14. Eleanora
eleanora
. . .
I t’s hot here without the sweltering humidity, and I love it. I could easily see myself living here, thriving in the all-day sun, and enjoying the nightlife. Last night, after I got off from work, Kellie and I went out again, to yet another club where we didn’t have to wait in line. Sadly, the bartender wasn’t as hot as Kellie’s brother, but we still didn’t have to wait or pay for our drinks. Honestly, a girl could get used to the VIP treatment.
The words on the page of my book blur. I’m focused on the couple in the pool. They’re cuddly, giggly and look like they’re immensely in love. Of course, I’m certainly not an expert on what a couple in love looks like, as my own example is far from glamorous. Roy and I were meant to be like this, back when we first started dating. In public, we were a match made in heaven, but the reality is that our relationship was the product of our fathers’ and grandfathers’ planning behind closed doors.
Nonetheless, we hit it off. He was sweet, romantic, and said all the right things. I wanted full on public displays of affection, and he didn’t want to cause a scene. He’d hold my hand when our friends were around, but there was no kissing. Close the bedroom door and things changed. He was different, and I was young. I fell hard and fast for his charm.
It didn’t take long for the rumors to start about Roy Aldridge being a ladies’ man. I’d confront him. He’d deny it and profess his undying love to me, and only me. We’d make up, in ways that would give my daddy a heart attack if he knew, and the rumors would start again almost immediately. Yet, I stayed because it’s what my family expected.
However, watching this couple, I find myself wanting what they have or at least what they’re showing to the prying eyes of the apartment complex. They seem to not have a care in the world, the way they’re canoodling, kissing, and doing who knows what under the water. It can’t be that hard to find a flirtatious kind of love, can it? One that gets your heart beating so fast you think you’re going to pass out from exhaustion even though you’re not tired. How fun would it be to be so enthralled with the person you’re with that you lose track of time or don’t care about your surroundings? That you just need to be with that person, no matter what? Never in a million years will I have this with Roy.
My phone vibrates against my leg. I have to shield my eyes in order to see my brother’s beaming face staring back at me. A bit of dread rushes through my body. Is my time up? Did I miss my deadline? I try to think of the date before I answer the phone all the while coming up with some lame excuse as to why I’m not home yet. Somehow, telling Rhett that I don’t want to go home, won’t suffice.
“Hello.” My voice squeaks. I close my eyes and count to ten in preparation of his raised voice.
“Eleanora?”
Duh! But I keep my comment to myself. “Hi, Rhett.”
“I thought you should know, Roy’s looking for you. I ran into him last night. He was a bit drunk and going on about how you’re leading him on, how you won’t answer his calls, and he said something about asking Mom and Dad to put out a missing person’s report on you. I’d like to chalk his paranoia up to being drunk, but we both know Roy.”
That tiny bit of dread I was feeling is now full on. My stomach twists into knots as I try to form a coherent thought. Roy’s going to ruin everything, all because I’m not there for him. He doesn’t love me, only the thought of me and the fact that I’m a Boone.
“Eleanora?”
“Yes, I’m here. Sorry.”
“You’re gonna have to come home.”
Tears fall. They’re instant, hot against my already warmed cheek, and streaming fast. I’m not ready to go home. This little bit of freedom is really showing me how different the world is. Sure, college did that, but this time I’m on my own. I’m working and living a life away from my studies and the watchful eye of college administrators.
“I don’t want to,” I say, sounding like a petulant child being asked to clean their room or eat a plate full of carrots.
“I know?—”
“You don’t know, Rhett. Daddy isn’t trying to marry you off to better the estate. You get to do whatever you want, no one ever says anything.”
Rhett sighs. “Williemae?—”
“Is just like our mother,” I interrupt him again. “She was fine with having Daddy hand pick her husband, but that’s not me. Who am I hurting by staying?”
“Mom if she were to find out.”
“But I’m not doing anything wrong, Rhett. I’m trying to live my life before it becomes someone else’s. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with what I’m doing.” I pause and inhale deeply, trying to calm down. I know my brother sees things my way, we’ve always been close, but family is important to him. It’s important to me too, but right now I want to pretend Eleanora Boone doesn’t exist. I just want to be Nola, the girl from nowhere, who showed up one day and took Los Angeles by storm.
My phone beeps. I pull it away and clear the screen, so I can see who’s calling. It’s Roy and instantly, as if on command, my stomach lurches. The thought of talking to him doesn’t make me sick, it’s the thought that he’ll demand that I come home and tell my parents where I am.
“Roy’s on the other line. I have to go,” I tell my brother.
“Call me back.”
I switch over, knowing I won’t call Rhett back. The less I talk to people back home, the better off I am.
“Hey, Roy,” I say as happily as I can. I even smile and adjust the way I’m sitting, although I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s out of habit from living with the girls. I always sought out privacy when Roy would call.
“Sweetheart, where are you? I’m worried. Your parents said you were driving back and should’ve been home days ago.”
“I’m fine. I just took a little detour with Sofia. We’re trying to see as many sights as possible. You know before life starts.”
Roy chuckles. I’m tempted to ask him if he’s laughing because he knows my life’s over once I get back to town or if he understands what I’m going through.
“What was the last four years you spent away from me called?”
I roll my eyes. “College, and we’re not exactly together, are we?” I point out. We’ve been broken up for a while, but according to Roy, we’re still very much a couple, with an understanding.
“Only until you graduated, which you’ve done. Don’t you think it’s time you come home so we can get our lives started. I’ve waited longer than necessary.”
Only because I left for school and you couldn’t follow me. “Of course, but you don’t want to deprive me of seeing the country, do you? Just think about the places we can visit after we’re married.” My stomach falls into the pit of hell with that statement. “We can take a road trip, visit the States, and explore our beautiful country.”
“You sound like you’re running a political campaign, Eleanora. I thought you wanted to be a teacher.”
“I do.”
“Schools are hiring now. Not that you need to work, but I understand why you want to.” His tone is condescending. He doesn’t understand anything. His mother, nor his sisters, have ever held a job. Neither has mine, but I’m different.
“So, how are you? I was so upset when you said you couldn’t make graduation.”
“I’m lonely, and wishing you were here so we can finally announce our engagement.”
“We’re not engaged, Roy.”
He clears his throat. “We would be if you were here already. As soon as you get home, I’ll drop down on my knee and promise myself to you.”
Yeah, sure you will.
“So, tell me, when should I expect you?”
“By the fourth,” I tell him, keeping the deadline that my brother gave me. “I’ll be home before my mama’s party.”
“Perfect. Everyone will be at your house. Our engagement will be the talk of the evening. Honestly, Eleanora, the date couldn’t be any better for us.”
I know what he’s thinking. Everyone in town will be at my parents’, even his conquests. They’ll see that he’s betrothed himself to me and is no longer on the market. Not sure some of them will care, but he saves face this way.
“I’m thinking of asking Forest to be my best man. Am I safe in assuming you’ll ask Susannah?”
Susannah, my best friend from high school, who I haven’t seen in four years. When I first went away to college, we spoke all the time. By the second year, it was every few days, which turned into every couple of weeks. Roy’s mention of her puts an ache in my heart. I miss her and should reach out to her, to see what she’s up to.
“Of course, I wouldn’t want anyone else,” I tell Roy. What I don’t tell him is that I haven’t spoken to her in almost a year, but surely, she’s said something to him.
“Hurry home, I miss you.”
“Miss you too.” I hang up before he can tell me that he loves me. My automatic response is to say it back, especially now. I don’t want him to get suspicious and alert my folks that something might be amiss.
With my phone still in my hand, I pull up Susannah’s contact information and press the message button. Long time, no talk. How are you?
Is this my bff?
LOL. Yes. I’m shameful. I’m sorry. College was hectic.
It’s fine. Are you home? I’m dying to see you.
Really? We haven’t spoken in ages and she wants to see me. Either she doesn’t care, or the time apart hasn’t made that much of a difference.
I’m sorry I’m such a crappy friend. You must fill me on everything that’s going on.
Let’s chat later. I’m running out the door for a dress fitting.
For what?
LulaBelle is getting married. She’s two months along but don’t tell a soul! He’s from Wilson. Parents are not happy.
Well holy crap. Call me later.
Smooches
And just like that, my best friend is back in my life. I suppose I have Roy to thank because if he hadn’t mentioned her name, I would’ve asked Sofia to be my maid of honor, along with my other suitemates as my bridesmaids. I’m certain my mother would never go for that though. She’ll want a true southern belle standing next to me.
The thought of planning a wedding makes me ill, as does the thought of marrying Roy. It’s not that he’s a bad guy, but it’s marriage . I’m not ready. My hand covers my stomach in a failed attempt to keep from retching. By the time I reach the wrought iron gate where the garbage can is, I’m already heaving.
Unfortunately, when I’m done, I have to do the walk of shame back to my chaise, where the lovey-dovey couple are now watching me. I pretend not to notice as I gather my belongings and head toward the apartment.
I’m tempted to pack and leave, to end my charade, but it’s Friday night and that means I can see Quinn tonight. The more I think about him up on stage or even sitting at the table, looking at me, the more excited I get. No, leaving tonight isn’t an option. Maybe tomorrow or on Sunday, after I’ve had my fill.