“I said, the women are on their way back and I have strict orders to get you out of the house before they return.”
“Why?”
“The fuck should I know? They do this shit all the time.”
“I thought they only did that the night before a wedding?” Tyler rocked his chair back on the two back legs and took a sip of water from the bottle in his hand.
“These people have a whole lot of rules and regulations for the shit they do.”
I started to feel weird about going back to my empty house to get ready for what is arguably a milestone in a teenager’s life. Granted the prom up until now was just something I wanted to do for her, but now…
I was surprised when they all got to their feet. “Lyon you sure you don’t wanna stay here for Caitlin?”
“She won’t be leaving until later. I can do both, the kid’s on his own here.” I had no idea what they were talking about until they all followed me downstairs where some of the women had stayed behind with the kids.
“What’s going on?” I finally asked Colt when we were out on the driveway.
“We’re gonna get you ready for the prom what else?” I almost cried. Even more so when he hopped into the passenger seat of the Ranger.
Then as we drove I had to keep trying to remember if there was any evidence of what Caitlin and I had been up to laying around the house. Once I reassured myself that there was nothing to be found I was able to relax by the time we pulled into the driveway.
I hopped in the shower and left them out there doing who knows what, all the while hoping my father in law wasn’t looking for evidence of what I’d been up to with his daughter. I don’t even think he knows that we’ve been coming here instead of driving around.
They weren’t kidding when they said they were there to help me get dressed. In between jokes and advice on how the night should go, they helped me fix my tie in place, made sure my pants were falling right and Colton even fixed the shoulders of my jacket to make sure it looked right. Then he blew me over. “Call your mom and dad.” He said those words before gathering the others and heading outside to wait for me.
I made the call and was glad I did even though I had no idea why he’d asked me to in the first place. Then I was even more surprised when he took pictures of me to send to mom who’d cried through the whole phone call. Weird!
On the way back to his house hours after we left I was tense for some reason. “I don’t have to tell you to be careful with her. No drinking since she wants to drive her new car instead of the traditional limo.”
“I wouldn’t have even if we had one, we’re both underage.”
“Yeah well, some people might think you’re too young to be getting married as well but last I heard my wife was already planning a wedding. You’ve proven yourself to have a good head on your shoulder so I’m going to trust that shit. Anything happens to my kid though, you’re not gonna make it.”
The grin he gave me was in no way friendly when he said that. No pressure though because I had no intentions on taking her anywhere other than the dinner and dance that the school had organized. And then he said something that freaked me the hell out.
“Nice call on turning down the after party.”
“How did you know about that?”
“I know everything kid, especially when it comes to my wife and kids. I’m trusting you with someone that’s more precious to me than my own life, just keep that in mind.”
“I know it, she’s precious to me too. Don’t worry, I’ll always put her best interest first.” He didn’t say anything for about ten seconds, just stared out the window after I pulled into the driveway.
“You’re the real deal aren’t you kid?” He didn’t say anything else as he opened the door and got out. I opened my door just as six or seven bikes pulled into the driveway and heard his mumbled, ‘ah shit.”
Some of the guys looked like the same men he’d followed us home with a couple weeks ago and the others I’m guessing worked for him. The only one to remove his helmet though was her Godfather Jared.
“What’re you fucks up to now?” Colton addressed them as the others stood around watching. “What do you think? We’re here to escort these two to the prom.” The look he gave me said he was there to do more than that.
“Jared I told you I took care of it.”