Every Yesterday (Boot Creek) (23 page)

Once they got through the rest of the festivities, people would begin to leave. The plan was for Jackson and Angie drive off in Daddy’s car, but he’d actually be taking Angie to see the surprise of Billy’s bedroom, then come back for a little quiet time with just their close friends. As soon as they left, Megan could slip off to the bathroom near the kitchen. She knew her eyes had to be a mess from the tears that wouldn’t seem to stop. Hopefully, people would mistake them for joyous tears for her best friend. She hitched herself up on the vanity and sat there, trying to catch her breath.
It’s Angie’s big day. I can’t ruin it for her.
And she still had a toast to make, and all the other bridal niceties had to happen like the garter, the bouquet, and the slicing of the cake.

I never should have let my guard down.

I was foolish to have thought that the memories Noah and I shared over that old car meant something. He probably didn’t even have a grandfather.

She managed to get through all of her duties with no interaction with the enemy. Wherever Noah walked, she crossed in the other direction.

“We ready for them to make the exit?” Derek asked her.

“Yes,” Megan said.
The sooner, the better.

Derek punched the number into his phone. “Coast is clear. Affirmative.”

“You sound like a spy.”

“Feel like one. Kind of fun,” he said. “You look tired. Hard work being the maid of honor, huh?”

“Yeah. It is.” She slipped off. Hoping to lay low until she could score a ride home.
Where’s Mom when I need her?

“Are you dodging me?” Noah asked with a smile.

“You noticed.” Her words were clipped and tight.

“Hey, hang on a second.”

“Look,” Megan said turning on him. “Just because you have no intention of ever settling down, you do not have to ruin it for everyone. It’s really no wonder you’ve never been married. You are not the marrying kind. All suave and sexy and . . . and . . . and smooth-talking—”

“You think I’m sexy?” The left side of his mouth pulled into a grin.

“Stop it.”

“Come on. You feel it between us. And what has you so mad?”

“I’m not falling for your mess. You’re trying to turn things around. I know your type.”

“In all of a matter of days, you’re an expert on me?”

“I know enough.”

He stepped back looking confused. “Are you mad at me?”

“Don’t act so surprised.”

“I’m not acting.” He held his arms out like he had nothing to hide. “I am surprised. I mean we were fine a little while ago, and now you look like you’d like to gut and quarter someone. Or something worse.”

“Oh, definitely all of the above.” She spun around and walked off, heading straight down the hall to the guest room she’d been in earlier when she overheard the guys talking. She went inside and closed and locked the door behind her.

A steady three-rap knock came to the door.

“Go away.”

“What is going on, Megan? Is this about the car? They’ll be back in just a little while. Jackson is just taking Angie to see Billy’s room. Once everyone clears out, they’ll be right back. Everything will be fine. I promise.”

“
Promise,
” she practically shrieked, then flung the door open so hard that it slammed against the wall and then stuck there in the plaster. “You’re going to pay to fix that.”

“
Me?
”

“Yes, you. And you.” She poked him in the chest. “You. You. You. You are the problem. You . . .” She couldn’t even get the words to come out right. “Errrrgh,” she growled out of frustration and reached for the door.

He pressed the palm of his hand against the door. “Please don’t slam it again.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“What has you so spun up?”

“I know about it. Your little bet. Well, big bet.” It struck her all at once. “Oh, my gosh!” She snapped her fingers. “That thousand dollars! You said it was worth a thousand dollars to meet me. I thought you meant the price of the plane ticket. You meant the cost of the bet!” She bit down on her lip. She was shaking from her very core. “You are a piece of work.”

“The wager.” His shoulders sagged a bit. “You’ve got this all wrong, Megan.”

“Oh, do I? Tell that to the driver of the Reliable Carriers truck.”

“What?”

“Yeah. He got here early. A day early according to him. Left a note on my door. I spoke with him. He told me all about you and Sonya setting up the transport for
my
car.”

“It’s not—”

“Just stop.” She held her hand up. “Stop it. I don’t want to hear your lies.”

He ran his hand through his hair.

“Tell me one thing. Were you just going to drive my car from here to that enclosed trailer and steal it?”

“I’m not a thief.”

Stole my heart. Didn’t even blink about that, did you?
“And I bet Sonya is in on all of it. What? Is she your wife? Or just another woman you’re manipulating to get what you want?”

The color drained from his face. “I offered you a fair price for the car. I told you to give me your number. I had every intention to purchase it from you.”

“It. Wasn’t. For. Sale.” She accentuated each word. Each syllable. How many times had she told him that that car meant more to her than anything in the world? Not like she was being coy about that. He’d acted as if he was even consoling her. “You call your little girlfriend or wife or whoever she is and tell her the jig is up. They’ll be charging you for the driver’s inconvenience too.”

“Sonya is not . . .” He nodded. “I don’t have anyone. Steady or otherwise.”

“You expect me to believe that? You are crazy. You and your little Sonya can both go to H-E-double—”

“Whoa. Hang on. Sonya works for me.”

“No doubt, dipping your pen in the company ink. Not a smart move. I thought you were at least an honest business man.”

“I am.” He reached for her.

She took a giant step back.

“I’m sorry. I forgot I’d had Sonya set that up. I’m not used to not getting what I want. It’s true. But—”

“But this time—”

He held his hand up. “Please hear me out. When I saw that car, I had Sonya start working on setting up the haul immediately. It’s not an easy process. Sometimes it takes a while to get a car on a load. It doesn’t matter. That’s not the point.”

“Your point is?”

“The point is . . . I know I’m not getting that car.”

“Darn right you’re not. You are a player.”

“I’m not a player,” he said softly.

“Hot Rod?”
Oh, yeah. Everything was falling right into place.
“I should have seen this coming all along.”

“Megan. I wasn’t playing you.” He shifted and leaned against the doorjamb. “Well, at first I just wanted the DeSoto. It’s true. Megan, I’ll be the first one to admit that when I saw that car I was mesmerized. Laser focused on securing the deal.”

“What? You think you’re like the Donald Trump of cars or something?”

“Not far off. But seriously, you can call my shop. Every single person that works for me knows that DeSoto Adventurer convertible is my ultimate desire. It’s not just the car . . . like you . . . it’s the memories tied to it.”

She let out a sigh.

He held her gaze.

“I’m not blind,” he said. “And I
have
been listening. I see what is in your heart about that car. I get it. Lord, if anyone gets it. I get it. I had no idea that you were going to be—”

“So stupid,” she practically spit the words at him.

“So special,” he said slowly.

“Well, you’re not getting it.”

He shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “No, you’re not getting it. I wanted that car more than anything, but it was different this time. I’ve
never
let anything get in the way of me getting a car that I wanted. Nothing. No amount of money. No hurdles at all. But you became more important to me than the car.”

“Please stop it.” She could barely get the words out. Her voice was just above a whisper, and trying to hold the tears back was becoming impossible. “I’ve had enough of your smooth talk.” She turned and walked into the room.

He was at her heels. “Please. These aren’t just words. I’m trying to tell you that I’m falling for you. It’s crazy. I know it. A few days ago, it was the car that turned my head, had my heart racing. All I wanted to do was touch it, caress it, experience it, feel the stories of it. But, Megan, it’s you I feel all those things about now. You.”

Noah pulled her into his arms, kissing her full on the mouth.

“
No!
” She pulled away. “Don’t. You’re not getting the car. This is it. Over.”

“I don’t want your car. The offer is off the table.”

“Good because, sugar, I wouldn’t sell you that car now if I was penniless and living in the dad-burn thing!”

“Okay,” he said.

“And that driver deserves to be paid. You wasted his time. The driver of that truck. You hurt me and him and who else?”

“Don’t worry about the truck driver. I’ll personally make sure he’s compensated. I promise.”

“And that’s supposed to make me feel better?”

“Megan, I believe that you and I will make memories as strong as those we carry for that car and the ones we loved. I want that.”

She stood there. Numb.

His voice softened. “I still want you to come to the car show. I still want a chance. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before.”

She couldn’t look him in the eye, couldn’t fall under his spell. “I don’t think you know what you want. Nothing you said means anything anymore.”

“Everything was sincere. I loved working on that mural project with you. Getting to know you. You make me laugh. You get my stupid jokes. You are so easy to be with. I’ve never met a woman like you.”

I never met anyone quite like you either. But I won’t make this mistake again.
“Leave. Please, just leave.”

Chapter Seventeen

Noah walked out to get some air.

He’d screwed up. He didn’t blame her for being mad about the bet, though he’d all but accepted defeat on that wager.

He leaned against the porch rail, looking out over the creek. There’d been a moment standing out on that rock that he’d felt something really special. And as crazy and foreign as it seemed, he didn’t want to let go.

Derek walked out and sat in one of the rockers. “Long day.”

“Yeah.” Noah turned around. “I guess right about now Jackson is showing Billy’s bedroom to Angie. I hope she likes the surprise.”

“I’m sure she will. It was really thoughtful. Looks awesome. Don’t think Katy would go for it, though.”

“I hear ya.” Noah walked over and sat down in the chair next to Derek. “Nice place out here.”

“It is. Never thought I’d be coming back home to Boot Creek, but things have worked out.”

“Hmm.” He wished he could say the same thing. “How long you known Megan?”

“You two hit it off, didn’t you? I’ve known her since school.”

“I did something stupid. Hurt her feelings.”

“Uh-oh.” Derek took a sip of his beer. “I wondered what was up with her. She didn’t seem herself during the last half of the reception.”

“That would be my fault.”

“She’ll get over it.”

“I don’t know. It was foolish. Thoughtless. I made a bet with the guys earlier this week that I’d get her to sell me the DeSoto.”

“She’d never sell it.” Derek leaned forward. “Is that why Ford was asking me about it?”

“Probably just nosey. But yeah, he knew about it.”

“I take it she found out.”

“Yeah, and I admitted at first that was all I was interested in. But that was before I got to know her. She doesn’t understand. I’ve been looking for a car like that for years. They are damn near impossible to find in that condition.”

“But?”

“But I understood her position. That car means as much to her as it would have to me. I get it. And I like her. She doesn’t believe my intentions were real. I shouldn’t blame her. It’s hard for me to believe she’s had this effect on me.”

“You sure it’s not just the car?”

Noah smiled as he looked back over the creek again, thinking about sitting on that dock with her next to him. “Oh, I’m sure.”

“I’m kind of surprised myself. I mean, weren’t you the one trying to give Jackson a ride out of town to not get married?”

“Guilty.”

“If you can’t beat them, join them?”

He laughed. “No, more like, you can’t say no when it hits you in the middle of the heart. That girl hit me like a dart gun. She’s rendered me practically useless.”

“So what you’re telling me is that you don’t want the car. You want the girl??

“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m telling you, and she doesn’t believe me. And trust me, no one back at my shop is going to believe it either.”

“Hell, I don’t believe you. And Megan is Angie’s best friend. I’ve known her darn near as long as I’ve known Angie. I’m rather protective of those girls.” Derek looked serious. “You better convince me or I might deck you.”

“
I
hardly believe it. But it’s true. Seriously. I know she’s the one for me. Which sounds totally idiotic. I’ve known her what? A week?”

“Love is some seriously weird and unexplainable stuff.” Derek shook his head. “I knew Katy was the one the first day I saw her.”

“So it happens.”

“Oh yeah, it happens.” Derek rocked back. “I’ll marry her as soon as she’s ready. We both have a lot of baggage. You can’t plan these things. It just happens. A force of nature. But we’ll be together the rest of our lives. I know that.”

“What am I going to do?”

“If Megan’s mad, then buddy, you’ve got your work cut out for you. She’s a spitfire . . . you’re not going to schmooze her over very easily.” Derek slapped him on the back. “I don’t envy your position.

“All the things I like about her are what’s going to make this nearly impossible.”

“Exactly.” Derek got up and walked inside. Leaving Noah out there alone.

But there has to be a way.

He got out of the rocker and stood up. He always did think better standing up.

Megan stood there next to her mom, putting on the mother of all performances that things were fine. “Aren’t you ready to leave yet?”

“No, honey. Are we in a hurry? I thought we might wait until Jackson and Angie got back. I wanted to have a quick little personal chat with her before their honeymoon. I have something for her.”

“What? Condoms?” She regretted the smart-mouth response as soon as it left her mouth.

“Megan!” Mom’s mouth dropped open, making her look like that scream painting.

“I’m sorry. You just made it sound like you were going to have
the talk
with her or something.”

She
tsked
. “I have some money for them to do a little something special on their honeymoon. You know that I think of her like a daughter.”

“I do.” Megan reached up and hugged her mom. “I know, Mom. Thank you. You’re still the coolest mom in Boot Creek. And if I didn’t say it earlier, the flowers were absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you, honey. Now, tell me what’s going on with you and Noah. Did you take the deal on the car?”

Megan smirked.

Bootsie’s face softened. “Okay, stupid question. Of course you took the deal. I mean, one hundred thousand dollars. Lord, that’s a lot of nickels.”

“I didn’t.”

“What? Why not?” Her mother looked shocked and then a chuckle escaped her lips. “Oh, I get it. Because y’all are going to be a couple. I saw the way you two look at each other. You two will make some beautiful babies together. I’ve always wanted to be a grandmother. Maybe I should save this money for your honeymoon!”

“Whoa. Slow down there, Mom.”

“He’s so sweet. And charming. I like him so very much.” She looked around for him. “Where is he? He is one good-looking hunk of man.”

“Stop it.”

“What? Don’t be embarrassed. Honey, I’ve been in love. I made you. Remember?”

“I’m not taking the deal on the car. I’m not getting rid of Daddy’s car. He loved it. Getting rid of the DeSoto would be like losing Dad all over again.”

“Don’t be silly, Megan. It’s a car. A big, old, ugly gas-guzzling car. Your dad didn’t give it to you to saddle you with it. He’d want you to take that money. You know what a wheeler-dealer he was.”

Yeah, not as big a one as Noah Black.
“Mom, he was just playing me to get the car. He doesn’t care about me. It was always about the car.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. He’d made a bet with the guys. I was mad, so I went home to get some air. By the way, you need gas in your car.”

“You stole my car?”

“I borrowed it. I needed to get away, but that is not the point. The point is there was a car-transport truck there ready to move the car.”

“What? Now, honey, that doesn’t make any sense. He made the offer only a few hours ago.”

“Exactly. The truck driver said he’d made those arrangements at the beginning of the week.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Exactly.”

“I’m so sorry, Megan. I thought he was perfect for you. A win-win. I know you’re disappointed.”

“I am.” She knew her mom was too.

“Let’s go, honey. I’ll give my little present to Derek to handle. He won’t mind. You wait right here.”

Megan shifted uncomfortably. All she wanted to do was get home, climb in bed, and pull the covers over her head.

Derek was just coming in from the front porch. Bootsie walked across the room and spoke with him. Megan saw her give him the envelope for Angie. That was a really sweet gesture. Mom was thoughtful like that. A little crazy sometimes, but she did always come through.

Megan walked over to meet her mom at the front door.

They walked outside and Bootsie clotheslined her with her arm. “Wait right here.” She veered off to the left. Megan stopped and watched her mother walk right over to Noah and wallop him in the gut with her purse.

He folded over from the unexpected attack.

I love you, Mom.

Bootsie marched off toward the car, giving Megan a come-on-now look. They piled into the car and rode in silence all the way to Megan’s house.

Megan kissed her Mom on the cheek, then got out of the car. “Thanks for the ride home.”

“Want me to come in?” Bootsie asked. “I can stay a while.”

She got out of the car. “No, ma’am.” She felt fifteen and heartbroken. Back then Momma would’ve made her favorite cookies and they’d have talked through it until they were laughing about every flaw that poor boy had. Laughing and bidding good riddance to the loser. But it was Daddy who’d always been her hero. He’d have piled her into the DeSoto, cranked up the scratchy AM radio, and taken her on the road. Not just a slow cruise either, whenever she was down, he’d open that car up and let it roll like a race car. And that made her miss him even more right then.

“I’m tired. I’m going to go and crawl into bed.” Megan walked to the door and waved good-bye.

“Call me if you need me, baby.” Her mother smiled gently, her head half cocked in that way that made you feel the love even from twenty feet away.

“I will.” Megan walked up to the house, unlocked the door, and went inside. Unzipping her dress as she walked down the hall, she couldn’t get to bed fast enough. All she wanted to do was sleep and put this day behind her.

She turned off the ringer and tossed her phone on the nightstand, then changed into her favorite yoga pants and the XL North Carolina State University T-shirt Daddy had won her at the state fair years ago. The T-shirt was huge and ratty, worn soft from hundreds of washings.

She swept the comforter back and slid under the sheets.

Exhausted and disappointed, she pulled the pillow under her head and closed her eyes. The heaviness in her heart weighed on her. Quiet tears fell. She let them pool, not bothering to sweep them away. She wasn’t even sure who or what those tears were for.

For being flat-out exhausted?

For being so stupid?

For putting my heart out there again? I’d promised to never do that again.

For Daddy? I miss you so much, Daddy.

The rumble of the garage-bay door closing woke her. She glanced at the clock. Jackson must have brought the car back and put it up. Of course he did. He wouldn’t have let Daddy down any more than she would have. It’s why Daddy had offered it in the first place.

She picked up her phone. Almost nine thirty. Derek would be taking Jackson and Angie to the airport hotel so they could catch a few hours of sleep before their crack-of-dawn flight to the honeymoon of a lifetime.

Too tired to even go check on the car, she simply rolled over and closed her eyes again.

The buzz of her cell phone dancing across the nightstand woke her from a hard sleep. She rolled over onto her back and opened her eyes. She lifted the phone to see what time it was and who was bothering her.

Eleven fifteen, and the unfamiliar area code belonged to Noah. Didn’t he know it was impolite to call a friend after nine unless it was an emergency? And he’d lost that status anyway. She’d deleted his name from her phone earlier hoping to never see it again. But things were never that easy. She’d already memorized his number. She pressed the I
GNORE
C
ALL
button. She’d already missed three other calls from him.

She pulled the phone to her chest and rolled over to go back to sleep.

Twice more during the night her phone went off.

Same caller. Only texts this time.

Noah.

Couldn’t he take a hint? She’d already said everything she needed to say to him. He’d be gone Tuesday. She could lay low that long. There wasn’t anything so pressing that she needed to do that couldn’t wait.

The next time her phone buzzed, the sun was up.

“Seriously?” She picked up the phone, ready to ignore the call, but it wasn’t Noah. It was Katy. “Hello?”

“How you doing, sweetie? I was just talking to Derek. Did you and Noah get things sorted out?”

“No. What’s there to sort out? He tried to dupe me. I was stupid and starry-eyed.” She was tired and groggy.