September Tango (15 page)

She was in her pajamas and she was at her desk in a hot pink computer chair. She looked up and smiled brightly. “Hey! Feel better?”

“Yeah, thanks. Where's Calvin?” She rubbed her forearm and yawned.

“
Who knows? I'm sure he'll be back later. Let's talk about wedding stuff. I mean, it's kind of obvious I'm in it.” She smirked.

“
Yeah.” Zoe nodded. “You're my maid of honor.”

“
Awesome!” She pumped her fist in the air. “Wait, isn't Amy home?”

“
Yeah, but she won't be in the wedding. She screwed Derek.” She sat down on Layla's bed and traced one of the hot pink flowers on the comforter with her fingertip.

“
Jesus, that dude gets around, don't he?” She shook her head. “Well, I have been on social media, and I've let everyone know what to be wearing and what time. Grams said the wedding is at four.”

“
Oh, okay. How many people are we talking about being there?” She picked at an invisible piece of lint on the comforter.

“
Um, probably most of Major.” She shrugged a cocoa shoulder. “It's a good thing. Let it happen.”

“
Okay,” she agreed. It was too late to do anything about it. She yawned again. “What time is it?”

Layla looked down at the computer screen. “Almost ten.”

“I hate to say it, but I'm going to bed.” She rubbed her eyes. “I've had enough for one day.”

“
Okay,” Layla smiled. “I'll see you first thing in the morning. You gotta get your license at nine AM! You know where your birth certificate is, right?”

Zoe nodded. “Yeah, I got it tonight when I was at the house. See you then.” She padded down the hall to Calvin's room and closed the door behind her. She pulled his comforter back and slid between the cool sheets. She curled up on one of the pillows and took a deep breath. The bed smelled just like him. Exhaustion overtook her and she closed her eyes, falling into a deep and dreamless sleep.

Chapter Nineteen
– Monday Evening (Calvin)

“Dude, what are we doing here?” Calvin asked

“
You'll see,” Tim told him as he exited his car.

Calvin shook his head.
What is the fool up to?
He asked himself as he looked up at the building he walked towards. As Tim pushed the doors open, Calvin was met with the sounds of bowling balls rolling and bowling pins crashing. They were at the bowling alley. Tim led him through crowds of people until the finally reach the back corner of the building.

“
About time you made it here,” Calvin heard someone say to Tim.

“
Yeah, well, we had to make a pit stop on the way here.” Tim explained to him. Calvin was finally able to see who Tim was talking to.

“
Lucas? What the hell are you doing here, man?” Calvin asked him giving his friend a hug.

“
Oh, you know, just chilling and celebrating a friend of mine's engagement.”

Calvin stared blankly at Lucas for a while before realizing what he meant. “Wait a minute, I see what's going on here.”

“I was wondering how long it would take you to catch on.” Tim told him. “We didn't have much time to plan, we know how much you like bowling, so I thought, why the hell not?”

“
Still, you had enough time to get this whole section of the alley? How the hell did you pull that off?”

“
Not without help,” A voice came from behind Calvin.

Calvin didn't even have to turn around to know who was behind him. “Seriously, Pops.”

“Did you really think I would let you sit around all day while your woman was out dress shopping?” Pops walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “So, I decided to call up Jimmy and get him to free up this side of the alley for you, then I called Tim up and told him to get all your friends here.”

“
When did you get a chance to do all that? I thought you were in the house all day.”

“
We have cordless phones, Calvin, remember? I went outside and called Jimmy this afternoon after I was sure you two were engaged.”

“
You people and your connections.” Calvin shook his head.

“
Well, come on, man,” Lucas said, “You're only gonna be a bachelor one more day. Get your shoes and let's bowl!”

“
Like I can't bowl when I'm married?” He grinned.

“
Sure, but it's not the same,” Pops laughed. “Right now you still own your balls.” After a couple of games of bowling, they called it a night. It was getting late. Pops yawned. “I'm gonna head home. See y'all later.”

Lucas hugged him. “Man, I'm so happy for you. Congratulations. She's a good girl. I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding.” He hugged his friend back and smiled.

“Yeah, man, see you then.” Lucas waved as he left the bowling alley.

“
Want some greasy bowling alley pizza?” Tim asked as they put the balls away.

“
Sure man, I could go for some food.” They ordered a pepperoni pizza from the counter and old Mabel, who had been there for the last thirty years, put the pizza in for them, promising it would be ready in ten minutes. They ordered two Cokes and sat down at a table.

Tim took a long drink of his Coke. “Man, it's hard to believe how much shit has happened in the last few days. It's crazy.”

Calvin leaned back. “Tell me about it. If you had told me I'd be coming home on leave and be getting married to Zoe Parker, I would have told you that you were nuts. But I think it's the best damn thing that's ever happened. I just... I'm happy, man.”

Tim nodded. “Yeah, I can see that. Both of y'all deserve some happiness.”

Calvin rubbed his forehead. “Once we get out to Colorado, I have so much to do, sign her up for insurance, and find an apartment before I go. It's all just so fast. But I couldn't leave her here as just my girlfriend, her waiting for me to get the chance to come back. I knew I didn't want this to end.”

Tim smiled. “A rare case of a summer romance actually going into fall.”

“Yeah,” Calvin smiled. “I guess it is.” Mabel brought over the pizza and smacked the tray on the table. She tossed some napkins down beside the greasy pizza.

“
Here y'all go. Enjoy.” She waddled back toward the kitchen and Tim shook his head as he lifted a dripping slice of pizza.

“
To summer romances that actually stay hot long into winter.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

Calvin laughed and picked up a slice. “To summer romances.” They ate the pizza in silence for a few moments before Calvin spoke up. “Hey man, would you be my best man?”

Tim touched a hand to his chest and rolled his eyes skyward. “My man, I never thought you'd ask!”

Calvin laughed. “Stop clutching your pearls and get it together.”

“Me and my pearls will be at the church tomorrow.”

“
For the love of God, dress decent, man.” Calvin waved his hand at his now grease stained white polyester shirt.

Tim looked down and shrugged. “You forget who my cousin is, man. I'll be stylin'.”

Calvin shook his head. “That's what I'm worried about. No pimp hats or canes.”

“
Damn it man! Ruin all my fun.” They finished the pizza and stood to leave. “Let me get you home. Sorry the bachelor party wasn't more tits and ass.”

Calvin laughed. “It's cool man, I'm happy. It was great. Thanks a lot.” They left the bowling alley and Tim drove him home. He walked up the driveway and opened the door gently. The house was quiet and he didn't want to wake anyone up. Both Grams and Pops had gone to bed and the only light he saw was from Layla's room. He knocked on the door gently.

“Yeah?” She called.

“
Can I come in for a second?”

“
Sure.”

He opened the door and found her on the computer. “How did shopping go?”

“Good,” she smiled, barely looking up from the screen.

“
So, I take it that means you found a dress?” He asked impatiently.

“
Mhm. I found one. She found one. We got shoes. The end.” He heard
plink
coming from her speakers.

“
Who you talkin' to, Layla?” He leaned against the door frame.

“
Just a guy,” she muttered.

“
Who is 'just a guy'? I don't think I've met him before.” He smirked and crossed his arms.

“
His name is Darren. I go to school with him. He's nice. I like him.” She glanced up quickly at Calvin. “If you must know, he's my boyfriend.”

“
Is he good to you?”

“
Yeah, he is. Now leave me alone and go curl up with your woman.” She waved him away.

“
Fine.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Thanks for being a great sister.”

She wiped at her forehead in disgust. “Eww... Of course, Calvin, it's what I do.”

He laughed softly and closed her door, heading to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and washed up quickly, giving himself a shave before he went back to his room. He eased his door open and his heart skipped a beat at the sight on his bed. She was curled up on her side, tangled in his sheets. A shaft of moonlight was coming through his window and had illuminated her form. She was wearing a tank top and a pair of insanely tiny pink panties. Her skin was luminous in the silvery light. He groaned softly as he kicked his shoes off and stripped down to his boxers. She was entirely too desirable. He crawled up on the bed and eased under the covers. She shifted slightly, and then her breathing went back to normal. He pulled her into his arms and simply held her. She curled into him and he felt her completely relax.

He definitely couldn't relax with her warm, soft ass pressed into his throbbing erection, but she was too comfortable and deep asleep. She needed rest more than he needed to have sex. He counted to one thousand slowly, hoping to sleep. He never made it past seven-fifty.

Chapter Twenty
– Tuesday Morning

He woke to a knock on the door. “Get up!” It was Layla. “You two better be decent! I'm coming in in five seconds!” She started counting very slowly. Zoe sat up groggily and rubbed her eyes.

“
Hi,” she murmured.

“
Hi, Baby.” He pulled the blankets over his lap and she was struggling to get in her pajama bottoms when Layla opened the door.

“
Good morning, Sunshine. Up and at 'em. Today we have a lot to get done. Breakfast is ready, get moving now!” She clapped her hands and Calvin groaned.

“
For the love of God, you're worse than any drill sergeant I ever had.” He threw his arm over his eyes.

“
Shut up, get up, and let's get moving. It is eight AM, you need to get the license, get ready, and you two aren't even supposed to be seeing each other. Zoe, you have a hair appointment this morning, Calvin, you have to get your suit, things need to be done. Let's get cracking, people.” She left the door open as she hollered directions. She walked back into the kitchen and the silence was golden.

“
For the love of God,” Calvin groaned again. “She's a pain in the ass.”

Zoe leaned over and kissed his mouth. “Yeah, but she's a good kid.” She moved to sit up and he caught her, pulling her back down for a kiss.

“Good morning, my almost wife.” He smiled brightly.

She flushed. “Good morning, my almost husband.” She hopped off the bed and yelped. “Dibs on the bathroom!” She grabbed some clothes from a suitcase and took off for the bathroom.

He closed his eyes and was almost asleep again when something soft hit him in the face. He opened his eyes in shock and saw his sister standing over him with a pillow in her hand. “Get. Up. Now.”

“
She's in the bathroom,” he sighed.

“
Not anymore. She's eating. Let's go, Skippy.” She pointed to the door. “Up!”

“
Look, kid. I need a couple minutes. I... I'm in my boxers,” he stuttered.

She pursed her lips. “You have morning wood. Whatever. I won't look. Just get up.”

He rolled his eyes. “Jesus.”

“
Stop hollering for the man!” Grams said as she came in the room. “He's busy.”

“
Do I get no privacy?” He sat up, carefully keeping the blankets over his crotch.

“
Nope. Not on your wedding day. Get your pecan tan ass up, I have breakfast ready, boy.” Grams blew him a kiss and headed back to the kitchen. “Come on, girl, let your brother have five minutes to himself.”

He heard Zoe laughing and he smiled.
She fits right in.
He crawled out of bed and grabbed his own clothes before going to jump through a quick shower. As he finished, he pulled his clothes on and rambled out to the kitchen. “Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Pops remarked.

“
Yeah, I'm here.” He rubbed his eyes and headed for the refrigerator to get some juice.

“
Breakfast is ready,” Grams put a plate of food on the table for him. Zoe was gone.

“
Where's Zoe?” He sat down and started eating.

“
She's on her way to the courthouse to get this ball rolling. All we gotta do is get you there and get stuff signed, then you two won't be seeing each other for the rest of the day,” Grams said, looking at the clock on the microwave. “You have like ten minutes. Hurry it up.”

“
Yes, ma'am.” He wolfed his bacon and eggs down, pushing it down with the juice. He wiped his mouth and put his plate in the sink. “I'm ready.”

Pops stood up slowly. “Well let's get goin', boy.”

They headed out to the car and got in, Pops taking an extra five minutes to crouch just right to get in the seat. “We need to go to the courthouse, right Pops?”

“
Yep.” He said simply.

Calvin backed out of the driveway and drove to town, seeing Grams' Cadillac sitting on the edge of the street. He parked behind the old car and jumped out, coming around the car to help Pops. “Come on, let me help you.”

“Ah hell, boy, I've been getting in and out of cars since before you were a twinkle in your Daddy's eye. Get the hell out of my way.” He hauled himself up and Calvin laughed.

“
Alright, suit yourself.” They walked up the courthouse steps. The building was the largest in town, but a story taller than the rest, and flying in front of it was both an Alabama and US flag. Calvin opened the old wooden door, holding it open for Pops. He saw Zoe sitting on a bench waiting patiently. He walked up to her quickly. “Hey, sorry we are running a bit behind.”

“
It's okay.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. “All we need you to do is sign. Tim got stuff really fast tracked and they are ready for us.”

“
So, we're good to go? We’re getting married this afternoon?”

She nodded, leading him into a small room off the hallway. Tim was standing there talking to an older man, who had a balding head, and a fantastic handlebar mustache. He noticed them and grinned wide. “Look at the happy couple, Judge Jones.”

The judge eyed them and grunted. “Just come sign the paperwork and Libby out front can get you printed up.”

“
Yes sir,” Calvin stepped forward, signing where he needed to with a flourish. He passed the pen to Zoe. Her eyes were bright and she smiled as she signed the papers.

“
Well, there it is. Y'all have applied for your marriage license in the state of Alabama. Congratulations,” the Judge said gruffly.

“
Thank you, sir.” Calvin shook his hand and put his hand on the small of Zoe's back. “Let's get our license, Babe.” They went back down the hallway, and he couldn't help but admire the antique carved woodwork on the walls. Tim opened a door and started flirting with the older woman inside.

“
Libby, my love. I need this license printed up.” He leaned his hip against the wooden counter and she swatted at him.

“
Get off my counter, boy! I'm printing as fast as I can. It's going to be forty-five dollars.” Calvin pulled out his wallet and handed her a card. She swiped it through their antiquated machine, handing him the receipt and the license. “Congratulations, y'all.”

They walked out of the courthouse, and Pop remarked, “Best kiss your bride goodbye, we gotta head out.”

Calvin caught Zoe around the waist and pressed a hot kiss to her mouth, before pulling back. “I've got a surprise for tonight,” he whispered.

“
Yeah?” She grinned, her whole face lighting up.

“
Yeah,” he replied.

“
Well then, I guess I will see it later.” She looked at Tim. “Can I get my Jeep?”

“
Yeah, one of my deputies is dropping it off. Grams is gonna meet y'all at your next destination. Have a lovely mornin', ladies.” They walked down the sidewalk to their respective cars.

Zoe looked at Layla. They still stood at the top of the stairs. “What the hell was that all about?”

Layla smirked. “He's a dumb ass.” She rolled her eyes and huffed. “Let's go. We're just going to the hair salon; don't even need to get in the car.”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “Please tell me y'all aren't going to put my hair up in one of those horrifying hairdos with tens of bobby pins. I can't take it.”

“Oh shut up, whiny ass.” Zoe laughed and walked quickly to catch up with Layla. As they came up on the little wooden hair salon, which was painted Pepto Bismol pink, she stopped in her tracks. Amy was walking in the door.

“
I'm not going in there.”

“
Yes, you are. Who cares if she is in there? It's not like she has hair. It won't take her long, whatever she's doing. Today is your day.” Layla grabbed her elbow and with strength you wouldn't think someone that tiny had, hauled her forward, propelling them into the salon. The salon was full of glittery orange chairs with the old fashioned hair dryers still attached.

Amy was talking animatedly to a woman who was painting her nails and she froze as her eyes collided with Zoe's. She smiled sadly.

Layla pulled her into the back room of the salon and pushed her into a chair. “Look at me.” Zoe obeyed, dragging her dark eyes to Layla's hazel ones. “Ignore that bitch. Do not let her steal a second of your joy today, do you understand me?”

Zoe nodded. “I understand.”

Layla went to the door. “Don't worry, I'll stand guard.” She sighed and tried to get comfortable as an older woman with bleach blonde hair and a pink smock came in and scrubbed her long hair. Grams came in the back room and dropped her purse on the floor.

“
Jesus. That Jeep is a pain in the ass to drive.” She sighed and sat down in the chair beside Zoe. Another woman came and started doing Layla and Grams' hair. Zoe was ushered to a chair in the front. Amy was long gone. Her hair was trimmed and shaped before being blown out straight and gently swept into a delicate bun. A few strands were left loose around her face, so she didn't look too polished or fussy. Layla came in with her dark hair in corkscrew curls and began putting Zoe's makeup on while someone painted her fingernails and toenails. She half dozed in the chair, only moving when she was told to. After what seemed like an eternity, she was finally allowed to get up. She had been plucked, primped, and creamed. Her skin glowed and her makeup was tastefully done. A few daisies had been woven into her hair, giving her the illusion of a crown.

Grams came forward, holding a long bit of lace. “This is my veil I wore the day I married Pops. I would love nothing more if you would wear it. This can be your something borrowed, and old.”

Layla smacked her arm as tears filled her eyes. “Don't you dare cry. That mess is waterproof, but I don't trust it. Plus you have your Mama's earrings, which can be your something blue with the sapphires.” She rummaged in her purse and pulled out a small box. “This is from all of us.”

She opened the small white box and gasped. Inside was a silver heart shaped locket. She opened it and found a picture of Calvin in his uniform inside. “It is beautiful.”

Layla wrapped her slender arms around her and Grams followed suit. She was the filling in a love sandwich. Grams spoke up. “This is so you have Calvin with you no matter how far away he is.”

She broke down in tears. The waterproof mascara held up to the test.