Losing Charley

Chapter 12 Part 3

When I can no longer see Cash, I finally decide to get off my rear and head into the house. I walk up the staircase to my room and text Piper about tomorrow. She's good with us going together and me catching a ride home with Cash. We then decide to talk after awhile about plans for tonight. I then realize that I have another missed text from Joe.

Joe: Hope everything is ok. Haven't heard from u.

Me: I'm good been working on farm, exhausted!

Joe: See you Sunday :)

Me: :) have fun!

I put my phone on my dresser, grab a change of clothes and then take a quick shower. I don't know what tonight will bring, or if I will have any plans, but I'm definitely not going smelling like the farm. For all I know Piper and I could have a total girls' night at her house and eat a gallon of cookie dough ice cream.

As I'm drying my hair, Tessa comes into the bathroom, closes the door, and hops onto the counter. She has a look of worry all over her face. I'm not sure what it's about, but I'm almost positive that I can guess.

"What's up? I know you have something on your mind."

"Char, I'm worried about you. You have got to talk to someone about all this Dylan mess. He's not going to stop. I'm scared he's going to hurt you. I don't want to see you put on that game face again."

"Stop right there, Tess! He's not going to get anywhere near me. I'm making sure of that. I have Cash and Joe to help watch out. Have you heard any talk about him at school?"

"Not much, except that he's still on full scholarship at Ridings University. I know like you said before that's Division One and Southern's Division Two, but I can't help but feel like he's gonna show up somewhere. I don't think he's home now, though."

"Hey, will you grab my makeup for me?" Tessa nods and hands it over. "Well, I'm glad he's not here. I want to be able to enjoy break without thinking he's going to show up. What are you doing tonight?"

"I was gonna see if you wanna hang out, maybe go to a movie or something, but looks like you got plans already."

"Nah, Piper and I are trying to figure something out, but we got as far as cookie dough and a movie. I'd love for you to hang with us if you want."

"Of course, you had me at cookie dough!" she says with a wink.

"I don't know why I'm getting all dolled up to sit with y'all two tonight."

"I do! You're hoping Cash shows up later, or better yet, Joe!" I throw my hairbrush at her and she ducks.

"You suck!"

Then the door swings open, "Who sucks? I got tired of waiting to hear from you, so bam here I am!"

"Piper, you never cease to amaze me."

"Oh, I'm even better than you thought! I have your favorite movie and cookie dough already waiting! Only things that would make it better are a pair of fluffy bedroom slippers and Choice Cherry Gold."

"I can help you girls with all of that!" Mama yells as she puts towels into the linen closet.

I'm so glad she didn't hear my earlier conversation. Tessa and I look at each other with that same exact thought. We make our way to my room, put in Sweet Home Alabama, peel off the lid to the ice cream and dig in. No. Bowl. Necessary. Mama brings up the drinks and the slippers. I mean, really, where did she get those? Oh, wait! This is my mama we're talking about!