CHAPTER FIVE #4
I only vaguely listen to Mary’s response because thoughts of Cade take over my mind.
His thoughtfulness, kindness, and that smile that he gives me.
I know it’s fast, but I feel in my gut and in my heart just how right this thing between us is, and something settles in me, like my soul knows the answer I’m just letting myself believe.
This thing…no, this relationship between Cade and me—it’s real, and it’s not casual.
I’m more okay with that than I thought I would be.
Kinsley bumps her elbow into mine to get my attention.
I look over and see a smile on her face, her hair growing back nicely after finally going into remission after her cancer fight.
She points across the room. “My mother-in-law fits in way too well with your mom, Romona, and Ma. A couple more drinks and I have a feeling some karaoke might happen.” Knowing what alcohol does to this group, that’s not a stretch.
I remember the last time alcohol was involved in a girls' night.
I look at Kinsley. “As long as someone doesn’t bring out the UNO cards, we should be good. Mom is ruthless when we play that.” I think that was the understatement of the year.
I look over the room, and it only spins slightly.
I might have had a few more drinks than I planned, though by the looks of it, I’m not the only one.
Shelby, Madison, and Kierstie are slouched on one of the couches, all with smiles on their faces and drinks still in their hands.
Jane is in the chair next to them. She lets out a cheer. “Come on, ladies, show us what ya got!”
Over next to the stereo stands my mom, Ma, Romona, Millie, and Kinsley’s mother-in-law, Ada, all in a line.
Ma hits the stereo, and the first beats of a song from the nineties come on.
I’m pretty sure this was a big hit back then.
None of them have great rhythm because they’re as drunk or drunker than I am, but they’re all swaying and singing along.
I never imagined tonight would end up with my mom and the other women in our family who are in their fifties dancing and singing along to a Salt N Pepa song.
All the girls except for Christy and Shandy are as happy as I am feeling right about now.
Kimbra calls out from next to me as she’s dying of laughter.
“Get it, ladies!” I’m pretty sure a couple of them are twerking, and I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Mom dance quite that way.
The song ends, but the one that starts up next gets everyone up and dancing.
I think we all know the words to this one.
The epic words from Sir Mix A Lot fill the room, and even in my inebriated state, I know this is a night to remember.
*********
I wake up, and I’m pretty sure someone is playing the Music Man soundtrack in my head. If not that, then I’m pretty fucking sure some damn woodpecker is choosing my head as the surface for calling his next mate. Holy hell.
My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton, and it takes me longer than normal to get my eyes to focus.
I haven’t told anyone, but every day over the last few weeks my vision has been getting noticeably worse.
I can still see close up with my glasses on, but my distance vision is what’s disappearing.
I knew this was coming, but realizing that day is coming much sooner than I’d hoped is hard to accept.
Lucky for me, the throbbing in my head is taking center stage at the moment.
I give myself another ten minutes to wallow in bed before I make myself get up, take a shower, and brush my teeth so I get rid of the cotton in my mouth.
I know I should probably eat something, but the only thing calling my name at the moment is a very large cup of coffee. Maybe two or three cups.
I get myself through my morning routine and slip on some leggings and a baggy sweater. I grab my phone and my tablet and head toward the kitchen in search of caffeine and some aspirin.
Just a few minutes later, I’m sitting down at the kitchen table with a piping hot, full mug of coffee.
My head is still having an uninvited concert, but I try to ignore it as I open my phone.
As soon as I do, I see I’ve got a few messages, so I open my texts.
There are a couple from my brothers and one from a client that I will look at when I’m more awake, and my brain is functioning at an adult level.
I look, and there’s a message from Cade, so I open it.
I must’ve texted him last night. Oh no. No nononono.
I look quickly and see that I also called him.
Fuck me! I don’t remember calling him or even texting him.
I’m scared to find out what I said. I better not have screwed this up by saying something idiotic.
I start to scroll up, but a text comes in.
Cade: If you’ve reentered the land of the living, I’m pretty sure you’re freaking out about what you might or might not have said on the phone to me last night.
We’re fine. In fact, we’re better than fine.
You told me you liked that one thing I do when you’re on top, and, baby, I’m looking forward to doing it as soon as humanly possible once again.
In fact, I think as soon as I get back to town tomorrow I’m gonna come up your way.
I need to see you. You might have said one more thing…
I know it’s fast, but I’m feeling the same way.
What the hell did I say? Oh gods…Did I tell him I loved him? Did I? Fucking A. That’s it. No more getting that drunk for me again. Not remembering what I said is going to drive me nuts. I respond before looking back at the texts I sent last night.
Me: You can’t just vague text me like that, especially with the amount of tequila I consumed last night. What did I say?
Cade: LOL. Why does this not surprise me?
You didn’t say anything that is making me question things or doubt what I feel for you.
Now, what’s gonna happen is that I’m gonna go play this match and we’re gonna beat Boise so bad they’re only gonna be able to eat mashed potatoes.
You’re going to finish your coffee, have another, and read that book you mentioned was coming out today.
I’ll call you as soon as the match is over. Don’t worry, really.
Me: Ugh. Why do you have to be calm and nice while I’m two seconds from a freakout?
I look at the time, and I know he’s got over an hour before the match starts, so I give up texting and hit call next to his name. I think it barely rings once before Cade picks up and his deep voice comes across. I just know he’s smiling and trying not to laugh at my hungover self.
“I told you we are fine. You didn’t say anything bad. In fact, most of what you said was in a language that sure as shit wasn't English.” This man has me feeling better about us, but at the same time being slightly annoyed with him.
“I know you said we’re fine, but you just left me hanging and didn’t tell me what I did say!
Drunk Hanna and sober Hanna don’t occupy the same brain cells and definitely don’t share a memory.
” The fucker bursts out laughing louder than I’ve ever heard him.
I could yell, but my head can’t handle that just yet.
My mouth operates before my brain, though.
“Emma was right, you are annoying. Cute but annoying.”