Serenity Falls(8)
“What?” I don’t know what he’s talking about, but it’s kind of creeping me out. Trying to look past him to see if anyone else notices what is going on, I see Sandy lost in her own world slicing potatoes and Brantley on his phone doing something.
“Jasmine. You smell like jasmine.”
Oh! I pick up a piece of my hair to sniff the scent of the shampoo left behind on my long chestnut locks. “Do I stink?” I ask cautiously because I like the way my shampoo and conditioner smells, and I do not intend to change it.
“No. I like it.” And just like that, he saunters back over to the table, taking his seat as if nothing just happened.
That was weird. Choosing not to read anything into it, I take it as a compliment, and shut the cabinet behind me.
After I’ve fixed everyone’s plates, I set about making sure everyone has a glass of sweet tea. “Hey y’all, it’s ready,” I call over to Wesley and Brantley.
“What? You’re not going to serve me?” Brantley asks with a smirk and a twinkle in his grey eyes.
I know he’s joking with me, so I decide what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. “Well, see, I would, but the last time I checked, I don’t have a ring on my finger. I also happen to know that your legs work just fine, so if you’d like, you can come and get your own food, or I’m sure Wes or Mr. Will can eat what you don’t.”
His eyes widen in surprise by my comment while a boisterous laugh erupts from Wes. “Hell yeah, I’ll eat his, too,” Wes replies, pushing back from the table.
The legs of Brantley’s chair scrape loudly against the floor as he rushes towards the counter. I start laughing because I’ve never seen him move so fast. Just as his hands touch his plate, I see him let out a heavy breath. “Brantley, you know I was just kidding, right?” I didn’t mean to almost give him a heart attack.
“Well, I do now, but you can’t joke like that about food here in this house. When Wes is home, it’s survival of the fittest,” he answers.
“Oh come on, man. I’m not that bad and you know it,” Wes says, clapping Brantley on the shoulder while picking up his own plate.
I can’t help but laugh at the humor in Wes’ eyes and the panic in Brantley’s. I know Brantley is over exaggerating the whole Wes-with-food scenario.
Picking up my own plate, I ask before I go to sit down, “Sandy? Would you like me to take Mr. Will his food?”
“Oh, no, honey that’s fine. I’ll take it to him in a minute,” she answers, still slicing potatoes, not once looking up.
I pick up my food and drink, and join the guys at the table, listening intently to their conversation. With a mouth full of food, I stop mid-chew when Wes looks at me and asks, “What are you doing tonight?”
Holding a finger in front of my mouth, I indicate for him to hold on while I swallow. I take a drink of tea to help wash down my food. “I don’t have any plans. I thought I might spend some time with Autumn.”
“Well, there’s a bonfire tonight down by the creek. Brantley and I are goin’. So, why don’t you come with us?”
“Yeah, come on Kenleigh,” Brantley says enthusiastically.
“I’m not sure. I don’t really party much.” I look between the two of them, hoping they don’t push the issue.
“This is your second summer here. Come on. It’ll be a good time,” Brantley says, with his hands steepled under his chin as if he’s praying, begging me to go.
I laugh at his ridiculous posture. “Okay, okay, I’ll go. You don’t have to beg me, Brantley.” Before I can say anything more, I find myself lifted out of my chair and thrown over Brantley’s shoulder. He shouts about how it’s going to be the best bonfire he’s been to in ages. I can’t do anything except laugh.
“It sure is,” Wes murmurs under his breath. I’m sure he didn’t intend for anyone to hear him, but I did.
Upside down, I crane my head in his direction. He sits there with an amused expression on his face. When our eyes meet, a bright smile lights up my face. “You ready to go and check out those horses?” Wes asks, standing up from the table.
While blood rushes to my head from hanging upside down, I can’t seem to wipe the smile from my face. “Sure.”
“Brant, you got to let her down, man. Her face is as red as a rose,” Wes says, walking around the table towards Brantley and me.
“Oh, shit, I’m sorry, Kenleigh,” he says, placing me back on my feet.
The blood rushing away from my face makes me lose my balance for a second. I feel myself swaying as spots start to take over my vision. Without warning, two strong arms wrap around my waist holding me upright. “Take a deep breath; it’ll help.” Wes’ voice in my ear automatically helps to relieve the dizziness, but a new feeling soon starts taking its place—safety. The warmth of his breath sends a tingle down my spine and goose bumps crawl across my skin.