Switching Lanes (12 page)

Chapter Twenty

The buzzing sound of my phone wakes me up from sleep. Reaching over for it, I slide the screen up and see a text from Layne. I rub my eyes to read it.

Where the fuck did you go? I didn’t expect to wake up to an empty space next to me.

So he doesn’t regret what we did, not twenty four hours ago? I don’t even know what to say. I’m just a stupid girl in love.

I type
back,
I’m at home in bed.

You should be here in mine
. Why’d you leave?

And there it
was, the unspoken truth. He wanted me there and I left. How could I be so dumb? I don’t text back and my phone buzzes again.

If you are
not here by eight tonight, I will come there and spank that ass of yours.

I smile at the text, and send one back.
Still being bossy I see. Well, as tempting as the ass spank is you’ll have to wait and see if I show up or not.
I giggle at the playful text.

He makes
my heart skip a beat.
Better yet, why don’t you let me come pick you up and we can go out to eat, so we can talk?

Okay, sounds good
,
I type back, smiling from ear to ear.

I manage to get out of bed and notice it’s already after noon. I make my way to the kitchen and grab a mug of coffee and Alexis comes out soon after me. I pass her the coffee I just
poured myself and pour another one for me. Her hair is in disarray and she has a grumpy look on her face.

“I had a dream you asked me to come get you from Layne’s really
early this morning,” she says with a sarcastic tone.

“It was
n’t a dream; it really happened.” I giggle.

“So, you might as well spill the goods, since you rustled me out of bed.” She props her arms on the counter.

“I already told you what happened. Then I got a text from him a little while ago. He wasn’t too happy to find my side of the bed empty. Now he is taking me out to dinner so we can talk.”

“Just so I get this straight.
You left him in bed alone and he is rewarding you by taking you out to dinner. That just doesn’t sound right.” Alexis shakes her head and giggles.

“That about sums it up
.” I leave out the part about him spanking my ass, because I really wouldn’t put it past him. But the thought of it makes me squirm in my seat.

“I think I’m going t
o go back to bed and just watch
Lifetime
movies all day. Or I’ll even get some studying done before school tomorrow,” I watch as she walks down the hall with her coffee in hand. I make my way to the shower and get ready for the dinner date with Layne. I’m not sure if it’s a date or what, but any alone time I get, I like to savor it. He is like a breath of fresh air most days, even after knowing him so long. And I still can’t believe he didn’t regret what we did. I didn’t regret one ounce of it; I loved every second and the way he made my body feel. He took his time and made sure I was okay.

It’s just a weird thought knowing we’ve been friends for so long and now we are entering into an unknown territory.
Once I’m out of the shower, I throw on a summery dress, one of the few that I own and pair it with a pair of wedges. Next thing I know, there is a knock at the door. I double check myself in the mirror and then answer the door.

“Hey. You ready?” Layne asks.

“Yes; let me grab my purse.” He steps inside and I grab my purse from my room. I meet him back in the entryway. “Ready,” I say while closing the door behind us, and the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter around. Layne opens the car door for me and I slide in the passenger seat.

“You look nice,” he says
, sitting behind the wheel.

“Thank you. Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” he says, with a mischievous grin, continuing to drive. I watch out the window to try and gauge where we are going and I have no clue. Finally he pulls into a park and it looks pretty secluded or the families have already left for the day, being that it is Sunday evening now. “I packed a basket of food for us.”

H
e pulls the car into a parking space.

“I don’t deserve this,” I say as we exit the car.

He grabs the basket and blanket from the backseat. “Stop talking like that and come on.” He guides us, placing one hand on the small of my back. We find a spot near a tree and he sits the basket down and lays the blanket down for us to sit on. I sit on the blanket next to him as he digs into the basket, bringing out sandwiches and a fruit salad cup for each of us. “You deserve this and so much more than even I can give you. I wasn’t too happy seeing that empty space next to me this morning. It felt like déjà vu all over again.”

I remember Amber doing the same thing to him.
I swallow a hard lump and try to form the words to speak. “The only reason I left was because I thought you would regret last night, and I couldn’t bear to see that look on your face,” I tell him, averting making eye contact with him.

He takes my chin in his
hand and forces me to look at him. “I don’t regret what we did for one second. You might have thought I was drunk, but I was fully aware of what was happening between us. Granted, I was buzzed but I remember every minute of it and I never want to forget the way your skin felt, on fire against mine. You have to admit, it was bound to happen. And I’m sick of denying the feelings I have for you. Now, if you’ll just hear me out. I will say falling in love with Amber was one of the best things that happened to me. Granted, she wasn’t meant to be here on Earth forever. But I think she came into my life to show me what love meant, and what it felt like. Renee, what I’m trying to say is that I’m done hooking up with random chicks; I want someone that I can count on, someone that has been there from the beginning. And someone I’ve been in love with for a very long time.”

“Layne, what are saying?” I look at him with a confused look.

“I’m saying I’m in love with you, Renee. Can’t you see that? It’s been right in front of you this whole time.”

“I didn’t realize you felt that way about me and I was scared to admit mine
to you for fear   you wouldn’t feel the same. But I will admit I’m scared.” I take a drink of the soda Layne brought us and wait for him to say something.

“What are you scared of?” He takes my hand into his and looks into my eyes.

“I’m scared that I’ll fall hard for you and you’ll break my heart and then our friendship will be ruined. I wouldn’t survive that kind of hurt,” I tell him with hesitation.

“As shocking as it may sound, I’ve been in love with you since I was six. So please know
, I’m not going anywhere. I would never break your heart; I just want to heal it and be happy. And I know I’m falling pretty hard for you, Renee.”

Tears start to stream down my cheeks and I can’t even speak. “Why are crying
, Butterfly?” He grazes his thumb over my cheek to wipe the tears.

“They are happy tears. I never thought I’d be this happy ever again, much less with you
.” I hold his hand that is against my cheek and lean my head to the side, feeling the love that is emanating off him.

“I’d love nothing more than to be the one to make you happy. I don’t know what the future holds, but one thing I do
know is that you are my future. What do you say to being my girlfriend and see how this thing goes? Because I’m not going anywhere.” He brings my head toward his and kisses me deeply and with such passion, my heart skips a beat. I pull back to catch my breath and we lie down facing up at the stars.

I turn my head to face him. “Sorry
; this is just a lot to take in, and I’d love nothing more than to be your girlfriend.”

“And it has to be exclusively, because I’m not sharing you with anyone.”

I smile at his comment. “And I’m definitely not sharing you.” I lean over and we kiss. I can’t even believe this is actually happening right now. I try to take the moment in and savor every second of it.

“Why do you call me
Butterfly?” I ask, lying back down next to him.

“I don’t know
; maybe it’s the tattoo on your neck. Or the symbolism of the butterfly is rebirth, which is kind of what you are doing, getting healthy again and finding such an awesome catch like me to hold you up.” He flashes his dimples.

“Very funny
.” I give his shoulder a light shove, jokingly. I honestly don’t think I could be any happier than I am right now. The fact of the matter is there would not be any other love in my life. I’ve known Layne most of my life, and I only want him in my future, I only see him. “I really appreciate you making this basket up and coming here so we could talk. It kind of feels like it could be our special place now. Does that sound corny?”

“No
; it doesn’t. And you’re right; this is the perfect place to call our own. Where we can come and talk and just be us. I’m so happy and honored to call you my girlfriend. And I think it is even better that we have already seen each other at our worst and at our best. So nothing is standing in the way of us being together.”

“My wish came true. I wished that you
would feel the same about me as I do you, on that shooting star we saw,” I tell him as we look up to the sky.

“I wished the same thing. But I don’t think it had anything to do with that. I honestly think we were meant to be. It’s weird to even say
that out loud. But I just know.”

We lie there hand in hand in silence
, enjoying the cool night air brushing over us. It causes goose bumps on my skin, but I welcome it. “Now, should we go to your place or mine? I have a new bed.” I wink at him.

“Then I think if you are quiet, maybe we should break in that bed of yours
.” He stands and helps me up to stand and brings my body against his. We press our lips together and Layne pulls away. “Kissing you feels like an addiction; I can’t get enough of your lips. We need to get out of here, before we get arrested for indecent exposure.” He chuckles.

We pack up the picnic basket and the
blanket and head to the car. We get inside the car and I turn to Layne. “Did you happen to notice this car is the only one here in the parking lot?” I say, mischievously. I lean over and place my hand high on his thigh.

“You are so bad. I’m not opp
osed to fogging up the windows.”

“Then I
’m not opposed to getting arrested for indecent exposure. Okay I am, but do you think cops actually come here to check out the parking lot?”

“I highly doubt it.”

“Good, because I’m not sure I can wait much longer.” I slide my hand over his zipper and feel the hardness in his jeans. I hike my dress, up removing my thong, and maneuver my body on top of his as he slides the seat back. I’ve never had sex in a car before, but I’m finding out it is definitely a hot experience. He slides his jeans just far enough, so he can enter me and I gasp, tilting my head back while enjoying the ecstasy.

He grabs the back of my neck and brings my head forward to kiss me
while his tongue explores my mouth. A low growl escapes his throat as I suck on his bottom lip, gently tugging on it with my teeth.

I rock back and forth and up and down until the overwhelming sensation causes my body to convulse. Layne follows soon after me then gently
kisses my lips.

Thankfully
, the cops didn’t catch us.

Chapter Twenty One

SUMMER

It’s been several weeks sin
ce Layne and I became a couple. We even spent spring break together, making up for lost time. When I stop to think about it, it’s hard to believe, like this is all a dream and I’ll wake up from it. The weather has turned pretty hot, now that summer is in full effect. We still have a few weeks left of school before summer vacation and I can’t wait. I will probably get a part time job for the summer so I have extra money on hand.

“Earth to Renee
!” Alexis snaps her fingers in front of my face, breaking my train of thought.

“Are you ready for
girls night or what?” she asks as I sit in the seat at the kitchen island while she gets the popcorn ready for watching movies. We planned on watching some romantic comedies and whatever else we felt like.

“Yes
. We haven’t had one in such a long time and I’m glad we got the chance to do something, just us girls.”

We settle on the comfy couch with the popcorn resting between us and start
The Notebook
. I had no idea we were watching it. And I remember it being Amber’s favorite movie. Heck, I’m sure it is a lot of people’s favorite movie. I take a sip of my soda and settle in to watch the movie.

Once we’ve dried our tears from the ending of
The Notebook
we settle with a romantic comedy. Something with Cameron Diaz; it’s sure to have me laughing.

“I’m glad we got to do this. I haven’t had many friends through my teenage years, so it’s nice to finely be able to experience it now,” Alexis says as she stands to go make another bowl of buttered popcorn.

“I used to do it all the time with Amber, before she died.
The Notebook
was her favorite movie.”

“You miss her
, don’t you?”

“Of course.
She was like family. But with time, it has gotten easier, and the pain is a lot less than it was before. Hey, you coming to the race tomorrow? Layne is up for the number two spot.”

“Sure
; I love to watch those boys race.”

Alexis sits down with the next bowl of popcorn and we continue our second movie.

After our fun filled girls night, I get to bed pretty late. My bed is so comfortable that as soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m out. Alexis and I continue to go to our weekly support group and Alexis is really improving. The group counselor was really supportive of us being roommates and it’s a good way to keep an eye on each other and we are there for each other if one slips up, even though we both have two different conditions. An eating disorder is an eating disorder.

~
~ ~ ~ ~

BUZZ!
My phone buzzes against my bedside table. I look at it and I see a text from Layne.

Morning, Butterfly.
Can’t wait to see you, in a little while. Xoxo

You are so close to the number one spot. I’ll be there soon. I think Alexis is coming along.

See you then. Cole is coming as well. Those two remind me of us,
Layne says.

I smile at the t
hought of the two of them. I know eventually Alexis will tear down the walls she has built and when she does, you better look out. I just know it. I fling my down comforter off of me and go out to the kitchen to get the coffee pot ready. While that gets going, I gather my clothes together so I can hit the Laundromat before I see Layne in a few hours. Just as I am pouring a cup of coffee Alexis joins me in the kitchen.

“Good morning. Here,” I hand her a mug of coffee. “Want to grab so
me breakfast and hit the Laundromat with me?” I ask her in a peppy tone.

She gives me the thumbs up as she sips on her coffee, walking back through the hall
.

Fifteen minutes later she joins m
e in the foyer as we grab our laundry to haul downstairs. We scrounge all our change up for the washing machines and dryers.

We arrive at the usual Laundromat that I normally go to and I see a familiar truck in the parking lot.
“Cole’s here,” I say as we get our baskets out of the trunk.

“Did you know he’d be here?” s
he asks suspiciously.

“What? No. I mean
, I bumped into him before, but I didn’t know it was a regular day for him, because it was only one time that I saw him here.

We carry our baskets in and immediately Cole spots us.

“Hey there,” he greets.

“Hi Cole,” Alexis and I say in unison.

“Laundry day, huh?” Alexis says.

“Yes
. I’m just finishing up, though,” he responds, folding his clothes and placing them in the basket. “I got here a little early. Are you two going to the race today?”

Yes,” Alexis says.

“Alright. I guess I will see you there then,” Cole says, smiling.

Alexis waves as he exits. “See you then.
”

We manage to get our laundry done in two hours.

Heading back home, we put our laundry away and get ready for the race. I throw my hair in a messy bun and slide a headband over my head as well. I put on a blue tank top and a pair of jean capris.

An hour later
, and a few cups of coffee, we are on our way to the race. Alexis is driving us, and I will just catch a ride back home from Layne, tomorrow.

When we pull in, the place is
more crowded than normal. We weave our way through the crowd and I make my way straight to Layne. As soon as he spots me, a smile sweeps across his face. He leans down to kiss me. “Good luck, even though you don’t need it,” I tell him.

Alexis and Cole both wish him good luck.
We stand along the sidelines as Layne prepares for the race. He slides his helmet over his head, clips his seatbelt, and he revs his engine. And as usual, Layne pulls ahead and manages to win by a foot, so it was close. Now he is one step closer to the number one spot, and I couldn’t be happier for him. We cheer for Layne’s win as he makes his way back to the start, but our celebration is short lived when we hear police sirens in the distance.

Worried about the repercussions
, Layne makes a hand signal for us to get out of there. “We have to get out of here quick!” I say, looking to Alexis and Cole. Alexis breaks out into a sprint to her car and I see Cole jump into his truck and I watch as the crowd turns into chaos, running in all sorts of directions. Layne and his car are nowhere in sight. In the car with Alexis, we manage to jump on the highway and somehow miss the police. The adrenaline is still coursing through my body from all the excitement. My phone rings, and I grab it from inside my purse.

“Layne?”
I ask without even checking the screen.

“It’s me. Did you get out okay?”

“We did, were on the highway. How about you?”

“I’m okay. We managed to load up the car into the trailer and hauled ass out of there,” he says
, trying to catch his breath.

“I’ll just have Alexis drop me off at your place and meet you there.”

“Okay, sounds good. I’ll see you soon. Love you,” he says.

“Love you
, too.”

Saying those two words still doesn’t seem real.
Loving Layne has been pretty easy, and it feels like the most normal relationship I’ve ever been in. We make it to Layne’s place and it isn’t crowded yet. I see Cole must have just pulled up as he exits his truck.

“Nice to
see you two,” he says, tugging his baseball cap down lower. It’s kind of sexy, actually. He has the whole country boy thing down good, with his low hung jeans, a graphic tee shirt, and converse shoes. I don’t see any visible tattoos.

“Yeah, nice to see you
, too. That was a close one back there. I’m still trying to calm my nerves,” Alexis says.

Cole chuckles. “Get used to it.
Because it’s sure to happen once or twice during the season.”

“I’m not sure my heart could take any more excitement
.” She giggles.

“Come on inside. I can show you around
.” I motion to her with my hand.

“I’ll probably
go, before it gets too crowded.” She takes a few steps back like she is allergic to the place.

“Okay, we
ll I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

I wave at her, not forcing the issue.

Cole waves as he follows me inside.

Immediately
, I head to the kitchen and sit on a stool, like we have at my place. Cole reaches into the refrigerator and hands me a bottle of beer, and opens one for him. Just as I bring the bottle up to my lips, Layne walks in. I jump off the stool and reach up to hug and kiss him.

“Way to go
, Bud.” Cole pats Layne on the back.

“Thanks,
Man,” Layne says to Cole, and then pecks me on the lips. I love this man with my whole being and I could not imagine loving someone as much as I love Layne.  “Let me shower real quick,” he says, breaking from our embrace.

I sit back down on the stool and sip on my first beer. “He’s in love with you, you know.
More than he even says,” Cole tells me as he leans against the counter, crossing his ankles.

“I know. I can’t imagine being with anyone else. He means the world to me and without him, I would just be existing and not living,” I say
, not expecting to get deep about it. But it’s true and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

Layne finally joins us in the kitchen, and the crowd starts to spill throughout the house. The music is on and the liquor is starting to flow. It’s a wonder the cops haven’t been called to any of these parties.
I watch as Layne makes some shots, and I down some with him and Cole.

A petite brunette approaches Cole and coos up to him.
“Hey Cole. How about we go someplace quiet?” She tugs on his arm and he doesn’t budge.

“I don’t want to be rude, Layla, but
I am not interested, and I won’t be anytime soon.”

She stalks off to find her next willing victim.

Layne puts his arm around me and kisses me. “You two really should get a room,” Cole says, jokingly.

“Fuck you,” Layne says with a smile.

“Seriously, congrats on that win. That will be me one day.”

We all clink ou
r glasses and drink the shot. It burns my throat as it flows down. More shots follow the first one and my head is spinning already. A few people come and join the shot party and the room starts to spin. I don’t recall ever doing this many shots, and I vow after tonight, I going to cut back and really focus on getting myself on a healthier path. I stand up and almost run to bathroom. I bend over the toilet and empty my stomach’s contents, while I curse under my breath for doing so many shots and thinking I could keep up with the men.

Sometimes even I forget I’m a light weight and I’m usually the first one buzzed.