American Honey

It almost makes me feel bad, until I look at her and realize that getting shot would be worth it.

We spend a few hours just driving the back roads, Savannah sitting next to me with my arm resting on her shoulder, until we pull into Jeremiah’s. Without a doubt, he invited everyone he knows and then some. The faint sound of music can be heard, the laughter is present and the flames of his massive bonfire are visible from the front of his house.

Savannah squeezes my thigh, letting me know she’s ready to go. I bring her hand to my lips, gently kissing her bruised knuckles before we leave my truck. She reaches into the back and pulls out the blankets I set back there for tonight.

“Want me to carry those?” I ask, reaching out.

“I got it,” she replies before kissing me quickly. It hits me right then and there, like a ton of bricks, that I’m screwed. This girl – the one I was trying to ignore – has already burrowed her way into my life whether I was ready for it or not. Who knew that something so simple as carrying blankets would be the trigger? We walk hand in hand to the backyard where Jeremiah has the most epic bonfire setup. Last summer we cut down logs and placed them in a circle. We also filled our trucks with sand and put that on the ground to give his area a beach feel. He said the chicks would dig it and they do, evident by the male-to-female ratio here tonight.

I introduce Savannah to the guys while Jeremiah boasts about his fat-lip, the tale changing each and every time. I’m going to have to tell him how much I appreciate him not saying exactly how he got it. I don’t want any of these guys to get the wrong impression of Savannah.

We scope out a spot to sit and I help her spread out the blanket. I don’t remember doing any of this stuff with Annamae. She used to do it all herself and never complained. Maybe that’s why she cheated.

Before I sit down, I take Savannah’s hand in mine and ask her if she want’s a beer. I’m making an assumption that she’s had one before. I never thought to ask if she drinks.

“Yeah, I’ll take one.”

She holds my hand until our arms are extended and just our fingertips are hanging on. “Hey, Tyler?”

I stop and stare at her. The way she says my name, it makes my heart beat faster. I move forward so we’re chest to chest. “Savannah,” I say huskily as I slip my fingers between hers.

“What happens if neither one of us can drive home?”

I smile and look around, checking out the night sky. “I have a feeling with you next to me, the bed of my truck would be pretty damn comfortable.” She looks at me with a fit of fear in her eyes and I know I have to remedy the situation quickly. “I’ll only have a few, I promise.” I kiss the tip of her nose and wink at her before walking toward the keg.

“Hey Smalls, what’re doing in town?” I pat an old classmate on the back while he fills his red solo cup.

“Not much, King. But it’s Dan now. I’m trying to grow out of that teen boy stage.”

I look at him all cock-eyed. “Right, what’s new?”

He moves aside so I can fill mine and Savannah’s cups. Looking over my shoulder I spot her talking to Annamae – this won’t be good. I regret chatting up Smalls because now I have to at least pretend to listen.

“I’m engaged. We’re getting married in August.”

“Wow, man, congrats. Does she know you’re a two pump and dump chump?”

“Screw you man, I was fifteen when that happened.”

“Still a great story,” I laugh, shaking my head and tipping my cup back. “See ya later.”

“Hey, is that your girl?” he calls out behind me.

“Yeah she is,” I reply over my shoulder with a big ass grin on my face.

Bracing myself for what I’m about to walk into, I make my way back to where Annamae is still talking Savannah. I don’t know what she’s telling her and I don’t want to know. Either way, if I have to spend the rest of the night reassuring Savannah that Annamae doesn’t mean anything to me, I will. I just pray that Annamae isn’t filling her head with a bunch of nonsense. Our time is short as is and I want a drama-free summer with this girl by my side.

Chapter 14 – Savannah

Watching Tyler is quickly becoming a favorite habit of mine. That is, until my vision is blocked by Dolly Parton. I look up and smile at the girl in front of me. She’s country through and through. Or at least what I’d consider country. I know I bought cowboy boots, but I drew the line at the hat. If I’m going to wear one, I’m taking it off my own cowboy.

“You must be this Savannah I keep hearin’ so much about?” Her hands are on her hips with her hip jutting out so that her leg extends to the side. Her toe taps and I’m not sure if it’s to the music or if she’s trying to assert herself somehow. For all I know, she’s Jeremiah’s girlfriend.

My brows furrow at her tone. “That’s me,” I answer plainly.

“I’m Annamae. I’m sure you’ve heard all about me.” I shake her hand out of curiosity. I’m not here to make enemies and really don’t want Jeremiah pissed off at me. As it is, he’s sporting a shiner because of me. But the fact is, I have no idea who sh

e is.