Time and Again

All in Good Time.

Chapter 3

I woke up Wednesday morning feeling very unsettled. I needed a best friend chat. Kaylyn lives in Florida, and she would be at work, but I didn’t care, I just needed her to tell me what to do with my life. It’s completely ridiculous that I need someone else to tell me how to live my life. Mental faceplate.

I went to the kitchen to grab a Big Red, popped the top, and poured it over a glass of ice. Then made my way to the couch, and curled up my legs under me, and called her.

Ring Ring….

“What’s wrong?” Kaylyn asked immediately.

“Hello to you too,” I said sarcastically. “Nothings really wrong, I just…. I need advice.”

“Okay, well you scared me. You never call me in the middle of the damn day woman,” she scolded.

“I know, I know, but I’m feeling desperate. Can you talk?”

“Luckily I played hookey today. What’s up dork?” She said with a slight laugh behind her voice.

“Oh thank God, but I would have called you at work anyway, and you still love me.” I laughed at our banter. We always harassed each other this way. Its just how we are. “So there’s this guy…” I started.

“Oh boy. Alright let’s hear it.” She said and I continued on telling her all that had happened with Jessie. I told her what he looked like, and the things I knew about him and his daughter Selena. I rambled on for a half hour before she finally spoke up.

“Okay, so what’s the problem Char? He sounds like a nice guy. Why are you freaking out?” She asked confused.

“Because!” I almost yelled. “I’m damaged, I don’t know how to trust a man after Karl. Plus, what if he thinks my life has too much drama? What if he doesn’t want to deal with ex-husbands, and creepy stalkers? I just don’t want to get close to find out that he doesn’t want to deal with all of that and then I get hurt again. Ugh. Tell me what to do.” I whined.

“Okay, I get that you are scared, but you sound like a whiney baby. Since when does fear stop you from living your life? If you don’t want to risk it, then stop now. Don’t see him again. Don’t have him over to help you. And just let it die now. OR,” she emphasized,” you could just flat out tell him about all the crazy and see what he says. Find out early and then either let him in, or give him the boot.” I sighed. This is why I called her. She always knows all the things to tell me to get my head back on straight. I went to bed last night feeling great, but had nightmares about Karl all night and woke up terrified and uncertain.

“Thanks Kay,” I told her genuinely. “You always know what to say. You get an extra ‘F' today.” I said joking about our BFF inside joke. Whenever she annoyed me, she lost and F, and when she was being cool, she got an extra F. Kay laughed. We talked for a few more minutes, and she updated me on her life and work. She was very excited to announce an upcoming work trip to Austin, which was close to where I lived, so she was planning to stay an extra few days and hang with me. Now I was really excited!

“This is the best news I’ve had in weeks!” I shouted. “You can sleep in one of the boys rooms, and they can sleep with me. What do you want to do?” I asked knowing she like to see all the sites.

“Well, me think on it. I guess it will depend if we have kids or not. So let me know about that. Maybe one night we can do grown up stuff, but I’d love to see the boys while I’m there.” Kay told me. We finished up the conversation, and said our goodbyes with a promise to talk again in a day or two. I decided to enjoy the quiet while Will was still sleeping. I opened my book on my tablet and read for a while sipping my soda, and savoring the last few moments of peace.

Will finally woke up at ten, and I made him some eggs and toast for breakfast, and some eggs for myself with avocado toast. We both had some fruit to go with it. After breakfast I helped Will unpack and put away some of his toys. Then he promptly told me he needed some space to play with his toys, and I was officially dismissed. I laughed on my way out the door, and sat at the kitchen table to look over the paint swatches.

I pulled different shades of blue, gray, lavender, beige, and varying tones of white. I held them up in the living room with the blinds pulled wide open for natural light. None of the colors I liked matched my couch so I decided to get a slip cover and some throw pillows until I was ready for a new couch. I chose a light gray for the walls and a bright true white for all the trim. These would be the main colors for all of the main spaces, dining room, living room, entry way and hall. I would choose different colors for the other rooms at a later time.

One thing at a time. I reminded myself.

I decided to make a pork roast in the crock pot, and invite dad and Sammie over for dinner. I also decided to try and make plans with my sister and Rita soon. Maybe after my first week of work. Grayson would be at his dads that weekend. Suddenly thinking of him, I decided to call him since it had been a few days. I picked up the phone and pressed the button with his name.

Ring ring…

“Hey mom!” He answered right away.

“Hey bubs, what’s goin’ on?” I drawled out, with a slight accent. I was picking up my old Southern drawl.

“Nothin’ much, just playing Minecraft, and I think we are going to Target soon for some stuff for the new house.” His dad and new wife had money. And while it sometimes became an issue, I was glad his dad was able to provide the things I couldn’t, and give Grayson more opportunities. He went on to tell me about his new room, and how he had been swimming every day in the pool. His dad was getting a boat this weekend, and they had a slip on the river right off the back yard of their house. According to Grayson, it was just a fishing boat, and not a “go fast boat". He told me he went to see his new school, and was excited to start Middle School in the fall.

I told him about our house, and his room here, and that Aunt Kay would be coming for a visit next month and we would try to do some fun things while she was here. He was really excited about that. Kay always spoiled the boys while she was in town, and they loved her. We talked for a bit longer and he gave me his meal preferences for the weekend, then said goodbye. Afterwards Will and I got dressed to go in to town and pick up paint. We went to the hardware store first and picked up paint. I decided to get the five gallon bucket since it was cheaper, but then swiftly realized there was no way for me to lift it. I had one of the clerks load it into my trunk, then went straight to my dads shop to talk to him.

Will and I hopped out of the car, and I stopped and talked to Rita and Andy first, discussing possible days for a girls night out. I also invited everyone over for Sunday lunch and barbecue. Rita and Andy decided what they would like to bring, and I was excited to have the whole family over at the same time, including my brother who had been working overtime and my nephews. I had yet to see them due to scheduling issues. I reminded them to bring lawn chairs as well. Will stayed with Rita while I went back to talk to dad, I didn’t like him wandering around the shop since so many things were breakable. I got to the door of his office, and remembered to knock this time.

“Come in.” Dad called.

I stepped inside the office, and plopped in the chair across from his desk. I invited him and Sammie to dinner for tonight, and also to the barbecue on Sunday. “Oh, and can you bring your grill, and cook the meat for us?” I asked with my biggest grin. He gave a chuckle, “I guess so.”

“I have another dilemma.” I said sweetly, hoping he would help me. I bought the paint today, but I didn’t think about the fact that I can’t lift a five gallon bucket of paint. So its in my trunk, but I don’t want to leave it there in the heat.

“Hmmm… that is an issue. I don’t know if I can lift that much either.” He stated scratching his head. There was a knock at the door.

“Come on in Jessie.” Dad told him. My stomach did a weird flip flop as I turned and saw him standing in the doorway. He was wearing a red pole shirt with a pair of Carhart cargo jeans with rows work boots, that had clearly seen better days. He leaned against the door way with his arms crossed.

Damn that’s hot.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I overheard that last bit, and I think I can help if you like?” He asked looking at me

“ Umm. Sure, what did you have in mind?” I asked.

“Well, since I’m coming over Saturday to help you paint, why don’t I take the paint and store it in my garage until then, and then I’ll bring it with me when I come?”

“ OH, that’s a great idea actually!” I exclaimed and gave him a huge smile. Dad gave me a pointed look, as if to say “Oh he’s coming to your house huh?” but he kept quiet. Dad was good about staying out of other people’s business. “ Okay well, I need to get going, dinner is in the crock pot, and I want to check in it, and do some unpacking before you guys come over. See you tonight dad!” I said walking out the door. Jessie told dad he’d be right back to talk to him, and then followed me out to my car. Will joined us when we got to the front of the shop, and we bid Rita and Andy goodbye.

I was having a case of nerves as we walked out to my car, Will climbed in the back seat. Jessie decided to pull his truck over so he wouldn’t have to carry it so far, and then easily pulled the big bucket out and put it in his truck bed. I watched his muscles flex as he lifted the paint, and felt myself get a little excited.

I am in so much trouble.

Jessie stood there looking at me with smirk and I realized I had been caught staring. With my mouth open no less. I closed it quickly and mumbled a “thank you".

He moved closer to me , he was only a couple feet away. I could reach out and touch him if I wanted. I did want to, but I stuck my hands into my back pockets, not realizing the effect that move would have on pushing my chest out. My boobs weren’t big, but they were noticeable. Jessie’s eyes got big for a second, then he looked up quickly and met my eyes. We stood like that for what seemed like forever, but it was probably just a few seconds before he spoke.

“ No problem at all Charlotte. “ He reached up and pushed a wisp of hair from my face that had gone astray from my pony tail. I smiled as his hand lingered near my face. His voice was soft but deep, and his Southern accent was slightly pronounced. I could smell his cologne, and my eyes drifted to his mouth. I licked my lips without thinking, and he gave a soft “whoa". The spell was quickly broken.

“ Well, I’ll see you Saturday then?” I said quietly. Still too stunned to move.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He replied with a soft smile dropping his hand, and stepping back to close the tail gate of his truck. I was finally able to move, and started towards the car door opening it slowly and looking back. “Talk to you later.” I said then ducked in to the driver’s seat and closed the door. Jessie stood there for a minute then waved and walked away.

Holy, bloody hell. What. Was. That?!

Jessie

I walked in to the shop and saw Will behind the counter with Rita. Realizing quickly that Charlotte must be here. I greeted the ladies and gave Will and high five and made my way to the office. I stood a few feet shy of the open door when I heard her voice floating from it. I listened for a few minutes before knocking. “Sorry to interrupt…” I began, and immediately saw her sitting in the chair, biting her lip. She looked so cute today with a messy bun, and little bit of make-up on. She wore a dark green tank top with black zigzags on it, and a pair of knee length denim shorts rolled up at the bottom and some white sneakers. I told her my idea, and she quickly agreed, getting up to leave. I told Ben I’d be right back to discuss the project I came to talk to him about, and followed her out. I couldn’t help but watch the way her ass and hips swayed when she walked.

I sure would like to get a bite of that.

Once we got to her car, I realized I was parked pretty far away, so I moved the truck so I wouldn’t kill my already aching back. When I put the bucket of paint in my truck bed and turned around she was staring at me, mouth agape.

I guess I’m not the only one admiring.

I stood there a minute, not wanting to embarrass her too much. She came out of her reverie, and closed her mouth. I stepped closer without even thinking. She pushed her hands in to her back pockets, and her breasts thrust forward. I couldn’t help but notice, though I tried not to stare too long. She was so easily beautiful, I could tell she didn’t need much effort. She was natural, and she smelled amazing, like mint and ,lemon grass. The wind blew some of her hair in to her face, and I reached up and moved it back with a finger. Her hair was soft, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was mesmerized. We stood like that for a minute when she licked her lips, and I groaned out a soft “whoa" killing the moment. We said goodbye, and I reluctantly left waving to her as she started her car.

I walked back in to the shop, and Rita and Andy quickly stopped talking. I gave them a side glance and smirked, “What are you girls up to?”

“Nothing.” They said in unison a little too quickly.

I shook my head and went back to talk with Ben. He gave me an odd look when I sat down, and simply said, “be good to that one, she’s had a rough time.” I nodded, knowing he was referring to his daughter and we started discussing the project issues, and dropped the discussion about Charlotte. Ben wasn’t one to pry, but I understood he was protective of his daughters. I know I would be too with Selena. I wondered what he meant by “rough time", but figured it would come up eventually if things progressed. We finished up our meeting and I left to pick up Selena from school. I had one job site to stop by after that, and then we would head home.

When I finally pulled in to the driveway around four thirty, Selena had given me the full, run down of her day, and said she only had a little homework today. I told her she could grab a snack first and do her reading, which she loved anyway, before starting her work. I felt like she needed a little break when she first got home each day. I moved the paint to the back of the garage so it would stay cooler, then went in to shower. I finished up quickly, not bothering to soak much today, and headed to the kitchen in a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt. I poured myself some lemonade and grabbed a bag of pork rinds from the cupboard and went to sit on the couch. Selena sat at the table with her snack and her book, and I quickly fell asleep on the couch with the bag of chips in my hands unopened.

Selena woke me up almost two hours later, and realized the sun was almost down. “I’m sorry hun, I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”

“It’s okay dad. You were snoring though” she laughed. I chuckled a little and went to the kitchen to make dinner. I threw a salad together and heated up some chicken strips in the oven then cut them up and put them on the salad. We ate dinner pretty quickly then watched a show together. Nine O'clock rolled around fast. “Okay, time to hit the sack. I’m bushed.”

“Okay dad.” She replied, and we went about our bedtime routine. Once she was all tucked in I went to my room, threw my shorts and t-shirt over the chair, and picked up my phone for my nightly scroll. I decided on a whim to text Charlotte since she had messaged me last night.

Me: your paint is all tucked in to the garage.

I was surprised when my phone dinged so fast with her response.

Charlotte: Did you give it a teddy bear and say prayers with it?

I laughed.

Me: I did. I decided to let it borrow mine so it won’t get scared.

Charlotte: but who will you cuddle with?

Me: I could think of one person I’d like to cuddle with. ;)

Charlotte: Oh, and who might that be?

She was playing along. I liked that.

Me: I’ll tell you Saturday.

Charlotte: alrighty then. Keep your secrets.

Me: not for long ma’am.

Charlotte : oh really? So should I get out my good tea set, so I can hear all the juicy ones?

Me: I take cream and sugar.

Charlotte: lol… noted.

Me: I gotta pass out. Talk to you soon.

Charlotte: ok. Sleep tight.

Me: Sweet dreams beautiful.

I set the phone on the night stand.

Maybe that was too much? Oh well, its done now.

I smiled into the dark.