Leather and Lace

SJs POV

Pulling into her drive, I grab the flowers and head toward her door. Taking a deep breath and wiping my hands on my jeans, I knock. It feels like forever before she opens the door. My heart starts racing again. She's so beautiful. I've always thought she was pretty growing up. Her and my sister was friends until Indy was able to graduate early and moved to Knoxville for college. Maddie told me when she moved there, she wouldn't return any of her messages or even see her when she visited. Maddie thinks she became friends with the preppies in Knoxville and forgot about her southside friend from home. But I know Indy. She isn't like that. Even if she grew up on the northside and had some money. She didn't care about money or popularity. There must be more to it.

"You look beautiful." I say as I hand her the flowers. She takes them and with a shy smile as shes smelling them says, "Thank you." Looking back up at me she says, "You look very handsome." I say a thank you as she ushers me in. I didn't notice really, when she opened the door, but her house smells amazing.

"Sorry about the boxes. I'm slowly working through each room."

"Its not a problem. You just move here?"

"Back, actually. My parents downsized and so I got the house."

Her parents are such lovely people. They were there for my parents when everything went down. Even though they are from the northside and have money, they tried to help my parents with lawyer fees, but the dick who framed me had more money, he paid off everyone to rule in his favor. Hence why I was in prison for 4 years.

"I hope you don't mind, I haven't had comfort food in awhile, but I made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and baked mac and cheese."

My mouth immediately started watering. Oh how I've longed for this type of meal.

"Yes, ma'am. That's fine. As long as there is sweet tea."

With a cheeky smile, she says, "But of course. And please, call me Shel-" she stops, shakes her head and looks at me with a bright smile, "Call me Indy."

Hmm. That's strange I thought to myself. Why was she going to say a different name. Plus it's not like I don't know her. Does she not remember me?

"Okay, then. Indy it is. I'm SJ, by the way." I say in the hopes it might jog her memory.

I reach my hand out for her to shake. As soon as her hand touches mine, complete calmness comes over me. Her cheeks a ting red when she says, "It's nice to meet you, SJ." That's it. She doesn't remember me. Why?

Luke Combs is playing softly in the background as we eat. This is the best meal I've had in four years. I've missed it. It's quiet between us but not awkward.

"So, where'd you move from?"

"Knoxville. I went down there for college."

I finish my mouth full of mac and cheese before my next question.

"Where'd you go the college?"

"University of Tennessee."

"What degree did you graduate with?"

She splutters a bit on her tea after I ask. A touchy subject, I assume. She wipes her mouth and looks at me. Her eyes a bit teary.

"Um. I didn't graduate, but it was for elementary education. Can we change the subject, please?"

Seeing that she is clearly uncomfortable with the subject I try to think of what to say or ask. Dinner is done so I go to thank her and take her plate to clean up for her.

"The dinner you made was wonderful. It's been a while since I've had a homecooked meal. Thank you."

She smiles sweetly at me. "You're welcome. You don't have to clean, I'll do it."