in the air when we reach the club. I pick up the basket while Cash gathers our bags. He goes up first and then takes the basket from me so I can make my way up.

  Once we are situated for the night, we take a look inside the basket, and I can’t help but smile. PB&J’s, Choice Cherry Gold, and Mama’s homemade peach cobbler. I laugh when I look at what else she put in there. A bag of popped popcorn with M&M’s.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Mama. She knows us too well.” He smiles when I pull it from the basket.

  “Yes, she does.”

  Cash takes a blanket and lays it on the floor while I move the basket beside us. I stand after I place it on the floor, and I’m met by warm, rough, yet tender, hands reaching under the hem of my shirt. Cash wraps his arms around me from the back, and I turn my neck to meet him. As I do, he places a tender kiss on my neck.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

  With a smirk, he replies, “Why’s that?”

  “‘Cause stuff like that can lead to trouble.”

  “After the past forty-eight hours, I’m up for a little trouble.”

  “‘Bout damn time,” I say as I turn to face him and take charge.

  For the first time in a long time, Cash lets me take the lead. My lips press his firmly and forcefully. The hunger I feel for him has only increased with our current situation. I’m not willing to put off showing him how I feel.

  Unable to control himself any longer, he lifts me off the ground, and I wrap my legs around his firm body. It’s very evident how much he is enjoying this. He takes me to the futon and la
ys me down as he hovers on top of me. This is it! We continue to explore each other’s body, and when I go for his belt, he stops. OMG! He’s killin’ me here! He shakes his head no. Looking into those beautiful eyes, I give him the saddest face possible and try to work my magic.

  Cash places his hands on each side of my head as he looks directly into my puppy dog eyes. “Char-coal, I’ve already told you about that.”

  “Can’t we just mess around or somethin’? You’re killin’ me!” I exclaim.

  “We could, but not right now. I don’t want our emotions to be the reason things happen. If I know you, you’re thinkin’ about a million what ifs in that cute mind of yours.” I can’t say anything because he’s right. He bends down to my lips and kisses them quickly. “That’s what I thought. Come on,” he says as he stands and pulls me up.

  Crossing my arms and pouting my lip, I respond, “You’re no fun.”

  “Oh, Char-coal, I’m too much fun. You might not be able to handle all of this.”

  “How about let’s just see about that?” I smirk.

  “We will one day … soon,” he says with emphasis.

  Soon? What does that mean? Is he already planning this out in his mind? I start to get giddy inside.

  “Slow down, Char-coal. I see those wheels spinning. You’re never gonna know when it’s gonna happen, but I promise you, it will be sooner rather than later,” he says as he steps closer to me. “One thing I’ve realized is that I’m not takin’ anything for granted. Life is precious; you are precious, and our forever is gonna be sooner rather than later.”

  As his hand grazes my cheekbone, I get weak in the knees. “I can’t wait until our forever is really forever.”

  “Me either.” He seals the deal with a kiss. “Now, let’s eat. Whatcha say?”