Chasing Castles (Finding Focus #2) (13 page)

“This isn’t Christmas. You don’t have to shake it and make guesses. Open it.”

It’s light, so I’m guessing . . . jewelry?

Gingerly, I slip my finger under the flap, tearing the tape on the wrapping paper. When I’m down to just the box, I crack the lid and see a small castle. It’s pewter and no bigger than a Matchbox car.

It’s perfect.

“I love it,” I tell him, turning it over in my hand and rubbing my thumb against the detailed edges.

“It’s just somethin’ I found at this old antique store in Baton Rouge. I was in there killin’ time the other day and saw it and immediately thought of you. I know it’s not much, but . . .”

“Thank you,” I tell him, wrapping my arms around his neck and loving the way he feels against me. In moments like this, it’s like no time has passed. If I close my eyes and just breathe deeply, we’re back out by the pond, lying on our backs and watching clouds pass overhead.

“You’re welcome,” his arms tighten around me before loosening their hold.

We both clear our throats and I glance around the barn, looking for a distraction. As I go about picking up the few discarded pieces of wrapping paper, I try not to think about how good it felt to touch him.

“I also have some good news,” he says as he walks back toward the barn door, putting some distance between us.

“Oh? So, this visit isn’t just for my birthday?”

He smiles. “It is, but I also wanted to tell you this in person.”

“Well, you’ve got me all intrigued now. Tell me.”

“I got a loan for that buildin’ I’ve wanted to buy. My application was approved yesterday, and I was able to get the owner to lower his sellin’ price.”

“Oh, my God, Deacon! That’s so great,” I squeal and wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

His arms wrap around my waist, and my feet leave the floor.

I kiss his cheek before he sits me back down.

“I’m really happy for you,” I tell him.

“Thanks,” he says, scratching the back of his neck. “You’re the first to know. Well, besides Micah. I came to tell Mom and Dad, but I just had to tell you first.”

That little tidbit of information causes my breath to catch. The fact that he still thinks of me as someone he wants to share pieces of his life with makes my heart beat faster.

“I also want you to come to a little party we’re throwing in a couple of weeks. I should be able to close on the building by the end of the month, and I want to have a celebration, just family and some close friends. The building is a mess, but it’ll be cool.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Okay.” He smiles. “Well, I better go talk to Mama before I have to leave. I’ve gotta get back for a late shift.”

“Thanks for this,” I say, holding my gift. “And congrats again.”

He nods and waves as he exits the barn. And I’m left standing there, holding a small pewter castle to my chest.

Micah and I ride to Baton Rouge in comfortable silence; the only noise is an old country station playing low on the radio of his Jeep. His new ride was purchased with a portion of his inheritance, the majority of which he’s saving for renovations on the building we’re going to tonight. I’m so proud of him and Deacon.

They have a dream, and they’re going for it.

Some people might think they’re not old enough to take on a venture like this, but those people don’t know Deacon and Micah like I do. They’re driven, and when they have a goal, they pretty much succumb to tunnel-vision, only seeing what’s in front of them. And they’ll do anything to get it.

“You excited?” I ask as we exit off the highway.

“Yeah,” Micah says, looking over his shoulder. “I feel all jittery inside, like right before I go out on the field for a big game.”

“I can see that,” I say, chuckling. “This is a pretty big deal.

He nods, focused on the road and the turns he’s making to get us where we’re going.

“So, who’s all gonna be there?”

“Uh, just us and Deacon. Dad and Mom are supposed to stop by for a few. Other than that, just some of Deacon’s friends from school.”

“I wish Tucker could be here for this.”

“Me too.”

“I miss him,” I confess, looking out the window as we get closer to campus, which must mean we’re closer to the building.

“Me too,” Micah says. “I’m glad he’s out doin’ his thing, but I’m ready for him to come home. At least for a while.”

We pull up in front of what looks like an abandoned building. The windows are blacked out and unlike the adjoining buildings, there’s no signage, no lighting.

I recognize Deacon’s truck, but the rest of the vehicles parked close by aren’t familiar, and suddenly I’m nervous.

I’ve never interacted with Deacon at college or his friends. I’ve wanted to, but my daddy hasn’t let me. He always says a college campus isn’t the place for a young lady. But Micah and Tucker come and hang out frequently. Double standards piss me off.

What if they think I’m some immature high schooler?

My hands fidget as we walk up the sidewalk.

“Nervous?” Micah asks, eyeing me before opening the door.

“No.”

He gives me a look, one eyebrow raised. “Don’t be nervous. I’ve met most of his friends, and they’re all cool.”

“Okay,” I say, swallowing down my insecurities.

Micah holds the door for me, and I walk in.

The place is dimly lit with a couple of tables set up in the center of the wide open floor. Some random building supplies are stacked against the walls, and there’s more dust than you can shake a stick at, but it’s awesome.

The place gives industrial a whole new meaning, but I can see the potential—tall ceilings, a portion of it open to the second floor, dropped lighting, metal railing. It’s cool. And if I were to be completely honest, I’m kind of in awe of the fact that Deacon and Micah now own it.

“There he is,” Deacon’s voice rings out, clapping his brother on his shoulder and pulling him into a hug. “Everybody, this is my brother Micah. Micah, everybody.”

I watch as Micah gives a casual two-finger wave, wishing I could be half as cool and collected as he is.

“And this is Cami.” Deacon motions to me, smiling and everyone says hello. They all seem friendly, so I make an effort and begin making my way around the room, introducing myself.

The small crowd begins to mingle, and Deacon serves up drinks, alcoholic, I’m sure. He offers me one, but I decline. If Micah drinks, I want to be able to drive home. My daddy will shoot us both if I’m not home before my curfew.

“Thanks for comin’,” Deacon says as he grabs me a plain Coke from an ice chest.

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” I accept the drink and try not to react when our fingers graze during the exchange.

“So, what do you think?” he asks, gesturing to the building.

“I think it’s great,” I tell him. “I can see why you wanted to buy it.” I smile up at him and hope that it doesn’t look as awkward as it feels. I’ve always felt close to Deacon, but I feel our paths drifting, and the divide physically pains me.

“Thanks.” He stops and holds my gaze. “I mean it. I’m glad you came.”

Deacon goes on, visiting with people and I stand back and watch. Micah seems to fit right in. He and Deacon have always been good at stuff like this—mingling, being the life of the party—where I’ve always been more of an observer.

During my observations, my attention goes to a girl with short dark hair who seems to be very familiar with Deacon. I watch as she laughs and touches his arm. When he turns to her, she leans into him, and the simple action makes my blood run cold.

At first, I think they must just be close friends, but when Deacon’s hand comes to rest on her hip, I realize they’re probably more.

To anyone else, the actions probably seem simple, innocent, but to me, they’re anything but. Her hands are touching the person I want to touch. She has what I want. And he’s looking at her like he only used to look at me. All of it makes my heart ache as it splits in two. To keep myself from crying, I try to think of something else, anything but the two of them. But I can’t.

Who is she?

What’s her name?

I remember being introduced, but I can’t think of it through my jealous haze.

Jenny?

Janice?

Janie?

Yeah, Janie.

I rack my brain, trying to think if I remember her name ever being brought up in conversation, but come up empty handed.

His lips graze the top of her head, and that’s a move I know. Watching it happen to someone else is like a punch in the gut I wasn’t expecting. I feel my breath leave my body, and I force a neutral expression on my face. I can’t make a scene here. This is Deacon and Micah’s night. And no matter what, I can’t cry. Maybe tonight, when I’m alone in my bed, but not here. Not in front of all these people. Definitely, not in front of her or him.

He’s happy.

He’s living a life I’m no longer a part of.

He smiles as he scans the room and when our eyes meet, I can’t miss the slight change in his. Maybe it’s regret? Maybe it’s sadness? Even though I can’t imagine him being sad on a night like this. So, I give him the best smile I can muster, because he deserves it.

He deserves happiness.

And so do I.

Camille

Present

MICAH AND HIS NEW GIRLFRIEND
, Dani, showed up a few minutes after Annie. My daddy and Kay soon followed. The only person from our immediate family who isn’t here yet is Tucker. He drove by Ms. Becky’s to check on Carter before driving this way.

I’ll have to remember to give him an extra hug when he gets here.

As much of a pain in my ass as he was while we were growing up, he’s a wonderful uncle to Carter, and he’s pretty much the best brother I could ask for. Sure, he’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s soft on the inside, and he’s got a heart bigger than Dallas.

“Stop,” Annie says, gently pulling my hand away from my mouth. “You’re gonna bite them down to the quick.”

“I can’t help it.” When my teeth no longer have my nails to chew on, they go to my inner cheek. I’m sure I’ll draw blood on some part of my body before the doctor finally gets out here to talk to us. “I don’t know what’s taking so long. They should’ve come out here by now. I mean, it’s been—”

“They’ll be out soon.” Annie cuts me off mid-sentence. Her no-nonsense way is back in full force. She’s in control, like always. Her hand comes down on my knee, and she squeezes it in reassurance.

I take a minute to look around at the waiting room.

My daddy and Sam are over in one corner talking, and they look very serious. Both of them have their arms crossed over their chests and their brows are furrowed. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but I hear the low murmurs. Kay is sitting on the other side of me, flipping through a magazine, but I can tell she’s not looking at it. It’s just giving her something to do to occupy the minutes. Micah and Dani are sitting across from us, and Micah’s face is hard. He hasn’t taken his eyes off the door that leads to the ER since he sat down.

Dani, the newest addition to our group, is sitting at Micah’s side, rubbing soothing circles on his back. Every once in a while her eyes turn to me and the smile she gives is sad. She loves Deacon. They made a connection when she came to do an article on the plantation a few months ago. Deacon showed her around and gave her insider information on Pockets. They’ve been buds ever since. So, I know this is affecting her as much as the rest of us.