Page 36 of Real Sexy
“I don’t know—”
“Well, I do.And it’s not fucking happening, so just let me help you.I’ve already given your bird a home for as long as you need it.What else can I do to prove to you that I just want to help?”
“I don’t know.”This time, instead of sputtering in anger, I whisper it.“I don’t know how to do this.”
The fear of getting backhanded by life again blazes through me, and Boone curves a hand around my neck and meets my eyes.“Then I’ll show you.Give me a chance to prove myself.I’m not him.I’m not any of them.”
“You have to promise you’re not going to step in and cancel my shifts again.Ever.I’ve been running my own life for too long to let someone walk in and take over.”
“I’m not trying to take over.I just want to give you one weekend where you’re not trapped behind a bar.When’s the last time you actually did something fun?”
I’m silent for a few beats before I answer.“With you.”
Boone finally smiles again.“That was nothing.Just wait until you get the whole Thrasher clan.”
20
Ripley
My anxiety notchesup with each mile that passes.We’re in Boone’s truck because he wasn’t sure how the weather was going to hold out and didn’t want to chance it in the 442.I stare out the window with my hands folded in my lap and take in the passing scenery.I’ve never been to this part of the state, so everything is new.
Actually, I’ve never been much of anywhere.To Memphis once with Hope so we could see Graceland.I’m knocking on the door to thirty years old, and I’ve never left the state of Tennessee.What would Boone say if he knew that?He’s probably been to almost every state in the union and tons of foreign countries.Places I can only dream about visiting if I stay my course and don’t seriously consider what could happen if I tried to make a go of it in the music industry.
“You’re awfully quiet,” he says.
I look across the cab of the truck and find him studying me.“Just taking in the scenery.”
“Nervous?”
To meet his entire family?Is he insane?Obviously, I’m nervous.
“Yep.”
“They’re good people.You’ve got nothing to worry about.Ma will love you.I already know that.”
“How?”I turn in my seat to face him.
Boone shrugs.“I just do.”
“Did she like Amber?”I don’t know why I ask the question, but it’s out and I can’t take it back.
Boone inhales and slowly releases a long breath.“No.She didn’t.They saw it way before I did.”
This time, I’m studying him as he fixes his eyes on the road in front of us.“Saw what?”
“That Amber didn’t want me for me, only for what being with me would do for her.She said all the things I wanted to hear, but I was too blind to see it was all bullshit.”He glances at me.“That’s why I know Ma will like you.You refuse to take a damn thing from me without being forced, and you don’t hesitate to tell me how it is, regardless of what I might think or say.”
I huff out a laugh.“You make me sound like an ungrateful bitch.”
“No, not at all.More like a proud, independent woman.And considering that’s what my ma is, you’ll get along just fine.”
A hint of relief works its way through my system.I’ve never done themeet the parentsthing, but I have to believe his mom is the biggest hurdle.“Tell me about everyone else again.”
Boone drops one hand from the steering wheel and reaches across to thread his fingers through mine before he speaks.
“My dad’s a small-engine mechanic.He has his own shop and repairs mowers, lawn tractors, chain saws, generators, basically anything with a small engine.My brother was a mechanic in the service, and when he got out, he went into business with Dad.They’ve expanded into boats, ATVs, dirt bikes, and stuff like that too.It’s a nice business, and they both make a good living.Wendy, my brother’s wife, manages a dental office in town.She started out as a hygienist but found she liked being the office manager more than having her hands in people’s mouths.She and Grant have a little boy named Kyle.He’s five, and cool as shit.”
I can’t help but smile at the love that’s clear from Boone’s tone.His family sounds so completelynormal.
