Promised (5 page)

“That’s my ride.” I say on a shaky sigh.

Instead of answering, he gives me a nod. The air in the car is still thick with the memory of what almost happened and I know he’s too busy processing it to say anything.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Linc.” I whisper. I’m out of his car and crossing the parking lot to hop into Dani’s car before he can respond.

“Who is that?” Dani asks as I fasten my seat belt. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop myself. I look over and see Linc’s car still sitting there.

“That’s the new guy at school.” I know I don’t need to lie to Dani. I know she’ll keep my secrets, just like I always kept hers.

“Spill.” She says though she isn’t watching me. Her eyes are still locked on the classic car that has yet to move. If one of us doesn’t leave, I’m going to end up going back over there to finish what I almost started.

“I will, once you get us out of here.” I tell her.

She pulls her eyes off the car and looks me over. Taking in my flushed face and the rush of adrenaline that’s causing my hands to shake, she asks. “Did he cross a line he shouldn’t have?”

“No.” I grip my hands together and place them in my lap to hide the shaking that hasn’t stopped.

“Wyn, I’m not kidding, tell me now. Did that Gorger cross the line?” Her tiny, pregnant frame is radiating anger. I’m not sure what she thinks she’d be able to do to defend my honor if he had crossed the line.

“No, Dani. I swear he didn’t do a thing, but I almost did. So please drive. I swear I’ll tell you everything as soon as you get us away from here.” I turn in my seat to look her in the eyes.

She looks me over once more. Then with a nod, she turns and shifts the car into gear, taking me away from the scene of my weaknesses.

With the children’s center firmly behind us, Dani finally speaks. “Are you rebelling because of what I told you about Shay?”

“No. Yes. Maybe. Heck, Dani, I don’t know.” I admit honestly, laying my head back against the head rest. Is the eminent end of my single life the reason I’m gravitating towards Linc, or am I honestly falling for him? Only time will tell and I’m not sure I’ll have that luxury long enough to find out.

“Okay. Well, tell me about him.” I knew Dani wouldn’t judge me. She may want the gypsy happily ever after, but she’s always respected the fact that I don’t.

“His eyes are like liquid gold. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” I turn my head and smile at her.

She returns my smile, but doesn’t say anything. I take that as my cue to continue.

“He’s tall, easily taller than Adam.” I pause to nibble on my lower lip and then I continue. “He’s delicious. He’s built with arms I want wrapped around me and his hair is cropped. And to top it all off, he’s the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”

To prove my point, I pull the small Tupperware container out of my bag and hold it up for her to see.

“What’s that?” She asks, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“A sprinkle cupcake with sprinkles in the icing.”

“He bought you a sprinkle cupcake.”

“He
made
me a sprinkle cupcake when he was helping his mom make cupcakes.” I correct her.

“Wow!” She stares at the container like it holds precious gems. “I love your brother and he’s bought me and our future child tons of stuff, but he’s never made me something.”

“Yeah, I know.” I state as I stare at the container too.

“Dang it!” She yells and slams her fist against the steering wheel.

“Um, what?” I ask confused.

“I wanted to hate this guy, but how can I hate someone who would do something that sweet just to see you smile?” She lets out a sigh. Then getting serious she asks. “Are you going to turn your back on us?”

I know she doesn’t just mean her, Adam and the baby. She wants to know if I’m going to leave my Romani life behind.

“I don’t want to lose you or Adam and I really don’t want to lose watching Lil Wyn grow up.”

“But?” Dani asks, ignoring the nickname I have given my unborn niece or nephew. She knows me too well.

I flash her a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “But I don’t know if I can agree to marry Shay. Even if Linc wasn’t in the picture, I can’t see myself married to Shay.”

“Do you know what will happen if you refuse?” We both know what’ll happen, but I think she needs to hear me say the words.

“I’ll be shunned by the family.” It takes every ounce of my energy to keep myself from crying as I put that statement out there.

Dani puts the car into park as she pulls into my driveway and immediately pulls me across the car into a hug.

“I’m going to have to go through with it or I’ll lose you.” I let the tears fall.

“Shhhh, you don’t have to make the decision tonight.” She tells me as she pulls back and wipes away my tears. In that moment, I know she’s placating me because we both know I’ve already made my decision. I’ll marry Shay because there’s no way I can leave my best friend.

Chapter 7 – Linc

~Save Me
from Myself~

“Linc, is that you?” I hear Mom call as soon as I slam the front door. It took me twenty minutes to clear my head enough that I could drive home. I wanted to kiss Wyn so bad and I’d been so close to leaning in and taking what I wanted from her. But I can’t do that. With her, I have to keep my head and take my time. She’s like a timid little deer and if I move too fast, it’ll scare her off for good, and that’s the last thing I want to happen.

“Yeah, it’s me, Mom.” I call back.

“Come tell me how the volunteering went.”

I walk into our family room where Mom is curled up on the couch watching her favorite program. She pauses the show and pats the seat beside her. I kick off my shoes and slide under the throw cover to lean against her side.

“So, how did you like it?” She asks as she puts her arm around my shoulders. Ever since I told her about the meeting with the counselor, she’s been unsuccessfully hiding the fact that she wants me to change my mind about enlisting. She stands by my dad’s decision to be a career soldier, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s worried about losing him to the war. She’s explained to me many times that she doesn’t want to see that life for me or my future family. So she’s using my crush on Wyn to push college. I’m trying not to get her hopes up because I know enlisting is the right decision for me, but I can’t make myself break her heart.

“It was nice.”

“Come on, tell me more. I’ve been home all evening by myself and I want to hear more. Did the girl like the cupcake?”

“Yeah, she loved it.” I state with a smile on my face. The memory of Wyn’s face lighting up at the sight of that little confection made my heart flutter. It was something so small, but she looked like I’d given her a priceless diamond.

“What’s her name?” My mom asks, returning my smile.

“Arwyn, but everyone calls her Wyn.”

“That’s a beautiful name. When will you bring her to meet your old mom?”

“As soon as I can talk her into a date, I’ll bring her by to meet you.” I promise.

“Has she turned you down?” She asks confused.

“I haven’t asked yet; it’s a unique situation.”

“Explain.” She demands in that mother voice that no kid can deny.

“Have you ever heard of the Romani?” I ask on a sigh.

“As in the gypsies?” She asks, her brow creased in confusion.

“Yep.” I answer.

“Is this girl a gypsy?” She asks, pulling away to sit up a little straighter.

“Yes. But Mom, she isn’t like what you’re thinking.” I rush to clarify before she makes the wrong assumptions.

“I’m not saying she is, Lincoln.” She meets my eyes. “It’s just that I’ve heard the stories about how wild some of them can get.”

“Mom, she’s not like that at all. She’s sweet and caring. She’s volunteered at that children’s center since she was a kid herself and she also tutors at the school. I swear you’re going to adore her when you meet her.” I defend Wyn.

“Ok, ok. Calm down. I shouldn’t judge her on rumors I’ve heard about other people.” She pats my hand. “I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, but you still need to be careful. Just because Wyn is accepting of you, doesn’t mean the rest of her family will be.”

“I’ll be careful, Mom. You don’t have to worry about me.” I lean in and kiss her on the temple.

“It’s part of my job as Mom.” She tells me as she pats my cheek.

I lean back into her side and she un-pauses her show. I pull out my cell phone, telling myself I need to make sure Wyn made it home alright when I really just want to hear from her.

Linc: Did u make it home ok?

I expected her to ignore my text after the awkward way we left things in the car, but to my pleasant surprise, she responds immediately.

Wyn: Yeah. U?

Linc: Yeah. Sorry I didn’t say bye.

I stare at the TV in a daze as I wait for her response. I hope she isn’t mad. It was rude of me not to say something before she got out of my car. But I was so shocked by what almost happened, I couldn’t. At least not until she’d already pulled away and that was too late.

Wyn: I can’t blame u. I was a little shocked with what almost happened myself.

Linc: Do u regret it?

Wyn: Nothing happened 2 regret.

Linc: Then do u regret it didn’t happen?

Wyn: Linc!

Linc: Wyn!

Wyn: We agreed on being friends. What we almost did is not what friends do!

Linc: Sometimes friends develop into something more. It’s called evolution.

Wyn: If the cavemen evolved as fast as we are then they’d have been flying around like the Jetsons the day after they discovered fire.

Linc: Hey I’ve always wanted one of those flying cars!

Wyn: If you were here you’d see I’m rolling my eyes at you.

Linc: Is that an invitation for me to come over?

Wyn: Do you have a death wish?

Linc: If I say I do will you save me from myself?

Wyn: Goodnight Linc.

Linc: Goodnight Wyn.

“Honey, how about we tour a couple colleges. It’s good to keep your options open.” Mom tries to make it come out as a simple suggestion, but the poor throw pillow that’s slowly being torn apart in her hands shows her anxiety over my response.

“Sure, Mom.” I’ll say anything to get her to spare the life of that poor, defenseless pillow.

“Great!” She tosses the poor pillow across the room and jumps up. Realizing her mistake, she composes herself and casually says. “I’m bored with my show, so maybe I’ll go and look up a couple schools for you before bed.”

“Ok. Good night, Mom.”

“Good night, Lincoln.” She leans down and kisses my forehead and then turns and practically skips from the room with glee.

Once she’s out of sight, I let my head fall back against the couch and ask myself out loud. “How did I get myself into this situation?”

“Oh yeah, because I couldn’t keep my eyes off the beautiful brunette long enough to listen to the guidance counselor.” I answer my own question.

“It was worth it.”

“So worth it.”

“I hope.” I breathe on a sigh.

December

Chapter 8 – Wyn

~I Can Give You Now~

Linc and I spent the rest of November and the
majority of December dancing around our feelings, or more accurately, lying about them. On the days we volunteered together, Dani covered for me so I could ride with Linc, but there were no more near kisses. We were attempting to be friends, well as much as our hearts would let us. Which wasn’t much because every time that gorgeous boy got near me, my heart would start playing a new, louder beat to remind me of who she wanted. To my relief and heartache, Linc cut back on the flirting. It hurt, but I kept telling myself it’s for the best. But the thought of him turning that swoon worthy smile on another girl, hurts more than I’m ready to admit.

“I know we didn’t discuss…but I saw it and knew I wanted you to have it.” Linc stammers from the driver’s seat. It’s Christmas day and we’d both decided to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. For the most part, I decided to do it because I like helping people, like my grandma. But a small part of me may have suggested it because I knew it would be the only way I’d get to see Linc on Christmas. Ok, maybe it was a big part of me that wanted to see him today.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, turning in my seat to see him better.

“I got you a Christmas present.” He pulls a little square box out of his jacket pocket and sets it on the seat between us. “It’s nothing major and I don’t expect you to get me anything in return.”

I stare at the box for several long, drawn out moments before I pull out an almost identical square box and set it beside the one he’d placed between us.

“I got you one too.” I tell him shyly, looking at the presents so I don’t have to make eye contact.

I sneak a glance at him and see that he’s eyeing the presents also.