Losing Charley

Chapter 10 Part 4

"No, I'm not. Now, can we please talk about something else besides me and my no-sex life?"

"Okay, Okay... damn, I didn't think it was a big deal," Hayden whispers to Sarah.

Georgia looks at me almost like she knows something. I just smile and nod. No words are spoken, but it's like she knows.

We get back to campus and start to get ready when Georgia stops in my room.

"Hey, Char, you got a minute?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"I know I'm being nosy, but I just had to ask. You can tell me to butt out if you want. Did that conversation today have anything to do with Dylan Sloan?"

I'm not sure if I want to answer, but I know that Georgia won't say a word.

"Yeah, but please don't mention it. There's more to this story. I just don't want to talk about it."

"Sure, I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. The look on your face today when Hayden said that broke my heart."

"Thank you, Georgia, for noticing. It means a lot." She gives me a hug and goes to her room.

I finish getting ready, text Cash, and wait for Joe. At 7:45 p.m., there's a knock at the door. I open it to find Joe standing there holding a bouquet of daisies.

"Thanks, Joe. You didn't have to do that. You going to come in?"

"Charley, you look stunning."

"Thank you. So, are you going to come in or stand in the hallway all night?"

"Sorry, I was distracted by the most beautiful creature I have ever seen." I can feel the heat in my cheeks begin to rise.

He hands me the flowers, and I find an old Choice Cherry Gold bottle to make a vase. Redneck at its best! He just smiles and laughs.

"Nice vase."

"Well, it's not like I packed one from home or anything."

He takes my hand as I turn to fix the flowers and pulls me close to him. He kisses me and then asks, "Shall we?" I nod, and we walk into the hall to find all my hallmates peeking out the door. They are all going to the Homecoming Dance stag. Most of them wanted to keep their options open for the night. I, on the other hand, feel safe for the first time without Cash.

There is a huge party tent on the front lawn with a DJ and buffet dinner. We fix our plates and find a table. The rest of the Kluft girls arrive about twenty minutes later. They have definitely been partaking in a few beverages.

"Hey, if y'all need something to drink, just go to my room. I got plenty, plus it's closer than Kluft," Hayden says.

Joe answers before I can, "I wish I could, but we're under a twenty-four hour rule with the game tomorrow. I'll be ready for a cold one tomorrow night." Well, at least I know we can be sober together and still have a great time.

After we eat, the alumni are already on the dance floor. It looks just like a fairytale in here. There are strings of lights, a wooden dance floor, tables with fancy tablecloths, and cute little centerpieces.

We decide to join the alumni and get this party started. We start off with the "Bikers Shuffle" then move on to some oldies my parents like. Around 10:00, we notice all the alumni leaving. It must be the cue to kick the party in high gear. I honestly think this must be the same DJ from Hank's because I know we will hear these again tomorrow.