The Ground Below

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Kaylie’s lesson went really well. In all honesty, I wish she would speak to me. But, if what happened to her happened to me, I’d shut down completely. She’s stronger than I am. Even though I’ve had my fair share of tragedy, she was taken advantage of, and that is something I don’t think any of us ever recover from.

Karter picks me up at seven like promised. The smell of his laundry detergent envelopes me. Karter is a simple man with no need for cologne, and I’m thankful. Grayson wore enough to start a biological warfare.

He pulls onto the road, and my pulse doesn’t quicken. I feel proud of myself, and glad that I have someone who I trust so much to protect me.

Things happen, this I know, but I feel safe in his arms and in his car. “Are you okay?” he asks quickly glancing at me.

I nod my head, but then when I realize he is paying more attention to the road I tell him, “I’m great.”

Karter’s band killed the show, and as soon as the set ended, I half-ran backstage. He was waiting with arms open as I ran forward. I clung to his jacket smelling the manly stench of sweat running down his neck.

“You smell funny.”

“I know.”

Buddy joins us a few moments later asking to speak to me. Karter nods, but I can’t help feeling hesitant.

We walk out into the hallway. Not being able to look him in the eyes, I stare at his throat. His adam’s apple bobs up in down as he swallows. “Parker?”

“Yeah,” I answer him.

“Look up here.” He motions to his face, and my eyes follow. “What happened at the party, I just want to put it behind us.”

“Yeah, of course. It’s done been behind me,” I awkwardly laugh. “Way, way behind. All the way back there.” I point down the hall.

Buddy watches me a second longer then nods. “Great. I don’t want to lose you as a friend, and I’m glad you and Karter worked things out.”

“Me too.”

The peaceful sunlight shines through the window as I wait at the table. The glass in my hand feels cold and wet from the condensation. The melted ice bounces at the top as a take a drink.

Karter is shirtless mowing the lawn. Much to my amazement, the Gabbards do not hire a Gardener. I don’t mind though, as long as my sweet boyfriend is around.

The day is hot. Changing quickly into my bikini, I hastily walk to the pool right by Karter’s wondering eyes. “Hey, babe. Where ya going?”

I shrug my shoulders, “I think I’m going to walk to the gas station for an icecream.”

He laughs, “Don’t be a smartass.”

Tilting my head, I retort, “Don’t be a dumbass.”

He picks up the water hose, “Oh, is that how it’s gonna be?”

“That’s how it’s gonna be.” He turns the water on and I warn him, “Don’t you dare spray me.”

He clucks his tongue, then nods. “Okay, I won’t.” Reluctantly I head down the stoned path to the pool area. Warm water hits my back and a squall rips from my throat. Karter’s laugh reverberates around me.

“You said you wouldn’t.” I turn on him throwing a gravel at his head. It flies by missing him tremendously.

“Well, I lied.”

“Ugh,” I say walking off towards the pool. I think I nearly pissed myself.

Karter never joins me in the pool like I hoped he would. After several laps around the pool I start to get bored. My feet pound up the walk way as I make my way around a corner of bushes.