Chapter 8 #2
I laugh, shaking my head at the two men at the end of the table still bugging each other.
“I'm an only child,” I respond. “My parents aren’t close with their siblings, or their parents, really, so it was just the three of us growing up.” I continue my story, despite the awkwardness that’s suddenly blanketed the room.
“Seeing everyone here together is different,” I tell her honestly.
“But I really like it. I love how loud it is, how everyone worries about the other, and how everyone seems to be in each other's business.”
“Holly,” Grayson's dad calls over to me as he reaches for the salt and pepper shakers. “I hope you'll be joining the family at Corn Fest this year.”
I furrow my brow, looking over at Grayson for an explanation. “What's Corn Fest?”
“It's where a bunch of hillbillies get together and celebrate corn, city girl,” Lukas snaps through gritted teeth. “I thought the name would’ve given it away.”
Grayson drops his fork, letting it clamor against the edge of his plate. His back stiffens as he stares at Lukas. The rest of the family follows suit, and Lukas has the audacity to shrug, as if he isn’t being a complete ass to me.
After a few beats of silence, everyone slowly continues eating.
Grayson is the last to pick up his fork, scooping a large bite of mashed potatoes onto it.
“It’s an annual festival that Copper Ridge hosts.
Some of it is what it sounds like; we have a three-day weekend to celebrate the corn harvest. It ends up being a pretty big turnout for our small town.
People come from all over and there are different recipes of corn to try.
There's also a little carnival with games, vendors that sell crafts, music at the pavilion, and fireworks once night falls.
It's your basic small-town festival, and I was going to ask you to it,” he trails off, looking pointedly at his dad and grandpa.
“If my meddling family hadn't brought it up first. If you're off that weekend, or any of the days, I would love for you to make the trip down.”
I tilt my head down to try to cover the blush that I know is blooming on my cheeks. “When is it?”
“Second week in July,” Grayson’s grandma pipes up, and I smile politely at her. “Did Grayson tell you he used to participate in the tractor pull? He still holds the town record; set it when he was only nineteen years old.”
I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, knowing that my next question will give Lukas fuel for the fire. “What’s a tractor pull?”
Grayson’s head flicks down to the end of the table, likely giving Lukas a stern reminder to keep his mouth shut.
“It’s a competition for trucks and tractors,” he says, turning back toward me. “Participants can modify their engine or tractor abilities, and it’s a competition to see whose tractor can pull a weighted sled the furthest.”
“And you do that?” I ask as a warm feeling of pride settles in my chest at the thought that he earned a record at such a young age.
His head dips a little as he scrapes the last bit of food from his plate and brings it to his mouth. “I used to, not a big deal.”
“I’ll bet Holly would like to see you pull,” Theo pipes in, and his grandpa leans forward in his chair with excitement glistening in his eyes.
“Gosh, Gray, it’d be really nice to see my grandson pull one more time.”
Grayson looks at Theo, then to his grandpa, before turning to look down at me.
Our eyes meet, our faces only a few inches apart, and I smile up at him.
“I’ll check my schedule. That’s about the time I return to the ER, but if I’m free, I’ll definitely make the trip out for it.
I’d love to see you…” I trail off, trying to remember the words they used. “I’d love to see you pull?”
His family chuckles, and Grayson gives a content smile, nodding along with a shrugged shoulder. “Guess I’ll see if there’s still time to enter.”
His grandpa pushes back from the table. “I’ll call my buddy George; he’s still the announcer and modifier for the races.” He gives his wife a gentle squeeze on her shoulder as he passes, and she raises a hand to cover his, squeezing back.
Grayson’s hand moves under the table to rest again on my knee.
I rest mine over his, and we continue eating without any major awkward conversations.
Grayson and his dad and grandpa talk about the farm and how the corn and hay are doing, while Theo and Lukas argue about some baseball stats I could care less to know about.
His mom and grandma work hard to make me feel included, and I appreciate the hell out of that. It’s when his mom is setting down a plate of warmed apple pie with vanilla ice cream in front of me that Pops asks the awkward question.
“So, what's your plan tonight? Are you planning on staying the night with Grayson, Holly?”
“Jesus, Pops,” Grayson says, dropping his fork onto his plate. “Can we ask something maybe a little less personal?”
“It’s a long drive back to the city.” He shrugs innocently. “Was wondering if she would stay with you, or she could stay at the main house, of course.”
“How about you ask Holly why she was wearing a big fat engagement ring when she and Grayson first met?” Lukas’s comment has the room falling silent as almost everyone stares down at their food.
“Lukas,” Grayson grits out, his voice dangerously low. “How about you and I go outside and I’ll remind you what it’s like to have your ass whooped.”
“No, it's okay,” I tell Grayson, reaching my hand up to rest on his forearm. I curl my fingers around the corded muscle, using it to ground me as I inhale a slow, steady breath through my nose. Shame has me wanting to hang my head, to hide from embarrassment because looking back, it was really freaking stupid of me to cling to a life that didn’t fit me—to a life I wasn’t even happy in.
My feet slide forward as if on instinct, or maybe an old habit, wanting me to run out of the room and drive far away from this house.
But I’m sick of running, and I am sick of letting my anxiety rule me.
I steady my shoulders, leaving my hand on Grayson’s arm but leaning forward so I can lock eyes with Lukas across the table.
“Yes, Lukas, I was engaged at one point. That engagement ended a while ago. I don't know why I kept my ring on for so long, and I’m not proud that I did, but as you can see, I'm not wearing it anymore. The relationship is very much over, which makes me happy, and I’m moving forward with my life.” I let that sink in before adding, “Do you have any other incredibly rude questions you'd like to ask, or should we get on with our dinner?”
Theo howls with laughter, raising his hands to do a slow clap above the table. “Well, Lukas,” he prods, staring over at his little brother. “Any more rude questions for the lady?”
***
“I'm sorry about Lukas,” Grayson says when we step out of the farmhouse and onto the front porch. The screen door slams behind us, its echo rolls across the driveway and into the cool evening air.
“I’m sorry if I caused a scene back there, but I couldn’t take his attitude anymore.” I cross my arms over my chest. “I don't know what I did to piss him off so much.”
“You didn't do anything,” Grayson says heavily. “He hasn’t been himself since he’s been back. We're all giving him time because we're sure that what he went through is more than any of us could ever imagine, but his attitude…” he trails off, shaking his head in disappointment.
I can see the concern wearing on Grayson. Every time Lukas made an off-handed comment today, Grayson’s body would tense. He shoves his hands into the front of his jeans with his gaze fixated over my shoulder at the fields behind the barn.
I lower my arms, using one to snag his wrist, pulling one hand out of his pocket and lacing his fingers with mine. “Let’s not let his attitude ruin the night. I had an incredible day.”
We take the first step in tandem, and Grayson’s face lightens at my comment. “I hope you loved it here.”
It’s my turn to look at the fields that lead behind the barn. I can hear the cows calling out as their low moo carries across the grass. Grayson walks me to my car as I look around, and I find myself disappointed that I need to go home.
Leaning against my door, I slide my keys from one hand to the other with my eyes focused on the fields. “Loved it so much I don’t want to leave.”
A calloused finger curls under my chin, forcing my face toward his. Grayson is close, so close I can smell his earthy cologne. Sandalwood, if I remember right. I inhale a sharp breath and my breasts brush against his chest in the process.
“I’d love nothing more than for you to stay—whether that’s with me or at the house.
” He gestures with his head to the main house.
“But there’s no rush with this. I won’t ask you to stay tonight, but…
” he trails off, biting his cheek to temper a smirk.
“Maybe next time I could convince you to stay a little longer.”
I nod as relief washes over me that we’re on the same page. “Would that be appropriate?” I prod. “Given that we’re friends and all.”
“Friends, hmm?” The corner of his lip twitches, and the hand that still holds my chin curls around my jaw. His head lowers, and my heart skips, begging for him to kiss me.
“Kiss her!” Theo’s baritone voice booms from inside the house, and we break apart. I turn my head just in time to see Theo scamper away from the open window, giggling to himself.
Grayson chuckles, and his hand falls from my face. With the moment clearly shattered, I reach behind me to grip the door handle. “Well, maybe next time, then.”
His cheeks turn rosy, and he nods, reaching for the edge of the door. Once I’m safely in, he shuts it, and I roll the window down. “Thank you again.”
He nods, waving once as I back out of the drive. “Drive safe, friend.”