Chapter 16 - Tally, Present Day
TALLY, PRESENT DAY
Rust packs like he’s moving house with a family of ten, not going on a weeklong road trip.
While he rummages through hall cabinets and shoves things into bags, I decide to do a load of laundry.
As I sort through my clothes, my core aches from the rough fucking Rust gave me in the shower.
Goddamn, he was right when he said I’d walk bowlegged for a week.
I clench my thighs, reveling in the ache.
I haven’t felt this sore and satisfied in forever.
Humming, I get to work. My private travel wardrobe is low maintenance. It features my favorite pair of bell bottoms, a few light summer dresses and skirts, a couple romantic lace-up blouses and vintage T-shirts with country music prints.
I fold everything straight from the dryer, putting my blond emergency wig at the bottom of my duffle bag. Since that time I had to make a spontaneous appearance at a festival, I always keep one in my hand luggage.
I change into a baby blue sundress with a floral pattern and grab an ice-cold coke from the fridge. Humid heat slaps me as I step out onto the front porch.
I sit on the creaky old porch swing, sipping my drink while I use the maps app on my phone to plan a minimal route. After Rust dug out a stack of yellowed paper maps, I volunteered to play the navigator for our trip.
When I’m finished, I take in the view.
This place used to be bustling with life. I meant to ask Rust about his parents and what happened to the animals, but with everything going on, I didn’t get a chance yet.
If I squint, I can almost see a young Rust in the distance, riding toward me. I smile at the memory of waiting for him in this very spot, just like I am now.
The exploding puff of an exhaust pipe startles me. A tow-truck shoots down the dirt road, kicking up a dust storm. It comes to a screeching halt in front of the house and a man in denim overalls with a white T-shirt underneath hops out.
I squint. He’s carrying something. Are those food containers?
Ugh, Rust and his surprise visitors. I should probably hide, but I’m pretty sure the guy has seen me already.
Yeah, he’s waving now. Great.
I put my empty can on the swing, raising my hand in an awkward greeting. The man jogs closer. Suddenly I want to jump into the swamp after ‘Uncle Barry’ cause I recognize him instantly and I can tell he recognizes me, too.
It’s Caleb Harper.
He’s got a healthy tan and lean muscles. His sandy-blond mullet still doesn’t quite behave, sticking out from a faded brown trucker hat. But his eyes are that easy kind of blue and his wide grin lights up his whole face.
Caleb jumps up the porch steps and whistles. “Look what the cat dragged in! Been forever since I’ve seen you ‘round this holler.”
It feels like an elephant steps on my heart. Fuck, here it comes. The comments about my disappearing act, the rumors, the intrusive questions—
“Little Tally, all grown up. Gettin’ chased around by chickens no more.”
I choke on my own spit. That’s how he chooses to greet me?
I vividly remember the day his mom took me along to the county fair and I had a traumatizing encounter with the prize-winning hen. At least traumatizing for a little girl.
I exhale a breathy giggle alongside a metric shit ton of tension. “Hope they turned that feathered beast into nuggets! It pecked at me like it had a personal grudge.”
Caleb feigns shock, putting a hand on his heart. “My apologies. Don’t tell me that story is still a sore spot?”
I fix him with a playfully somber stare. “I had to go through very intense, very expensive therapy to overcome my chicken phobia.”
“It was a serious incident. I understand.” He winks. “So, what are you doin’ all the way out here if it ain’t for our famous Kentucky fighting hens?”
I chew on my lip, trying to find the least complicated answer. “I’m visiting Rust.”
A flicker of surprise crosses his face and disappears behind his carefree grin. “How nice! I came cause Rust texted me and said he got a car that needs the special treatment.”
“Wait, you’re the guy who’s gonna crush my car into an unrecognizable cube and ship it overseas?”
He thumbs his chest proudly. “Yep! I own a junkyard outside of town now.”
“A small business owner. That’s cool! How’s your mama ‘n them?”
“They’re great!” He nods enthusiastically.
“Oh, before I forget…” He pushes the food containers into my arms. “I was havin’ a bite at my mamma’s when I got Rust’s message, and she wouldn’t let me come over empty handed.
Corn bread and soup beans. I didn’t know you’d be here but I reckon it should be enough for two. ”
With a smile, I put the containers on the porch swing beside me. “Thank you.”
“Thought I heard y’all talkin’ out here,” Rust’s voice drifts from inside. He opens the screen door with his shoulder, both hands occupied with travel bags. Concern etched on his features, he looks between us. “Cal, I didn’t expect you this soon.”
“Your text seemed urgent.” Caleb shrugs.
Rust meets my eyes. When I smile, he relaxes and grins back at me. He puts the bags down and scrubs a hand over his jaw. “Guess it is sorta urgent. I’m going out of town for a week and I gotta get rid of the car before I leave.”
Caleb’s expression falls. “That means no trip to the lake tomorrow?”
“Shit, sorry, man. It’s been a wild day, and I completely forgot about fishing. I have some business to take care of.” Rust gives me a side glance.
Caleb’s mouth gapes. “Oh… You mean business business. Got it. I’ll take care of everything.”
Rust pats his back. “Thanks. Knew I could count on you.”
“So, where’s the car? Don’t wanna hold up you two lovebir—” Caleb coughs. “You two business partners.”
Rust starts down the stairs toward the barn. “I’ll show you.”
“Be right there!” Caleb turns to me, holding out a calloused hand. “Mighty fine to see you again, Tally. Missed you around here. I hope you know you’re always welcome back home.”
I stand up and shake his hand, hoping he doesn’t notice my clammy palm. “Look, I’m sorry I never called or explained why I didn’t come back. It hurt so much and I just wanted to forget, hide from the pain.”
His smile turns sad but his eyes don’t lose their warmth.
“Can’t pretend I wasn’t upset, but I understand.
Some things are too hard to talk about.” He lowers his voice.
“And don’t worry. Your secret is safe. My lips are sealed tighter than a jar of my nana’s peach preserves.
Ain’t nobody hearin’ about your visit from me. ”
The air leaves my lungs in a rush. So much for my poker face. Caleb deciphered my terrified expression when he came up to the house, but he chose to be kind.
Maybe not everything about my hometown is bad.
He digs around in his pocket, pulling out a crumpled business card. “My number is on here. If y’all need anything, I’m just a call away. You guys are basically family.”
“Thanks, Caleb.” Blushing, I take the card and laugh. “You called your business ‘Trash Talk?’”
“Uh-huh. Catchy, right?”
“It’s definitely memorable.”
Rust shouts from across the yard and Caleb saunters down the steps. He pauses at the bottom, looking back at me.
“I ain’t seen my best friend smile like he smiled at you since…” Caleb blows out a breath. “Not since he came back from Vegas alone. He won’t admit it, but he’s been hurtin’ something awful without you. I don’t know the whole story, I’m just happy you guys are talking again.”
Caleb jogs after Rust, leaving me speechless.
Realization lands like a blow to my ribs, putting a tiny crack in the armor I built around my heart.
My ex-husband was hurting without me.