I’m not sure what I was expecting of Becky, but this wasn’t it. I expected a more hapless young person, a former cheerleader who dated the high school football star and accidentally got pregnant in college. A young woman who was stunned by her husband’s arrest and imprisonment and perhaps rushed to get a divorce out of fear.
The actual person looks like she’s never been afraid a day in her life. She knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s only a few years older than me, but she’s dressed like a much older woman in navy slacks and an ivory twinset. A strand of large pearls is around her neck, and she’s clearly not happy to see her ex-husband.
Her thin lips press into a line, and her voice is low, almost like she’s a smoker. “What a surprise. You’re home early.”
“Actually, I’m eighteen months late.” JR isn’t smiling. His expression is grim. “Where’s my son?”
“You always did have such a charming personality. I should’ve known you wouldn’t care how I’ve been.”
“I’ve heard how you’ve been, not that you ever told me.”
“I don’t have to tell you anything. We’re not married anymore.”
“You didn’t tell me anything when we were married.”
I’m on edge listening, analyzing every word they say for any hint he still has feelings for her. I hear none.
He drops his chin and exhales slowly. “I didn’t come here for you. I came to see my son.”
“Hello, Scout. You’re looking well, considering you’re an utter embarrassment to your father.”
My jaw drops. What a bitch!
Scout only laughs. “Damn, Becky. I didn’t think it was possible for you to get any more obnoxious. Guess I was wrong about that, too.”
“You’re usually wrong about everything.” Her arms are still crossed, and she turns to go back inside the house. “Your father isn’t here. He’s at the gym.”
JR starts walking to the house, and my heart hammers in my chest. “I want to see my son.”
Becky spins on her heel, and her voice is a sharp command. “Don’t you step foot on this porch, or I’ll call the sheriff.”
I’m surprised her threat actually stops JR in his tracks… then my mind drifts to his strange behavior when we saw the roadblock in Texas.
He lifts his chin, his ice blue eyes scanning the enormous house. “Jesse?” He calls loudly. “Jesse?”
Becky rushes to the top step holding out her hand. “Stop shouting. What will the neighbors think?”
“I don’t give a shit.” JR snaps, yelling again. “Jesse!”
“He’s not here. He lives with Alice now. Bill said he’d already done the daddy thing and isn’t interested in doing it again.”
She’s still speaking, but JR has signaled Scout, and they’re jogging back to where I’m waiting in Metallicar. They jump in on both sides, and Scout turns the key. It’s the first time I’ve been so proud of the way it roars to life like a true muscle car.
Scouts slams it into reverse and backs out of the drive. He gives the gas a little pump, and it makes a loud roar as we leave the Ice Queen standing on the front porch clutching her pearls.
He shakes his head. “That girl’s only a year older than me, right?”
“She’s aging in dog years.” JR grumbles, and I can’t resist.
“Because she’s a total bitch?”
Scout lifts his chin and exhales a laugh. “I get it. Bitch, dog years. Good one.”
He holds his palm back, and I slap it. JR doesn’t smile, and I feel a little guilty. I don’t normally dump on ex-girlfriends… or ex-wives, but that woman is the worst, from what she said to Scout to how she spoke to JR.
He’s silent the rest of the drive, and my stomach is in knots. Our moment in the woods was so hot and amazing, and to me, it felt like it meant something. It felt like we connected in a deeper way, a real way.
Now he’s right back to where he was the first day we met—angry and withdrawn and not looking at me at all. I know he has so much pressing on him, he’s learned so much so fast… Still my heart aches with longing for him as I watch the scenery change outside the window.
The houses are growing smaller and closer together on this end of town, with shaggy wisteria draping over the trees. The yards aren’t as pristine, and I don’t see a single brick wall or ivy-lined fountain.
Finally, we pull into the driveway of what looks like a two-bedroom, red brick house. It has a white front door and a single-car, concrete driveway to the side. White, floral cast-iron columns stand on each corner, and the front door flings open right when Scout kills the engine.
“Oh, my gracious! My word!” A small lady in a red blouse and white pants with a teased helmet of white hair scuttles out the door. Both her arms are stretched over her head, and her face is beaming. “Both my boys are home at last! It must be Christmas!”
“Hey, Gran.” Scout leans down and picks her up in a hug, making her squeal.
“Bradley Scout! Put me down before you crush me.”
He gives her a shake side to side instead, and she fusses more. “Put me down! My old bones can’t take all this man-handling.”
JR cracks a grin, and it makes me smile from where I wait beside the car. His brother finally releases their tiny grandma, and she fusses, straightening her shirt and patting her hair.
“That boy, I swear.” Then she sees her other grandson and clasps her hands under her chin. “Oh, my John. Thank the Lord you’re home! Come and give me a hug, my sweet boy. How are you?”
“I’m fine.” He goes straight to her, bending down to hug her gently. “How are you feeling, GA?”
“Well, I got this reflux giving me trouble. The doctor says I might have to have my gall bladder removed, but my gynecologist thinks it’s an overreaction.”
Scout calls from the front porch, “Don’t talk about your gynecologist, Gran!”
She waves at him. “You’re a grown man, you know about these things. Anyway, I wasn’t talking about my female parts.” Her blue eyes land on me, and she grabs JR’s arm. “Who is this angelic creature? Is she with you, John?”
Warm embarrassment floods my cheeks. “Hi, there.” I do a little wave.
“Well, come here, young lady, I can barely see you that far away.” She squints at me, smiling, then her eyes go over my shoulder. “Although I can see that gorgeous car you’re driving. Scout is that your car?”
“It’s mine, GA, and this is our friend, Hope.” JR waves me closer, but my stomach sinks. Their friend.
“Well, you’d better snatch her up quick.” The little lady pulls me into a hug. “You’re just as pretty as a picture, Hope. What are you doing with these wild boys?”
“She helped us drive from California, Gran. JR bought the car from her. Or her dad.”
“Good gracious, did you three drive all the way from California?” Her wrinkled, spotted hand presses to her chest again. “You must be absolutely exhausted! Come inside, and I’ll make some sweet tea.”
“Now tell me, Bradley, have you met that RuPaul fellow yet?” She takes Scout’s arm. “I just love him. He is so funny!”